This desertation shows that a unique class of network disruption exists that can be regarded in isolation of other classes of network disturbances, namely cascade disruption of generation (COG). This class of disturbance is being defined in terms of the cascading effect that it exhibits in terms of the disruption of power generating units in an interconnected power system. Through a literature survey it is shown that a lack of formal acknowledgement exists in the recognition of this class of disturbance both locally and abroad, and that therefore there is a general absence of a policy framework to manage the threat that is associated with the cascade disruption of generation. The analysis of the records of such events in the Southern African power pool are analised, and the properties and characteristics of COG events are explored. The extent of the threat to the interconnected power system that is posed by COG, as a phenomenon, is quantified in the conte·xt of industry practice and weaknesses are identified. It is shown that the occurrence of this class of event is not entirely random, and that statistical methods can be used in the development of mitigation strategies. A management framework is developed with metrics for the monitoring, evaluation and trending of the phenomenon, and to evaluate the ongoing risk. Roles and responsibilities are sugested and a outline for the systematic investigation of such events is developed. In the conclusion, the possible benefits of the an COG managenent framework are discussed and scope for future work in this regard is suggested. / Thesis (MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This desertation shows that a unique class of network disruption exists that can be regarded in isolation of other classes of network disturbances, namely cascade disruption of generation (COG). This class of disturbance is being defined in terms of the cascading effect that it exhibits in terms of the disruption of power generating units in an interconnected power system. Through a literature survey it is shown that a lack of formal acknowledgement exists in the recognition of this class of disturbance both locally and abroad, and that therefore there is a general absence of a policy framework to manage the threat that is associated with the cascade disruption of generation. The analysis of the records of such events in the Southern African power pool are analised, and the properties and characteristics of COG events are explored. The extent of the threat to the interconnected power system that is posed by COG, as a phenomenon, is quantified in the conte·xt of industry practice and weaknesses are identified. It is shown that the occurrence of this class of event is not entirely random, and that statistical methods can be used in the development of mitigation strategies. A management framework is developed with metrics for the monitoring, evaluation and trending of the phenomenon, and to evaluate the ongoing risk. Roles and responsibilities are sugested and a outline for the systematic investigation of such events is developed. In the conclusion, the possible benefits of the an COG managenent framework are discussed and scope for future work in this regard is suggested. / Thesis (MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The history of the mining industry indicates a lack of understanding among the decision-makers of the impact the closure of mines has on the industry and the associated effects on the society and surrounding environment. The policies of the mining industry do make provision for a planned mine closure, but not for an unexpected closure. This detrimental aspect of closures in the mining industry is highlighted in the present study. The present study investigates how mineworkers’ dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Vulnerable livelihoods leave the community at a greater risk to be affected by a disaster, than the livelihoods of a community that is resilient and has sustainable resources. Even though mineworkers are not considered as poor at the time of their employment, a mine closure could render them into a status called ‘transitional poverty’. This study also highlights that mineworkers who are skilled for mining operations only do not overcome the status of ‘transitional poverty’ and hence enter a phase called ‘chronic poverty’. This stage constitutes their inability to negotiate livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes that could sustain a household. Thus humanitarian assistance would be needed from outside sources. Planning for unexpected mine closures should also be on the agenda of the mining industry due to the extreme consequences such an event holds for the mining community experiencing the event. In the case under investigation, the unexpected mine closures occurred in the Grootvlei mine in Springs and the Orkney mine owned by the Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd. at the time of this study. These closures left the surrounding communities in need of food, shelter and clean water. The inhabitants gradually lost their livelihood assets. A contingency planning model is proposed at the end of this study to address the short-term and long-term consequences of an unexpected mine closure. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The history of the mining industry indicates a lack of understanding among the decision-makers of the impact the closure of mines has on the industry and the associated effects on the society and surrounding environment. The policies of the mining industry do make provision for a planned mine closure, but not for an unexpected closure. This detrimental aspect of closures in the mining industry is highlighted in the present study. The present study investigates how mineworkers’ dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Vulnerable livelihoods leave the community at a greater risk to be affected by a disaster, than the livelihoods of a community that is resilient and has sustainable resources. Even though mineworkers are not considered as poor at the time of their employment, a mine closure could render them into a status called ‘transitional poverty’. This study also highlights that mineworkers who are skilled for mining operations only do not overcome the status of ‘transitional poverty’ and hence enter a phase called ‘chronic poverty’. This stage constitutes their inability to negotiate livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes that could sustain a household. Thus humanitarian assistance would be needed from outside sources. Planning for unexpected mine closures should also be on the agenda of the mining industry due to the extreme consequences such an event holds for the mining community experiencing the event. In the case under investigation, the unexpected mine closures occurred in the Grootvlei mine in Springs and the Orkney mine owned by the Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd. at the time of this study. These closures left the surrounding communities in need of food, shelter and clean water. The inhabitants gradually lost their livelihood assets. A contingency planning model is proposed at the end of this study to address the short-term and long-term consequences of an unexpected mine closure. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014