A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. Johannesburg, 2017 / The primary objective of any mining business unit is to make profit by extracting, processing and selling minerals from a particular mineral deposit. It is important to optimise the extraction of the mineral resource given time, space and resource constraints. The mineral extraction process is often associated with uncertainty due to variable technical and human factors. Technical factors such as grade distribution, ground conditions and equipment reliability influence the performance of the mining production system (MPS). The performance of the MPS is also impacted by human factors such as employee skills, health and attendance. Uncertainty associated with technical and human factors often leads to planned output being different to actuals obtained. Therefore an in-depth analysis of the significant causes of deviations from the planned outcomes becomes a very important exercise. This research investigated the empirical relationships between inputs and outputs in a MPS in order assist management in directing efforts at key production drivers. A literature review revealed that production output is an end result of a chain of processes dependent and directly linked to each other, often referred to as the Mining Value Chain. The processes can be seen as milestones to be achieved within a production project. The process requires technical and human factors as resources. The literature review also highlighted that the production stage is the most obvious stage for investors to realise their return on investment. The production stage which constitutes a MPS was chosen as a relevant research area for the reason mentioned. Once a MPS has been empirically characterised, more effort and resources can be focused on the key decision making variables (DMVs) in order to meet the planned outcomes. A production function was developed accordingly, based on the production logic and historical data. The research concludes that for a typical platinum mine the face advance, face length mined, number of teams, and team size (independent variables) have a statistically significant relationship with the centares (m²) (dependent variable / response variable) produced which is a key performance indicator (KPI) for a platinum mine. A statistically significant regression equation with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.99835 was obtained for the MPS. The production function can be used to align the physical, technical and human factors together to predict the optimal output level. The production function also highlights that the most significant production lever of the MPS is the face advance, contrary to a commonly held sentiment that lost blasts are the most significant. / MT 2017

Please read the abstract in the 00front part of this document / Dissertation (MSc (Mining Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Mining Engineering / unrestricted

M.Phil. / The mining industry in South Africa is in a process of transformation, which can be ascribed to various influences. First and foremost is the process of the conversion of mineral rights, employment equity and black economic empowerment. The ethnic distribution of mining employees at the time of the study reflected that Managers were predominantly white, the majority of Shift bosses were white and Miners were predominantly black. Central to the transformation process is maintaining and improving production output in a safe manner. Leadership in addition also impacts on health and safety in the workplace and the process to transform the organisation to world- class status commences with leadership. Transforming health and safety in the organisation to world-class status is a leadership imperative. The fatality rates in South African mines are continuously being addressed not only through initiatives from the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, but also through the various mining houses. The introduction of the Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations 29 of 1996 made a profound impact on health and safety management on South African Mines. The introduction of blasting certificate holders replaced the scheduled person (contract miner). Various mining houses grasped the opportunity and trained their own miners from previously disadvantaged communities. This also assisted in achieving transformation objectives. The fatalities on platinum mines in South Africa since 1995 have remained constant up to 2007 although a slight decrease is reported. Nevertheless, injuries and fatalities in South African mines are attracting negative attention from society and the investment community. This is not in the interest of the mining industry. Research indicates that unsafe behaviour contributes 87% and more to incidents and injuries (including fatalities) on mines. The study of behaviour as a contributing factor in organisational safety is a relatively young science since the first reported studies in the 1980's. Research in this domain strives to develop an understanding of behaviour as a contributing factor in organisational safety.

M. Tech. Human Resources Management / The purpose of the research was to develop a list of priority training needs for engineers in the platinum mining industry. In the current skills shortage, it is imperative to reconsider engineering disciplines or qualifications in relation to the engineering skills in the mining industry, taking cognisance of the list of training priorities in the platinum mining sector. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: to develop a list of priority training needs of the engineers in the platinum mining industry; and to determine if there is correlation between the training needs of engineers in the platinum mining industry.

M. Tech. Business Administration / The aim of this research it to investigate factors that can sustain T1 category small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that provides service at Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg. The population for the study was 53 SMEs owners/directors, convenient sampling was used and a sample of 26 percent responded to the questionnaire.

Detailed geological knowledge is often a major unknown factor in open pit mining and design, and therefore poses a significant risk in the mining venture. As the knowledge of the geology improves so the risk of unforeseen conditions reduces and therefore safety and productivity can be increased. Historically, geotechnical methods and information have predominantly been used exclusively for pit slope optimisation. This research documents the procedures and developments undertaken to compile a comprehensive geotechnical database, and the application of the geotechnical data to open pit mining, beneficiation and planning. The utilisation of the geotechnical information has been enhanced through the novel development and application of a computerised, 3D geotechnical model. Sandsloot open pit was developed to extract the Platreef pyroxenite orebody, which is hosted within the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. Sandsloot is currently the world's largest open pit exploiting Platinum Group Metals. Interaction of the basic magma with the footwall sediments of the Transvaal Supergroup and varying degrees of assimilation has resulted in a unique suite of hybrid rock types. These various rock types provide significant engineering geological challenges. Geology and the detailed understanding of its properties are fundamental to the optimal design and successful operation of any mine. Extensive fieldwork was conducted to collect geotechnical information, both from exploration boreholes and in-pit mining faces. Over a 5-year period, geotechnical data were collected from 29,213 m of exploration core and 6,873 m of exposed mining faces. Extensive field and laboratory testing was undertaken in order to define the complete set of geotechnical properties for each rock type in the Sandsloot mining area. The geotechnical information relating to each borehole and facemap was stored in the Datamine® software package. The information was collected in the form of rock mass rating (RMR), uniaxial compressive strength (DCS), fracture frequency (FF/m) and rock quality designation (RQD). The architecture of the database was developed along the principals used for generating an ore reserve model. One of the novel applications was the development of a computerized 3D, geotechnical model in Datamine®. The geotechnical parameters, namely RMR, DCS, FF/m and RQD, were modelled for each rock type, using geostatistics, to generate a 3D model. The data were interpolated between exploration boreholes and exposed mining faces and the modelling was constrained using wireframes separated by rock type. The result is a 3D model containing 15 m3 model blocks populated with interpolated geotechnical information. The dimensions of the model blocks are linked to the mining bench height of 15 m. The model can be queried to give predictions on rock mass conditions for any planned mining area, as is the case with the ore reserve model, which provides predictions on platinum grades. The crux of the innovative research is the practical application of the 3D geotechnical model. This was achieved through the development of both a fragmentation and a slope design model, which read the interpolated geotechnical information. These models provided an engineering tool to optimise mining and milling perfonnance. Rather than viewing the drill and blast department as an isolated cost centre and focussing on minimising drill and blast costs, the application of the model concentrated on the fragmentation requirements of the milling and mining business areas. Two hundred and thirty-eight blasts were assessed to detennine the optimum fragmentation requirements for ore and waste. Based on the study a mean fragmentation target of 150 mm was set for delivery to the crushing circuit and a mean fragmentation of 230 mm was set for waste loading from the pit. The mine operates autogenous mills, which are sensitive to the fragmentation profile delivered. The harder zones occurring in the ore zone have a major impact on the plant's perfonnance. The geotechnical parameters in the model were related to Lilly's Blastability Index, and in turn to required explosive volumes and the associated drill and blast costs. Having defmed the fragmentation targets, the Kuz-Ram equation was used in the fragmentation model to predict the explosive volumes required to ensure consistent mining and milling perfonnance. The geotechnical model is used to predict changes in geotechnical conditions and therefore the blasting parameters can be adjusted in advance to ensure the milling and mining fragmentation requirements are met. Through the application of the fragmentation model over an eighteen-month period the loading and milling efficiencies improved by 8.5% and 8.8% respectively, resulting in additional revenue ofR29 million for PPL. Based on the mining rock mass rating (MRMR) values within the geotechnical model a stable slope design model was created in order to calculate optimum inter-ramp angles. From a slope design perspective the model was used to target data-deficient zones and highlight potentially weak rock mass areas. As this can be viewed in 3D, the open pit slopes were designed to accommodate the poor quality areas before they are excavated. It also follows that competent geotechnical zones can be readily identified and the slope optimised accordingly. Due to the detailed geotechnical infonnation being available in three dimensions, the open pit slopes were designed based on a risk versus reward profile. As a significant geotechnical database was available, more accurate and reliable designs were generated resulting in the overall slope angle increasing by 3 degrees. This optimisation process will result in a revenue gain of R900 million over the life of the mine. The revenue and safety benefits associated with this design methodology are substantial and have potential application to all open pit mining operations. The research has enabled detailed geotechnical infonnation to be available in three dimensions. This information can be readily accessed and interpreted, thus providing a powerful planning and financial tool from which production optimisations, feasibility studies and planning initiatives can be implemented. The development and application of a 3D geotechnical model has added a new dimension to the constant strive for business improvement and reflects a novel and successful approach towards the application of engineering geology at the Sandsloot mining operation. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Thesis (M.Sc.(Applied Science-Metallurgy))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Abstract in English. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 136-145).

Ph.D. / This study evaluates the environmental impacts of platinum mining in the Rustenburg region and the development of the region into a sustainable society, post the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in 2002. The region has been the location of intensive mining and metallurgical processing of platinum group minerals and chromium for more than three decades. Many studies have focused on the impacts of individual mines on their immediate environment and the sustainability of their operations. This study takes an holistic approach, looking at environmental changes across a larger area and the evaluation of the implementation of sustainable development principles in the region in the decade following the Johannesburg WSSD summit, using a multi-disciplinary approach. The debate concerning a suitable definition for sustainability within the mining context was followed through a literature review. In a strict sense, there is a paradox - mining is inherently unsustainable because of the finite, non-renewable nature of mineral resources. To resolve this paradox, two concepts of sustainability emerged: weak sustainability, in which economic capital replaces natural capital; and strong sustainability, prevention and minimising any environmental damage. These two concepts of sustainability were examined within the mining context, and the conclusion reached in this study is that the weak sustainability concept is more realistic and useful in the mining industry, since diverse environmental impacts cannot be avoided during mineral extraction. However, this does not mean that the environmental impacts should be neglected; instead they should be minimised. Sustainability is then achieved when the total amount of capital (i.e. both natural and economic) is constant or increases. Medium-resolution satellite data (Landsat and ASTER images) were used to map land cover/use to quantify the changes between 1973 and 2007, over 205 209 hectares of the Rustenburg region. The most important land cover/use change was the conversion of grassland to agricultural lands and mining areas. Changes in mine tailings storage facilities in terms of size and vegetation status were analysed. Landscape metrics (fragmentation index) were used to interpret the statistics derived from the land cover/use change to give an indication of the functioning of the ecosystem. Tailings samples were collected from two tailings storage facilities. Grain size analysis of the tailings samples was conducted to determine the percentage of particles with diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm. Chemical analyses of samples were performed to determine elements of major concern because of their enrichment in the tailings and their potential toxicity. An analysis of the weather data acquired from the weather station located within the area was presented in the form of wind roses. Information on particle-size distributions obtained from the tailings samples and local meteorological data were used to carry out a detailed dispersion model of fugitive dust from mine tailings storage facilities.

Gullies have been regarded as the "artery" in mining because they provide the only access route for material, people and ore in stopes. It thus becomes vital to provide the industry with suitable guidelines for gully layouts, geometry and the support required at all depths to keep the gully safe at all times. The research has indicated that best practices for gully layouts have been well recognised, but often poorly applied for many years. To address the issue of best gully practices, research was based on a review of past practices, underground visits, mine standards, codes of practice and the use of numerical modelling as a tool to back- analyse the underground conditions observed. The recommendations provided do not attempt to develop any new techniques for gully protection. They try to provide a guide for best practice under various geotechnical conditions. Based on depth, or stress environment, a broad based recommendation for gully geometry is provided. Using numerical modelling calibrated to underground observations, optimum widths and spans for each mining layout used at different depths are provided as a prescriptive guideline. • Sidings can only be omitted where stress damage does not occur. • A minimum siding width of 2m is recommended wherever sidings are cut. • Lagging sidings should be avoided and used only if absolutely essential. • In high stress areas gullies should be footwall lifted behind the stope faces or within wide headings. • All sidings must be cut on reef. Off reef sidings are not acceptable. • Correct blasting practice is essential to ensure stability of gully shoulders. • Gully width and span between support over gullies should be minimised. • Gullies must be kept straight. Excavation and cleaning of downdip sidings remains problematical from a practical mining point of view and future research is recommended in this area. / Dissertation (MSc (Mine Strata Control))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Mining Engineering / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / The study intends to investigate the determinants of employment in the platinum mining industry in South Africa. Employment levels decreased dramatically in the platinum mining industry in South Africa. This is due to decrease in export demand for platinum, high operating cost, labour unrest, low levels of production and other determinants of employment. The specific objective of the study is to determine the nexus between employment, output, domestic demand and export demand. Annual time series data covering the period between 1992-2013 was used. The study employed the Vector Error Correction Model approach. Johansen Cointegration test results confirmed the existence of a long run relationship amongst variables under investigation. Export demand and output are found to be positively related with employment. The speed of adjustment to equilibrium is -0.283202. Impulse response functions and variance decomposition are also generated to explain the response to shock amongst variables. The results of the study vindicate that the platinum mining industry should implement policies and strategies to increase output which will lead to higher levels of employment as well as economic growth. In addition, government should also create a conducive environment to enable the industry to expand and the industry should also intensify its export drive, these findings are envisaged to contribute significantly to the existing but limited literature on the subject under investigation. / National Research Foundation