Coaltech Status
Current Projects
Mining
Organization:
Latona
Project M2024-1:
Guideline for Best Practice for Dust Sample Procedures
Start Date: April 2024
Planned Completion Date: March 2025
This project is in its Development stage, with most of the planning and research already completed. Latona has successfully established guidelines and is now focusing on implementing practical tests to ensure the best practices for dust sample procedures. Final reviews are underway, with completion expected soon. The remaining tasks include final stakeholder consultations and preparing the project for public dissemination.
Organization:
BizAfrika
Project M2024-2:
Life Sustainability of Refuge Bays
Start Date: November 2023
Planned Completion Date: April 2024
Currently in the Research phase, BizAfrika is working to gather critical data on the sustainability of refuge bays in mining operations. Initial planning has been completed, and the project is progressing through experimental research and data collection. The next steps involve transitioning into the development phase, where findings will be applied to real-world scenarios.
Organization:
Jones and Wagener
Project M2022-1:
Guideline for Bulking and Settling Factors
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: August 2024
Organization:
Wits University (Bursary)
Project M2022-3:
Predictive Maintenance Approach with AI
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: December 2024
Organization: Wits University
Project M2020-2:
Evaluation and Development of Coal Dust Explosibility Test Equipment
Start Date: January 2022 Planned Completion Date: December 2024
Organization: CSIR
Project M2023-1:
UAV/GPR for Rehab Monitoring & Cavity Detection
Start Date: April 2023
Planned Completion Date: August 2024
Coal Processing
Organization:
Wits University
Project P2024-1:
Building Components from Coal Waste
Start Date: June 2024
Planned Completion Date: December 2025
Organization:
CSIR
Project P2024-2:
Incorporation of Coal Waste into Asphalt Mixes
Start Date: April 2024 Planned Completion Date: March 2025
Organization:
North West University
Project P2022-1:
Pilot Scale Testing of the SepAir on Witbank Coal
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: April 2024
Organization:
Wits University
Project P2022-2:
Flammability, Corrosion, and Environmental Friendliness of Fine Coal
Start Date: April 2022
Planned Completion Date: April 2024
Organization:
Wits University
Project P2022-3:
The Effectiveness of Emulsion Binder for the Recovery of Rare Earth Metals
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: July 2024
Wits University is testing the use of emulsion binders for recovering rare earth metals in coal processing. With bursary support from John Nkuna, the project is in the Development phase, showing positive early results for increased recovery rates.
Organization:
University of Pretoria
Project P2020-4:
Upgrading of Coal with a Knelson Concentrator
Start Date: May 2021
Planned Completion Date: December 2023
This project is in the Development phase. University of Pretoria, with bursary recipient Tshepang Mashike, is working on upgrading coal using a Knelson concentrator. The technology aims to improve the concentration process, and ongoing tests are showing potential for broader industry use.
Organization:
Wits University
Project P2021-1:
Further Development of a Wind Sifter Separator
Start Date: January 2021
Planned Completion Date: May 2024
Wits University is further developing its wind sifter separator technology, supported by bursary student Jimmy Alade. The project is moving towards Completion, with final tests being conducted to ensure the separator’s efficiency in coal processing.
Surface Environment
Organization:
University of Pretoria
Project E2024-1:
Irrigation of Natrophile Grass Species
Start Date: January 2024
Planned Completion Date: December 2026
Organization:
Mintek
Project E2024-2:
Biological Treatment of Brine Wastes
Start Date: April 2024
Planned Completion Date: March 2026
In the Development phase, Mintek is working on biological processes to treat brine waste from mining operations. The project has moved from lab tests to field applications, with positive early results showing reduced brine toxicity.
Organization:
University of Pretoria
Project E2023-1:
Carbon Farming Model for Rehabilitated Land
Start Date: January 2023 Planned Completion Date: December 2024
Organization:
North West University
Project E2023-2:
Rehabilitation of Dumps Using Industrial Plant Materials
Start Date: January 2023
Planned Completion Date: December 2024
Currently in the Research phase, North West University is testing industrial plant materials for rehabilitating mining dumps. Early results are promising, and the team, with bursar Bianca Boshoff, is preparing for larger-scale trials.
Organization:
Terrasim
Project E2023-3:
Carbon Capture, Footprint Reduction & Offsetting Through Postclosure Land Use
Start Date: April 2023
Planned Completion Date: September 2024
In the Development phase, Terrasim is working on strategies to capture carbon and reduce environmental footprints through postclosure land uses. The project is showing positive results, with further tests scheduled for larger sites.
Organization:
Terrasim
Project E2023-4:
Soil Cover Guideline Consultation with Authorities
Start Date: August 2022
This project is nearing Completion. Terrasim is finalizing soil cover guidelines for rehabilitated mining areas, working closely with local authorities to ensure compliance and environmental sustainability.
Organization:
TBA
Project E2023-5:
Mammal Diversity in Secondary Zones at Khwezela
Planned Completion Date: November 2024
Organization:
University of Cape Town
Project E2022-1:
Novel Materials for Continuous EFC Application
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: December 2025
Organization:
University of Pretoria
Project E2022-2:
Integrated Cropping and Livestock Business Case Model
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: December 2024
Organization:
Wits University
Project 8.4.1:
Absorption Capabilities of Different Species of Bamboo
Start Date: OCtober 2017
Planned Completion Date: August 2024
Organization:
University of Pretoria
Project E2019-2:
Vegetation Resilience on Rehabbed Land
Start Date: January 2019
Planned Completion Date: December 2021
Organization:
University of Pretoria
Project E2020-3:
Phytomining and Hyperaccumulation
Start Date: October 2019
Planned Completion Date: October 2022
Organization:
University of Cape Town
Project E2020-4:
Carbon Capture & Energy Recovery with Algae
Start Date: January 2020
Planned Completion Date: December 2022
Organization:
North West University
Project E2021-1:
Diatom Based Pan Index for AMD Impacted Wetlands
Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: December 2024
Organization:
University of Cape Town
Project 8.4.4:
Fabricated Soils
Start Date: January 2018 Planned Completion Date: May 2024
Future Technologies
Future Technologies – Coming Soon!
At Coaltech, we’re always looking ahead to explore the next wave of innovation in the mining industry. Our Future Technologies section will highlight cutting-edge research and groundbreaking projects focused on revolutionizing mining practices. From renewable energy solutions and AI-powered mining technologies to sustainable resource management and advanced material sciences, these projects aim to create a more efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced future for the mining sector.
Stay tuned as we unveil the exciting new projects that are set to redefine the future of mining!