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

This project is moving from Research to Development. Jones and Wagener have completed extensive research into bulking and settling factors and are now working on refining their findings into practical guidelines. The project is midway through its development phase, with prototypes and tests being implemented to ensure practical application in mining operations.

Organization:
Wits University (Bursary)

Project M2022-3:

Predictive Maintenance Approach with AI

 

Start Date: January 2022

Planned Completion Date: December 2024

In the Research phase, Wits University is working on developing AI-based predictive maintenance systems for mining equipment. Initial research focuses on identifying critical failure points and using AI to predict and prevent breakdowns. The project is still gathering data and building models to improve accuracy and applicability. The next phase will involve testing these models on real equipment.

Organization: Wits University

Project M2020-2:

Evaluation and Development of Coal Dust Explosibility Test Equipment

Start Date: January 2022 Planned Completion Date: December 2024

This project is nearing the end of its Development phase. Wits University has successfully evaluated coal dust explosibility and developed testing equipment that meets industry standards. The final steps include safety certifications and final performance assessments. The project will soon move into its Completion phase, where the equipment will be made available for industry use.

Organization: CSIR

Project M2023-1:

UAV/GPR for Rehab Monitoring & Cavity Detection

Start Date: April 2023
Planned Completion Date:
August 2024

This project is in the Development phase. CSIR is using UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) technologies for monitoring mining rehabilitation sites and detecting underground cavities. The research phase is complete, and CSIR is now refining their technology to improve accuracy and efficiency. Testing is underway, with plans for field implementation in the near future.

Coal Processing

Organization:
Wits University

Project P2024-1:

Building Components from Coal Waste

Start Date: June 2024
Planned Completion Date:
December 2025

This project is in the Development phase. Wits University is working on transforming coal waste into building materials. The team has made significant progress in material testing and is currently refining their production methods for practical application.

Organization:
CSIR

Project P2024-2:

Incorporation of Coal Waste into Asphalt Mixes

Start Date: April 2024 Planned Completion Date: March 2025

In the Research phase, CSIR is exploring how coal waste can be incorporated into asphalt for road construction. Early results are promising, and the team is now conducting tests to evaluate the performance of these mixes under various conditions.

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

This project is in the Development phase. North West University is conducting pilot-scale tests on the SepAir technology, which aims to improve the separation of coal particles in the Witbank region. The system has shown potential in increasing efficiency, and larger-scale trials are underway.

Organization:
Wits University

Project P2022-2:

Flammability, Corrosion, and Environmental Friendliness of Fine Coal

 

Start Date: April 2022
Planned Completion Date:
April 2024

Currently in the Research phase, this project focuses on understanding the flammability and corrosion properties of fine coal. Wits University is working with bursary student Mhlawakhe Vatsha to investigate the environmental impact and potential improvements in fine coal processing.

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

This project is in the Research phase. The University of Pretoria is studying the irrigation needs and benefits of natrophile grass species in rehabilitated mining areas. The team is investigating optimal water usage strategies to improve plant growth in these regions.

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

This project is in its Development stage. The University of Pretoria, with bursar Sydwell Lungani Tenza, is building a carbon farming model aimed at increasing carbon sequestration in rehabilitated lands. The next steps involve full-scale implementation in selected regions.

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

This project is in the Research phase, focusing on mammal diversity in secondary zones of the Khwezela mining area. Researchers are conducting surveys and tracking mammal populations to assess the impact of mining on biodiversity.

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Project E2022-1:

Novel Materials for Continuous EFC Application 

Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date:
December 2025

Currently in the Development phase, the University of Cape Town is testing novel materials for continuous EFC (Electrochemical Filtration Cell) applications in water treatment. Initial results indicate a promising potential for widespread application.

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Project E2022-2:

Integrated Cropping and Livestock Business Case Model  

 

Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date:
December 2024

This project is in the Research phase, led by the University of Pretoria with bursary support from Rapiya and Cele. The project aims to develop an integrated cropping and livestock model to support sustainable agriculture in post-mining regions.

Organization:
Wits University

Project 8.4.1:

Absorption Capabilities of Different Species of Bamboo  

 

Start Date: OCtober 2017
Planned Completion Date:
August 2024

In the Research phase, Wits University is investigating the absorption capabilities of various bamboo species to remove contaminants from mining-affected soil and water. With bursary recipient Zama Mathabela, the team is conducting controlled studies to assess bamboo’s effectiveness.

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Project E2019-2:

Vegetation Resilience on Rehabbed Land 

 

Start Date: January 2019
Planned Completion Date:
December 2021

This project is nearing the Final Stages of Development. The University of Pretoria, with bursary support from Claudia Schimmer, is studying how different vegetation species adapt and thrive on rehabilitated mining land. The findings will guide future land rehabilitation efforts.

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Project E2020-3:

Phytomining and Hyperaccumulation  

 

Start Date: October 2019
Planned Completion Date:
October 2022

Currently in the Development phase, University of Pretoria researchers, with bursary support from JW Hurter and Ernestine Schmidhuber, are exploring the potential of phytomining and hyperaccumulation to extract valuable metals from mining soils.

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Project E2020-4:

Carbon Capture & Energy Recovery with Algae  

 

Start Date: January 2020
Planned Completion Date:
December 2022

In the Development phase, the University of Cape Town is researching how algae can be used for carbon capture and energy recovery. The project has progressed from lab experiments to pilot tests, with ongoing analysis of the algae’s efficiency in capturing CO2.

Organization:
North West University

Project E2021-1:

Diatom Based Pan Index for AMD Impacted Wetlands 

 

Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date:
December 2024

This project is in the Research phase. North West University, with bursary recipient Melanie Erasmus, is developing a diatom-based pan index for assessing Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) impacts on wetlands. The project is progressing through data collection and initial analysis stages.

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Project 8.4.4:

Fabricated Soils

Start Date: January 2018 Planned Completion Date: May 2024

In the Development phase, University of Cape Town researchers, supported by bursary student Andani Mphinyane, are creating fabricated soils designed to rehabilitate mining sites and support plant growth. Early tests have shown positive results in improving soil fertility and structure.

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!

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