KEY POINTS
- The R43-million Simulacrum provides hands-on mining training using VR.
- UJ and Sibanye-Stillwater collaborate to promote sustainable mining practices.
- The initiative highlights the transformative potential of industry-academia partnerships.
Mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has launched the Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum mining facility and the Centre for Sustainable Mining.
The R43-million Simulacrum, located on UJ’s Doornfontein campus, combines cutting-edge technology with practical training to simulate real-world mining conditions.
The facility, constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, features a vertical shaft, mine tunnels, stope environments, a rescue chamber, and virtual reality (VR) systems.
It provides a safe and controlled environment for students, researchers, and academics to gain hands-on experience in underground mining practices.
Simultaneously, the launch also introduced the Centre for Sustainable Mining, which will promote postgraduate research and the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to enhance mining sustainability. Sibanye-Stillwater has committed R12.75 million to fund the center’s operations from 2024 to 2026.
Commitment to innovation and education
Speaking at the launch, Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman highlighted the company’s dedication to innovation and skills development.
“The future of our industry depends on innovation, skilled professionals, and safer, more productive mining methods,” Froneman said. “These world-class facilities will ensure South Africa’s mining sector remains globally competitive while supporting its critical role in our economy and society.”
According to a report by Mining Weekly, the partnership with UJ is part of Sibanye-Stillwater’s broader commitment to education and skills development. Since 2013, the company has invested over R2 billion in education, including R55 million in research, technology development, and training initiatives at UJ.
UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi praised the collaboration, emphasizing its role in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.
“The Simulacrum connects classroom learning to real-world mining practices, equipping students with the skills needed for modern, sustainable mining,” Mpedi said.
Advancing sustainability and technology
Mpedi underscored the importance of sustainable mining practices, noting the environmental and social challenges posed by traditional methods. The Centre for Sustainable Mining will address these challenges by integrating 4IR technologies to improve efficiency and reduce mining’s environmental impact.
“This project aligns environmental preservation with economic growth and social responsibility,” Mpedi said. “It also leverages technology, such as VR and augmented reality, to revolutionize mining education and safety.”
Dr. Richard Stewart, Sibanye-Stillwater’s South Africa chief regional officer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the transformative role of technology in mining.
“Advancements in technology have made mining safer, more efficient, and more sustainable,” Stewart said. “Our partnership with UJ aims to prepare graduates for the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, ensuring they can integrate technology to uplift society and improve the industry.”
Stewart described the company’s “bionic” approach, which focuses on using technology to enhance human roles rather than replace them.
“This is about creating technology that complements people’s jobs, making them more productive and rewarding,” Stewart explained.
A model for industry-academia collaboration
The partnership between Sibanye-Stillwater and UJ highlights the potential of industry-academia collaborations to advance education and foster innovation.
The Simulacrum and Centre for Sustainable Mining serve as models for addressing the skills gap in South Africa’s mining sector while driving sustainable practices.
“We believe education is the foundation for addressing South Africa’s challenges, including high unemployment,” Stewart said. “By working with universities, we’re developing the skills needed for a more sustainable and equitable future.”
The launch represents a step forward for South Africa’s mining industry, showcasing how investments in education and technology can shape the future of mining and its role in the country’s economy.
