MMP hosts global smart mining program students at test mine facility

The Mandela Mining Precinct through its Advanced Orebody Knowledge Programme, and the University of Witwatersrand’s Wits Mining Institution, hosted a group of students from the AKITA Smart Mining Programme at the MMP Industry Test Mine in Rustenburg earlier this month.  The visit consisted of 15 students from Japan, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana.
The AKITA University Smart Mining program is an innovative program for development of core human resources for smart mining to lead sustainable resource development in Southern Africa. The programme aims to produce globally minded individuals who possess the ability to practice the future of resource informatics in Japan and Southern Africa.

During the visit, the students had an opportunity to go underground and experience a real mine environment. They were able to observe the Merensky reef which forms part of the Western Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex where Platinum Group elements are mined.

The Industry Test Mine was established in March 2022 when the MMP signed a memorandum of understanding with Royal Bafokeng Platinum to establish a testing facility at the latter’s Maseve Mine in the North West province. The mine is being developed as an industry site for research, development and innovation, allowing for technology demonstration and testing.