The MMP Longevity of Current Mines (LoCM) Programme continues to make meaningful progress in supporting the development and commercialisation of mining technologies.
A key milestone is the establishment of a Proof of Concept (PoC) for the National Mining Technology Readiness Level (NMRL) information-sharing platform. This initiative aims to improve how new mining technologies are developed and adopted by providing a clear, structured, and transparent pathway for tracking the maturity of technologies developed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
At the centre of this effort is a web-based platform that makes it easier to track, assess, and share information on the readiness of mining technologies across South Africa.
The NMRL platform enables OEM developers and national technology readiness auditors to formally assess and certify the maturity of new technologies. In doing so, it creates a shared “language” that helps stakeholders understand which technologies are ready for deployment, which are still in development, and which show the greatest potential. This clarity supports better decision-making by mining companies and investors, reducing delays and minimising costly investment risks. It also helps bridge the “Valley of Death”—the stage where promising innovations often fail to reach operational use due to limited visibility, funding, or integration guidance.
The research was conducted using a structured Systems Engineering approach, which means looking at the entire lifecycle of a mining technology from initial development to full operation while ensuring all stakeholders’ needs are considered. Key steps included identifying the people and organisations involved, defining how the platform will work in practice, and developing high-level requirements for its design and operation. This approach ensures that the NMRL platform is practical, reliable, and meets the needs of the mining sector.
A wide range of stakeholders has been identified to support the platform, including OEM developers, mining companies, investors, national auditors, regulators, and government organisations. In practice, the platform will allow developers to submit information about their technologies, which auditors will then review and certify. Verified maturity levels will then be shared across the sector, making it easier for companies to invest in technologies with confidence, for regulators to understand the technology capabilities, and for the mining industry to adopt innovative solutions safely and effectively.
The research confirms that a national, standardised TRL platform will increase transparency, encourage collaboration, and improve funding decisions across the mining sector. With the Concept of Operations and high-level requirements now in place, the next steps include developing a cost model, detailed system design, and an implementation plan to bring the NMRL Proof of Concept to life.
Through this milestone, the MMP LoCM Programme continues to show their commitment to impactful innovation. By providing mechanisms to responsibly mature, test, and integrate promising mining technologies, this initiative ensures that new solutions are safe, effective, and ready to improve mining operations. Ultimately, it helps to enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety, while extending the lifespan and performance of South Africa’s mines.
