The Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme is aimed at providing operational and technical personnel with information and knowledge that will contribute to optimal extraction and zero harm objectives. This knowledge is required ahead of mining to adequately inform day-to-day tactical as well as long term strategic decision-making.
The Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme is designed to improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of mining by enhancing geological understanding ahead of the mining face. Its goal is to create a “Glass Rock” environment, enabling better planning and risk management. By using advanced technologies, the programme identifies geological hazards early—such as faults, dykes, and gas intersections—helping to prevent disruptions, improve safety, and support optimal extraction. As mining operations extend deeper and further, the AOK programme becomes increasingly vital as it provides the necessary geological knowledge to navigate the complexities.
The video demonstrates the use of the iPhone 15 Pro’s LiDAR capabilities for scanning underground areas. It shows scans being conducted in real-time, capturing detailed spatial data. The point cloud data is then plotted in 3D, clearly revealing the excavations, structural elements, and other underground features.
The video demonstrates the use of the iPhone 15 Pro’s LiDAR capabilities for scanning underground areas. It shows scans being conducted in real-time, capturing detailed spatial data. The point cloud data is then plotted in 3D, clearly revealing the excavations, structural elements, and other underground features.
On 25 August 2023, Michelle Pienaar, Programme Manager of the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme at the Mandela Mining Precinct, led a webinar highlighting innovative efforts to promote sustainable mining. The session focused on the development of cost-effective, non-invasive technologies aimed at improving orebody transparency in deep and complex underground environments. These tools enhance rock mass characterisation, detect geological hazards, and support safer, more efficient mine planning.
At the heart of the Advanced Orebody Knowledge programme lies AOK CORE—a concept that captures both the literal and symbolic meaning of “core.” In geology, a core is a cylindrical section of rock that reveals the structure and story beneath the surface. In this programme, it represents the fundamental drive to understand, connect, and innovate around South Africa’s diverse orebodies. AOK CORE reflects the essence of our work: deep insight, shared knowledge, and the pursuit of smarter, safer, and more sustainable mining.
The key challenge is gaining real-time insight into conditions at the mining front, particularly geological and ground stability factors, to enhance operational efficiency and safety. A primary concern is preventing falls of ground (FoG), a persistent and critical risk in underground mining. Several factors hinder these objectives, including:
Future efforts focus on AI integration, cost reduction, improved durability, and real-time processing to enhance safety and efficiency.
Ongoing research under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme focuses on refining and integrating technologies to improve geological understanding and safety at the mining face, such as:
With the optimal extraction and ‘’zero harm’’ objectives, technologies are being investigated, such as the Ground Penetrating Radar, to assist with identifying potential hazards on the mining face. There will also be a focus on positioning systems to enable scanning/assessment of the hanging wall integrity. GPR 3D modelling trial surveys will be conducted and, with Infrared (IR)/Thermography, one would be able to enrich GPR information. Attention will also be given to positioning systems so as to enable scanning/assessment of the hanging wall integrity. The deployment platforms with associated positioning systems will enable fast acquisition of georeferenced 3D data sets.
Future efforts focus on AI integration, cost reduction, improved durability, and real-time processing to enhance safety and efficiency.
The mining industry faces challenges from unforeseen geological conditions affecting safety, productivity, and profitability. To address this, the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme under the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) has developed innovative geoscientific technologies aimed at creating a transparent “glass rock” environment for precise mine planning and risk management.
The recent AOK Showcase Event highlighted these technological advancements, bringing together academia, mining professionals, government, and technology providers. It featured:
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the industry.
Recommendations:
This event significantly advanced efforts to modernize mining operations through technology and collaboration, shaping the industry’s future.
Underground diamond drilling in the mining industry faces several challenges that impact efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
The Smart Drill aims to address these challenges by integrating automation, AI, and real-time data analysis to improve drilling efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
The Smart Drill is being developed under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, to enhance underground diamond drilling through automation and AI-driven optimisation.
The next phase involves further field trials, refinement of AI models, and advancing towards full automation.
Research and testing of the Smart Drill under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme have confirmed key improvements in underground diamond drilling efficiency.
Further development will focus on refining AI models, conducting additional field trials, and advancing towards Autonomous Drilling.
The Smart Drill project is advancing through research and testing under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme.
Completed work includes Feasibility Studies, Field Trials, and a partnership with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for sensor-equipped drill testing.
Currently, AI models are being developed and tested to optimise drilling performance and geological data analysis.
Next steps involve selecting the best AI model, further field trials, and progressing towards Autonomous Drilling integration.
Mining operations require advanced technologies to detect geological structures and ore distribution ahead of the mining face. The Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme focuses on improving subsurface exploration using geophysical, computational, and AI-driven techniques to enhance safety, efficiency, and mine planning.
By detecting geological structures, orebody variations, and potential hazards in advance, technologies ahead of the face enable proactive decision-making, reducing safety risks, minimising operational disruptions, and optimising resource extraction efficiency in underground mining. The challenge:
The Smart Drill is being developed under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, to enhance underground diamond drilling through automation and AI-driven optimisation.
As the programme Manager for the Advanced Orebody Programme in the South African Mining, Extraction Research, Development and Innovation strategy, at the Mandela Mining Precinct, Michelle is interested in developing technologies to create the ultimate glass rock environment.
Geology, rock engineering, geochemistry
mpienaar@mandelaminingprecinct.org.za
Michelle holds a BSc. Honours in Geology from the University of Johannesburg. She has over 17 years’ experience within the mining industry where she started her career as a mine geologist but later progressed to a Geoscience Manager on numerous deep level gold operations.
As a Project Administrator at the Nelson Mandela Mining Precinct, Kgotso works closely with programme and project managers to coordinate project activities, manage research data, and ensure that all deliverables and administrative requirements are met.
Project Management, Research & Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement
Kgotso holds an Advanced Diploma in Project Management from Tshwane University of Technology. He has over six years of experience supporting research-intensive projects and specializes in data-driven coordination, stakeholder communication, and performance reporting. His core interests lie in strengthening South Africa’s innovation ecosystem—particularly in advancing sustainable, technology-enabled solutions in the mining sector. Kgotso is passionate about the integration of research, data insights, and operational excellence to support modern mining and industrial development.
As the Programme Manager: Successful Applications of Technology Centred Around People (SATCAP), Sherin is responsible for leading research on understanding the effects and impacts of mining modernisation on people.
Expertise
Learning and Development
sramparsad@mandelaminingprecinct.org.za
Description
Sherin holds a Doctorate Degree in Education Management, with various other professional qualifications in her field, and is a registered Master Learning and Development specialist.
She is passionate about sustaining the mining sector through growing and developing leaders in mining, and in her own time, is a GIBS Associate – an MBA supervisor, coach and examiner for the Gordan Institute of Business Science, and is a visiting Adjunct Professor for the Wits Mining Institute, at the University of Witwatersrand.
The Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has conducted extensive research on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to improve geological mapping, rock mass stability assessment, and hazard identification in underground mining. The research has focused on addressing technical limitations and refining applications to enhance mining efficiency and safety.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a powerful tool in mining, particularly in the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme. Its primary role is to enhance geological mapping, safety, and operational efficiency by providing high-resolution 3D models of underground and surface environments
LiDAR is a game-changer in mining, offering faster, safer, and more accurate geological insights. While challenges exist, continued research, and integration with AI-driven mining solutions are making it a key component of modern, efficient, and sustainable mining practices.
The Stratafy Seeker, developed through Stratafy Solutions’ research and development efforts, is a cutting-edge solution aimed at enhancing mine safety and operational efficiency. By combining photogrammetry, real-time 3D modelling, and AI-driven analysis, it provides a proactive approach to fall of ground prevention and risk mitigation in underground mining.
The Stratafy Seeker is a geotechnical hazard detection system developed as part of the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme. It was a finalist in the 2022 Fall of Ground (FOG) Challenge, aimed at improving rock hazard identification and visualisation in mining environments. The research and development of this technology is being conducted by Stratafy Solutions.
The Stratafy Seeker uses a three-pronged approach:
Currently in Development
The Integrated Thermal Acoustic Device (ITAD) was developed as part of the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme, with research conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This technology aims to enhance underground safety by detecting potentially hazardous loose rocks.
LIBS is a spectroscopic analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It involves focusing a high-energy laser pulse on a sample, creating a small plasma on its surface. As the plasma cools, it emits characteristic light wavelengths corresponding to the elements present in the sample.
Challenge
There is a need for Real-Time, On-Site Ore Analysis
Future efforts focus on AI integration, cost reduction, improved durability, and real-time processing to enhance safety and efficiency.
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is widely used for navigation and location tracking. However, GPS signals cannot penetrate solid materials such as rock and soil, making it ineffective for underground mining and tunneling operations. To address this limitation, Reutech Mining has developed an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) location tracking system, which provides accurate real-time tracking in GPS-deprived environments.
This project aims to enhance the existing Reutech Mining Real-Time Location System (RTLS) to improve efficiency, user-friendliness, and industry-wide applicability. The enhancements will focus on three key objectives: auto-locating anchors, universal data export formats, and integrating server functionalities into tablet computers.
GPS signals cannot penetrate solid materials such as rock and soil, making them ineffective for underground mining operations.
Traditional location tracking methods are unreliable or require costly infrastructure.
To continue with the next phase of Hardware Development during the 2025/26 period:
The Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme has utilised Kumu, a visual mapping platform, to clearly represent complex geoscientific data and relationships. Kumu transforms intricate datasets into accessible, interactive visuals that effectively support stakeholder mapping, systems thinking, and relationship analysis, enhancing communication, strategic decision-making, and alignment across diverse sectors.
The identification of innovative technologies was spearheaded by the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Through their collaborative efforts, a comprehensive technology scouting process was undertaken, resulting in 171 technologies being catalogued and integrated into the Kumu ecosystem map. This interactive visualization serves as a powerful tool for fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic alignment within the mining industry.
The RHID challenge significantly supports safer mining operations through international collaboration and innovative technological advancements.
Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) is a geophysical technique used in mining and geosciences to map subsurface structures by measuring variations in electrical resistivity. It enables the detection of geological disruptions, such as reef disturbances and potholes, ahead of mining tunnels. By providing detailed, non-invasive imaging of subsurface geological features, ERT plays a crucial role in early geological risk identification, improving safety, mine planning, and resource optimization.
The Smart Drill is being developed under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, to enhance underground diamond drilling through automation and AI-driven optimisation.
Further development will focus on refining AI models, conducting additional field trials, and advancing towards Autonomous Drilling.
Statistical analysis and machine learning are used to predict geological hazards such as potholes and faults, as well as ore-grade variations ahead of mining faces. These techniques enable accurate and timely predictions, allowing for proactive management of geological uncertainties to enhance safety, efficiency, and resource optimization in mining operations.
Tunnel Seismic Profiling (TSP) is an advanced geophysical technique used in mining to predict geological conditions ahead of the mining face. It helps in reducing drilling costs, improving safety, and optimizing orebody extraction.
The Smart Drill is being developed under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, to enhance underground diamond drilling through automation and AI-driven optimisation.
Further development will focus on refining AI models, conducting additional field trials, and advancing towards Autonomous Drilling.
