Work Package 1 (WP1): Capability Development provides the “how” through enhanced skills, robust processes, and the strategic adoption of technology. This work package is fundamentally about empowering the mine’s ability to effectively utilize and manage real-time information.
WP1 is focused on enhancing the mine’s internal capacity, ensuring that the organization, its people, and its operational methods are ready to fully leverage the power of RTIMS. This involves a comprehensive approach to building the necessary skills, refining processes, and integrating technology to efficiently capture, process, analyze, and act upon real-time data.
In essence, WP1 is about the people and processes that allow the mine to fully leverage the advanced technology. It’s about creating the organizational capacity to achieve the desired outcomes through the strategic use of real-time information, ultimately ensuring that the investment in RTIMS translates into tangible improvements for mining operations in South Africa.
Digital Twin Consulting Services
The Digital Twin Business Case Validation Tool empowers mining organizations to make data-driven, strategic decisions by providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating digital transformation initiatives. By integrating both financial (e.g., NPV, IRR, Capex/Opex) and non-financial (e.g., risk exposure, value-add) metrics at both initiative and portfolio levels, the tool enhances prioritization, optimizes resource allocation, and supports executive-level decision-making. Its flexible, Excel-based design ensures real-time analysis and adaptability, paving the way for scalable, site-specific implementation and continuous value tracking.
The Digital Twin Business Case Validation Tool is an Excel-based framework. It evaluates digital initiatives based on MMP-mandated criteria such as interoperability, rapid deployment, local manufacturing, and real-time capability. The tool is tailored for hard rock, underground mining environments targeting platinum and gold, and accommodates various mining methods. It assesses initiatives across four focus areas: safety performance, cost optimization, socio-techno contribution, and environmental responsibility. With capabilities for both initiative-level and portfolio-level analysis—covering financial metrics like NPV and IRR, as well as qualitative assessments—the tool enables comprehensive, real-time validation and prioritization of digital transformation efforts.
Additional information
Links: https://www.digitaltwin.digital/rtimsdigitaltransformationproject
https://mandelaminingprecinct.org.za/business-case-validation-tool/
Project Objective
The RTIMS (Real-Time Information Management System) initiative aims to revolutionize underground hard rock mining by leveraging digital transformation. Through real-time data collection, advanced analytics, and predictive insights, the initiative enhances safety, efficiency, and productivity while ensuring to deliver a return on investment.
Project Scope
This project focuses on integrating RTIMS solutions into underground mining operations, covering:
Edge/IoT device deployment for real-time monitoring
Data management through cloud-based storage and analytics
Business intelligence & analytical applications for performance improvement
Data organisation, change management, and establishing security requirements
Project Key Features
Optimised Drilling Performance
Real-time tracking of drill start times, operating hours, and idle time optimisation.
Optimised Stope Advancement
Lidar-based mapping for accurate face advance monitoring.
Workforce Tracking
Tagging solutions for improved time-in and time-out efficiency.
Improved Cleaning Processes
Monitoring and identifying gulley winch performance challenges for debottlenecking and improvement.
Safety Enhancements
Real-time dust and gas level monitoring for risk reduction and safety improvement.
Cost Saving and ROI
Minimise operational cost through optimised resources, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency deliverying an ROI.
Project Financial & Operational Impact
Digital Twin Consulting Services
The “DX BC Simulation Gaming Engine” provides an immersive training platform for mining personnel, from front-line supervisors to decision-makers, to build competence and awareness around the value of real-time data from RTIMS technologies. By simulating realistic mining scenarios and operational processes, the game empowers users to make data-driven decisions that enhance safety, productivity, and profitability, ultimately maximizing mine profitability and preparing them for the adoption of RTIMS solutions.
The “DX BC Simulation Gaming Engine” is a Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7) application prototype developed using the Unity platform for training and orientation in mining operations. It provides an immersive 3D environment simulating in-stope processes like drilling, face cleaning, and blasting, relevant to Real-Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) technology. The game, modeled on a “Miner’s” daily routine, focuses on five key operational processes (Travel-In Times, Safety, Drilling, Cleaning, Blast Quality) and utilizes simulated data sets across three dashboard types (Monitor & Control, Analyse & Improve, Overall Performance) to track KPIs and profitability. Users can invest in RTIMS technologies to unlock datasets and improve performance, with the primary objective of maximizing mine profitability through data-driven decision-making.
CSIR
Composing and migrating RTIMS Enterprise Architecture data, models, and web portals from CSIR to the RTIMS application, this project facilitates seamless knowledge transfer and leverages critical information for all RTIMS stakeholders. This ensures enhanced accessibility and utilization of RTIMS EA content, ultimately streamlining information flow and supporting better decision-making within the RTIMS program.
The project involved a methodical migration of RTIMS Enterprise Architecture (EA) data, models, and web portals from CSIR’s EA application suite to the RTIMS CaseWise application and hosting platform. This process included defining the baseline data, exporting and deploying the EA model structure, performing an Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) operation for EA models and objects, and copying/publishing the web portal structure. The primary deliverables were the migrated EA model structure, EA model data, web portal publication, and a comprehensive migration report, with virtual engagements mitigating COVID-19 related access limitations.
Stellenbosch University/ Cybarete
Modern mining operations face a critical disconnect between 21st-century IT planning systems and outdated 20th-century OT execution environments—resulting in lost blasts, delayed responses, and safety risks. The BASE automation engine bridges this gap by introducing a distributed, agent-based control system that aligns operational execution with digital mine plans. By assigning intelligent resource agents to machines, materials, people, and spaces—and activity agents to business processes . BASE enables real-time coordination, situational awareness, and adaptive control. This fractal control hierarchy ensures that resources are dynamically drawn to the tasks that need them, eliminating inefficiencies and enhancing safety, compliance, and productivity in highly transient mining environments
The BASE automation engine introduces a distributed, agent-based control system that bridges the gap between modern IT mine planning and outdated OT execution. Designed for highly transient underground environments, it enables true Short Interval Control by guiding operations directly at the stope—without requiring network or power infrastructure. Using a compact, portable unit, BASE delivers last-mile intelligence, real-time safety and exposure monitoring, and seamless data capture in unconnected zones. Each machine, material, person, and space is assigned a resource agent, while business processes are managed by activity agents, forming a dynamic, fractal control hierarchy. This architecture ensures optimized shift handovers, situational awareness, and the ability to run custom applications in the field—transforming invisible processes into actionable intelligence and aligning execution with mine plans at scale
PwC
This project aims to transform data into a dynamic and valuable asset for the mining industry by implementing a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model at a pilot mine. This significantly lower the barrier to entry and cost of data projects, providing a global best-practice solution tailored for South African mining. By standardizing basic mining data functionality and enabling the integration of diverse data sources, the DaaS model will prevent technological silos and expedite critical processes, such as quickly gathering information in an accident scenario. Ultimately, this approach will unlock invaluable insights through analytics, allowing data to be captured once and reused across myriad applications for exponential impact on safety, productivity, and profitability, positioning mines to proactively address future challenges and drive industry-wide innovation.
This project establishes a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model at a test mine, which includes developing a DevOps Delivery Methodology that will enable rapid development and operationalization of data architecture, ultimately maximizing data value for improved safety, productivity, and profitability by facilitating data reuse across myriad applications.
Minserv (originally developed by Esri South Africa and the CSIR using ArcGIS software)
The development of new applications and the sharing of industry expertise in the mining sector faces challenges due the underutilisation of large datasets. Only a portion of acquired data is converted into useful information for decision-making and currently, systems are isolated and not integrated for IIoT in mining. Furthermore, there are gaps in data usage capability at the operator, technical, professional, and managerial levels. RTIMS provided a technology solutioning (and technology transfer) initiative, through ODAP.
Open Data Analytics Platform (ODAP), as described in the ODAP 2021 – 2022/3 reports, is a platform that aims to harmonise, organise and analyse large quantities of real time data. ODAP is a multi-year project and an important step in working towards the ‘Digital Mine’ and ultimately – an ‘Autonomous Mine’. Although ODAP is a collaborative creation of RTIMS, TSC and Minserv, it is facilitated by Minserv. Minserv aims to coordinate the development, implementation, and usage of ODAP in the South African mining sector. This coordination intends to help the makers develop their prototype and assist RTIMS to become the mining sector’s go-to portal.
Its success will be determined by firstly, how well its use cases are integrated with the Mining Value Chain (MVC) activities and processes captured on the RTIMS EA Portal, and secondly, the extent of industry uptake. Because ODAP is a prototype that needs development, it is important to find willing partners to develop use cases. There is also a need for obtaining data sets for ODAP and other RTIMS projects.
ODAP is a data digestive system that can unscramble and organise data for dashboard analysis to get more meaning out of (unrelated) data. It must be seen as a digital assistant to help its users to make better decisions for mine safety and efficiency – as illustrated in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Visual Illustration on ODAP and User Collaboration. Source: BetterServ Workshop 1: A Data Diet for Our ODAP Machine (Project initiation), 15 August 2023.
There are several architecture-type diagrams (eg Figure 2 below) available for ODAP in the different milestone reports to date. The figure above illustrates stakeholder collaboration, data sources, integration touch points, analytical models and use case solutions. The system outputs are analytics and visualisation, which functionalities meet the original objectives of the ODAP project.
ODAP is a digital assistant for a human decision-maker and the intention is to develop a technology to convert data into information for wise decisions when this matter.
ODAP was initially intended to be an open-source Digital Companion/Assistant for decision-makers, providing valuable information and standard work processes. However, because ODAP was not developed in open-source software, the meaning of open is understood as – open data, that can flow into, through and out of ODAP
ODAP requires real-time data for functionality, and in exchange for providing time and datasets, mining businesses will gain access to a platform with functionality adapted to their needs, implementation methods, and the production of additional/new insights from acquired data. Longer-term benefits include expanding ODAP’s current focus (value chain operations during the extraction and processing stages of the Mining Life Cycle) to a technological platform that encompasses the full Mining Life Cycle. This will be a huge contribution to the mining sector, develop first-of-its-kind intellectual property, and support the mining sector in constantly adding value over time through fresh insights, analytics, and new use applications.
Problem statement:
The problem it addresses is the underutilization of datasets, where vast industry datasets contain limited data that is transformed into actionable insights for decision-making. Current systems are fragmented and not integrated, making them unprepared for a Mining IIoT. This lack of integration hinders the consideration of new or alternative applications and prevents the discovery of shared industry insights that could benefit the sector as a whole. Additionally, there are gaps in data utilization capabilities at the operator, technical, and professional/managerial levels.
The ODAP platform was initially developed between 2021 and 2023 by Esri South Africa and the CSIR using ArcGIS software under WP 1 (Capability development). From July 2023, Minserv has taken over its further development under WP 2 (Technology development/solutioning).
The original goal in 2021 was to create a Digital Analytics Platform (DAP) that harmonizes, organizes, and analyzes large amounts of real-time data. In 2021/2022, the platform’s concept was designed, built in ArcGIS, installed on the MMP RTIMS server, and demonstrated with test cases like “Missing miner” and “Machine health.” The platform’s name was later changed to Open Data Analytics Platform (ODAP), and some analytics were added. In 2022/2023, the focus shifted to further development, including more analytics and use cases.
The ODAP platform, previously known as Digital Analytics Platform (DAP), was originally developed by Esri South Africa and the CSIR using ArcGIS software, to harmonises, organises and analyses large quantities of real-time data. The initial methodology involved the DAP concept design, creation in ArcGIS, installation on MMP RTIMS servers, demonstration of functionality, conceptual design of use cases, test work on two use cases (Missing miner and Machine health) and user manual. After showing success, the intent was to further develop (through the facilitation of Minserv) by including analytics and adding more use cases to the work previously done. Significantly, the platform name changed from DAP to ODAP. The projects within RTIMS which were open, digital, analytical all became contributors of ODAP.
A three-phase approach methodology was followed, focusing on the following:
Phase 1: Understanding ODAP’s past and putting governance systems in place.
Phase 2: Developing an Action Plan for approval by the TSC.
Phase 3: Implementing the ODAP Action Plan
Establish ODAP governance system. It provides a structured framework for decision-making, risk management and accountability. Various OEWG (open data analytics expert working group) meetings and workshops were held. Third party assessments were conducted and opinions noted.
The ODAP governance framework for the OEWG outlines the structure and role of the group. It makes provision for the OEWG to report to the TSC (acting as both advisory and oversight committee) through the RTIMS Programme Manager (Section 2.3.1). The process itself is led and facilitated by Minserv, supported by other partners in the BetterServ Group of companies.
ODAP is a protype software platform, ready for testing in the mining industry and further development by its creators
The objectives of ODAP need to be updated so that they align with the work that happened to date, meet the requirements of the mining industry and consider how it complements, and possibly competes, with other/similar technology platforms.
RTIMS output | Details |
RTIMS Industry reference model for IIoT |
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RTIMS Knowledge Portal |
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IIoT Exemplar Module or Framework Model |
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RTIMS DX (Business Case Validation Tool) |
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RTIMS BASE platform |
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ODAP is designed to be an assistant, improving human decision making.
The Problem ODAP hopes to solve
ODAP as a solution to the problem:
There is a case for an integrated platform (a Digital Twin for Mining) with the following
functionalities:
ODAP is a significant step towards a locally-developed solution for the South African mining industry.
To appreciate ODAP’s value proposition to the South African mining industry one must understand what is currently happening.
ODAP’s value statement
A visual, on-time strategy accelerator, enabled by KPI measurement and advanced analytics for continuous improvement of:
Achievable benefits within the first year include15:
RTIMS outputs that affect ODAP’s development
The RTIMS Industry reference model for IIoT, which provides an architecture for real-time mining, considering value chain activities during the mining and processing phase of the mining life cycle. The objective is a technology solution in one platform informed by the Industrial Internet of Things Consortium (IIC) standards.
The RTIMS Knowledge Portal is a comprehensive depository of information, consisting of all RTIMS documents and research outputs to date. It is very useful and has significant application for measuring KPIs of the Mining Value Chain (MVC) during the production phase of the Mining Life Cycle (MLC). This work lays the foundation for digitalisation of the production phase of the MLC and should be expanded to include the other phases of the MLC.
The IIoT Exemplar Module or Framework Model is impressive and substantive model which provide supporting information for developing a MLC/MVC Digital Mine Blueprint.
The RTIMS DX (Business Case Validation Tool) enables the user to evaluate the impact that digital initiatives have on the entire mining enterprise. The Business Case Validation Tool is also a Digital Analytics Platform, but its strength is its business analytics functionality, rather than the geospatial analytics of the Esri SA Digital Analytics Platform.
The RTIMS BASE platform at Stellenbosch University is an integration platform. Its development relies on sensor data to test its interface with platforms such as ODAP. The Business Reference Model consists of Business Function and Processes.
The RTIMS Use Cases Portal on TMM L9 project focuses on vehicle safety and health issues.
The following governance systems were established:
With industry requiring advanced AI functionality, the ODAP faces a closing window of opportunity. The ODAP platform requires testing using real-time data and is included in a portfolio of RTIMS projects. Other technologies with potential for data integration can be invited to provide more options and learning opportunities. The RTIMS PM and TSC should consider three options:
The South African mining sector needs a standardised Mining Data Depository and Use Cases for capacity development and innovation. This system should integrate siloed systems into a system of systems, enabling new insights, standardized work, and real-time decision-making. The ODAP should be an open, visual, and real-time business development system tailored to the sector’s needs, resulting in faster production processes and improved decision-making on key performance indicators. This readiness requires no data flow obstacles and continuous data updating.
CSIR
The report outlines the progress of the AIOT2 WP3 milestone, which focuses on developing a Security Maturity Model (SMM) tailored for IoT in the mining extraction process. The goal is to align South African mining edge-tier security with the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA) Security Framework. The project, led by the CSIR Advanced Internet of Things (AIOT) group, involves collaboration with national and international mining security experts. A draft of the SMM has been completed, with ongoing refinements planned before final publication.
Problem Statement
The digitization of mining processes through IoT has introduced vulnerabilities, particularly in cyber-physical systems (CPS) used for industrial control. The mining environment faces unique challenges, such as reliance on outdated Operational Technology (OT), safety standards, and the difficulty of retrofitting security measures. These factors increase the risk of cyber-physical attacks, threatening data integrity, availability, and confidentiality. There is a need for a standardized security framework to address these challenges while complying with industry and regulatory requirements.
Methodology
The research involved:
1. State of the Art (SoTA) Evaluation: Assessing existing security technologies and standards in the South African mining sector.
2. Consultation with Experts: Engaging national and international leaders in mining security to gather insights.
3. Development of SMM: Adapting the Industrial IoT Consortium’s (IIC) SMM to the mining context, focusing on governance, enablement, and hardening domains. The model includes four levels of comprehensiveness (Minimum, Ad hoc, Consistent, Formalized) and three scopes (General, Industry-specific, System-specific).
Findings
– The SMM provides a non-prescriptive framework for mines to assess and improve their security maturity.
– Specialized adjustments were made to address mining-specific challenges, such as safety standards and legacy OT systems.
– The model allows mines to track security improvements across technology upgrades without disclosing proprietary information.
– Limitations include the SMM’s non-certification status and the need for further refinement to address highly specialized mining needs.
Value to Mining Industry
– Standardization: Unifies security practices across mining houses nationally and internationally.
– Compliance: Helps mines align with IIRA and other international security standards.
– Risk Mitigation: Provides a pathway to enhance security against cyber-physical threats.
– Continuous Improvement: Enables mines to track and upgrade security measures over time.
Conclusion
The IoT SMM Mining Extraction Profile offers a practical tool for mines to evaluate and enhance their security maturity. While the draft is complete, further refinements and industry feedback (e.g., through workshops with SAMI Cyber experts) will ensure its applicability. The SMM is poised to play a critical role in securing IoT-enabled mining operations, balancing safety, compliance, and technological advancement.
Esri SA
The KnowMore portal offers a central and easy-to-use solution that pulls together important information from content all over the Mandela Mining Precinct. It’s designed to make finding information much simpler by acting as a single search point for various documents and data. This means you won’t have to hunt through different systems, saving you time and effort. The portal also prevents duplicate information and is built to grow, so it can include new research and documents in the future without replacing any of our existing tools. Essentially, KnowMore improves how we share and access knowledge, helping everyone make better decisions.
The KnowMore portal is a centralized, scalable knowledge management solution built upon the existing Esri software environment hosted for the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP). Its core technical function is to aggregate and present diverse content from the MMP’s knowledge framework and integrate with real-world use cases. Designed with an improved User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX), it acts as a centralized search gateway to underlying content residing on various platforms, rather than duplicating information. This approach ensures interoperability with existing systems while providing a scalable architecture capable of incorporating future external knowledge sources such as research papers and models, thereby streamlining content discovery and accessibility for all stakeholders
The SAIMM Digital Transformation Conference featured a series of insightful presentations, with a strong focus on digital innovations in mining. A key highlight was Session 1, led by M. Auret (RTIMS Programme Manager, Mandela Mining Precinct), along with other notable contributions from the Mandela Mining Precinct team.
Session 1: Digital infrastructure; M. Auret – Mandela Mining Precinct RTIMS Programme
Title: Digital infrastructure
The Session provided an in-depth overview of the RTIMS initiative, a flagship programme at the Mandela Mining Precinct aimed at modernizing South Africa’s mining sector through digital transformation. Key points included:
Key insights included:
Marius emphasized that RTIMS is a critical enabler of Mining 4.0, helping South African mines remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Other notable Mandela Mining Precinct funded presentations:
Conclusion The Mandela Mining Precinct’s presentations underscored its leadership in mining digitalization, with RTIMS at the core. Session 1 set the tone for the conference, demonstrating how real-time data, AI, and IoT are revolutionizing mining efficiency and safety. Other presentations reinforced the Precinct’s holistic approach, covering digital twins, IoT, AI, and workforce development.
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