In any transformative initiative, understanding the “why and how” is crucial for success. This is precisely the purpose of Work Package 3 (WP3): Strategic Co-Creation and Value Extraction. This work package focuses on ensuring that our efforts in Real-Time Information Management Strategies (RTIMS) not only deliver technological solutions but also generate clear business outcomes and demonstrable value.
At its core, Strategic Co-Creation and Value Extraction is about fostering powerful partnerships. It involves bringing together diverse stakeholders, including mining companies, technology providers, researchers, and other key players, to collaboratively identify innovative and sustainable approaches to real-time information management. This collaborative environment is essential for developing solutions that are not just technically sound, but also deeply relevant and impactful to the mining industry.
The process within WP3 is structured to translate the potential of RTIMS data into tangible business results. This includes several key activities:
Ultimately, WP3 ensures that the deployment of RTIMS is not just a technological implementation but a strategic endeavor focused on extracting maximum value and driving the desired business transformation.
Digital Twin Consulting Services
This project aimed at increasing awareness of RTIMS developments among South African miners and mining technology developers, while generating excitement around the value of data and the potential of RTIMS solutions.
Additionally, the campaign sought to generate leads within the target market and connect RTIMS solution partners to promote adoption and uptake. Our strategy employed a multi-phase approach that intertwines the awareness and engagement phases, seamlessly building interest and interaction before ultimately driving conversion
The campaign demonstrated sustained visibility, strong audience interaction, and effective content strategies, reinforcing RTIMS as a thought leader in digital mining innovations.
Solution / Innovation
The campaign generated 2,301 impressions, 589 engagements, and 507 clicks across three posts.
The highest-performing post was the ODAP carousel, which drove significant engagement and interest.
RIIS
Desktop study around convergence and impacts of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Digitalisation (DX) and Circular Economy (CE) in the Mining Secto
Problem / opportunity
Focuses on the convergence of ESG, CE practices, and DX within the South African mining sector. Understand the current progression of South African mining companies towards their ESG, CE, and DX goals.
Capability assessments employed to measure the maturity of ESG, CE, and DX implementation within mining companies.
Solution / Innovation
Reporting frameworks used to track progress in ESG, CE, and DX, ESG, CE, and DX maturity assessment template
RIIS & Sarraounia
Desktop study for a digitalisation roadmap required for the adoption of smart wearables to support OHS in South Africa’s mining industry from traditional to modern mining according to three pillars:
1) Technological Advancements and Smart Wearables;
2) Digital and OHS Maturity; and
3) Policy and Regulation.
Develop a roadmap to represent the digital transformation required for the adoption of smart wearables to support occupational health and safety (OHS) in South Africa’s mining industry, particularly focusing on the gold and platinum sectors.
The objectives will contribute to aligning the SAMI to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, formulating a framework for understanding the impact of DX on OHS (including worker and regulator perspectives on DX and OHS new technologies such as smart wearables; the interface between DX, modernised work processes and OHS; ethical and reporting opportunities and dilemmas, legal compliance and OHS), as well as enabling modernisation of the SAMI
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, IIC and DTC
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
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:
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.
Miniserv – Mineral Development & Research Services
MMP, PwC and Minerals Council South Africa
The state of digital transformation in the South African mining industry
The state of digital transformation in the South African mining industry: Ten insights into 4IR 2023 report is now available. The report provides new insights, validates existing insights from the previous report, and articulates the mining industry’s commitment to using digitalisation and technology for the ultimate creation of business value in the mining sector.
The Minerals Council South Africa, in collaboration with PwC and the Mandela Mining Precinct, launched its first study into ‘the State of Digitalisation and 4IR in SA Mining’, in 2020. The study’s findings were summarised in ten insights. These insights were globally well received and disseminated.
The 2020 Study focused on digital transformation and 4IR readiness. The 2022 study was expanded to include ESG aspects into the study to bring the industry in line with what is expected of companies in the modern world.
Leading Edge Only (LEO)
The project focuses on the Innovation Network and Management by Leading Edge Only (LEO).
The primary aim was to establish a global knowledge transfer mechanism by setting up an innovation network for the Mandela Mining Precinct’s RTIMS programme. This was achieved by subscribing to LEO’s online innovation management platform.
The key outcome was that the RTIMS (MMP) was granted a subscription to LEO’s online platform. This subscription allows the programme to:
a global community of innovators. This tool is intended to help source solutions for specific mining industry challenges by facilitating collaboration and co-creation
The project was completed, providing the RTIMS programme with a structured digital platform to connect with a global community of innovators. This tool is intended to help source solutions for specific mining industry challenges by facilitating collaboration and co-creation.
SAIMM Digital Transformation Conference Programme
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.
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 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:
1- Digital Twins for Mine Optimization
– Explored how virtual replicas of mining systems improve planning and real-time adjustments.
2 – IoT and Sensor Networks in Underground Mining
– Highlighted advancements in real-time environmental monitoring (gas, temperature, stability) for safer operations.
3 – AI-Driven Mineral Processing
– Discussed how machine learning models optimize ore sorting and processing efficiency.
4 – Workforce Upskilling for Digital Mining
– Addressed the need for training programs to prepare miners for new technologies like RTIMS and automation.
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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