Inside the world’s deepest mechanised underground mine

South Deep showcases how the adoption of innovation and technology has become part of its everyday activities.

The adoption of innovation and technology is headlined by South Deep’s state-of-the-art surface control centre, which serves as the digital nerve centre of the mine’s activity across the value chain.

According to Johan Sliep, head: Technical and Production Intelligence Systems, Gold Fields, all areas of the mine are connected and converge in the control centre. As a result, all processes, targets, achievements and potential bottlenecks throughout the value chain are visible at any point in time from one central location. “This allows us to make quick decisions and take action to resolve any issues that may arise. In short, the use of data analytics enables us to improve safety, efficiencies and output,” explains Sliep.

South Deep has also embraced and deployed technology underground. The mine recently acquired a Rhino 100 Master Driller – a multifunctional, mobile raise borer – which allows for faster, more accurate drilling, and a much bigger breaking point for blasting in the process of long hole stoping.

“The use of technological solutions makes mining safer, smarter, more meaningful and valuable. Our employees are upskilled and provided with the necessary training and skills to perform their jobs optimally in a safer environment,” says Benford Mokoatle, VP: South Deep.

Here is a look into the world’s deepest mechanised underground mine: Credit: images