The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Sibanye-Stillwater launched the Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum mining facility, and the Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for Sustainable Mining on Friday.
The Simulacrum is a modern mining facility built on the UJ Campus in Doornfontein with the support of Sibanye-Stillwater. It features a vertical shaft, mine tunnels, stope environments, a rescue chamber, and extensive virtual reality infrastructure to simulate an underground mining environment.
The R43 million investment made by Sibanye-Stillwater allows UJ students, researchers, and academics to experience underground mining conditions and conduct innovative research in a controlled environment.
The partners also unveiled the Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for sustainable mining, which will focus on postgraduate research and practices integrating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies.
The Centre will contribute to studies that improve mining efficiency and sustainability. Sibanye-Stillwater will contribute R12.75 million to fund the activities of the Centre, covering the period from 2024 to 2026.
The partnership between UJ and Sibanye-Stillwater spans more than 10 years, with over R55 million invested in research and development, new technologies and practical training for mining students.
The Simulacrum transforms how mining professionals are trained, combining a physical mine simulation — including tunnels, a vertical mine shaft, and a stope with immersive Virtual reality (VR) technology.
This advanced facility replicates real mining environments and displays real-time data, allowing students and researchers to gain insights previously only accessible through on-site mining visits.
The simulation overcomes challenges such as safety restrictions, travel limitations, and capacity constraints often faced in practical mining education.
“The future of our industry depends on innovation, skilled professionals, and a commitment to finding safer and more productive ways to mine.
“These world-class facilities will support the development of skills and expertise needed for the mining industry in South Africa to remain globally competitive and to maintain its critical role in the South African economy and society.
“These facilities will drive innovation in the industry and provide mining students with practical training in a modern, controlled environment, ensuring they are adequately equipped to drive the future success of the industry,” said Neal Froneman, Sibanye-Stillwater CEO.
This partnership positions UJ as a key contributor to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) in mining, integrating Extended Reality (XR), VR, and Mixed Reality (MR) to develop safer and more productive mining practices.
Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasised the university’s role in educational advancements: “The Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum enhances the learning experience by connecting theoretical knowledge with practical training. Our partnership allows students to better understand practical mining aspects.
“The Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for Sustainable Mining will focus on postgraduate research, integrating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies to improve mining efficiency and sustainability.”
Professor Hennie Grobler, Head of UJ’s Department of Mining Engineering, highlighted how the simulation mine supports UJ’s strategic approach to research and innovation in academia.
“This partnership ensures that we are developing specialised skills as we move deeper into the fourth industrial revolution. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are better preparing graduates for a technology-driven future.”
He added: “Our partnership is dedicated to exploring digital innovations that reduce mining risk and maximise operational efficiency, thus securing a brighter, more sustainable future for the industry and its workforce.”
The collaboration exemplifies the way in which partnerships between industry and academia can elevate educational standards, fostering shared value and contributing to the development of essential skills.