Mineral resources

Published research highlights

	New airborne geophysical data from the Waterberg Coalfield – South Africa’s major future energy source South Africa’s current coal source will be exhausted in the next century – new airborne data sheds new light on an alternative energy source.

	Borehole radar as a tool to optimise mine layout and production CSIR researchers have developed a ground penetrating radar applied from within a borehole. It is used in mines to determine the reef continuity and geometry, enabling the mines to better plan their production.

	AziSa: An architecture for underground measurement and control networks To make our mines safer and more productive, CSIR researchers have developed a technology architecture that will help mines make better use of information obtained underground, where there is limited power and communications infrastructure.

	Geophysical techniques for the delineation of SA orebodies The geophysical techniques considered for the Bushveld Complex (platinum) and the Witwatersrand Basin (gold), are electrical resistance tomography (ERT), borehole radar, and ground penetrating radar (GPR).

	Borehole radar system for South African gold and platinum mines Aardwolf BR40 is a borehole radar system specifically designed for routine application in the delineation of orebody geometry, typically the reef horizons on South African gold and platinum mines.

	The risks posed by large seismic events in the SA gold mining districts The magnitude 5.3 seismic event in March 2005 in Klerksdorp could be ascribed to past mining. While the Klerksdorp and Free State gold mining districts are incorporating the risks of seismicity in their disaster management plans, Johannesburg is urged to do likewise.