Three concept designs for a new rock drill that is set to disrupt the mining industry were revealed at the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) on 25 October 2018. Following a nationwide initiative to gather concept designs for a new rock drill, the MMP is proud to announce three winning entries submitt...
CSIR develops cutting-edge technologies to improve safety in mines
Rock-falls are the top safety issue in mines. The inaccessibility of some areas underground makes it difficult and dangerous for inspections to take place after blasting. Today, 24 July, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) showcased some of the latest technologies to support...
CSIR releases a scientific report on the Knysna-Elandskraal fire
Strong bergwind conditions coupled with very dry vegetation most probably resulted in the flare-up of a lightning-induced smouldering fire on the morning of 7 June 2017 in the Elandskraal region, northwest of Knysna, resulting in one of the worst fire disasters in South Africa’s history. This is ...
Water security: Towards a definition
How would you define water security? Is it the constant flow of water from the taps in your home or do you feel secure knowing that rain has been forecast and the dam supplying your region is full? CSIR water experts conducted a qualitative interview-based analysis to determine a definition of wa...
Activating minds for mines: Mining simulation centre adds value to the Mandela Mining Precinct
An innovative mining simulation centre based at the Mandela Mining Precinct, at the CSIR in Johannesburg, is set to fast-track South Africa’s mining sector to adopt Industry 4.0 principles as it activates minds for mines. SiMINE – a first for South Africa – is aimed at senior executives in the se...
African biodiversity and ecosystem services in decline: Expert findings in landmark three-year assessment reports
The world’s first comprehensive, evidence-based regional assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services for Africa compiled by over 100 leading experts, including CSIR biodiversity experts, across 45 countries was approved by the governments of 129 member nations. The Africa regional assessmen...
Atlas to help South Africa’s sectors respond to climate change
The second edition of an atlas showing South Africa’s vulnerability to climate change has been launched in Johannesburg, to help the country’s economic and social sectors take informed decisions to avoid risks related to climate change. Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Resea...
CSIR showcases tech for mining safety at the Mining Indaba
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) showcases some of the latest technologies to improve safety in the mining sector. These innovative technologies will be displayed at the Mining Indaba taking place in Cape Town from Monday, 5 to Thursday, 8 February 2018. The Inaccessibili...
1 000 students later: A celebration of 10 years of the Habitable Planet Workshop Series
“Through the Habitable Planet Workshops, I realised that there is a purpose out there for this young black girl from the deep rural farms of the Eastern Cape,” said Zanele Xelelo, a long-standing participant of the Applied Centre for Climate and Earth System Science’s (ACCESS) Habitable Planet Wo...
Monetary impact of aphids on small grains in the Western Cape smaller than researchers expected
CSIR research to determine the monetary value of the impact of aphids on selected commercial small grains in the Western Cape concluded that aphid-related problems is insignificant from a financial perspective. Aphids (commonly referred to as plant lice) are small insects that suck sap from plant...