• TECHNOLOGY
INNOVATION AND TECH ASSIST IN THE QUEST FOR ZERO HARM
Compiled by Sharon Mdaka, edited by Sharyn Macnamara
Much commitment, research, collaboration and brass-tacks hard work have been invested in moving towards a goal of zero harm in mining operations, with particular focus on preventing fall of ground( FoG) incidents. As the saying goes,“ one fatality is one too many”.
• Investing in training and capacity building, particularly for rock engineers, as the industry faces critical shortages due to emigration and retirement.
• Participating in industry-wide initiatives like the FOGAP, a comprehensive programme addressing FoG prevention through research, technology and best practices, and Khumbul’ ekhaya 2.0, which focuses on leadership accountability and cultural transformation to improve safety performance.
Supplied by BME
Leveraging Xplolog for smarter underground blasting operations.
It is no secret that mining carries risks, but what’ s also true is that the industry is dedicated and deeply invested in initiatives to find practical solutions to the challenges that lead to fatalities to ensure safe mining.
With the introduction of advanced support systems for blasting and AI-driven analytics, there’ s been a greater push for technological advancement in pursuit of safer operations. However, the question remains: Is the mining industry any closer to reaching its target of zero harm and how can innovation and technology help save lives while improving efficiency and sustainability?
FoG remains one of the most critical safety risks in South Africa’ s underground mining sector, warns Lerato Tsele, deputy head for Safety and Sustainable Development at the Minerals Council South Africa. Gravity-induced failures, such as loose rock or inadequate support, continue to account for the majority of incidents. In 2025 alone, gravity-related FoG incidents claimed eight lives.
The highest-risk activities occur at the stope face, particularly during entry examinations and support installation, where workers are exposed to unstable ground conditions. Seismic events and rock bursts have further compounded these risks, tragically resulting in multiple fatalities.
Tsele emphasises that mines must adopt a proactive and integrated approach to FoG risk management, which includes:
• Adopting leading practices currently being promoted under the Falls of Ground Elimination of Fatalities Action Plan( FOGAP), such as improved underground illumination, permanent aerial support, strengthened entry examination protocols and strict compliance with support standards.
Several promising technologies and trends are currently in research and pilot phases as part of FOGAP implementation. Photogrammetry for hazard detection, for example, is being developed as an early warning system for ground instability. Prototypes have shown positive results and are moving toward commercialisation.“ Research is ongoing to develop improved seismic management tools and interventions that significantly enhance the prediction and control of seismic events,” says Tsele, adding that capacity building for rock engineers remains crucial to retain critical skills for ground control.
The new-generation hydropower drill is another innovation with significant advantages. Weighing half as much as traditional pneumatic drills, it offers faster, more accurate drilling. When mounted on a drill guide, it can be operated remotely, reducing operator exposure to hazardous conditions. Tsele notes that these innovations are currently being investigated for possible promotion as leading practices for FoG risk reduction.
Exoskeletons for barring activities are also currently being piloted to reduce fatigue and improve safety during one of the most hazardous underground tasks.“ These technologies, combined with strong governance and industry collaboration, have the potential to transform FoG risk management and improve safety performance across the sector,” concludes Tsele.
Meanwhile, for companies like Duraset Strata Control, Mine Support Products( MSP) and BME, research, smarter engineering and the integration of digital intelligence underground is the way to go.
Duraset Strata Control As a solutions-driven company, Duraset Strata Control has been supplying engineered support solutions to the mining and geotechnical sectors for decades. Their head of technical and production functionalities, Gerhard de Kock, spoke to African Mining, Incorporating Mining Mirror, about the company’ s solutions for FoG incidents.
52 • African Mining • January 2026 www. africanmining. co. za