3536 The Potential of 4IR Technologies to Mitigate Risk in Mine Residue Management

Authors

  • Gustav Michiel Rohde Gustav Michiel Rohde received the B.Eng civil engineering degree from Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. He further completed short courses in geotechnical engineering from the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, while completing an M.Eng in industrial engineering from Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Coenraad Petrus Bester Coenraad Petrus Bester received the B.Sc.Eng. degree in electronics from the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, the B.Eng.(Hons.) degree in electronic engineering from the University of Potchefstroom, Potchefstroom, South Africa, a MBA degree from the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, a Ph.D. degree in industrial engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a Post Graduate Diploma in futures studies from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa. He completed the Owner/President Manager Program with Harvard Business School, USA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/

Abstract

A major challenge in the mining sector is the responsible management and efficient storage of mine residue. Over recent years numerous tailings dams have experienced unintended spills and failures, with severe consequences to the mining industry, the environment, local communities and the regional economy.

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is impacting society due to increased interconnectivity, processing speed, and automated technologies. This paper explores whether 4IR technologies have the potential to mitigate risks associated with tailings dams.

Experts in the field of tailings dam operational management were surveyed to determine their view on the risks associated with tailings dams and the potential of 4IR technologies to mitigate these risks. The survey found that a majority of experts believe that certain 4IR technologies have the potential to reduce the risks associated with tailings dam failures.

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Author Biographies

  • Gustav Michiel Rohde, Gustav Michiel Rohde received the B.Eng civil engineering degree from Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. He further completed short courses in geotechnical engineering from the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, while completing an M.Eng in industrial engineering from Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
    He is currently employed as a civil engineer at a mine residue consulting company, Epoch Resources (Pty) Ltd. Research interests include fourth industrial revolution technologies, technology adoption, and technology lifecycles.
  • Coenraad Petrus Bester, Coenraad Petrus Bester received the B.Sc.Eng. degree in electronics from the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, the B.Eng.(Hons.) degree in electronic engineering from the University of Potchefstroom, Potchefstroom, South Africa, a MBA degree from the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, a Ph.D. degree in industrial engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a Post Graduate Diploma in futures studies from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa. He completed the Owner/President Manager Program with Harvard Business School, USA.
    He is the CEO of the strategy consulting and angel investing company, Brainworks (Pty), Ltd., and in this role serves on a number of listed and unlisted company boards. His research interests include technology strategy and early phase technology startups.

Published

2026-01-19

Issue

Vol. 125 No. 5 (2025): SAIMM Journal

Section

Digitalization

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Gustav Michiel Rohde, Coenraad Petrus Bester

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