Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Mining

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 11
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The use of 4IR technology in accelerating net zero transition in the South African mining industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Belur, Ramaprasad Deepak; Lee, Gregory John
    This quantitative study aimed to assess the impact of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology adoption on the ability of South African mining companies to accelerate their transition to net zero, focusing specifically on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There has been an urgent need to research the nature of association, and if so, the impact of such association between rate of adoption of 4IR technology's ability to accelerate net zero transition, given the new challenges in the South African mining sector in the wake of the phase 2 carbon tax regime. Through a comprehensive survey, desktop analysis and subsequent statistical analysis involving multiple mining entities across South Africa, this study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between 4IR technology maturity and the efficacy of GHG emission reduction strategies, thereby accelerating net zero transition. The study revealed a complex relationship between 4IR maturity and GHG emissions, moderated by organisations' access to financial and skill resources. Contrary to expectations, no significant direct indirect linear relationship was found between aspects of 4IR maturity and GHG emissions. The research suggests a moderate, statistically insignificant negative association, which becomes more pronounced and statistically significant when considering organisations' financial status and employee size. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional method using a non- experimental approach and focused on establishing the corelation between two key variables namely, 4IR maturity and acceleration of net zero transition through GHG reduction. The causality of these two variables was not investigated. The study was undertaken by choosing a sample which was representative of the JSE listed mining companies. Hence extended population of global mining organisation needs to consider specific regional considerations before generalising the findings. iii By emphasising the crucial relationship between technological innovation and climate change mitigation, these findings not only advance our understanding of technology's role in environmental sustainability within the mining sector, but also provide useful information to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability strategists. This work offers a fundamental structure for subsequent investigations and tactical planning with the objective of harnessing 4IR developments to promote a more ecologically conscious and sustainable mining sector in South Africa
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Improving the Productivity of the Styldrift Platinum Mine using the Theory of Constraints
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tingini, Tinotenda Lionel
    The purpose of this research was to apply Theory of Constraints (TOC) to identify constraints affecting the Styldrift mine’s productivity and develop strategies on how TOC can be used to improve productivity in operations. Due to limitations in resources, the study was focused only on one crew. To identify the constraints limiting production at Styldrift mine, time and motion studies were conducted for a period of a month. The data was collected from direct observations as well as end of shift production reports. Control charts were then used to summarise the observations of the time and motion studies for each critical activity in each shift. The data from the Control charts was then analysed to identify the constraints. From the Control Charts, it was observed that the main constraint limiting productivity at the crew was the issue of blockages, as it contributed the most (42%) to the factors affecting production. After identifying the main constraint, a root cause analysis was conducted using TOC’s Current Reality Tree (CRT). The root cause analysis identified the mine’s cost cutting drives, the role of the union, long working hours, the mine’s local empowerment policies, and the utilization of the axess rig for other task other than the installation of secondary support, as the core problems leading to the blockages. To develop strategies to solve these core problems, the TOC’s Evaporating Cloud (EC) thought process (TP) tool was applied to come up with more optimal solutions to the identified problems. A Future Reality Tree (FRT) was then constructed using the EC. This research illustrated how the TOC’s thought process tools such as the EC, CRT and FRT can be applied in the mining context to identify constraints limiting productivity and develop strategies to exploit and eliminate those constraints. It however did not manage to illustrate explicitly how the five focus steps of TOC can be applied to improve productivity in the mining context. This is an area further research can focus on
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Assessment of alternative funding models for the rehabilitation of derelict & ownerless mines in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Ndlovu, Flacco; Wotela, Kambidima; Julia, Mdzikwa
    Limited funding hampers the pace of derelict mine rehabilitation in South Africa. This leads to their perpetual existence and continued negative impacts on surrounding communities. This research aimed to investigate alternative funding models, assess their utility and potential replication from the perspective of industry stakeholders. A cross- sectional study using both closed and open-ended questionnaires; was conducted. The study found preferred funding models to be government-issued bonds, impact bonds, green bonds, sovereign bonds, and sustainability linked bonds. Research findings were thus used to provide recommendations of alternative funding models that can be considered in derelict mine rehabilitation projects in South Africa
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effects of cognitive biases and heuristics on mining equipment selection on platinum mines in Rustenburg, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramaphakela, Thabo; Stacey, Anthony
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of cognitive bias and heuristics on mining equipment selection, on platinum mines in Rustenburg South Africa. Shaft Engineers, Procurement Manger and Engineering Managers from Rustenburg platinum mines were the participants in the study. A total number of eight interviews were conducted on five mines around Rustenburg. The exploratory design and qualitative approach were used in the study. Interpretive phenomenological and semi-structured interviews approach were used. Open ended question were asked, these kinds of questions allowed the participants to engage and participate effectively. The information was analysed using a thematic approach. Heuristics and bias across life span of a decision maker, have influence in the decision-making ability of the decision maker. Engineering Managers and Shaft Engineers are not immune from cognitive bias, heuristics, and their effects during mining equipment selection. Managers must be rational when selecting mining equipment, but the research indicate that under limited time and lack of information, managers turn to cognitive biasness and heuristics (“Mind shot cut”) during decision making. The study shows that the participants with more experience used fewer heuristics than those with less, especially when the stakes were high. These support that the decision maker who have high cognitive level (Knowledge) use their intuitive “gutfeel” to take a calculated risk. The "bounded rationality" of decision-makers has been acknowledged by decision theories, as having cognitive constraints. People tend to attribute meaning to changes based on their own set of beliefs, perspectives, and conceptions
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Cultural factors hindering mining technology adoption in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mokgatla, Tshidiso; Wotela, Kambidima
    The performance of South Africa’s mining industry shows a downward trend, with traditional mining practices not suitable to produce minerals economically. The current conditions require technological innovations to safely mine the ore reserves efficiently and cost-effectively. This quantitative cross-sectional study explored possible cultural factors to determine whether they can explain the variance in the behavioural intentions of users to adopt technology in the context of South Africa’s mining industry and to assist the adopters of technology to increase the rate of adoption. The study explored the research hypotheses to determine whether the additional variables can further explain the variance in the behavioural intentions to adopt technological innovations. A random sampling technique was utilised for the study; research respondents consisted of both males and females working across organisational structures in the South African mining industry. The data were analysed using SPSS and applied descriptive statistics to test a proposed model for accepting technology in the South African mining industry. The study provides recommendations and the results of the study add to the body of knowledge in the field of technology acceptance.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Enterprise and supplier development as a sustainability construct in mining communities
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mashego, Lesego; Totowa, Jackques
    Sustainability is an integral part of mining in South Africa as the sector grapples with criticism that enough is not being done to support development of mining communities. Enterprise and supplier development (ESD) is one of the ways in which the mining sector contributes to development of businesses operating in the host communities as well as those supplying the operations. These activities are intended to promote entrepreneurship and enable these enterprises to create jobs through provision of support, training, mentorship and funding. This paper investigated whether mining companies’ ESD programmes and the way they are implemented contribute to sustainable enterprises and suppliers in South African mining communities. This was done by analysing content of several reports of mining companies to establish the intention of these companies with respect to establishment of these programmes and the outcomes they are achieving. This was then followed by interviews with beneficiaries of this programmes to gauge whether there is alignment between the companies and the beneficiaries in terms of what constitutes sustainability as well as to determine whether the beneficiaries find value in these activities. With the research questions aimed at accessing thoughts, feelings, experiences and opinions of research participants, the research methodology employed was qualitative. These were then analysed, common themes established and interpretations made around these themes were discussed. A notable finding is that while there is an agreement in terms of what constitutes sustainability, there is a challenge in terms of access to markets – i.e. the exposure and possible exploitation of available supply chain opportunities by these enterprises to enable them to grow
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The impact of employee engagement on performance in the South African gold mining industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Rusere, Jeremy; Larbi, Lee
    The purpose of the study was to evaluate factors that influence employee engagement at five gold mining companies in South Africa as well as to determine the effect of employee engagement on employee performance. Additionally, the research aimed to recommend strategies that promote employee engagement at the concerned companies. The research followed a quantitative approach, whereby data collection was by means of a questionnaire distributed online to 600 participants out of which 329 participants provided valid responses. Standard multiple linear regression was applied to the data set to determine the cause-and-effect relationships between eight predictors (compensation, work from home, work environment, organisational policies, training and career development, team and co-worker relationship, employee wellbeing and leadership) and employee engagement. Similarly, the research applied multiple regression analysis to establish the influence of employee engagement on employee performance. The research found that compensation as well as work from home were statistically significant and positively predicted employee engagement. Based on these findings, this empirical work recommended executives of the five gold mining companies to review compensation of the workforce with a view to drive employee engagement in this economically crucial industry
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The perception of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the production in South African mines
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ledwaba, Solomon
    The aim of the study was to explore the perception of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production process performance in the mining industries at selected mines in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative research methodology, and a sample of 110 employees at the selected mines in South Africa, consisting of 60 mine workers, 10 information technology employees, 10 middle managers, 10 operations managers, 10 health and safety personnel, and 10 executive officers were drawn using a simple random sampling approach. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert Scale. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 4.1. Findings from the study reveal that employee level of awareness of the concept of 4IR and associated technologies had a significant impact on how employees perceived the current 4IR strategies. Though findings show that a high percentage of employees were involved in the 4IR strategy development process, most believe that the current 4IR strategies and practices did not fully represent the interests of all stakeholders. While some were of the perception that the strategies and practices were designed to improve productivity and reduce employment costs, others believe that it puts workers’ jobs at risk, as mines had started replacing humans with 4IR technologies such as robots and drones. However, findings reveal that the adoption of the 4IR technologies according to the perception of employees, has improved health and safety within the mines
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Leadership coaching and transformation in the South African mining sector
    (2022) Sibindi, Mandlenkosi
    Transformation in the South African mining sector is moving at a slow pace. This study was to determine how the sector used leadership coaching to resolve its reported transformation challenges. The data for this study was collected through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was used for the data analysis. The population consisted of human resources managers, coaches and coachees from the mining sector. The key findings from the research were that leadership coaching is used as a support structure for Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) identified for transformation vacancies. However, leadership coaching was not the only intervention used and there are other success factors necessary for leadership coaching and transformation to thrive. There are also barriers that hinder transformation and coaching within the mining sector. While research has been conducted on transformation and coaching, it has mostly focused broadly on all industries and not specifically on the mining sector. It is envisioned that this research will contribute towards the body of knowledge in this regard. It is also envisaged that this study will provide a better understanding of the impact of coaching on sustainable transformation in the mining sector.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Transversality and innovation capability-based catch-up for sustainable mining in South Africa
    (2021) Thorulsley, Mahendren
    The study examines a cross-cutting innovation system, centred around the precious metals mining sector of South Africa which experiences unique challenges, requiring effort to improve the level of capability for catch-up. It explores the possibility of transversality across the mining and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors for enabling catch-up and attempts to uncover promising windows of opportunity for leapfrogging in the mining sector. The theoretical concept of transversality examines the possibility of synthesis and cross-fertilisation from knowledge spillovers of firms, clusters, industries and sectors in a regional innovation system (RIS) that leads to innovation. The type of knowledge interaction and the variety inherent in the system is studied to determine the possibility of path interdependent knowledge recombination. Technological capability as well as the firm environment play a significant role in the catch-up process, and the study examines the role of Public Research Organisations (PRO) and other research institutions in building capability to embrace advanced technologies for that purpose. A qualitative methodology is adopted to analyse data collected from mines, PROs, research institutions, and a start-up in the regional innovation system. This is contrasted with existing literature to postulate the possible path to catch-up. If was found that mining in South Africa experiences unique challenges that will require a new path to catch-up, especially for deep level mining. Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies represent a new technological paradigm and are being embraced, largely through direct adoption, though the technologies are also applied to solve the unique challenges the sector experiences. Several challenges pose barriers for the adoption of 4IR technologies, especially in deep level mining. However, these are the subject of ongoing research. Technological capability is built through research at universities and research institutions as well as in a doing, using, interacting model (DUI) through adoption at mines. However, the firm environment poses several challenges that must be solved at country level. Opportunities for leapfrogging have also been identified