Sibanye-Stillwater partners with UJ to launch advanced mining facility and sustainable research hub

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • Sibanye-Stillwater invested R43 million ($2.4 million) in UJ's Simulacrum Mining Facility for immersive training.
  • The company committed R12.75 million ($701, 265) to the Center for Sustainable Mining for research in 4IR technologies.
  • A decade-long partnership with UJ has seen more than R55 million ($3 million) invested in mining innovation.

Sibanye-Stillwater, one of South Africa’s leading mining companies  led by Neal Froneman,, has partnered with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to launch two groundbreaking initiatives that promise to redefine the future of mining education and sustainability. The unveiling of the Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum Mining Facility and the Sibanye-Stillwater Center for Sustainable Mining begins a major milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development. Both facilities, located on UJ’s Doornfontein Campus, bring cutting-edge technologies and advanced research to the forefront of mining in South Africa.

A high-tech mining facility to revolutionize training

The Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum Mining Facility is a revolutionary addition to mining education and training. Constructed with a R43-million ($2.4 million) investment from Sibanye-Stillwater, the facility replicates real-world underground mining conditions, offering a controlled environment where students, researchers, and professionals can gain practical experience.

The Simulacrum features a vertical mine shaft, realistic mine tunnels, and stope environments, along with a rescue chamber for emergency training. Advanced Virtual Reality (VR) systems are integrated into the facility, immersing users in realistic mining scenarios and enabling them to analyze real-time data. These technologies eliminate traditional challenges such as safety concerns, travel restrictions, and logistical constraints, while still providing hands-on experience that mirrors actual mining operations. Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, emphasized the significance of the facility by stating that its purpose is to equip South Africa’s mining professionals with the skills and innovation needed to remain globally competitive.

Pioneering sustainable mining research

In addition to the Simulacrum, the partnership has resulted in the creation of the Sibanye-Stillwater Center for Sustainable Mining. With a R12.75 million ($701, 265) commitment from Sibanye-Stillwater for the 2024–2026 period, the center will focus on postgraduate research aimed at integrating advanced technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) into mining practices.

The center is set to explore areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR), and solutions to reduce environmental impact while improving safety and operational efficiency. Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ, noted that the center bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, ensuring that UJ’s students are well-prepared to address the complexities of modern mining. He added that the partnership aligns perfectly with UJ’s mission to drive innovation and sustainability in education and research.

A decade-long partnership built on innovation

This collaboration builds on a relationship between Sibanye-Stillwater and UJ that has spanned more than a decade. Over the past ten years, the partnership has seen more than R55 million ($3 million) invested in research, training, and the development of new technologies, making it a prime example of how academia and industry can work together to address pressing challenges.

Professor Hennie Grobler, head of UJ’s Department of Mining Engineering, highlighted how the Simulacrum is designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. By combining academic insights with practical solutions, the facility ensures that graduates are not only prepared for a technology-driven future but are also equipped to contribute to a safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining sector.

Advancing Sibanye-Stillwater’s sustainability goals

The launch of these facilities is part of Sibanye-Stillwater’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in sustainable and innovative mining. This initiative follows the company’s recent collaboration with C5 Capital to explore advanced nuclear energy opportunities, leveraging its uranium reserves to supply Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of the global clean energy transition.

Despite facing financial challenges, including a reported R7.14-billion ($379 million) loss in the first half of 2024, Sibanye-Stillwater has continued to push forward with key projects that align with its vision for a sustainable future. This includes securing a wage deal with South African gold workers, ensuring stability in its operations and workforce.

With the launch of the Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum Mining Facility and the Center for Sustainable Mining, Sibanye-Stillwater continues to set the benchmark for innovation and sustainability in mining. These initiatives reaffirm the company’s leadership in the sector while contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for the industry and its workforce.