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South Africa\u2019s mining sector may have recorded its lowest fatality rate in 2024, but with 30 deaths reported so far in 2025, companies are pursuing new approaches to achieve \u201czero harm.\u201d Impala Platinum (Implats) is among the firms turning to artificial intelligence to strengthen safety at its Rustenburg operations in the North West.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to mine without loss of life. We need to be able to mine or extract our minerals safely,\u201d Implats CEO Moses Motlhageng said.<\/p>\n
Motlhageng believes AI could play a critical role in reducing human error \u2014 a major factor in mine accidents. \u201cWe\u2019ve learned recently that the use of AI can also assist us quite a lot in terms of removing human error in some of the safety systems, safety processes and systems that we are using,\u201d he said. Implats plans to accelerate investment in AI pilots to determine whether the technology can support safer extraction.<\/p>\n
The renewed focus on safety follows a 2023 elevator-shaft accident at the Rustenburg mine that killed 13 miners \u2014 11 at the scene and two in the hospital. Former Implats CEO Nico Muller called it the \u201cdarkest day\u201d in the company\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
Despite industry-wide progress, Implats\u2019 move reflects a broader shift toward using technology to prevent future tragedies and achieve safer mining conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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