Automation of S. Africa’s Platinum Mines Still Far Off

Mining Weekly reported that the increasing wage costs and labor strikes in South Africa have made automating the platinum mines a more viable option however at the moment, it seems unlikely to happen due to the weak prices of the metal and tough underground conditions.

As quoted in the market news:

Mechanising the traditional drill-and-blast process would, in theory, improve safety, reduce costs and help resolve some of the social problems associated with a labour-intensive industry that moves tens of thousands of men from distant villages to live in hostels in South Africa’s platinum belt.

Click here to read the full Mining Weekly report.