Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique

South Africa faces escalating water scarcity due to persistent challenges in water availability, posing significant operational risks to the platinum mining industry. Reliable water supply is critical for productivity, economic performance, and the sustainability of platinum mine shafts. Understanding water requirements and prioritizing effective management are therefore essential for operational resilience. Effective water management involves identifying inefficiencies, setting performance standards, and driving continuous improvement. Benchmarking offers a robust method to assess current and potential performance, yet its application to water reticulation systems in platinum mines is limited by a lack of industry-specific guidance. This study addresses this gap by applying structured benchmarking techniques to water usage in platinum mines through a multiple case study approach. The evaluation follows three key steps: firstly, assessing the performance of individual shafts; secondly, comparing shafts to highlight significant differences; and thirdly, identifying improvement opportunities based on internal comparisons and industry benchmarks. Potable- and service water usage was benchmarked against production, revealing variations of up to 51% in potable water and 34% in service water. These findings identify opportunities to reduce potable water consumption by 1–51% and service water by 9–34%. Based on these results, recommendations for further analysis include exploring enhanced leak management, addressing misuse of chilled and cooling water, optimizing dust suppression, controlling water supply during non-peak shifts, and closing inactive areas to achieve these potential savings. This study demonstrates the value of structured benchmarking in uncovering water performance gaps. By providing a practical framework for monitoring and enhancing water efficiency, it fosters improved water stewardship and supports the long-term sustainability of platinum mining operations in South Africa’s water-constrained environment.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stelelnbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Korkie, Jane-Pierre

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gous, Andries Gustav Stephanus

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136196

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136196