Wits Mining Institute

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About WMI

Wits Mining Institute (WMI) is one of the University’s twelve flagship institutes and serves as Africa’s leading hub for multidisciplinary mining research. Bringing together the technical, social, economic, and legal dimensions of mining, WMI provides an integrated platform for addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges. WMI has built a long‑established track record of excellence, developing expertise across mining‑related fields and driving innovation that supports a safer, more sustainable, and future‑ready mining industry.

Our Programmes

WMI’s work is anchored into 5 integrated programmes designed to respond to the current realities and emerging future needs of Africa’s mining industry.

Innovation Technology Accelerator Drives applied research in digitalisation, automation, AI, and smart mining systems, supported by demonstration labs

Responsible Mining Futures Advances ESG, environmental stewardship, mine closure, community wellbeing, and safe, inclusive practices across the mining lifecycle

Policy Research & Advisory Provides evidence_based policy insights, regulatory frameworks, and governance models for an evolving mining sector

Skills Accelerator Delivers industry_aligned postgraduate training and tailored short courses to develop a future_ready mining workforce

Continental Hub for African Green Minerals Strategy WMI being a central knowledge and coordination hub supporting Africa’s green minerals development

Our Flagship Projects

WMI has 3 flagship projects (Digital Mining Laboratory, Successful Application of Technology Centred Around People, Real Time Information Management System) which bring together digital innovation, real‑time systems, and people‑centred solutions to advance mining on the continent.

DigiMine

The Sibanye‑Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) is a state‑of‑the‑art facility that develops and tests digital mining systems, advancing the future of underground mining through simulation and smart technologies.

SATCAP

SAMERDI Research Centre that aims to contribute to a productive industry through sustainable relationships and shared value for people in a modernising minerals sector.

RTIMS

SAMERDI Research Centre that is aimed at advancing 4IR readiness through foundational digital research and real‑time data platforms that support decisions, safety, and operational performance.