This article was written by the Council for Scientific Research (CSIR).
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through the Mandela Mining Precinct’s Advanced Orebody Knowledge Programme, has successfully completed an underground proof-of-concept field test of an innovative acoustic rock-sounding application at Harmony Gold’s Mponeng Mine.
The field trial was concluded on 16 July 2026 in collaboration with the mine’s Rock Engineering team and marks an important step towards the digitalisation of underground workplace examination and fall-of-ground risk management practices.
Barring and rock sounding remain critical activities used by mineworkers to identify and remove potentially loose or hazardous rock.
While experienced personnel are highly skilled in recognising sounding responses, interpretation can vary between individuals and may be influenced by environmental conditions such as underground noise and fatigue.
The acoustic rock-sounding application aims to support existing workplace examination practices by providing a consistent, data-driven assessment of acoustic responses generated when rock is struck during sounding activities.
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