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Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique
Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Stelelnbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613845735866368 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Korkie, Jane-Pierre |
| author2 | Gous, Andries Gustav Stephanus |
| author_browse | Gous, Andries Gustav Stephanus Korkie, Jane-Pierre |
| author_facet | Gous, Andries Gustav Stephanus Korkie, Jane-Pierre |
| author_sort | Korkie, Jane-Pierre |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136196 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:42:37.450Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stelelnbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stelelnbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136196 Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique Korkie, Jane-Pierre Gous, Andries Gustav Stephanus Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering. Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. Korkie, J. 2026. Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/4224f795-e643-4560-9886-a0bbff27ec89 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. Masters 2026-04-24T12:56:12Z 2026-04-24T12:56:12Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136196 en Stellenbosch University 124 pages : ill. application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stelelnbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Korkie, Jane-Pierre Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| title | Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| title_full | Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| title_fullStr | Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| title_short | Evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| title_sort | evaluating water performance on platinum mine shafts using a benchmarking technique |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136196 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT korkiejanepierre evaluatingwaterperformanceonplatinummineshaftsusingabenchmarkingtechnique |