Name: Mining Indaba
Start: 2026-02-09T10:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-02-12T15:30:00+02:00
Location: CTICC

A case study in extreme mine rescue

A critical examination of Mines Rescue Services South Africa's deployment of the Mobile Rescue Winder (MRW) during the highly publicised Buffelsfontein mine incident in early 2025. The MRW, a revolutionary rescue technology designed and built in South Africa, was ultimately used to retrieve 324 individuals, both survivors and fatalities, dramatically speeding up the final phase of a controversial operation. Delve into the technology's capabilities and its development journey, enabling rescue and recovery work at depths of up to 3,200 meters. This case study will provide valuable insights into the profound impact of cutting-edge technology on emergency response capabilities while navigating the complex ethical challenges of modern mining disasters.

Wednesday 11 February 11:00 - 11:40 Technology and Innovation Hub Nubian Pyramids Stage (CTICC2 - Ground Floor - Exhibition Hall)

Add to calendar 02/11/2026 11:00 02/11/2026 11:40 A case study in extreme mine rescue A critical examination of Mines Rescue Services South Africa's deployment of the Mobile Rescue Winder (MRW) during the highly publicised Buffelsfontein mine incident in early 2025. The MRW, a revolutionary rescue technology designed and built in South Africa, was ultimately used to retrieve 324 individuals, both survivors and fatalities, dramatically speeding up the final phase of a controversial operation. Delve into the technology's capabilities and its development journey, enabling rescue and recovery work at depths of up to 3,200 meters. This case study will provide valuable insights into the profound impact of cutting-edge technology on emergency response capabilities while navigating the complex ethical challenges of modern mining disasters. Nubian Pyramids Stage (CTICC2 - Ground Floor - Exhibition Hall) Africa/Johannesburg