Phemelo Selomane is developing a digital twin of a mining conveyor system by combining physics-based simulation with data-driven models. Conveyors are system-critical assets: their condition affects production continuity, energy use and the safe movement of material through an operation.
Digital-twin architecture
The physics-based component represents the mechanical behaviour and operating constraints of the conveyor. Data-driven components are intended to capture behaviour that is difficult to formulate directly and to keep the model synchronised with measured operation.
The twin is being designed around three decisions: anticipate maintenance needs, improve operational efficiency and identify conditions that could compromise safety. That emphasis keeps the research aligned with the RAMMS definition of a digital twin as a model that must ultimately support an actionable intervention.
Programme journey and partnership
Phemelo registered for BEngHons in 2025, completed the degree with distinction and progressed to the MEng in 2026. Thungela Resources joined as the industry partner, providing an application context for the modelling work.
The project is jointly supervised by Prof Stephan Heyns and Dr Stephan Schmidt. Its initial programme targeted completion by the end of 2026.