Case Study: Impala Platinum achieves 40% reduction in process variation with GE Digital's Mine Performance solution

Impala Platinum Reduces Process Variation By 40% With Mine Performance, From GE

Impala Platinum’s Base Metals Refinery (BMR) in Springs, South Africa faced poor pH control in its autoclaves, relying on manual sampling and slow operator interventions that harmed downstream Precious Metals Refinery (PMR) yields. To tackle this complex, multi-variable challenge, Impala Platinum engaged GE Digital and its Mine Performance solution to provide real-time process optimization and predictive-analytic support.

GE Digital deployed Mine Performance over six weeks, installing an advanced hybrid fuzzy‑logic pH controller with online, real-time sampling to stabilize the leaching process. The result was a 40% reduction in process variation, a large drop in impurities from the BMR, higher PGM concentration and more platinum recovered at the PMR, improved pH stability with fewer peaks, reduced operator workload, and indirect limits on environmental emissions.

Impala Platinum

Sello Semosa

BMR Manager