Technical Services &
Mining Technology Development
Years of innovation and advanced capability
Specialists across mechanical, electrical, software, control and structural disciplines
Areas of expertise, from technology development to automation
Solving complex
mining challenges
Solving complex mining challenges through advanced technology development & engineering-led solutions developed for performance.
The Technical Services Division partners with clients to provide technical depth and understanding, practical experience, and specialised capabilities required to solve critical diamond mining challenges, both marine and land-based. Clients achieve their targets more efficiently through viable, bespoke solutions that enhance efficiency and resource confidence.
Our team integrates advanced technology development, multi-disciplinary engineering, process optimisation, and advanced technology automation to deliver complete, bespoke, fit-for-purpose solutions.
We work across the mining value chain, from early concept to commissioning, helping clients improve efficiency, unlock resource value, and accelerate innovation where conventional solutions fall short.
Explore our related capabilities in advanced processing technology, integrated management systems & advanced sensing, technical operations and integrated project management.
Areas of
expertise
Explore the four areas of expertise within the Technical Services Division.
Built for your
bottom line
Technically advanced, economically viable solutions purpose-built for diamond mining challenges and operations.
With over four decades of innovation and advanced capability under one roof, ideas are translated into impact quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.
As part of Upstream Technology, the Technical Services division offers end-to-end solutions across the mining value chain, as well as bespoke solutions at various project phases.
We work interdependently from day one to identify the right problem and deliver the right solution proven to perform in your operating environment.
As part of the De Beers Group, Upstream Technology’s Technical Services Team brings operational understanding aligning with your teams, standards and processes and insight into your strategic priorities, making delivery faster and outcomes more reliable.
Through leading-edge capabilities, the Technical Services Division spearheads step-change innovation in diamond mining by enabling access to new frontiers and unlocking new diamond supply. Our work supports mine viability and future growth by pushing the boundaries of what’s technically and commercially possible.
Our bespoke solutions
empower you to
Accelerate project timelines and de-risk delivery.
Reduce lifecycle and coordination costs.
Unlock new or previously inaccessible ore bodies or extend existing life-of-mine.
Optimise diamond recovery and plant performance.
Maximise recovery, throughput, and reliability.
Technology Development
We design, test, and deploy technology and engineering solutions that transform diamond mining, from exploration to diamond recovery, realising the full potential that technology advances can enable for clients.
The Technology Development team (formerly Research & Development) harnesses the full technical development pipeline, from remote sensing and surveying, sampling through to mining diamond recovery and treatment. The team works across disciplines with a holistic approach to evaluate concepts, simulate system performance, and develop solutions that address site-specific recovery challenges.
How we deliver operational value
What we do | How it works | How you benefit |
|---|---|---|
Modelling
(Prototyping/Scale Testing) | Enables rapid ideation and conceptual testing | Reduces development risk and cost |
Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD) | Simulates multi-phase fluid flow to optimise treatment plant/mining tool design | Improves efficiency and performance |
Discrete Element Modelling
(DEM) | Models the behaviour of particulate systems | Enhances design and operation of bulk material handling |
Terramechanics / Soil Mechanics | Analyses machine with soil and terrain interactions | Improves performance and stability of ground-engaging equipment |
Hydrotransport | Optimises the transport of materials through pipelines | Improves efficiency and reduces wear |
Sonar, USBL, INS Visualisation | Enhances the ability to monitor and navigate underwater/ hostile environments | Improves operational efficiency and safety |
Machine Learning | Utilises algorithms to analyse data and predict outcomes | Enhances operational efficiency and innovation |
Data Analytics | Extracts valuable insights from operational data | Informs strategic decisions and optimises processes |
Engineering
Services
Multi-disciplinary engineering with a strong focus on system integration and operational performance.
Our Engineering Design and Support team delivers practical, multi-disciplinary solutions for land and marine recovery operations. With over 40 specialists across mechanical, electrical, software, control, and structural disciplines, the team operates within a matrix structure to design complete systems and sub-systems.
We ensure exceptional delivery through seamless workflow practices and the Conduct of Good Engineering Practices. Every solution is developed with a strong focus on integration, safety, and operational performance.
Over 40 specialists across mechanical, electrical, software, control, and structural disciplines.
Metallurgical Services
Maximising recovery efficiency and enabling long-term resource confidence
Our Metallurgical Services team delivers data-driven insights and practical solutions to improve diamond recovery performance at your operations.
With experience across dense medium separation (DMS) and diamond recovery, the team conducts annual audits, ore dressing studies, flow sheet design and in-house technology validation. Working across the mining value chain, from exploration sampling to recovery plant optimisation, we help clients implement technically sound, efficient solutions.
ANNUAL PROCESS EVALUATIONS & AUDITS
Annual performance evaluations of diamond recovery machines and process flows within diamond recovery and dense medium separation plants, identifying opportunities to improve and drive operational efficiency.
EXPLORATION SAMPLE TREATMENT
Recovery of diamonds from exploration samples for resource evaluation and process design.
METALLURGICAL CONSULTATION
Technical knowledge and expertise applied to support client decision-making, optimise recovery outcomes and reduce operational and implementation risk.
PRODUCT SUSTAINABILITY TESTING
Pre-purchase test work on mine-specific ore to verify the suitability and performance of proposed technology.
ORE DRESSING STUDIES (ODS)
- Mapping the geometallurgy of future resources
- In-depth material characterisation tests with recommendations for optimised plant process design
- Supporting effective planning and design for future recovery operations
MATERIAL CHARACTERISATION
A COMPONENT OF ODS WORK
Specific material property testing requested by clients, typically addressing a diamond recovery problem, a high-yield challenge within the plant, or process design for brownfield or greenfield developments. Material characterisation and profiling is performed using:
- X-ray luminescence intensity
- Magnetic susceptibility
- X-ray transmission
- Laser Raman discrimination
SUPPORT TO TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Metallurgical consulting and database sharing to support the design, testing and implementation of client solutions.
Advanced Technologies & Automation
Automation, sensing and control solutions that drive the next frontier in diamond recovery
The Advanced Technology and Automation (ATA) team develops and delivers fully industrialised products built for the diamond industry’s specific requirements.
The team assesses problems in your environment and rapidly determines the viability and technical feasibility of identified solutions, then develops them into manufacturable, reliable and supportable products that operate within your operations.
The team leverages over 40 years of diamond-specific development experience. Combining expertise in physics, engineering, and software creates a strong base for innovation, enhanced by AI to deliver high-performance digital technologies.
Design capabilities
Committed to continuous improvement and defect elimination, we uphold ISO 9001 standards to ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
In-house technical strengths
What we do | How it works | How you benefit |
|---|---|---|
Testing (modelling, prototyping, demonstrators, mine test units) | Enables the rapid creation and validation of concepts and designs before full-scale production | Reduces risks and costs early and protects your investment in R&D |
Product industrialisation | Product are designed for manufacturability, reliability and supportability and includes all support documentation | High process availability and consistent quality and performance. |
Product lifecycle management | After launched, the product design is actively sustained and kept current until official retirement | Reduced cost of ownership and sustained performance |
Specialised Material/Diamond Knowledge | Expertise in handling and processing valuable materials and a deep understanding of diamond characteristics | Ensures optimal recovery and quality and fit-for-purpose solutions |
3D particle analysis & particle weighing | Extracts several 3D features from individual particles at high speed and combines it with precise mass measurements for a wide range of particle sizes | Particle fingerprinting and new process analysis options |
Machine learning & data analytics algorithms | Utilises advanced algorithms to analyse data and predict outcomes to extract valuable insights from the multi sensor data | Enhances operational efficiency and innovation |
Materials handling systems | Ensures effective preparation, presentation and ejection of all ore types under a wide range of conditions | Improves process performance (throughput, recovery efficiency, diamond by weight) and eliminates hangup and spillage |
Detection Physics and sensor
fusion | Employs and integrates multiple methods including X-ray, laser, magnetics, ultra-violet, visible and infra-red machine vision technologies to classify particles | Maximises performance to achieve optimal recoveries and minimise yield |
Robotics | Multiple coordinated robots working collaboratively and adaptively to automate repetitive, dangerous or precise tasks | Process automation and efficiency improvements |
Why partner with Upstream Technology?
We don’t just deliver solutions. We deliver certainty. As an internal capability, we bring institutional knowledge, proven systems, and a track record of delivery which is not replicable by others. When you partner with us, you gain a solutions team that knows your world, shares your goals, and has the depth to deliver lasting value.
Partnering in Technology for our future. Let’s solve the hard diamond mining problems, together.
Get in touch with us about your next technical services project
Simangele Soni
Snr Business Development Manager
T: +27 10 346 5088
E: si************@**********up.com
Hendriena van der Walt
Snr Technical Services Manager
T: +27 21 658 3229
E: he******************@**********up.com
Cape Town, Golf Park | Head Office
DBM Gardens, Golf Park 2, Raapenberg Road, Pinelands, 7405
T: +27 21 658 3229
Johannesburg, West Campus | Recovery Facility
Cnr Crownwood & Booysens Reserve Roads, Theta, Johannesburg, 2013