The CSIR operates an internationally recognised steel wire rope testing facility in Cottesloe, Johannesburg. The facility tests, on average, 2 200 rope specimens a year to determine the breaking strength and general condition of steel wire ropes.

Steel wire ropes are used to hoist conveyances that transport people and material up and down hundreds of mine shafts in South Africa. The CSIR also maintains a comprehensive database of steel wire rope test results which provides instantaneous access to past and present test certificates via an online platform. Wire ropes, up to 160 mm in diameter and 1 500 ton in breaking strength, have been tested for heavy lifting and marine industry application.  The South African mining industry and local and international manufacturers are some of our biggest clients.