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March 2015
MODERN MINING
43
SURFACE MINING
CONTRACTING
feature
Machines from Concor
Opencast Mining working at
the Beeshoek iron ore mine
in the Northern Cape.
Concor Opencast Mining
has extensive experience in
platinummining. Seen here
are operations at Lonmin.
Mining a distinct advantage with this approach.
“We have a cross-functional platform in terms
of underground mining, civils, infrastructure
and engineering. We are part of a diversified
group and have a significant knowledge base to
draw upon,” says Buitendach.
“We are able to offer the appropriate cli-
ent and project the option of transitioning
from an opencast operation to underground
mining. This is particularly suited to the plati-
num sector, where operations commence with
opencast mining and progress to underground
decline development. We can offer a combined
solution.
On crushing solutions, Buitendach says:
“It is not just the crushing operation itself,
but the associated equipment as well. Concor
Opencast Mining has access to some of the larg-
est mobile crushing trains in the country, which
gives it the capability to carry out significant
crushing projects and crush to the required
specification.”
Another strong market differentiator for
Concor Opencast Mining is the considerable
experience it has accumulated on dipping or
inclined orebodies, especially on the platinum
belt. “The knowledge we have gained on utilis-
ing mobile plant in this sector stands us in good
stead when working on traditional orebodies. If
we are able to operate successfully in the most
difficult inclined conditions, then it becomes
so much easier on the level areas.”
Buitendach explains that while Concor
Opencast Mining positions itself to be able to
deliver medium- to large-sized projects, if a
particular client has a requirement for a larger
project, its partnership with Downer Mining of
Australia gives it the necessary capability in this
regard. The combined effort of Downer Mining
and Concor Opencast Mining will ensure that
any joint operation “has sufficient resourcing,
infrastructure and systems to enable the deliv-
ery of a Tier 1 project.”
Downer Mining has extensive experience in
running ultra-class mining equipment, com-
prising some of the largest units in the world,
such as 800-t class excavators and 300-t class
dump trucks. “In principle, what this agree-
ment means is that when there are projects