Modern Mining June 2015

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MODERN MINING

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June 2015

PLATINUM

unique aspect of the project is

the concept of a reverse decline

which connects the concentra-

tor plant and other mine infra-

structure situated on a plateau

with the on-reef declines that access the un-

derground mine and outcrop on the side of the

valley. This design has enabled Northam to mi-

nimise the mine footprint in the picturesque

valley in which the mine has been established.

Five years later, the company’s position on

site has been secured for an additional three

years as it fulfils the role of mining develop-

ment and stoping on contract to the end of

2017. Considering this is one of Murray &

Roberts Cementation’s larger contract mining

projects, it is significant for the company and

showcases the service value it is providing to

Northam Platinum and its second PGM mine.

According to Booysendal’s General Manager,

Willie Theron, Murray & Roberts Cementation

has (since January 2015) made significant

underground mining advancements, complet-

ing 2 400 m of development and 224 000 m² of

stoping. Ore produced from stoping over this

period exceeds 2,7 Mt.

October this year is expected to represent

another milestone achievement for the com-

pany as it reaches steady-state production

– 187 500 tonnes per month (tpm). At this rate,

the Booysendal UG North mine will deliver

its annual 160 000 oz/a PGM production

target. “We are on track to achieve this produc-

tion rate from October this year,” says Braam

Blom, Project Executive at Murray & Roberts

Cementation.

All underground mining utilises a mecha-

nised room and pillar mining methodology and

a 122-unit fleet of Sandvik and Aard LHDs, drill

rigs, mechanised bolters, hybrid bolters and

related equipment has been deployed. Until

recently, a surface workshop has provided

all equipment maintenance needs but a new

underground workshop was commissioned in

April 2015 and is expected to deliver enormous

time and cost saving benefits.

Theron is particularly proud of the mine’s

mechanised methodology and believes this

Mechanised mining skills

The decline entrance for

mechanised equipment

at Booysendal UG2 North

mine.

Braam Blom, Project Executive at Murray & Roberts

Cementation.

Murray & Roberts Cementation has recently been awarded

a three-year contract extension at Northam Platinum’s

Booysendal Division. The company is no stranger to the

Bushveld Complex’s Eastern Limb. It was awarded its first

contract with Booysendal Division, which is located about

40 km fromMashishing, in early 2010 to develop the

Division’s UG2 North underground mine. The company’s

work at Booysendal has given it the opportunity to

showcase its considerable mechanised mining skills.