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June 2015
MODERN MINING
23
PLATINUM
show at Eastern Limb mine
The stope face at the UG2
North mine.
approach holds massive potential for the oper-
ation’s growth potential as well. A feasibility
study is currently underway to establish a
Merensky North mine utilising contract mecha-
nised mining as well.
Unlike platinum mines on the Western
Limb, which are focused primarily on the
higher grade Merensky Reef, Theron says the
UG2 Reef, which lends itself to mechanised
mining, is the focus on the Eastern Limb. “The
UG2 package is 180 cm (on average) whereas
the Merensky package is about 80 cm,” he
points out.
Blom is pleased with Murray & Roberts
Cementation’s project delivery at the mine
to date. Not only is the contract one of the
company’s larger ones but it also entails full
management of the mine – including staff
employment and training, as well as machine
operation and maintenance. Interestingly, the
operation boasts two of the youngest female
section leaders working underground.
By year end the company will oversee 1 500
workers; 1 200 of those will be direct employ-
ees of Murray & Roberts Cementation and the
remainder sub-contractors.
“Our original contract and contract exten-
sions have gone extremely well under
(sometimes) very difficult conditions,” says
Blom. “We are proud of our safety track record,
which we attribute largely to the mechanised/
trackless mining method, the vehicle and
pedestrian detection system and our commit-
ment to constant safety awareness.”
The development phase of the UG2 North
mine has seen rates of about 500/550 metres per
month. “We are now transitioning from a phase
of capital infrastructure to working infrastruc-
ture. Our last major capital development will be
in 2015, after which the average rate drops to
about 50 metres per month. The bulk of growth
will be on-reef after that and ensuring we make
our monthly targets,” explains Ruaan Greef,
Murray & Roberts Cementation Senior Engineer.
While the average grade is about 2,6 g/t, an
increase in stoping, a decrease in development
and correctly cut packages should see the grade
settle at about 3 g/t. “Getting the correct ratios
between waste and development is essential
on site and – between Northam and Murray &
Roberts Cementation – we must ensure this is
achieved,” Theron notes.
Murray & Roberts Cementation, as part of the
larger Murray & Roberts Group, prioritises safety
on every project or contract and at Booysendal
UG2 North mine this is no exception.
‘Are you switched on?’ is a Murray & Roberts
Cementation safety initiative which sees all per-
sonnel on site, from management level through
to mineworker, wear a whistle which is visible
“We are now
transitioning
from a phase
of capital
infrastructure
to working
infrastructure.”
Ruaan Greef, Murray &
Roberts Cementation