Modern Mining February 2025

UNDERGROUND MINING

Menar advances cadet programme for underground mining

Mining company Menar, which has two underground operations, believes that training and skills development are crucial to maintaining safety at mines. The company has a diversified portfolio that includes anthracite, coal, and manganese.

Menar is expanding its Mpumalanga based Kangra Colliery.

Paul Redelinghuys, General Manager at Kangra.

M enar is expanding its Mpumalanga-based Kangra Colliery, an underground asset that produces about 1.4 million tonnes of high-quality coal annually. The company invested in developing the Udumo and Uthingo adits, which lie approximately 37 kilometres from each other. This allows it to mine the 41.9 million tonnes of Kusipongo resources. Acquired in 2018 from Madrid-listed Gas Natural Fenosa for $ 28 million, Kangra operates three underground coal sections. The mine employs 352 direct employees and 432 contractors. As part of its Social and Labour Plan (SLP), Kangra intends to continue its cadet programme, which has proven successful in previous years. The programme aims to equip personnel and those keen on entering the industry with basic underground mining skills. The recruitment process for 2025 is still in progress, and the company aims to train between 20 to 30 people. “Upon joining the programme, cadets will be assigned various general tasks, including training in roof bolting, underground machinery operation, and electrical work, among other skills. The programme will ensure that trainees are empowered with the necessary skills needed to succeed,” Paul Redelinghuys, General Manager at Kangra, tells Modern Mining.

Internships and learnerships are also included in Kangra’s skills development programme. In addition, the mine’s Human Resources Department has implemented robust career planning systems, ensuring ample professional growth and advancement opportunities. Kangra – underground expansion on the cards Kangra is a key part of Menar’s growth plans. The company looks to develop the T4 project, a resource earmarked for future mining using the board and pillar method. The project will expand the current mining right, enabling access to a total underground ROM reserve of 15.69 million tonnes. The life of mine for T4 is estimated to exceed 15 years. “The intention is to finalise the mining rights and required licenses before we begin developing the project.” Mitigating the challenges associated with underground mining Although Kangra is a shallow resource, usually mined at a depth of between 40 and 250 meters, the mine still encounters difficulties associated with mining at depth. Highlighting some of the difficulties encountered with underground mining, Redelinghuys mentions health and safety

18  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | February 2025