Modern Mining January 2015

PLATINUM

ahead of schedule

Production Manager at Great Noligwa. Mohlabi’s tenure at BPM has coincided with a significant revision of the project – the Bakubung Platinum Mine Optimisation Study – which was approved by Wesizwe in March 2014. This was designed to reduce the timeframe to full production, reduce capex, improve efficiency and flexibility and generally adapt the mine to the more constrained met- als market seen over the past 18 months. The Optimisation Plan was prepared by Wesizwe in conjunction with its EPCM contractor for BPM, WorleyParsons SA. In terms of the Optimsation Plan, it is now anticipated that there will be a 26-month reduction in the time to full production, with the initial 230 kt/month production level now planned for October 2020, as opposed to December 2022, with this increasing to 250 kt/ month run-of-mine ore at full capacity. There will also be an increase in the PGM produc- tion of the mine to 420 000 oz 4E per annum, a 20 % increase in the annual production rate. The decision was also taken to undertake all mining on a fully or semi-mechanised basis

(with the introduction of the UG2 mechanised methods envisaged in the BFS to the Merensky Reef horizon as well). As a result of the Optimisation Plan, the nominal capex for the project has reduced from R12,3 billion to R10,69 billion although the real capital cost has seen a 9 % increase, largely due to the decision – as part of the optimisation process – to make substantial use of conveyor belts for ore transport and chair lifts for people transport to reduce operating costs over the life

Above: The award-winning, 87-m high main shaft steel headgear (photo: Arthur Tassell). Centre: Shaft sinking at Bakubung is running ahead of schedule.

January 2015  MODERN MINING  33