Modern Mining January 2024

mechanisation is a force multiplier, i.e. to achieve similar production manually would require us to hire around 6 000-7 000 employees.” Noting that advanced technologies such as arti ficial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) are still being studied, he definitely sees a place for these in the future – either to bring material to the surface without drivers in the trucks, or to more effectively automate the mucking process. As for the IoT, he says the benefits this offers in terms of predictive maintenance and improved fuel efficiency means it is another technology that will be key, mov ing forward. Community upliftment The company has already been involved in a signifi cant number of consultations with surrounding local communities and has been since the project was first conceptualised. “Interestingly,” he says, “the first question we get from these communities is, ‘when can we get started?’ They are at least as keen as we are to get the project underway”. “It is worth mentioning that the area being developed for this project has a sparse population, supported by minimal infrastructure, and the water and power supply are dubious at best. Therefore, right from our first efforts at initial infrastructure implementation, we have been demonstrating the kind of upliftment this project can offer.” Infrastructure that is either already being improved or that will be massively upgraded by the mine, includes roads, power facilities, schools and healthcare services, along with the addition of jobs and skills. “The improved infrastructure will help stimulate an economic engine in these host communities. We have already begun with a skills and needs

assessment, and have some local people cur rently undertaking basic skills training. The training provided here – such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills – is taking place under the auspices of our social labour plan. “We are particularly pleased with this project, because not only is it helping to drive social uplift ment in the region but, more broadly, the metals being mined are uniquely suited to the green econ omy and the solutions proposed to fight climate change. With so many economic, social and environ mental benefits, this is definitely a project we feel pretty good about,” concludes Hallam. 

An arial view of the Waterberg core shed.

Waterberg estimated assets*  Reserves: 19.50 million ounces of PGMs and gold  Mine life: 45+ years  Projected Annual Production: 420 000 ounces *Based on 2019 Definitive Feasibility Study. See October 4, 2019 technical report www.sedar.com

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