Modern Mining June 2015

PLATINUM

show at Eastern Limb mine

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

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,

The stope face at the UG2 North mine.

“We are now transitioning from a phase of capital infrastructure to working infrastructure.” Ruaan Greef, Murray & Roberts Cementation

June 2015  MODERN MINING  23