Modern Mining September 2025

MINING TECHNOLOGY

Cementation Africa: driving project success through integrated mine engineering As a global leader in shaft sinking and mine infrastructure development, Cementation Africa offers integrated mine engineering capabilities that align seamlessly with its broader services - delivering clients optimised design and execution solutions.

A ccording to John Goulding, Study Manager in Cementation Africa’s Mine Engineering department, this capability enables the company to engage with clients from the earliest stages of a project - ranging from concept development and trade-off studies to feasibility assessments, detailed design, and support during fabrication and execution. “Our depth of multidisciplinary experience enables us to work closely with clients in an iterative process to explore and develop the most effective engineering solutions for their needs,” says Goulding. “Early involvement in projects, combined with execution oversight, ensures our designs are refined and implementation is more efficient.” With its team of professional engineers providing both support and advisory services, Cementation Africa places strong emphasis on the integrity of its engineering input, while fostering close collaboration with all project stakeholders. “We have a professional duty to guide clients toward the most appropriate solution,” says Goulding. “At the same time, design is inherently iterative, so our approach focuses on engaging all relevant stakeholders throughout the

approval process.” This flexibility allows Cementation Africa to adapt its deliverables and processes to suit each client’s specific needs. Some clients may simply require a completed set of drawings to a given specification, while others prefer to be actively involved at every stage of the design process to better manage project outcomes. An important advantage of Cementation Africa’s mine engineering team being embedded within a larger construction environment is the ability to see their designs implemented in the field - bridging the gap between design and execution. This close link enables real-time feedback on what works well and where improvements are needed. Lessons learned and enhancements made on one project can then be applied across all sites, driving continuous improvement and raising the standard for future work. Louis du Plessis, Project Engineer in Mine Engineering at Cementation Africa, notes that delayed engagement can lead to scope changes that disrupt and slow down project progress. To prevent this, it is essential for engineers and designers across disciplines to collaborate closely

The picture shows a pre-sink stage in a concrete lined shaft with services erected.

22  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | SEPTEMBER 2025