Cementation Africa Celebrates Tharisa Minerals Underground Project Commencement

Why It Matters

The transition secures long‑term output from a key South African mining asset and showcases Cementation Africa’s capability to deliver complex underground projects, reinforcing the region’s mineral supply chain. It also highlights a broader industry shift toward underground mining, higher automation, and workforce development.

Key Takeaways

• Cementation Africa appointed lead partner for Tharisa underground development.
• Underground project targets 5.6 Mt/year production, up to 6.2 Mt/year.
• Five‑year development aims for 255,000 tonnes per month output.
• Project includes 140‑meter portal advance and 140‑unit underground fleet.
• Skills academy will reskill workers for mechanised underground mining.

Pulse Analysis

South Africa’s Bushveld Complex remains a cornerstone of global platinum‑group metal supply, and Tharisa Minerals’ move from open‑pit to underground mining marks a pivotal strategic shift. By initiating a bord‑and‑pillar operation capable of 5.6 million tonnes annually, the company not only extends the mine’s economic life past the 2034 open‑pit cutoff but also stabilises regional output at a time when PGM demand is buoyed by automotive catalytic converter mandates. Cementation Africa’s appointment as the development partner underscores the growing reliance on specialist contractors to manage the technical and commercial complexities of deep‑level mining, from ground support to shaft sinking.

The five‑year development contract emphasizes a phased approach: early works at the Apollo portal complex, a 140‑meter advance, and the deployment of a 140‑unit fleet featuring low‑profile LHDs, high‑payload trucks, and advanced drill rigs. This equipment mix, selected through motion studies and competitive tendering, is designed for mechanised, trackless mining, reducing labor intensity while boosting ore‑handling efficiency. The plan to transition to conveyor‑based haulage later in the mine’s life further illustrates a commitment to operational optimisation and lower operating costs.

Beyond infrastructure, the project embeds a robust skills development agenda. Cementation Africa’s Training Academy near Carletonville will reskill workers for the mechanised underground environment, addressing the talent gap that often hampers deep‑level projects. By integrating safety governance, innovative OEM collaborations, and a clear focus on long‑term value creation, the initiative sets a benchmark for future South African mining ventures, signaling that technical excellence and strategic partnerships are essential for sustaining the continent’s mineral leadership.