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Name of the Project
Amandelbult Mine Complex.
Location
Thabazimbi, in Limpopo, South Africa.
Project Owner/s
Anglo American Platinum (Amplat).
Project Description
Amandelbult mine will comprise three main areas – the modernisation of the existing mining areas that have started to deliver safety and efficiency; the start of the Middellaagte mine through the opencast operation, which will ramp up production to a maximum expected rate of between 110 000 t and 180 000 t a month; and mining studies to shape the future of Middellaagte and Tumela 1 subshaft.
Middellaagte is a replacement ounces project in prefeasibility study (PFS) ‘A’ phase. The project comprises declines from surface and underground development in the mine’s 15 East area. The study is focused on finding a suitable mechanised solution for the area, with a hybrid method (mechanised development with modernised stoping) being used as the base case.
Tumela 1 subshaft, also a replacement ounces project, is in PFS for the replacement of Tumela Upper. The study aims to maintain current Tumela production of 270 000 t a month, and conventional and mechanised options are being considered.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
Amplat expects to start production at Middellaagte with an opencast mine at the end of 2023.
Latest Developments
At Middellaagte, agreements to acquire the adjacent mining right and surface lease access have been secured, allowing for this resource to be mined from surface.
At Tumela 1 subshaft, early access development has been approved and is in execution.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Anglo American Platinum, Nevashnee Naicker, tel +27 11 638 3189 or email nevashnee.naicker@angloamerican.com.