Underground mining contractor Murray & Roberts (M&R) Cementation has reached one-million fatality-free hours at its vent shaft contract on the Palabora Mining Company (PMC) Lift II expansion project.
The company attributes the achievement, which was reached on November 2, to its unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence, both on M&R Cementation and PMC’s part.
The project is aimed at extending the life of PMC’s operations, located 360 km northeast of Pretoria, to beyond 2040, with an 8.5-m-diameter ventilation shaft being integral to the Lift II block cave as part of the overall mining infrastructure.
The vent shaft project's complexity and technical challenges highlight the expertise and experience of all parties involved, says M&R Cementation senior project manager Fred Durand, adding that the company’s stringent safety protocols have been pivotal in reaching this milestone.
“From planning stages to daily operations, safety is the cornerstone of the project's success, demonstrating that even in the most technically challenging environments, prioritising safety is key to achieving remarkable outcomes.”
PMC Lift II construction, concentrator and vent shaft senior manager Aidan Schoonbee adds the safety milestone is a prime example of how collaboration, expertise and commitment to safety can lead to extraordinary achievements.