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Palabora Mining Company

Palabora Mining Company is a South African copper mining operation located in Limpopo province, near the town of Phalaborwa and adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The company operates one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines, which transitioned to underground mining in the early 2000s after decades of surface extraction. Palabora produces copper concentrate as its primary product, along with by-products including magnetite, zirconia, nickel sulphate and vermiculite. The mine's copper ore body is part of the Palabora Igneous Complex, a carbonatite intrusion that has been mined since the 1960s. The operation is owned by a consortium of Chinese investors, having been acquired from Rio Tinto in 2004. Palabora Mining Company employs several thousand people and is a significant contributor to the economy of the Limpopo region. The mine's proximity to the Kruger National Park has required careful environmental management and ongoing engagement with conservation authorities. The company has faced operational challenges including ore-grade variability and the technical complexity of transitioning from open-pit to underground block-cave mining. Palabora remains one of South Africa's major copper producers and a key supplier of copper concentrate to international markets.

Palabora Mining Company News


Northern Cape's Okiep and Prieska complexes juxtaposed.
Drilling highlights more copper mineralisation in Northern Cape
29th May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

A significant zone of visible copper sulphide mineralisation has been intersected down-dip of a wide zone of high-grade copper mineralisation intersected last year. The intersection has taken place... 


The Mindola sinking headgear and skeleton structure during early-stage structural works on site
Cementation Africa to equip Mindola shaft for the future of Nkana mine
23rd March 2026

Cementation Africa is leveraging its decades of experience in shaft sinking and underground mining at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mindola shaft in Zambia – paving the way to extend the life of the Nkana... 


Orion CEO Tony Lennox.
With BHP Xplor, Orion’s looking to longer-term South Africa exploration potential
6th March 2026 By: Martin Creamer

With the benefit of attracting BHP Xplor into our organisation, we’re looking to longer-term exploration potential in the Northern Cape, Orion Minerals CEO Tony Lennox told Mining Weekly in a Zoom... 


Palabora Mining Company (PMC) - Compromised Converter Stack - During
Draco Group Safely Demolishes 107-Metre Converter Stack at Palabora Mine
4th December 2025

Draco Group successfully completed one of South Africa’s most technically challenging demolition projects: the controlled blasting and toppling of a structurally compromised 107-metre concrete... 


Orion's Prieska mine underground
Orion Minerals appoints experienced project director at Prieska
29th September 2025 By: Marleny Arnoldi

JSE- and ASX-listed base metals miner Orion Minerals has appointed Johan van Dyk project director, in support of the operational-readiness activities currently under way at the company’s Prieska... 


From left to right;  Nozipho Zitha, Johan Reyneke, Johann Janse van Rensburg and Tshidi Ngobeni.
PMC, LH Marthinusen launch robotics, coding initiative at a local high school
11th July 2025 By: Sabrina Jardim

Copper miner Palabora Mining Company (PMC) and transformer manufacturer LH Marthinusen (LHM) have partnered to establish a fully equipped robotics and coding classroom at Frans du Toit High School,... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (20/06/2025)
20th June 2025 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer talks about the hydrogen economy, solar power and mining wealth. 


Members of Palabora Mining and Mzansi renewable energy and grid-forming consortium.
South African copper mining company signs 12-year green energy supply agreement
17th June 2025 By: Martin Creamer

In a major boost for sustainable mining and South Africa’s clean energy ambitions, Mzansi Energy Consortium has signed a 12-year power purchase agreement with Palabora Mining Company (PMC) in... 


Orion's Prieska mine, in the Northern Cape
Orion to deliver feasibility studies on Okiep, Prieska projects within five months
29th October 2024 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX- and JSE-listed Orion Minerals has appointed Nick Fouche project director to oversee the completion of a feasibility study for the Prieska copper and zinc mine, in South Africa’s Northern Cape... 


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pqt: 0.023s - ct: 0.062s - 105pq - 2rq
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