Name of the Project
Zondereinde – Western extension project.

Location
Limpopo, South Africa. 

Project Owner/s
Platinum group metal producer Northam Platinum Holdings. 

Project Description
Zondereinde is an established, conventional, long-life underground mine that mines the Merensky and upper group two (UG2) reefs. In early 2018, Northam acquired the Western extension, a portion of the Amandelbult mining right, from Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum. The acquisition added 3.6 km of mineable strike to the west of Zondereinde’s existing underground operations and extended the mine’s life to more than 30 years. 

The Western extension project includes the development and equipping of 3 Shaft for personnel, materials and services, together with associated ventilation and rock-handling infrastructure. The 3 Shaft complex is intended to improve access to the Western extension and support the gradual transition of mining from Zondereinde’s existing workings into the extension area. 

Potential Job Creation
The expanded mining footprint is expected to create direct, meaningful and sustainable employment for an additional 600 people. 

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
R4.7-billion. 

For the six months ended December 31, 2025, Zondereinde’s total capital expenditure (capex) was R1.1-billion, compared with R958-million in the prior comparable period. Expansionary project expenditure accounted for R934.1-million and related mainly to the ongoing development of the deepening and Western extension sections, including equipping of the 3 Shaft complex. Total Zondereinde capex for the 2026 financial year is forecast at R3.2-billion. 

Planned Start/End Date
3 Shaft was commissioned during the 2026 financial year.

Latest Developments
Northam reported in its July 13, 2026, production update that Merensky mined tonnages increased during the 2026 financial year following the establishment of new stoping areas in the Western extension.

For the full 2026 financial year, higher feed tonnages, partly offset by marginally lower 4E concentrator feed grades, increased equivalent refined metal from own operations to 333 050 oz 4E, from 330 769 oz 4E in the previous year. Merensky mill feed grades from the Western extension remained affected by understoping of 3 Shaft, accelerated development and backfill dilution arising from the distance from the main shafts. Northam expects these constraints to be progressively resolved following the shaft’s commissioning, with combined concentrator feed grades expected to move closer to historical levels over the following 18 months.

Meanwhile, the chairlift declines between levels 3 and 7 have been completed. The 3 Shaft complex, designed for personnel, materials and services, has been commissioned. The intermediate pumping chamber has been established, which Northam has described as a key milestone.

Reaming of the 3a ventilation shaft is continuing, with just over 100 m left to completion at the time of interim results. Pilot drilling of 4 Shaft, which will be a rock-hoisting shaft, is complete, and reaming has started. 

Commissioning of 3 Shaft is expected to improve access, face time and service delivery in the Western extension, while progressively reducing dilution and logistical constraints associated with the distance from the main shafts. 

Development of the 4 Shaft option remains a longer-term component of the project.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Master Drilling (raise-bore drilling contractor); and BBE (design and construction of the refrigeration plant).

Contact Details for Project Information
Northam Platinum Holdings, tel +27 11 759 6000.
R&A Strategic Communications, on behalf of Northam Platinum, tel +27 11 880 3924 or email northam@rasc.co.za.