Going deeper is proving essential to securing the future of South Africa’s platinum mining industry. At Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine, one of the world’s deepest platinum operations, new infrastructure is opening a more direct route to underground workings.
Source: Supplied.
Redpath Africa Limited has completed its component of the Western Expansion Project, equipping the No. 3 Men and Material Shaft to a depth of 1,430m. The shaft is designed to improve the movement of employees, materials and services underground, reducing travel times while supporting greater operational efficiency and the mine’s long-term development strategy.
“Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde operation is one of the world’s deepest platinum mines, so access and underground logistics are particularly important,” comments Sudesh Deonarain, general manager at Redpath Africa Limited.
“The No. 3 Men and Material Shaft significantly reduces the time required for employees to reach their working areas, while supporting the mine’s long-term development strategy,” adds Deonarain.
The Western Extension Project is expected to extend Zondereinde’s life of mine by about 40 years, supporting continued employment and sustained economic benefits for surrounding communities.
A long-standing partnership
Redpath has worked at Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine since the late 1990s, when the company was operating as Sumit Mining. Over this period, Redpath has undertaken a range of projects at the mine, including box-front construction, trackless decline development, conventional development and secondary support work.
“Our long-standing relationship with Northam Platinum reflects the collaborative way in which these projects have been executed over many years,” says Deonarain. “The No. 3 Men and Material Shaft is the latest in a series of projects through which Redpath has supported the development and ongoing operation of Zondereinde.”
Underground development continues
Redpath’s involvement at Zondereinde continues through the Northam 3 Shaft underground infrastructure development and construction project, which has a three-year duration. The project comprises four principal work packages:
- Intermediate pump chamber development, accessed through 3 Shaft
- 12 Level pump chamber development, accessed through 1 and 2 Shafts
- Development of reef and waste ore passes
- Development and construction of four measuring flasks servicing the rock winder
Redpath has completed the ventilation access on the 12 Level pump chamber and commenced the next phase of the project, with intermediate pump chamber development scheduled to begin in August 2026. The development work includes large excavations for pump chambers and is expected to continue into early 2029.
“While the work builds on Redpath’s previous experience at Northam, the scale and underground environment require careful planning and execution,” says Deonarain. “Our focus is on delivering each work package safely and efficiently while maintaining the standards expected on a project of this significance.”
Technology supporting safer, more efficient development: Redpath is deploying advanced underground mining technology to support the pump chamber development works, including a fleet of Sandvik underground mining equipment. The use of this modern equipment is intended to optimise operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and productivity.
Working in one of the world’s deepest platinum mining environments presents a range of technical and operational challenges, requiring solutions tailored to the specific conditions of each project. “As each project has its own unique characteristics and complexities, no single methodology can be applied universally,” says Deonarain.
“Drawing on Redpath’s extensive experience in deep and challenging mining environments, we identify and evaluate project-specific constraints and implement tailored solutions to achieve the required outcomes,” he explains.
Source: Supplied. The No. 3 Men and Material Shaft supports Northam's long-term mine expansion, extending its life by 40 years.
Specialist expertise for complex mining environments: The No. 3 Men and Material Shaft project required specialised shaft-sinking expertise, a skillset that is relatively scarce in South Africa. Redpath’s depth of experience and access to highly experienced personnel enabled the company to undertake this specialised scope of work.
“We have the expertise, track record and qualifications to support a wide range of scopes of work, including projects in some of the most challenging and remote mining environments,” says Deonarain. “Retaining employees with specialised skills and experience is essential to ensuring the successful execution and completion of projects of this nature.”
Supporting the future of South African mining: Redpath Africa Limited’s work at Zondereinde demonstrates the role that specialist underground mining contractors can play in supporting major, long-term mining investments.
“Redpath Africa Limited’s involvement in the development of Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde No. 3 Shaft is a testament to our technical expertise and proven project delivery capabilities,” says Deonarain.
“As a critical men and materials shaft and an integral part of the mine’s life-of-mine strategy, the project represents an important investment in the future of Zondereinde. Redpath is proud to continue playing a role in key strategic mining projects in South Africa,” he concludes.
