Long-term mining partnership combines specialist expertise, mechanised development and skills transfer to support the next phase of a major underground project
Underground development at the Mogalakwena Sandsloot project in Limpopo is advancing thanks to Redpath Africa Limited, which is demonstrating its expertise in complex lateral development while contributing to the development of South Africa’s mining skills base.
The project involves developing an underground mine beneath an existing open pit, creating access to deeper mineral resources through a network of underground workings. Redpath’s scope includes underground development, construction, raiseboring and preparation for longhole stoping, bringing together a range of specialist capabilities under one contractor.
Progress on the current Phase B extension remains ahead of the corresponding development schedule, with the project demonstrating the value of close collaboration, adaptive planning and effective execution in a complex underground environment.
“Having spent more than 20 years in contracting, this is one of the smoothest operations I have worked on. I believe that is a result of the contribution from both parties and the level of engagement between us,” comments Eldie Nortier, Contracts Manager, Mining, at Redpath Africa.
A collaborative approach to underground development
Located near Mokopane in Limpopo’s Waterberg District, Mogalakwena is a major platinum-group metals mining complex owned by Anglo American Platinum. The Sandsloot underground project is intended to access deeper mineral resources beneath the existing open pit, with underground access developed via a decline rather than a conventional vertical shaft.
Redpath’s scope of work involves coordinating multiple activities, including excavation, ground support, ventilation and the installation of essential underground services. These activities must be carefully aligned to ensure that work areas are ready for the next stage of development and that the necessary equipment, infrastructure and skills are available when required.
The project also requires ongoing collaboration between Redpath and the mine’s technical teams. By sharing operational information, discussing challenges openly and aligning execution requirements with mine planning, the teams can identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and adapt to changing conditions underground.
“We do not approach the relationship simply as a client and contractor. We see ourselves as business partners. We have an open relationship, and when issues arise, we discuss them and put action plans in place together,” explains Nortier. This approach is particularly important on a project of this scale, where geological conditions, infrastructure requirements and operational priorities can influence the sequence of work.
Specialist capability supported by mechanisation
Lateral development is a core component of Redpath’s underground mining capabilities. At Sandsloot, the company uses mechanised drill-and-blast methods supported by trackless loading and hauling equipment, mechanised ground-support installation and specialised underground construction services.
The mechanised approach enables the excavation of underground tunnels and access routes while supporting the installation of the ground support and services needed to establish a safe, functional working environment.
Redpath deploys specialist equipment suited to the project’s requirements, including development drilling rigs, loaders and underground haul trucks. The company’s broader service offering also encompasses raiseboring and other specialist activities, allowing related work packages to be coordinated through a single contractor.
This integrated capability is important in underground development, where progress depends not only on excavation but also on the timely delivery of infrastructure, ventilation, ground support and other essential services.
The project has also required the team to adapt its work programme in response to geological conditions and evolving infrastructure requirements. Close coordination between Redpath and the mine’s technical personnel helps ensure that these changes are managed while maintaining focus on project priorities.
Investing in South African skills and expertise
Alongside its operational responsibilities, Redpath is investing in the development of local technical capability at Sandsloot. Specialist trainer-operators contribute their experience to the training of South African personnel in areas including development drilling, longhole drilling, remote operation and other specialised underground activities. The objective is to build the practical knowledge and competence required to operate and maintain sophisticated mining equipment safely and effectively.
The programme is delivering measurable progress. Assessments conducted during the project have shown a narrowing gap in average drilling performance between South African and expatriate operators, while South African crews have also demonstrated strong overall drilling output. Redpath has further supported the alignment of international expertise with local competency requirements through the accreditation of expatriate electricians as competent electricians in South Africa.
“Bringing in specialist expertise is only part of the process. We also need to develop our local workforce and create opportunities for South African personnel to gain the skills and experience required for this type of operation,” highlights Nortier.
The approach combines the experience of specialist personnel with the development of local knowledge, helping to build a workforce capable of supporting increasingly complex underground mining activities.
Progress towards the next milestone
The current Phase B extension is scheduled to run until August 2027, with work continuing towards the next stage of underground development and production readiness. Recent progress includes the development of critical ventilation infrastructure and preparation for trial stoping, which will allow the team to assess the performance of the mining method under the project’s operating conditions.
These activities require coordinated planning across development, drilling, ground support, ventilation and equipment readiness. Their successful execution will help establish the conditions required for the next phase of the project.
For Redpath, Sandsloot demonstrates how specialist lateral development capabilities, mechanised mining methods and a collaborative approach can support the delivery of a complex underground project while building local skills. “Our partnership also reflects the importance of aligning technical expertise with the mine’s longer-term development objectives, providing a foundation for continued progress as the underground operation evolves,” concludes Nortier.