By: Ndlovu Nqobile
Redpath Africa Limited has completed its scope of work on the Western Expansion Project at Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine, one of the world’s deepest platinum operations, marking a major milestone in the mine’s long-term development plan.
The company successfully equipped Northam Platinum’s No. 3 Men and Material Shaft to a depth of 1,430 metres, with work completed in June 2026. The new shaft is a cornerstone of the Western Extension Project and is designed to handle personnel, material and service conveyance.
By providing more direct access to underground workings, the shaft will significantly reduce employee travelling times and improve overall operational efficiency.
“Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde operation is one of the world’s deepest platinum mines, so access and underground logistics are particularly important,” said 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.”
The Western Extension is expected to extend Zondereinde’s life-of-mine by approximately 40 years, securing ongoing employment and economic benefits for surrounding communities.
A Partnership Spanning Three Decades Redpath’s relationship with Zondereinde dates back to the late 1990s when the company operated as Sumit Mining. Since then, it has delivered a range of scopes including box-front construction, trackless decline development, conventional development and secondary support.
“Our long-standing relationship with Northam Platinum reflects the collaborative way in which these projects have been executed over many years,” Deonarain added. “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.”
Next Phase: Underground Infrastructure Development Redpath’s involvement continues with a three-year underground infrastructure project linked to the No. 3 Shaft. The project comprises four key work packages:
Intermediate pump chamber development via 3 Shaft12 Level pump chamber development via 1 and 2 Shafts.
Development of reef and waste ore passes. Development and construction of four measuring flasks servicing the rock winder. The company has completed ventilation access on the 12 Level pump chamber and will commence Intermediate pump chamber development in August 2026. The works, which include large excavations for pump chambers, are expected to run until early 2029.Technology and Specialist Expertise for Deep-Level Mining
To support the complex deep-level environment, Redpath is deploying a modern fleet of Sandvik underground mining equipment to optimise efficiency, safety and productivity.“Working in one of the world’s deepest platinum mining environments presents a range of technical and operational challenges. As each project has its own unique characteristics, no single methodology can be applied universally,” said Deonarain.
He added that shaft-sinking expertise remains scarce in South Africa, and Redpath’s ability to retain highly experienced personnel was critical to the success of the 1,430m shaft project.
“We have the expertise, track record and qualifications to support a wide range of scopes, including projects in some of the most challenging and remote mining environments,” Deonarain concluded. “As a critical men and materials shaft and an integral part of the mine’s life-of-mine strategy, this project represents an important investment in the future of Zondereinde.”