Mining

Steenkampskraal advances monazite production phase

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine begins construction of a new processing plant to boost South Africa’s rare earth supply chain. (Image source: Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine)

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) has marked the official start of construction of its new monazite processing plant with a ceremonial soil-turning event

The milestone forms part of the mine’s phased development strategy and is expected to position South Africa as a producer of high-grade monazite concentrate, an important feedstock for rare earth elements used in renewable energy, electronics, medical and defence technologies.

The announcement follows recent operational progress at the site. SMM said it has successfully commissioned its on-site laboratory and, for the first time in more than 60 years, produced monazite concentrate through its metallurgical circuit.

Graham Soden, CEO of SMM, said, “The initial product has demonstrated approximately 50% total rare earth oxide (TREO) content, confirming the high-grade nature of the deposit. In parallel, the mine’s hydrometallurgical laboratory circuit is currently undergoing optimisation. Early results have been encouraging, with production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) and cracked thorium anticipated in the near term.”

The new processing facility, located close to the existing underground decline shaft exit, will receive monazite-rich ore directly through a purpose-built conveyor belt system. Ore from underground operations will be transferred to the surface plant for initial concentration using gravity separation and flotation technology.

According to the company, the Steenkampskraal plant has been designed to achieve steady-state annual production of around 13,400 tonnes of monazite concentrate containing more than 50% total rare earth oxides (TREO). During the initial ramp-up phase, output is expected to begin at approximately 6,600 tonnes per year, rising to full capacity by the end of the first year.

“This phase will use proven gravity separation and flotation technology, optimised through modern refinements and pilot testing by the Saskatchewan Research Council and Mintek. The process flow draws on the successful methods used during Anglo American’s historic operations at Steenkampskraal between 1952 and 1963. It has been adapted for modern environmental standards and incorporates a multi-gravity separation circuit, currently under evaluation for enhanced recovery efficiency.

“The processing plant will receive feedstock from both historic surface stockpiles and underground ore, minimising initial capital expenditure and operational risk. This approach provides early revenue generation while refurbishment of underground infrastructure continues in parallel. The design also includes a front-end comminution and milling circuit, ensuring consistent feed quality to the concentrator and allowing for optimal grade control.

“Phase 1 forms the foundation for subsequent processing stages, including hydrometallurgical treatment, oxide separation and product manufacturing, all of which will be undertaken within South Africa to maximise local beneficiation and value retention.”

Enock Mathebula, executive chairperson of SMM, added, “This phase represents the practical realisation of our strategy to re-establish Steenkampskraal as a globally significant source of rare earth materials.

“We are leveraging proven metallurgical processes, supported by modern technology and strong compliance standards, to ensure a sustainable and efficient operation that benefits both the national economy and local communities.

“The soil-turning event is more than a construction milestone, it is the foundation of Steenkampskraal’s commercial future. By establishing dedicated ore transport and processing infrastructure, we are creating South Africa’s first dedicated monazite concentration facility. This concentrate represents our initial revenue-generating product and will serve as feedstock for subsequent value-adding stages, including mixed rare earth carbonate and thorium production.

“The soil-turning demonstrates our commitment to rapid, responsible development. With funding secured and construction now underway, we are on track to establish a revenue-generating process before the end of 2026. This will not only generate early cash flow but also create jobs, support local communities and contribute to South Africa’s critical minerals strategy. Offtake discussions for the concentrate are already advanced with international partners.

“The Steenkampskraal deposit is recognised as one of the highest-grade rare earth and thorium resources globally, with a NI 43-101 compliant current resource of 665,000 tonnes at 14.5% TREO and significant co-products including thorium (2.14%). The spade-ready project benefits from fully developed underground and surface infrastructure, full regulatory licensing and an experienced mining partner, Bora Mining Investments (BMI).”

“SMM remains committed to sustainable practices, including environmental rehabilitation, community skills development and compliance with all nuclear and environmental regulations.”

Located in the Western Cape, Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine is a rare earth and thorium project owned by Steenkampskraal Holdings in partnership with Bora Mining Investments (BMI). The company said the fully permitted project is progressing a phased development plan to produce monazite concentrate, mixed rare earth carbonates, thorium and eventually separated rare earth oxides, supporting global critical minerals supply chains.

Ivanhoe marks major Platreef expansion milestones achieved

Ivanhoe Mines advances Platreef growth with Shaft #3 completion and new Phase 2 expansion works underway. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Ivanhoe Mines executive co-chair Robert Friedland and president and CEO Marna Cloete have announced that a project ceremony was held at the Platreef Mine to celebrate the completion of three significant development milestones

The achievements include the completion of construction of the 4-million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) Shaft #3, the official ground-breaking for the Phase 2 concentrator site, and the start of widening works at Shaft #2. These milestones represent an important step forward for the mine’s Phase 2 expansion and the planned future Phase 3 expansion.

The ceremony at the site was attended by Ivanhoe Mines president and CEO Marna Cloete, senior leadership from Ivanhoe Mines and Ivanplats, along with representatives from Ivanplats shareholders Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), ITOCHU Corporation, and the broad-based black equity empowerment (B-BBEE) group.

Ivanhoe Mines founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland commented, “The Platreef Mine is not a typical South African precious metals mine scratching at narrow, one-metre-thick seams. The Platreef Mine is a once-in-a-generation geological wonder… a discovery so vast that it will be producing precious metals for generations to come. The flat-lying orebody is approximately twenty-five times thicker than our industry incumbents, averaging 26 metres of continuous mineralisation… thickness means scale, which means mechanisation, and mechanization means lower costs and safer operations.

“Years ago, our Japanese partners had the foresight to recognise this potential… The consortium, led by ITOCHU Corporation, made a bold, decisive investment, without which we would not be where we are today. We thank you for your continued support.”

“We are ramping up the mine at a time when metal prices are rising. Scarcity is real and the demand is relentless. Platinum, palladium, rhodium, copper and nickel are identified by countries all around the globe as critical minerals and therefore strategic to agenda of many of the world’s developed and developing economies.”

Trafigura secures Ghana gold offtake and restart financing

Trafigura signs gold offtake deal with Heath Goldfields and provides US$65mn financing for Bogoso–Prestea restart.

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd has entered into an offtake agreement with Heath Goldfields Ltd. for the purchase of 700,000 ounces of gold doré from the Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine in the Western Region of Ghana

In parallel, Trafigura will provide US$65mn in debt financing to support the restart of oxide ore operations at the site.

Under the agreement, Trafigura will act as the offtaker for gold doré produced at the Bogoso–Prestea processing facility, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.

The Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine is among West Africa’s most established gold operations, with cumulative production exceeding 9 million ounces since 1912. Heath Goldfields resumed activity at the site with its first gold pour in February 2026, marking the restart of operations after a two-year pause. The mine includes a 1.5 million tonnes per annum carbon-in-leach (CIL) processing plant and meets SK-1300 reporting standards set by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

This agreement represents Trafigura’s first gold transaction in Ghana and its second across Africa, following a debt financing deal in December 2025 supporting Sierra Leone’s first commercial-scale gold mine. The move reflects the company’s ongoing expansion in the precious metals segment, leveraging its established capabilities in physical trading, logistics, and global market access.

Gonzalo De Olazaval, head of metals and minerals, Trafigura Group, said, “We are pleased to sign this offtake agreement with Heath Goldfields. This is Trafigura’s second gold transaction on the African continent and our first in Ghana’s gold sector, a market where we have long-standing commercial relationships across other commodities.”

“Trafigura has been active across metals and minerals markets in Africa for over two decades, and the continent remains a cornerstone as we continue to expand our precious metals business. Bogoso–Prestea is a producing asset with a strong operational team and LBMA compliance, and we look forward to applying our physical trading expertise and market access in support of a Ghanaian-owned operation of this quality.”

Mini substations engineered for underground mining demands

Custom-engineered mini substations designed by Trafo Power Solutions to meet strict size constraints for underground mining applications in Zambia. (Image source: Trafo Power Solutions)

Recent orders for seventeen custom-engineered mini substations for an underground copper mine in Zambia highlight Trafo Power Solutions’ capability to deliver tailored electrical systems for complex mining environments

David Claassen, managing director of Trafo Power Solutions, confirmed that the order includes units rated at 800 kVA and 1,000 kVA. The project required precise engineering to meet strict spatial constraints and operational requirements, ensuring the substations could be transported, installed, and operated efficiently in confined underground conditions.

Each mini substation integrates medium- and low-voltage switchgear along with a transformer, forming a critical component in distributing power to underground mining equipment and infrastructure.

“The first important consideration was the size of the shaft cage used to transport equipment and material underground,” commented Claassen. “We understood what the limitations were and carefully designed a solution that would allow easy loading and transportation in the cage to the levels where the units would be deployed.”

Reducing the physical size of the substations introduced additional technical challenges, particularly around transformer cooling. Maintaining sufficient airflow within compact designs was essential to ensure reliable performance under operating conditions.

“Trafo Power Solutions has many years of experience in technical design, ensuring the optimal performance of enclosed dry-type transformers under a wide range of environmental conditions,” he said. “We were therefore careful to understand exactly what the ambient conditions would be and then to ensure that the flow of air would match the requirements of the transformers’ particular specifications.”

The design process also accounted for managing transformer losses in terms of heat and energy, ensuring effective dissipation under planned operating conditions. From a safety perspective, dry-type transformers are widely preferred in underground mining applications due to the absence of flammable liquids such as oil.

Claassen added that mobility is another important factor, as equipment often needs to be relocated as mining operations progress. The compact design allows the substations to be easily transported on rail systems within the mine.

“The dry-type transformer offers a very robust option for these demanding applications,” remarked Claassen. “There is no risk of oil leakage as a result of damage, for instance.”

All units were manufactured in South Africa within a tight production schedule, with factory acceptance testing completed successfully prior to delivery. Ongoing support will be provided through Trafo Power Solutions’ local partner in Zambia, ensuring continued reliability and aftersales service.

“Our local partner in Zambia plays a vital role in supporting our customers there,” Claassen commented. “We work closely together in projects like this one, both from a supply and aftersales support perspective.”

Cementation Africa advances Mindola shaft at Mopani Copper Mines

Structural steel components of the ore loading bin prepared for assembly on site. (Image source: Cementation Africa)

Cementation Africa is drawing on its extensive expertise in shaft sinking and underground mining to advance work at the Mindola shaft, part of Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe

The project is set to support the long-term sustainability of the Nkana mine while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The project scope includes the construction and installation of a permanent headgear, followed by the rope-up and commissioning of winders. These steps will enable detailed 3D scanning of the shaft, helping to identify alignment deviations and determine the structural reinforcement required to ensure safe and efficient hoisting operations. The work programme also covers the installation and commissioning of an overland conveyor system.

According to Ben Adendorff, Cementation Africa’s in-country executive for Zambia, the immediate priority is preparing the Mindola shaft for production by sliping and equipping the remaining 500 metres.

“To determine the exact degree of misalignment, Cementation Africa will complete a 3D scan of the complete shaft,” remarked Adendorff. While another contractor raisebored this particular shaft, Cementation Africa successfully completed the sinking and equipping of Mopani’s Synclinorium and Mufulira Henderson shafts over a decade ago. The 1,280 m Synclinorium shaft, with a 7 m diameter, was sunk between 2011 and 2014 before being equipped for commissioning and handover in 2016. Meanwhile, the 1,580 m Mufulira Henderson shaft, with a 6 m diameter, was commissioned in June 2020.

“Our current work at Mindola includes the removal of the sinking headgear and winders, and the installation of a new permanent headgear, after which we can rope-up and commission the new winders,” he explained. “This will allow us to scan the shaft from top to bottom with specialised equipment, including the length of shaft already equipped above a depth of approximately 1,000 m.”

This process will verify the accuracy of existing steel guide structures that direct conveyances within the shaft and allow for the correction of any identified issues. Below the 1,000 m level, the remaining 500 m of the shaft will be sliped and lined to maintain a precise vertical alignment for safe conveyance movement.

“We will the proceed with the equipping of the shaft and construction of the loading box steelwork at the shaft bottom,” he says.

Cementation Africa’s track record across complex shaft-sinking projects in southern Africa continues to reinforce its standing in the region. As noted by Hercilus Harmse, engineering services executive at Cementation Africa, the company has delivered major projects including the 1,200 m shaft at Palabora Mining Company, which reached final depth in 2024, and the 2,750 m ventilation shaft at South Deep mine.

“Many of our projects are conducted in environments where there are poor ground conditions or where extensive de-stressing of rock is required,” Harmse said. “We bring this experience into our designs and execution ensuring that we can apply innovative solutions - using our fleet of specialised equipment for rigging, winding and shaft sinking.”

Safety remains central to the company’s operations, as highlighted by new business director Graham Chamberlain. Over the past 12 years, Cementation Africa has recorded more than eight million fatality-free shaft-sinking hours.

“This is the result of consciously building a safety culture on every site and prioritising safety in all our planning and design work, using industry experience to learn from every incident,” commented Chamberlain. “Particularly with equipment that is critical to safe operations, we develop and apply duplicate systems so there is always a backup. With winders, for instance, we ensure that an electronic system will be duplicated by a mechanical system in case of failure.”

Adendorff adds that beyond its technical expertise, the company has made a lasting social impact through its long-standing presence in Zambia. Initiatives include the construction of a school for the deaf in 2016, now supporting more than 100 children, as well as an orphanage feeding programme.

“Our history in Zambia has also made us an employer of choice, as everyone knows our value system and the respect with which we treat our employees,” he concluded.

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