Sibanye-Stillwater mechanises Siphumelele platinum mine with Epiroc

Sibanye-Stillwater is advancing mechanisation at the Siphumelele shaft within its Rustenburg operations, using a fleet of low-profile underground equipment from Epiroc to support platinum mining in narrow-vein conditions

The equipment order includes Epiroc’s LHD 5.5 LP low-profile loader, UV42 utility vehicles and a large range of UV42 cassettes. The fleet is intended to support the ongoing mechanisation project at Siphumelele, with the aim of improving safety and productivity.

The low-profile equipment is designed for mining applications where narrow veins and restricted underground working conditions require compact machinery. The LHD 5.5 LP loader is designed for low-profile loading and hauling, while the UV42 utility vehicles support general underground operations, maintenance and logistics.

“We are proud to support the Siphumelele operation as it starts to use mechanized equipment,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “It will strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater’s continuous efforts to be as safe and productive as possible.”

The UV42 vehicles can be fitted with interchangeable cassettes that provide different work decks for a range of underground transportation requirements. These include the movement of personnel, tools and explosives, allowing the same utility vehicle platform to support multiple operational functions.

Richard Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa operations at Sibanye-Stillwater, says: “The investment in Siphumelele is an important example of our strategic focus on extending mine life and unlocking additional value from our existing ore reserves. Epiroc's low-profile fleet is well suited to the mining conditions at Siphumelele and will support the safe and efficient execution of this strategically important project.”

The low-profile underground equipment is derived from Epiroc’s acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment in 2023. The acquisition expanded Epiroc’s offering in underground mining, including equipment for critical support and service applications.

For Siphumelele, the equipment forms part of the operation’s broader move towards mechanised mining. Its low-profile design is particularly relevant to underground environments where equipment dimensions need to accommodate narrow-vein mining conditions while supporting loading, logistics, maintenance and other activities.

Delivery of the equipment will begin in the fourth quarter 2026.