Platreef Underground Feasibility Study

For nearly a decade, our mining team has performed work for Ivanplats’ (Ivanhoe Mines 64%-owned subsidiary) Platreef underground mine in South Africa, home to one of the biggest undeveloped deposits of platinum and palladium in the world. When Ivanhoe sought to develop the mine, they tapped us to complete various studies for this large-scale project.

This unique opportunity to bring our global experience to the African continent also came with the challenges of working nearly 10,000 miles away from the project site and employing Long Hole Stoping, a mining method that’s relatively uncommon in South Africa. We determined that this mechanized, high-production mining technique would be the most efficient means of recovering the resource. Through our long-term involvement with Platreef and collaborative work with other firms, we optimized mining intervals and stope shapes to maximize resource recovery and reduce dilution.

The surrounding villages will reap the benefits of this project in the form of employment and vital infrastructure. Nearly 2,000 people are expected to be employed by the mine and the local government will receive resources necessary to support further development of the community.