Type of mining; Underground
Anglo Platinum is the world’s leading primary producer of platinum and accounts for the largest portion of the word’s newly mined platinum production. It also produces other platinum group metals (PGM’s) in quantities determined by their occurrence in the ores mined. Apart from platinum, PGM’s comprise palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. Nickel, copper and other base metal products are by-products of PGM operations.
Mining operations in the Rustenburg area include Bathopele Mine (Waterval Shaft), Khomanani Mine (Frank 1 and Frank 2 Shafts), Khuselela Mine (Townlands and Boschfontein Shafts), Siphumelele Mine (Brakspruit, Turffontein and Bleskop Shafts), Thembelani Mine (Paardekraal Shaft) as well as Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine. Process operations include the Waterval UG2 and Waterval Retrofit Concentrators, Western Limb Tailings Retreatment Plant, Outside Section (242,250 and pump repair team), Waterval Smelter, Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery and Precious Metals Refinery.
The Group has adopted a comprehensive SHE policy and recognizes the need for environmental stewardship to minimize consumption of natural resources, waste generation and the impact of operations on the environment.
Recognizing the human tragedy caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the Group has a clear policy for addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace and is committed to a comprehensive containment strategy, linked to programmes of care for those with HIV/AIDS.
The Anglo Platinum Group is committed to the principles of sustainable development – striking an optimal balance between economic, environmental and social development. This includes striving to innovate and adopt best practice, and working in consultation with stakeholders.
Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine
Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine has been developed in close co-operation with the Royal Bafokeng Nation. Constructed on a Greenfield site at a cost of R1,2 billion, BRPM is located east of Phokeng, the ancestral home of the Bafokeng people. Work on the BRPM site began in November 1997 and the first platinum concentrate was produced by December 1999.
BRPM is unique in that it is the only major shallow Merensky reef reserve still available for mining in South Africa. The reef is being mined from two different sections, i.e. North- and South Shaft. Each shaft has two incline shafts, one of which is equipped with a conveyor belt for the transportation of both men and rock, while the other is a track-bound material shaft.
All BRPM’s activities, both past and present have been carried out in strict accordance with a comprehensive environmental management plan.
The success of the BRPM project can be attributed to many factors but when all is said and done, BRPM is an excellent example of what can be achieved in the new South Africa when diverse parties pool their resources to achieve a common goal.
Our vision is to create injury free sustainable production to the benefit of all our stakeholders. At BRPM we do what we say!
Aquarius Platinum
Introduction
Implats holds a stake of 8.6% in holding company Aquarius Platinum Limited (Aquarius) and a 20% stake in its subsidiary Aquarius Platinum (South Africa) (AQPSA). Aquarius is listed on the Australian and London stock exchanges as well as on the JSE in Johannesburg. AQPSA owns and manages the Kroondal, Marikana and Everest mines.
Overall, AQPSA recorded production of 222,000 ounces of platinum in 2006, an increase of 38% on production of the previous financial year. In particular, Kroondal delivered a solid performance during the year, producing 131,000 ounces of platinum-in concentrate (including the P&SA). A new mining contractor was appointed and is performing well. Production at Marikana was 35,000 ounces of platinum-in-concentrate.
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