Cementation Africa Marks Start of Tharisa’s Underground Mining Expansion

Tharisa Minerals has officially launched its underground mining project with an inaugural blast on March 31, 2026, marking a major transition from open-pit to underground operations at its chrome and platinum group metals (PGMs) mine in Bushveld Complex.

The milestone signals the start of a long-term strategy to extend the life of the mine beyond the expected depletion of its open-pit resources in 2034.

A Strategic Shift to Underground Mining

The new bord-and-pillar underground operation is designed to sustain annual production of approximately 5.6 million tonnes, with the potential to increase to 6.2 million tonnes. This transition secures the long-term viability of one of South Africa’s key mining assets.

Cementation Africa has been appointed as the primary development partner and will oversee early works, full-scale underground development, and production ramp-up over the next five years.

Major Development Programme Underway

The initial phase of the project is focused on the Apollo portal complex, where three portals are being developed with a combined advance of around 140 metres. This includes critical ground support systems, arch installations, and shotcrete application to ensure safety and long-term structural stability.

Following this phase, the project will transition into a five-year development and stoping programme aimed at achieving steady-state production of approximately 255,000 tonnes per month.

Extending Mine Life and Building Capacity

The underground expansion represents a significant investment in the future of the operation, enabling Tharisa to maintain output levels while transitioning to a more sustainable mining method.

Beyond physical development, Cementation Africa will also implement governance frameworks, safety systems, and operational procedures required for efficient underground mining.

Skills Development and Workforce Transition

A key component of the project is workforce development. Through its training academy near Carletonville, Cementation Africa will support the reskilling of workers as operations shift from open-pit to mechanised underground mining.

This includes training in the use of advanced trackless mining equipment such as load haul dumpers (LHDs), underground trucks, drill rigs, bolters, and shotcrete machines.

Technology and Operational Efficiency

The underground operation will utilise a fit-for-purpose fleet selected through detailed planning and motion studies. Equipment suppliers include leading OEMs such as Komatsu, Sandvik, MacLean, and Fletcher.

Looking ahead, there are also plans to introduce conveyor-based haulage systems to improve efficiency as the mine matures.

A Glimpse into the Future of Mining

The project highlights a broader shift within South Africa’s mining sector toward deeper, more technologically advanced operations.

By combining technical expertise, innovation, and strong partnerships, the Tharisa underground project reflects the future of mining on the continent—focused on sustainability, efficiency, and long-term value creation.