Sibanye-Stillwater is developing seven relatively shallow primary platinum group metals (PGM) mining projects within its South African portfolio, focusing largely on upper group two (UG2) reef and mechanised mining, Mining Weekly has reported.
The projects – Siphumelele, Thembelani, East 4, Kopaneng, Bathopele, East 3, and Saffy – are higher‑margin, low‑capital‑intensity brownfield extensions, said Sibanye-Stillwater executive vice president, head of projects Ralph Lombard.
All are on contiguous property owned by the company and are envisaged for mechanised mining, with the exception of Thembelani.
Lombard said that integration of mining across contiguous boundaries unlocks additional value, shaft connectivity improves mine planning flexibility, and existing infrastructure and shared services improve economics and reduce complexity.
The acquisition of Kroondal PGM mine and its integration into the Rustenburg operation has facilitated optimisation of cross‑boundary synergies.
The Siphumelele extension, now in execution, consolidates Bambanani and Siphumelele into a single mining complex, allowing full extraction of the Bambanani reserve.
The first blast was achieved a month ahead of plan, with production expected from March 2027.
Mine life extends to 2039.
Lombard said that the K4 Marikana project will show a positive contribution from this year onwards.
Mining Merensky reef ahead of UG2 reef allows for the reuse of legacy infrastructure, lowering capital costs.
“We're not trying new mining methods,” he said.
“We know quite well how to do mechanised low-profile mining and board-and-pillar mining, and with that also comes the benefit of an experienced workforce.”
All projects are at shallow to intermediate depth, with no deep‑level PGM mining planned.
“We also have the ability to combine mines to become one solid mining unit again and bring us a good return on capital and payback,” said Lombard.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
