Platreef keeps eye on prize

MOKOPANE – On Tuesday, Ivanplats, provided business owners with an update of the progress on its Platreef Project. While the strategy remains the same as the past two years, executive head of operations, Ivano Manini, told Chamber of Business members that the feasibility study for the first phase of development will be completed by March 2017.
“While the plan is to continue shaftsinking, we hope to eventually build a concentrator, a smelter and a refinery,” he expalined. “Ultimately, the goal is to produce concentrate and to beneficiate both base and precious metals here at the mine.
“However, for now we are taking the project one step at a time and our time line remains the same with the aim of starting construction on the second shaft next year,” Manini explained, adding that Platreef has enough funding through the investment of Japan’s Itochu Corporation (which owns 10% of the project) to finish the first phase which is the development of Shaft 1.
Shaft 1 is sitting at a depth of 135m, but the final depth will be 980m by March 2018. The shaft will be used to hoist rock, develop the platinum reef and ventilation. Shaft 2 will be situated 100m away and will boast one of the tallest headgear in the world. It will have a depth of 1 104m.
Manini says that Platreef will start adjudicating contracts for the shaftsinking and civil engineering within the next few weeks.
While Platreef will continue to source labour locally from its 20 host communities, however, it’s mechanised method of mining will require skilled and specialised labour. The mine is projected to require a workforce of 2 200 people over the next three years, but the workforce will be built up gradually. The current number of employees stand at 556 of which 383 is sourced locally. “The employment opportunities will only really happen after we start with the sinking of Shaft 2,” Manini explained.
This year has seen the mine investing heavily in training to ensure that the necessary skills are established in time for future plans. The company is investing R160-million as part of its social and labour plan, this includes R67,2-million for the development of job skills and R87.7-million for local economic development projects.
The mine has also invested in infrastructure in the host communities adjacent to the mine, including projects like the Lesedi community centre, the provision of waterless sanitation systems, science and computer laboratories to schools, among others. These projects are in line with Mogalakwena Municipalities’ IDP plan for 2016. Next year will see Platreef establish a community centre next to the mine which will host not only the mine, but also banks, SASSA, the SAPS, the department of Social Welfare and a public library.
Companies wishing to do business with Ivanplats or individuals interested in job opportunities can register at the company’s offices in Mokopane. It is important to bring a full CV, a copy of your ID and proof of residence for consideration.