Name of the Project
Bakubung Platinum Mine (BPM) project.

Location
On the western limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, north of the City of Rustenburg, in South Africa’s North West province.

Project Owner/s
Wesizwe Platinum.

Project Description
The underground mine comprises a twin vertical shaft system, a production shaft and a services shaft, which will also function as the second escape route, and a process plant. 

Planned mining operations include the extraction of the Merensky reef and upper group two (UG2) chromitite layer. The hoisting capacity of the main shaft is 250 000 t a month of reef and 15 000 t a month of waste.

Mining operations will be facilitated through semimechanised, or hybrid, methods using conventional stoping methods and mechanised methods for development and rock-handling operations.

Full production is estimated at 83 000 t a month.

Potential Job Creation
Once the mine has reached full production, it is expected to have an estimated 3 190 employees.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
R10.69-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Full production is expected in January 2026.

Latest Developments
Processing at the BPM plant officially started on June 18.

The plant, designed to process Merensky and UG2 reefs, was initially delayed, owing to defects identified during test runs.

The company said on June 23 that the plant was operating smoothly under stable conditions, and that it was focused on maintaining steady operations and optimising overall performance going forward.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Eskom (power supply); LT Services (surface road infrastructure); EBJ Mining Construction (development and construction labour); Kamano group (trackless mine machinery maintenance); NHI (conveyor structure); Howden (ventilation fans); and Louwill (shaft equipping).

Contact Details for Project Information
Wesizwe Platinum, tel +27 14 004 1030 or email info@wesizwe.com.