Copper miner Copper 360 is making progress in its plans to reopen its Northern Cape-based Rietberg mine, which will ensure South Africa is able to meet some of the growing global demand, reports Copper 360 executive director Shirley Hayes.

The reopening of the Rietberg mine, which officially took place in August 2024, remains at the top of the agenda for Copper 360. “This initiative involved years of detailed planning and navigating regulatory approvals,” she says.

“With our processing facility already established, the immediate focus is to bring Rietberg into steady-state production. This achievement will not only solidify the start of the cluster mining model, but also provide a blueprint for the development of subsequent mines in the cluster,” explains Hayes.

Once Rietberg is fully ramped up, Copper 360 plans to focus on opening a second mine in its 12-strong cluster mining model.

On a domestic copper mining front, Hayes highlights that there are challenges facing the local copper mining and production sector, for which Copper 360 has a “comprehensive strategy”.

Copper 360’s mining licence and new cluster mining model gives the company access to various ore deposits, which enables the company to consistently mine and produce copper of the most valuable grade and the ability to scale production as needed, when other mines come online.

“This model ensures consistent production levels while optimising resource utilisation.”

The company also works together with various public- and private-sector stakeholders to address infrastructure and energy supply challenges by improving supply chain and logistics processes and working towards ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.

“The future of copper mining in South Africa is bright,” states Hayes, adding that copper will remain integral to global efforts for green energy adoption and digital transformation.

She adds that innovations in recycling and refining technologies are set to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring the supply of high-quality copper.

In this regard, Copper 360 has significant exploration potential, with 60 projects included in its mining licence, points out Hayes.

The phased approach to adding mines to its cluster model ensures that operations are both sustainable and efficient, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

What About the Issues?

Copper 360 has a comprehensive strategy to address the key challenges involved in copper mining and production, such as regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

The company is working closely with industry experts to establish sound mining practices, adopt renewable-energy solutions and improve waste management processes to lower its environmental impacts.

“Pioneering sustainable practices and embracing innovations aligned with environmental, social and governance priorities are central to this strategy,” says Hayes.

This comprehensive strategy, she highlights, places Copper 360 in a position to comply with new legislative changes in the copper mining sector, including regulations for community engagement and harsher environmental regulations created to reduce the carbon footprint at mining operations.

Hayes emphasises Copper 360’s ability to transform the South African copper sector through the strategic mining and production of copper – a practice that is promoted and supported by beneficiation policies that highlight the need to reduce reliance on the exports of unrefined, raw copper by enhancing local processing capabilities and volumes.

Going forward, Copper 360 pledges to maintain alignment with global developments and trends by ensuring that there is exponential growth in the local copper industry, and ensure benefits for all stakeholders by prioritising community development, innovation, profitability and sustainability.

“With its resources and focus on beneficiation, South Africa is well-positioned to become a global leader in copper mining and production,” she enthuses.