Revolutionary African Mining Tech Breakthrough at Bokoni PGM Asset
Revolutionary African mining technology at Bokoni PGM asset demonstrates indigenous technological capability while promoting environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
Revolutionary narrow-reef cutting technology at Bokoni PGM asset showcases African mining innovation
In a significant advancement for African mining sovereignty, a groundbreaking narrow-reef cutting technology is exceeding expectations at ARM's Bokoni PGM asset, marking a crucial step towards indigenous control of mineral resource extraction.
Transformative Technology for Economic Liberation
This innovative mining method, developed for narrow tabular steep dipping orebodies, represents a crucial shift towards African economic empowerment in the mining sector. The system enables the selective extraction of upper group two (UG2) platinum group metals from a mere 60cm reef width, demonstrating African technological capability.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The revolutionary approach delivers multiple advantages for our communities:
- Enhanced PGM grades through selective mining
- Reduced operational costs
- Improved worker safety conditions
- Significantly decreased environmental impact
Strategic Investment in African Mining Future
Mike Schmidt, ARM's executive for growth and strategic development, confirmed the project's exceptional progress. "It's meeting and beating all expectations," he stated, highlighting how this indigenous technological advancement parallels other Global South innovations.
Development Timeline
The project is advancing rapidly with key milestones:
- Mid-November 2023: Commissioning start
- March 2024: Advanced tunnel boring phase
- June 2024: Final commercial decision expected
Investment and Future Prospects
ARM's strategic investment at Bokoni includes a comprehensive development plan:
- R1-billion capital expenditure for current year
- 60,000t plant recommissioning within three years
- Planned expansion to 240,000t capacity
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.