The development of the Styldrift section of the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine (BRPM) has commenced with a sod-turning ceremony, Mining Weekly reports today (5th December).

A 50-50 joint venture between Royal Bafokeng Resources and Rustenburg Platinum Mines, the project is expected to offer 5.4 million ounces of platinum over the mine's 27-year lifespan.

The R10.3 billion plans for the BPRM, which is situated on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex, is also expected to create around 4,000 jobs between now and 2035.

Speaking at the ceremony, Neville Nicolau, the CEO of Anglo Platinum, which wholly owns Rustenburg Platinum Mines, commented: "We believe this will not only boost the production profile of the BRPM mine, but will add much-needed value to the economy of this province."

The project will feature a twin-shaft system which will be pushed to a depth of 740m, plus a new 2.5 million-tonnes-per-year concentrator and a 5.5-km overland conveyancing system.

It is believed that the facility will produce around 370,000 tonnes per year of PGM at an average grade of roughly 4.36g/t when it reaches steady state production in 2015.

Source:

New platinum mining project opens doors for community upliftment (05/12/08)
http://www.miningweekly.com/article.php?a_id=147792