What's Happening?
Tharisa Minerals has entered into a five-year contract with Cementation Africa to develop and construct underground operations at the Tharisa Mine in South Africa. This agreement follows initial blasting in March 2026 and marks a significant shift from
open-pit to underground mining. The contract is based on an alliance-style approach, emphasizing open-book transparency and a cost-plus-fee structure. This collaboration aims to unlock the long-term, multi-generational potential of the Tharisa Mine orebody, with open-pit mining continuing alongside underground development. Cementation Africa's technical expertise will be combined with Tharisa's focus on operational excellence and sustainable practices.
Why It's Important?
The transition to underground mining at the Tharisa Mine represents a strategic move to access deeper mineralized zones, potentially extending the mine's life and enhancing its economic viability. This development is crucial for Tharisa as it seeks to maximize the resource base and improve operational performance. The partnership with Cementation Africa, known for its safety-focused approach, is expected to enhance the efficiency and safety of mining operations. This shift could lead to increased production of platinum group metals, contributing to the global supply and impacting market dynamics.
