Portal establishement in poor ground conditions

Maintaining surrounding rock structure integrity, reducing blast vibrations and limiting flyrock

  • Customer : Northam Platinum Pty Ltd |
  • Pain point : Guarantee wall stability |
  • Market segment : Underground & Tunnel |
  • Solution : Blasting Service utilizing Enaex personnel and products as an integrated package |
  • Location : Steelpoort | Limpopo | South Africa |
Situation

Strategic expansion in complex terrain

The Booysendal Platinum mine, located in the province of Mpumalanga, South Africa, and operated by Northam Platinum LTD, is actively engaged in the extraction of platinum. With the objective to break away Portals from surface in poor ground conditions by maintaining surrounding rock structure integrity and limiting vibrations to safeguard nearby structures, Northam Platinum LTD embarked on the development of the “Booysendal Central Merensky 1” operations as part of its strategy to meet future growth plans. The geology of the region, with its unique characteristics, necessitated precise blasting practices to ensure portal blasting is conducted effectively to allow for the safe and efficient access to enable the mine to reach the mineral deposit.

Challenge

Initiate multiple Portals from the surface in testing ground conditions, all while maintaining surrounding rock structure integrity and navigating the proximity of a road less than 100m away and High Voltage powerlines situated at just 50m from the blast site. Access to the mineral resource is crucial for extending life of mine and any damage to the high-voltage power lines would halt operations at three other shafts, leading to a significant loss in production. Moreover, if the nearby road was obstructed due to the blasting, it would disrupt the daily commute of thousands of employees.

Customer Testimonial

“The project was completed in good time as well as that it was done safely. The work done was excellent as always.”

Bertie van Stryp,
Production Mine Overseer

Solution

Combining specialist human resources with 1st world products to create winning solution.

To address these challenges, Enaex Africa introduced a tailored solution:



Use of reduced density and energy products: employing specialized products for better outcomes and minimized risks.

Key features
Results

Advancing safely with accuracy

The primary aim of the project was to confidently establish three distinct portals, each extending at least 10m, while safely initiating blasts with Daveytronic Electronic detonators. The precise techniques applied enhanced the integrity of the highwall, sidewalls, and hanging walls throughout the project area and guaranteed a misfire-free operation. This approach matched and even surpassed the smooth wall blasting results from the Central Merensky Project. Achieving these goals bolstered structural safety, minimized potential production losses, and ensured seamless operations for the entire workforce.

Stronger Bonds

The project showcased Enaex’s expertise, offering the client significant operational and financial benefits. The Portal provides access to the mineral resources of the mine and ensures that life of mine can be extended, creating jobs for employees and providing safe access to the underground workings. No damage meant the client did not lose any production, the other mines on the property could still be in operation, and the overall relationship between Enaex and Northam Platinum was made stronger.

About Us

At Enaex, our purpose is to humanise mining by having a positive impact on all aspects of the blasting process.

We know that life is the most precious thing on the planet. That’s why we put people first to ensure the well-being of our teams, our broader communities, and the environment.

With a proven track record of providing the global mining industry with flexible, tailor-made blasting solutions, Enaex is the preferred blasting solutions partner.