Strategic Mining Operations
Efficient and Responsible Extraction
We are committed to implementing advanced, efficient and safe mining practices to unlock the full potential of the Karo Platinum Project. Our operations are meticulously designed for long-term, low-cost, open-pit extraction, focusing on precision and maximizing the value of the Great Dyke’s rich PGM endowment while ensuring the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
Unlocking Value Incrementally
The initial mine development will consist of four open-pit mining areas. These target areas will be developed sequentially, starting with the largest, referred to as KPSE.
This strategic phasing allows for efficient resource utilization and flexible operational management, ensuring a stable and consistent supply of ore as the project matures.
Ensuring Operational Excellence
To ensure both efficiency and specialised expertise, mining operations at the Karo Platinum Project will be primarily conducted by a highly experienced contractor. Karo Mining’s dedicated owner’s team will provide critical guidance and oversight, with a particular focus on:
Geology
Ensuring accurate understanding of the ore body and optimal extraction planning.
Mineral Resource Management
Overseeing the effective and responsible management of our valuable mineral resources.
This approach leverages external proficiency while maintaining robust internal governance.
This collaborative model aims to achieve a consistent feed at the processing plant which maximising ore grade quality, and minimising stockpile accumulation.
Pilot Pit
In 2023, Karo Platinum developed a pilot pit to confirm some of the key assumptions of the project, namely: mining method and related operational and safety efficiencies on a steep dipping ore body, mining cut range, and associated dilution factors.
The pilot pit was mined to a depth of 37m and generated both transitional and fresh ores of approximately 58kt and 9kt respectively. Two mining methods were tested:
- Blasting both ore and waste at once and load selectively and
- Blasting ore and waste separately before loading.
Better grades were realised with the latter mining method hence adopted as the first option. It was also demonstrated that both people and equipment can safely operate efficiently and meet the project’s requirements.
