Tharisa Minerals has signed a five-year contract with underground mining contractor Cementation Africa to develop and construct underground operations at the Tharisa Mine in South Africa.
The low-cost, multigenerational mine is situated on the south-western limb of the Bushveld Complex.
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This contract follows initial blasting in March 2026, which marked the start of the first portal at the mine.
Built on an alliance-style contracting approach that aligns with both parties’ interests, the arrangement is supported by open-book transparency and a cost‑plus‑fee structure, guided by shared principles rather than a conventional rate-based, risk-transfer model.
This agreement represents an important step in Tharisa’s shift to underground mining, enabling access to the Tharisa Mine orebody’s long-term, multi-generational potential.
Open-pit mining will continue in parallel with the underground development.
Cementation Africa MD Japie Du Plessis said: “Cementation Africa values the trust that Tharisa placed in our capabilities to safely deliver its underground mining operation.”
The collaboration is expected to strengthen operating performance, enable improved reach into deeper mineralised zones and support a longer mine life.
Cementation Africa’s technical capability will be combined with Tharisa’s focus on operational excellence and sustainable mining practices.
Tharisa CEO Phoevos Pouroulis said: “This agreement represents an important step in unlocking the full potential of our resource base.
“Cementation Africa’s proven capabilities and safety-focused approach make them an ideal partner as we expand our underground operations.”
In October 2025, Tharisa announced plans to invest $547m (€464.75m) in an underground platinum group metals mining project in South Africa over the next ten years.
