In what has been described as a “logical step and natural extension to the services DRA offers”, the company has launched DRA Mining, a new division, which will extend business to include mine planning and design. The move, well timed to coincide with 21st birthday celebrations, places DRA in a position to offer a complete mining solution.

DRA has always provided a high standard of engineering competence, with a leaning towards the practical application of technologies. In addition now, it will also offer the following services: geology, rock mechanics, compressed air requirements, ventilation, water reticulation and cooling systems, underground electrical reticulation, mining design and mine planning, mining methods, materials handling, infrastructure, EPCM services, mining construction, management of contract mining and social responsibility.

Chiel van Niekerk heads up the new division. He has extensive hands-on mining experience and has handled the management aspects of many projects. Van Niekerk, who has been with DRA for over 15 years, is confident that the company, with its wide range of technical expertise, is ideally poised to take up the challenges of mining.

“We are available to start with mining projects immediately and look forward to building the same sound working relationships with our clients and suppliers as those that DRA has built up with its clients and suppliers over 21 years.“

DRA operates internationally and a subsidiary, DRA International, is registered in London. The first overseas operational office was opened in Perth, Western Australia in 1988.