The board of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has approved the Mototolo / Der Brochen life extension project in South Africa as part of its strategy to maximise value from its core assets.

The extension project is expected to involve an investment of around $245m (R3.9bn) in nominal terms over six years.

However, the majority of the amount will be spent on the first three years between 2022 and 2024.

According to an Amplats statement, the project will use existing Mototolo infrastructure to expand mining into the adjacent and down-dip Der Brochen resource.

The Der Brochen UG2 orebody will employ the same bord and pillar extraction method used in the Mototolo mine. It will also be a fully mechanised operation.

A new shaft will also be developed to replace the depleting Mototolo reserves and maintain a monthly mining rate of 240,000t.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The project works are slated to begin in first quarter of 2022 and first production is expected in late 2023.

Amplats CEO Natascha Viljoen said: “The Der Brochen project is one example of the high-quality, low-cost expansion options we have available in our existing portfolio of assets that will allow us to continue delivering industry-leading returns to shareholders.

“We are also progressing our various workstreams at Mogalakwena to ensure we realise the full potential of this world-class resource to the benefit of stakeholders for many decades to come.

“In addition, the strong performance by our processing operations over the period illustrates the significant work we have been doing to improve asset reliability in the business.”

The project is expected to extend the mine life beyond 30 years.

A member of the Anglo American Group, Amplats produces platinum group metals.

Earlier this year, Anglo American committed to reducing its indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2040.