Can you provide an overview of Murray and Roberts’ mining platform?

Certainly. Our mining platform consists of three subsidiary companies: RUC Cementation, which operates in Asia and Australia; Cementation, which focuses on the Americas; and Murray and Roberts Cementation, serving the African market. In Africa, our current projects are primarily located in Southern Africa, and we take a commodity-agnostic approach. We recently established an underground coal mining contracting company specifically for projects in South Africa. Previously, Murray and Roberts executed projects in the Copperbelt region, and we are currently involved in mining operations in Namibia, Zimbabwe, and West Africa. In countries like Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Namibia, and Tanzania, we collaborate with local companies.

Our most significant project is the Venetia Underground Project in South Africa, in partnership with Anglo American. As the principal mining contractor, we are responsible for establishing an underground mine. We have completed the sinking of two vertical shafts to a depth of 1,000 meters and are currently equipping one of the shafts while developing the necessary underground infrastructure to support the shafts. Additionally, we are working on the development of a decline from the surface to enable access to the orebody for mechanized mining equipment. The decline has already reached a depth of 550 meters. We are also involved in projects such as the Kalagadi manganese mine and collaborating with B2Gold in Namibia for their underground mine. Furthermore, we are engaged in the planning and engineering of a new platinum group metals (PGM) mine in Zimbabwe.

What are some of the innovations Murray and Roberts have introduced in rock cutting and mechanized shaft sinking?

We allocate significant investments to innovations in mine development and shaft sinking. Our technologies aim to save time for clients, allowing for parallel construction and setup of the shaft sinking site during the pre-sinking phase. To enhance the efficiency of sinking cycles, we utilize hydraulic drilling jumbos that are efficiently designed to speed up the cleaning process. We also implement innovations to improve the efficiency of the concrete lining process.

Through our control systems, we monitor developments throughout the sinking cycle, identifying delays and working to shorten the time between blasts. We also focus on enhancing the safety and efficiency of the equipment used in the shafts. As a result, we are proud of our safety records, with M&R Cementation recently achieving five million fatality-free shifts.

In terms of mechanized mining, we are bringing the technology used by our Australian subsidiary to our operations in South Africa. Within the next six to 12 months, we plan to implement high-speed WiFi networks underground for data transfer and employ autonomous or semi-autonomous loaders operated remotely from the surface 24/7. We are also testing drilling machinery that can operate automatically and by remote control, a technology currently in the trial phase in Australia. Real-time monitoring of operating parameters allows us to enhance maintenance practices. Moreover, M&R holds a controlling share in a technology company specializing in the Internet of Things (IoT), data acquisition, and analysis. We gather and analyze data related to the mining cycle using artificial intelligence (AI), and the information is then communicated to on-ground supervisors, enabling them to make informed operational decisions. Additionally, we are working on real-time capturing of safety and audit data from underground and utilizing AI for analysis, facilitating proactive actions.

Can you elaborate on the Murray and Roberts Training Academy and its role in talent acquisition and retention?

The Murray and Roberts Training Academy plays a crucial role in training our workforce and developing the skills required for modern mining, considering the sophistication and complexity of the technology we employ. The academy focuses on occupationally-directed technical skills and safety training. We offer a unique blend of learning methods, combining instructor-led simulations with online training modules. This allows us to provide customized, site-specific training solutions for employees up to supervisor level. We also utilize simulators and virtual reality technology, enabling virtual training sessions to be conducted. This comprehensive training approach helps us find and retain talented individuals who are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in our industry.