In 2015, Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd investigated the feasibility to develop a new 4 Mtpa underground PGM mine known as the Platreef project, located on the Northern Limb of South Africa’s Bushveld Complex. The orebody would be mined by longhole stoping with post-filling. SRK undertook the feasibility level mining geotechnical investigation and design. The geotechnical investigation was based on rock mass characterisation and a detailed structural analysis, to create a geotechnical block model. Geotechnical parameters were outlined for the mine design and include backfill requirements, support requirements and strategies to manage potential geotechnical risks the mine may face.
