Shaft Sinking Progresses at Platreef's Shaft 1

The sinking of Shaft 1 at the Platreef platinum- palladium-gold-nickelcopper project, in Limpopo, South Africa, has reached a depth of more than 283 m below surface, 697 m away from its target depth.

- 

The sinking of Shaft 1 at the Platreef platinum- palladium-gold-nickelcopper project, in Limpopo, South Africa, has reached a depth of more than 283 m below surface, 697 m away from its target depth.

Proceeding at an average rate of about 45 m a month, the shaft, with an internal diameter of 7.25 m, is expected to reach the Flatreef deposit at a depth of 777 m below surface in 2018, according to Africa-focused project developer Ivanhoe Mines’ March 28 statement on its 2016 year-end results and review of operations.

Ivanhoe points out that sinking will continue to a planned final depth of 980 m below surface. Development work will include four shaft stations at depths of 450 m, 750 m, 850 m and 950 m below surface.