Tharisa has outlined a planned transition to underground mining at its namesake mine on the Bushveld Complex of South Africa, saying the $574 million plan offers a high confidence, low geological risk opportunity to sustain the Tharisa Mine for in excess of 50 years.
The addition of underground mined ore from West Mine (Apollo Complex) and East Mine (Orion Complex) from 2031 at Tharisa will ensure that the nameplate processing capacity of 5.6 Mt/y run of mine (ROM) is achieved and exceeded, the company says. At this capacity, the exclusively open-pit operation is currently producing around 140,000-160,000 oz of PGMs (6E basis) and 1.65-1.8 Mt of chrome concentrate (FY 2025 guidance).
Both the underground Apollo and Orion complexes, which will be developed sequentially, have been designed to mine 255,000 t/mth at steady state with a combined production rate of 510,000 t/mth, capped at the plant feed capacity of 5.6 Mt/y, thus maintaining current PGM and chrome concentrate output with growth opportunities due to smarter mining and less dilution.
Apollo is scheduled to deliver first ore by Q2 FY2026, reaching steady state by Q3 FY2029, supported by a monthly volume of 255,000 t/mth. Orion will follow with first ore in Q4 FY2031 and steady state by Q3 FY2033, producing 210,000 t/mth but designed to reach a capacity of 255,000 t/mth (Tharisa’s financial year runs from October 1 to September 30, meaning the 2025 financial year runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025). Together, these developments underpin sustained production growth and operational scalability.
Phoevos Pouroulis, CEO of Tharisa, said the phased approach to portal development at the underground operation enables early access to reef with the bord and pillar design supporting safe, cost-effective ramp up and long-term operational efficiency.
A “fit-for-purpose fleet” selected through motion study and competitive tendering has outlined the need for 140 units at the Apollo Complex, consisting of LHDs, trucks, drill rigs, bolters, scissor lifts, sprayers and graders. The Orion Complex mirrors Apollo to contain operational consistency, however there is a plan to transition to conveyor-based haulage at both complexes further into the life of mine.
A spokesperson for Tharisa told IM that the fleet plans included the use of 10-t-payload Komatsu WX10LP low profile LHDs, 30-t-payload HX30LP low profile trucks, Sandvik DD321 double boom drill rigs, MacLean SS5 concrete spraying units, MacLean concrete transmixers, Fletcher 3120 bolters and more.
The company also said it planned to use underground contractors to carry out operations, namechecking both ProVest and Cementation Africa, as well as Enaex for explosives supplies.
