Empowered joint venture company Boipelo Mining Contractors has won a contract from Universal Coal for mining and related services at New Clydesdale Colliery in Mpumalanga. According to Charles Makgala, Executive Partner at Boipelo Mining Contractors, the turnkey contract covers three underground sections of the mine and work began in February 2019.

The current operation is on the 2# lower with a complete suite of equipment to support three continuous miner sections. Boipelo Mining Contractors is also responsible for the installation and maintenance of the conveyor and ventilation infrastructure. “Opportunities do exist in the current operation for expansion and we will continuously be on the look out to improve efficiencies in order to surpass our contractual obligations. The transition to Boipelo Mining Contractors has been well received and was achieved through extensive consultation with New Clydesdale management and the affected employees,” says Makgala.

The equipment is being supplied by Boipelo Mining Contractors, which is a joint venture between leading mining contractors Murray & Roberts Cementation and Makgala’s Amandla TM Group.

“This is an exciting project for us, and will employ 175 people directly, over and above which there will be sub-contractors on site when necessary,” says Allan Widlake, Boipelo Mining Contractors Executive Partner and New Business Director at Murray & Roberts Cementation. “We are bringing a depth of coal mining experience and expertise from both JV partners, and are confident that we will deliver an efficient and cost effective solution to the client.”

As part of the mining services offered, Boipelo Mining Contractors will also be negotiating the geological features of three mining sections, which is likely to require drilling and blasting of dykes in the orebody when necessary.

New Clydesdale Colliery, whose roots go back its initial formation in 1942, when the first exploration borehole was drilled, produces thermal coal for local consumption and the export market. The mine has been operated by Universal Coal since 2016, and is one of four in South Africa owned by the company.

“We are pleased to be able to work closely with Boipelo Mining Contractors on this important contract,” says Chris Silver, General Manager at Universal Coal New Clydesdale Colliery. “The joint venture represents a solid collaboration of enterprising new entrants and well-established players. While expecting a high level of quality in the services to be delivered, we are also proud to be contributing to meaningful transformation in the mining sector.”

Boipelo Mining Contractors is a Level 2 B-BBEE accredited company with a strong focus on sustainability in terms of health, safety, quality and environmental management.