Murray & Roberts Awarded Project by Ivanhoe Mines

Murray & Roberts will be repurposing its 3 Shaft – a ventilation shaft – to serve a dual function at Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef project. The project has followed the sinking of the vent shaft by Murray & Roberts, which required very accurate drilling, using raiseboring equipment guided by directional drilling technology. The 5,1 metre diameter shaft meets horizontal development at a depth of 950 metres below surface.

“This is a unique project in many respects, as the shaft will be hoisting ore at that same time as allowing upcast air to reach surface. We were able to bring our well experienced experts into the planning process to develop a safe and effective solution.” explains Graham Chamberlain, New Business Director at Murray & Roberts Cementation.

Murray & Roberts conducted a feasibility study on the options, allowing for the selection of the most suitable methodology and also carried out the necessary designs, including winders and headgear as well as hoisting and tipping arrangements. The project is scheduled to take two years to complete.

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