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Key features |
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Location: |
Blue Ridge Platinum is located in Limpopo Province, South Africa, on what is commonly known as the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex. It is located in the Sekhukhune District Municipality, some 15 kilometres north-east of Groblersdal and 200 kilometres west of Johannesburg |
| Ownership: |
50:50 partnership between Aquarius and Imbani Platinum (Pty) Ltd |
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Comprises: |
Underground mining to a current depth of 275 metres via three decline systems - the Central, North and South shafts |
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Management: |
Dedicated AQPSA management team |
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Production: |
At full production, the mine will produce 120,000 PGM ounces annually of which 60,500 ounces will be attributable to Aquarius (equivalent to 13% of group attributable production) |
| Mineral Resources and Reserves: |
Total attributable mineral resource (after application of geological losses) of 4.19 million 4E ounces
Total attributable mineral reserve of 1.21 million 4E ounces
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Life-of-mine: |
To 2027 |
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Refining: |
Offtake agreement with Impala Refining Services |
| Number of employees: |
1,800 – including contractors | |
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About Blue Ridge
Following the successful conclusion of the acquisition of Ridge Mining plc, Aquarius officially took over management of the Blue Ridge operation in July 2009. Blue Ridge, which is in start-up phase, will contribute both ounces and longevity to Aquarius’ production profile.
Development is being done off-reef in the footwall using trackless mobile machinery while mining, while the stoping operation is conventional, narrow-reef breast mining. The reason for the hybrid method is to optimise the dip of the reef and grade, and thus increase ounce production. Non-core business enterprises have been outsourced so as to maximise efficiency and costs.
A managed contract model has been implemented at Blue Ridge, similar to that in force at Kroondal. In terms of this model, the contractor, Murray & Roberts (MRC) supplied competent, skilled employees and all systems associated with human resource management and safety.
Geology
At Blue Ridge, the UG2 Reef which dips at 17 degrees from west to east, is mined. This reef comprises three bands commonly known as the “A” ,”B”, and “C” reefs, give a mineable width of 1.22 metres at an average head grade of 2.80g/t.
Production
Production is currently being ramped up and planned steady state production of 120,000 PGM ounces annually is scheduled for the end of FY2011. The expected life of mine is 18 years, excluding the adjacent Millennium resource. Both the concentrator plant and the tailings dams are managed and operated by contractors. Access to the operation is by means of a single conveyor decline and a truck ramp for the trackless equipment, both in the footwall and a man-travelling decline on reef.
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Blue Ridge- metal split
Blue Ridge - mine layout
Blue Ridge- mineral resources
Blue Ridge- mineral reserves
Blue Ridge - mineral resources
Blue Ridge - mineral reserves
The Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves have been confirmed in accordance with the South African Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC 2007) and its equivalent, the Australian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC 2004).
