Northam Platinum has revealed that it is planning to introduce a new underground shaft at the world's deepest platinum mine.

The new twin personnel and material shaft will push Northam down from its current depth of 2,200 metres to 2,450 metres.

Northam Platinum's Chief Executive, Glyn Lewis, has announced that preparations are under way for the new shaft and planning should be completed by the end of this financial year, meaning that sinking the shaft can begin later in the year.

Speaking to mining Weekly, Mr Lewis said Northam would be spending R26.4 million on the development of infrastructure for access to levels one and 14 at the mine.

No decision has yet been taken on whether it will be an incline shaft or a subvertical shaft, as Mr Lewis explained that the costs for the project have yet to be fully calculated.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd