OUR PLACE IN

MINING AND QUARRYING

Roadlab is an accomplished supporter of South Africa’s largest mining operations,
over 400 construction companies and more than 60 consulting firms.

Mamatwan, Wessels, Khumani, Sishen

Northern Cape Mines

Northern Cape Mines, Minerals and Material Assurance

The rich ore deposits of the Northern Cape fuel some of the largest mining operations in South Africa, with vast quantities of manganese and iron ore extracted from mines like Mamatwan, Wessels, Khumani, and Sishen.

Starting early in the morning, Roadlab vehicles cover great distances each day, ferrying samples of soil and other local materials from mines across the Northern Cape.

These long trips are nothing compared to the journey the minerals from these mines will undertake in the months to come. After being carefully processed, the ore embarks on a journey across the country to the port of Richards Bay, which connects the Northern Cape’s minerals to global markets.

From Richards Bay, South African manganese and iron travels across the world to be transformed into the lithium-ion batteries and steel in the world’s next generation of electric vehicles, bridges and skyscrapers.

https://www.angloamericankumba.com/our-business/operations

Mamatwan and Wessels Mine

We’ve had the privilege of working alongside great partners at these sites over the past 15 months, supporting new large-scale infrastructure developments at Mamatwan and Wessels Mines.

Our partners were tasked with constructing new railway lines to connect these manganese-rich sites to the existing transport network, along with building new internal roads and a dam.

Now that the railway lines are fully operational, these mines will be able to transport manganese more efficiently while ensuring the new infrastructure will meet the demands of decades to come.

Our team was there every step of the way, providing essential quality control services to ensure the integrity and longevity of these critical structures.

We conducted a variety of geotechnical and materials testing, including density tests, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests and continuous sampling for concrete strength assessments.

Our work included creating concrete cubes for strength testing and sampling for material classifications and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests during stabilization phases.

Khumani Mine

Khumani Mine has been another long-term project for us, where we’ve been involved in multiple phases of expansion and infrastructure development over the years.

One of South Africa’s largest iron-ore producers, Khumani mine- based some 30km for Kathu - has grown in capacity from 10 million tonnes of export-quality iron ore each year to 14 million tonnes a year.

As contractors have worked on new areas of the mine over the years, we have been there, providing vital quality control testing including material classification and comprehensive geotechnical investigations.

Our work at Khumani has included a ful scope on on-site and laboratory testing - density testing, Deep Cone Penetrometers and occasional coring, material classifications, concrete strength tests—to ensure each new structure is built to last.

Khumani may be constantly evolving, but we remain a steady partner, ensuring that all projects meet therequired quality standards.

Sishen Mine

Sishen Mine is one of the largest open-pit mining operations in the world and a major player in South Africa’s iron ore industry.

Currently, we’re engaged in several major projects, including the G80 Solar Project, a new dump, a jig and slime facility and the Lyleveld intersection.

With new construction expected to continue at Sishen for the next 20 years, we’re excited to be a trusted partner in their ongoing growth and development.

Sishen Mine has been a core site for Roadlab since we established our operations in Kathu.

From density tests and DCPs to concrete strength assessments, Schmidt hammer tests and plate bearing tests, we’re conducting a wide array of quality control procedures.

Additionally, we’re performing soil sampling for California Bearing Ratio (CBR), UCS, and foundation indicators, ensuring the materials meet the rigorous demands of the mine’s expanding operations.