Technology & innovation
Owing to its depth, unique geology and mining conditions, Northam has had to develop many of its own technological solutions. Northam is the pioneer of hydropowered mining equipment, and has recently registered a patent on metallurgical innovations at the UG2 plant, which has led to lower chrome levels in smelter feed and higher PGM recoveries.
UG2 Sparger Cell Technology
The introduction of an external sparger column cell as a final concentrate cleaner in the company's UG2 concentrator plant has been a successful innovation.
Hydropower
The development and application of hydropower in underground mining conditions was pioneered at Northam at the start of the mine's life - a bold decision at the time.
Backfill
The principal support regime on the Merensky reef is the placing of backfilled bags at intervals of 1.5m. Backfill is placed in 65% of the mined out Merensky reef areas. Between 60% and 70% of all panels are being backfilled concurrently with the advancing faces.
Refrigeration
Harsh underground environmental conditions are mitigated by means of six York and two Sulzer 7 MW refrigeration systems on surface. Five of these units run continuously.
