By: Mining weekly

Name of the Project

Mine Waste Solutions extension project.

Location

Stilfontein/Orkney area, in the North West, in South Africa.

Project Owner/s

Harmony Gold Mining Company.

Project Description

Mine Waste Solutions was acquired by Harmony Gold in October 2020 and is a gold reclamation operation that treats 2.2-million tonnes a month from historical tailings facilities through the Mine Waste Solutions plant.

Residue is deposited on the existing Kareerand tailings storage facility (TSF); however, this facility is running out of tailings deposition capacity.

The Kareerand TSF expansion project involves extending the existing deposition site to allow for the full development of Harmony’s tailings resource in the region; it is expected to produce about 100 000 oz/y of gold and extend the operation’s life-of-mine by more than 14 years.

Harmony reported in June 2024 that it was bringing on a fourth processing stream at Mine Waste Solutions. This will increase the total processing capacity from 78 000 t/d to 86 000 t/d. This will be possible only once the Kareerand TSF extension is complete to accommodate the additional residue deposition.

Potential Job Creation

Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return

Not stated.

Capital Expenditure

R1.35-billion in major capital was deployed at Mine Waste Solutions during the 2024 financial year ended June 30, 2024. Harmony expects to deploy another R1.2-billion in major capital at Mine Waste Solutions in the 2025 financial year to complete the TSF expansion, and bring the fourth stream and additional retreatment sources online.

Planned Start/End Date

Not stated.

Latest Developments

The Kareerand TSF expansion project is progressing well, with first deposition imminent.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants

None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information

Harmony Gold Mining Company, tel

+27 11 411 2000 or email corporate@harmony.co.za.