 Originally part of the Anglo American Corporation, controlling interest in the Shaft Sinkers group is now held by International Mineral Resources (IMR) - one of the biggest privately owned mining houses in the world, with operations across Africa and Europe, plus affiliations in central Asia. SA owned Mmakau Mining is a substantial minority shareholder.- Shaft Sinkers growth and positioning at the forefront of its industry sector is founded on the wealth and depth of technical expertise that resides throughout the group. This is augmented by an impressive record of successful projects completed cost effectively, on time and to the highest safety standards.
Facts about Shaft Sinkers
We are:
 Recognised for the implementation of innovative mining technologies.- Pioneers in the development of some of the most successful mining solutions ever deployed.
- Africa’s most experienced shaftsinking and mine construction company – established in 1961.
Our ethos – Excellence!
Best described as:
Doing the right things right, selecting the most important things to be done and accomplishing them 100% correctly; on time and in keeping with our unswerving commitment to safety.
What we do
Shaft Sinkers is the African continent’s most comprehensive mining contractor in the following disciplines:
- Shaft sinking.
- Underground construction.
- Large underground excavations.
- Tunnelling.
- Mining contracting.
- Design, consulting and draughting.
- Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM).
 Successful large construction projects include a variety of excavations for underground winders, pump chambers, rock silos, loading stations, settlers and dams. The company is also involved in hydro-electric schemes, road and railway tunnels and other major underground civil engineering projects.
The company’s plant pool is comprised of an extensive engineering plant facility where specialised equipment is maintained to the highest standards.
Where we do it - A Global Footprint
The following are some of the territories where the company has been engaged in mining activities:
- Africa – South Africa and extensive operations throughout the African region.
- The Americas – Argentina, Brazil, Chile and USA.
- Asia – China, India, Indonesia, Laos and Kazakhstan.
- Australia.
- Europe – England, France, Ireland, Switzerland and Russia.
Milestones and Innovations
 South Africa has always been at the forefront of research and development into safe and innovative mining techniques and machinery. The Shaft Sinkers group of companies has been a proud contributor to this reputation.
Shaft Sinkers:
- Has, since its inception in 1961, been the pace setter for rapid access to deep level ore bodies - critical to optimal project yield.
- In 1987, set an international mechanised sinking record of 200,4m in one month. This was achieved using a shaft sinking jumbo drilling machine, designed and manufactured by the group.
- Holds the world records for sinking the deepest shaft at 3 583m at Western Deep Levels, plus the widest, at 19m diameter, at the Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme..
Shaft Sinkers has sunk more than 165 km of vertical shafts around the globe with a proud safety and cost performance record.
Shaft Sinkers understands that rapid access to deep level ore bodies is of critical importance to its clients.
 To this end, the company has pioneered some of the most successful innovations worldwide aimed at speeding up shaft sinking processes.
Shaft Sinkers pioneered mid-shaft development - a system which facilitates horizontal access to the ore body from the vertical shaft while primary shaft sinking is still in progress. This is just one of the many innovations for which the company has gained renown.
|
|
Financial Discipline, Reviews (FDR) and Resources
In accordance with the company’s strict adherence to good governance practices, Shaft Sinkers:
- Implements sophisticated, real-time and fully integrated system recordings of commitments and costs.
- Develops programmes and contract cost estimates derived from meticulous project planning on behalf of clients.
People, Profit and Planet
Shaft Sinkers endorses the triple bottom line principles of People, Profit and Planet. The company is ISO 14001 registered and adheres to the ideology of sustainable development by implementing environmental management policies in accordance with the legislative dictates of any country in which the group is active.
The company’s most valuable asset is its people.
Shaft Sinkers;
- Encourages employees to take a hands-on approach to safety and training.
- Subscribes to a culture of sustainability in terms of the safety and well being of its employees.
- Undertakes to promote and maintain the fair treatment, dignity and self-esteem of all employees.
- Provides market related fair remunerations as well as optimum working conditions for all employees.
- Maintains open lines of communication between personnel and management.
- Provides effective training and staff development schemes.
- Is fully committed to transformation as evidenced by the agreement entered into with the National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) in 2007, whereby the company acknowledges NUM as one of the representatives of member employees.
Employment Equity
Shaft Sinkers is dedicated to the principles of employment equity, promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment.
|
In 2003, 100 percent black-owned Mmakau Mining acquired in excess of a 25% shareholding in Shaft Sinkers. This is believed to be the first BEE transaction of its kind in the mining contracting sector. In 2007, this share holding was increased to 35%. Additionally, 10% is held by Holgoun Engineering.
Women in Mining
The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) was devised and implemented in 2004 as a means of promoting long term sustainability in the industry. In support of the empowerment of women and in line with the requirements of the Mining Charter and this Act, Shaft Sinkers has appointed a number of women to various roles in the company. This move is representative of the company’s pledge to drive the empowerment of women in the industry.
HIV/Aids Intervention Programme
Shaft Sinkers recognises the potentially-crippling impact of the HIV/Aids pandemic and has introduced an awareness programme for employees warning of the need for a lifestyle conducive to the prevention of HIV/Aids. |
