The Bushveld layered sequence around Modikwa strikes north-northwest to south-southeast and dips to the south-west at 10º to 12º, with local variations in the dip resulting in gradients of nearly 20º. There are several instances where some gentle “rolling” of the reef horizons have been recorded, and normally steeper dips are noted nearer the outcrop (as opposed to at depth).

The outcrop positions of the Merensky Reef and the UG2 Reef normally occur within the areas of low relief, and much of the outcrop is masked by extensive development of black turf as well as, in places, transported sediments. On the farms Maandagshoek 254 KT, Onverwacht 292 KT and Winterveld 293 KT; however, the UG2 Reef (and occasionally the Merensky Reef) outcrops in a series of elongated hills. Although frequently covered with scree material, much of this outcrop has been marked by a series of trenches and pits, many of which date from early pioneer prospecting.

Both the UG2 and Merensky reefs are present at Modikwa. The UG2 Reef occurs as a chromitite layer with an average thickness of approximately 60 centimetres. Three leader chromitites occur above the main seam. Gentle undulations of the UG2 Reef with amplitudes of less than 2 metres are developed across the mine area. Potholes are randomly distributed within the North shaft area but are less abundant in the South shaft area. The Onverwacht Hill area in the southern portion of the mine is characterised by the presence of sev ........

Modikwa Platinum Mine (MPM) is a hybrid operation using conventional breast stoping with strike pillars, supported by trackless development and ore clearance.

MPM has five operational shafts which are North 1 Shaft decline, South 1 and South 2 Shaft declines, Onverwacht Hill adits and the Merensky adit; as well as South 2 Shaft decline which is under construction. The ore is transported from the shafts to the primary crusher and plant via conveyors and trucks from south 2 Shaft.

Mining consists of mechanised development and conventional stoping. The UG2 Reef is accessed via three primary declines from the surface and Merensky Shaft.

Ore from South 2 Shaft will be transferred underground to Onverwacht Hill shaft and then on surface to South 1 Shaft via a new conveyor.

Eventually all underground workings will be connected.

North 1 shaft
Access to North 1 shaft is by means of inclined twin declines. The twin declines are used as follows:
• One decline is fitted with a conveyor for the removal of ore and waste rock from the underground workings and for man access at the beginning and end of each shift;
• One decline is fitted with a trackless delivery system for the transportation of materials underground; and
• A chairlift adjacent to the decline transporting materials underground.

MPM used an old abandoned shaft, used for chrome mining in the past, approximately 1.5Km NorthWest of North Sha ........

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