Deposit Types
Two main PGE deposit types occur within the Bushveld Complex:
• Relatively narrow (maximum 1 m wide) stratiform layers (reefs) that occur towards the top of the Upper Critical Zone typically 2 km above the base of the intrusion (Merensky reef-style), mainly found in the Western and Eastern Limbs. These narrow zones have been the principal targets for mining in the past; however, more recently wider zones with more irregular footwall contacts have been mined (termed potholes).
• Contact-style mineralisation at the base of the intrusion (Platreef-type) occurs mainly in the Northern Limb.

In general, within the Northern Limb, the Platreef comprises a variably layered, composite norite–pyroxenite–harzburgite intrusion that lies at the base of the Bushveld Complex, in contact with metasedimentary and granitic floor rocks. McDonald and Holwell (2011) reviewed the major literature on the Platreef and Northern Limb, and have concluded:
• The Platreef remains a complex and enigmatic deposit.
• Stratigraphic relationships with other stratiform deposits such as the Merensky and UG2 reefs have been suggested.
• The extent to which the Northern Limb was connected to the rest of the complex across the Thabazimbi–Murchison Lineament remains to be established.
• The Platreef represents a complex of sills intruded into basement granite-gneiss, Transvaal Supergroup sediments or pre-Platreef Lower Zone intrusions.
• Intrusive rela ........

The Platreef Project is designed based on highly mechanised Longhole Stoping and Drift-andFill mining methods.

Primary access to the mine will be by a 1,100 m deep, 10 m diameter production shaft (Shaft 2). Secondary access to the mine will be via a 996 m deep, 7.25 m diameter ventilation shaft (Shaft 1). During mine production, both shafts will also serve as ventilation intakes. Three additional ventilation exhaust raises (Ventilation Raise 1, 2, and 3) are planned. Ventilation Raise 1 will be a 950 m deep, 6 m diameter raise located near the centre of the mining area and adjacent to the two intake shafts. Ventilation Raise 2 will be an 800 m deep, 6 m diameter raise located near the northern edge of the mining area. Ventilation Raise 3 will be a 725 m deep, 6 m diameter raise located near the southern edge of the mining area.

Three main access levels will be established as primary haulage levels. These are the 750 m, 850 m, and 950 m Haulage Levels. Mining access ramps will connect the haulage levels with the mining sublevels and other infrastructure. The mining sublevels will be developed from the ramps at regular vertical intervals in the production areas. Drilling and extraction levels for stopes will be driven from the sublevels. Ventilation raises and ore passes will also connect the sublevels with the main haulage levels.

The main mining methods will be Longhole Stoping and Drift-and-Fill mining. These methods provide a safe, mechan ........

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