The world's second-biggest platinum producer is implementing a successful mechanisation programme at its Rustenburg operation, operations executive Paul Visser told Mining Weekly Online yesterday.

Visser reported that Impala would be spending R45-million-a-year for the next three years on new technology.

He said this would run in conjunction with a large capital expenditure programme of R1-billion-a-year, also to be spent over the next three years.

The biggest capital project is the 16-shaft project, while other projects under way include the 20-shaft project and decline shafts a 14, 11 and number one shafts.

Two mechanisations already under way embrace drill jigging and trackless mining at 12 shaft and part mechanisation at 14 shaft.

Other technology advances about to be introduced include a new drilling technology, referred to as DDT, as well as the isolated use of a new cutting device.

The use of low-profile-trackless vehicles has been facilitated by a stope width of 1,8 m and steps are being taken to introduce extra-low-profile trackless vehicles that will be able to operate in stopes as narrow as 1,3 m. These new vehicles will require drivers to lie on their backs while the vehicles are being operated.

Total mechanisation now stands at eight per cent of total production, but is scheduled to increase to 12% by 2007.

Visser believes that 12% would be the maximum output that could be mechanised at the Rustenburg operation.

The capital expenditure, mechanisation and efficiency drives are designed to maintain Impala's output at a constant 1,1-million-ounces-a-year for the 30-year life of the multishaft operation.

The new DDT drilling technology has the potential to be applied on all Merensky reef, which represents about half of Impala's available reef.

By the middle of next year, the DDT technology will be applied on 150 panels and 300 panels by the end of 2007.

This is expected to yield a 40% increase in face advance, from 0,85 m a day to a metre a day, with the potential to increase that to 1,2 m a day.

Steps are also being taken to expand the use of DDT to Upper Group 2 reef. Impala's new technology strategy is aimed at developing new technologies to improve both safety and productivity and to provide the company with a sustainable competitive advantage based on continuous improvement.

The new cutting technology has been successfully applied at six shaft on Merensky reef.

Impala employs 27 000 people at its Rustenburg operation and Visser has given an undertaking that there will be no retrenchments in the teams using the drilling technology.

This technology removes the physical strain from drilling and takes personnel out of the 2 m danger area.