In an unusual event two silos of Harmony Gold’s Kusasalethu gold mine will be demolished tomorrow.
This work, which is considered a high-profile project for the mining industry, will be done by the company Phoenecian Group
“Our scope of work is quite broad, ranging from the demolition of some hostels to other ancillary works within the mine’s area,” explains Phoenecian Contracts Manager Sne’ Khanyile. The main part of the contract though is the demolition of the two silo structures, for which preparatory work is currently underway.
Phoenecian demolition expert Richard Kelly explains that the challenge associated with any demolition work is to protect surrounding structures from damage. “It is especially important when to comes to mine infrastructure like silos and headgear.” Phoenecian has deployed a cherry picker to clear a safe working zone around the two silos. This will be followed by drilling blastholes for the explosives and their charging.
“Remedial or rehabilitation work in the mining industry presents a major opportunity for Phoenecian,” comments Khanyile. Mine sites must be brought back to the condition of grazing land, which involves soil testing and removing any concrete foundations, sometimes up to a depth of 1.5 m.
The planned demolition is scheduled to take place on 24 June at 09:00.
Watch this take place live from Facebook by following the link: https://www.facebook.com/173439849410271/posts/pfbid02KZ84s9t3CjE9pCknv3eDGa1E5Xkyf2ESLbZAijVwPSoyTv7htdRLcsmvhiU8uffYl/?d=n
