Sibanye-Stillwater, one of the world’s leading precious metals mining companies, will use the equipment for platinum mining at the Siphumelele shaft at its Rustenburg operations.
The order includes low-profile loaders and utility vehicles, designed for use in mining applications with narrow veins. Sibanye-Stillwater will use the equipment as part of its ongoing project to mechanise the operation at the Siphumelele shaft, boosting safety and productivity.
“We are proud to support the Siphumelele operation as it starts to use mechanised equipment,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO.
“It will strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater’s continuous efforts to be as safe and productive as possible.”
Richard Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa operations at Sibanye-Stillwater, says: “The investment in Siphumelele is an important example of our strategic focus on extending mine life and unlocking additional value from our existing ore reserves. Epiroc's low-profile fleet is well suited to the mining conditions at Siphumelele and will support the safe and efficient execution of this strategically important project.”
The ordered equipment includes the LHD 5.5 LP low-profile loader, UV42 utility vehicle, as well as a large range of UV42 cassettes. Derived from Epiroc’s acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment in 2023, the low-profile underground equipment expands Epiroc’s presence in critical support and service applications, further strengthening the Group’s position in underground mining.
The utility vehicles are designed to support general operations, maintenance, and logistics below the surface. The cassettes are interchangeable work decks that mount onto the utility vehicles and thus strengthen the utilisation of the UV42 vehicles.
The cassettes fulfill a variety of transportation functions such as for personnel, tools, explosives, and more. Delivery of the equipment will begin in 4Q26.