As Africa’s mining industry moves towards deeper deposits, more complex ore bodies and growing demand for critical minerals, specialist underground mining contractors are playing an increasingly important role in project development. Delivering successful projects requires more than construction expertise; it demands strong engineering capabilities, technical innovation, effective risk management and a commitment to safety.

According to Graham Chamberlain, New Business Director at Cementation Africa, mining companies are increasingly seeking contractors with the experience and technical capabilities to deliver complex underground projects safely, efficiently and reliably.

“Today’s mining projects demand considerably more than conventional contracting capability,” Chamberlain says. “Clients are looking for partners with proven engineering expertise, extensive underground experience and the ability to execute safely and efficiently under increasingly demanding conditions. The complexity of modern underground mining means technical competence has become a critical project differentiator.”

Integrated Expertise Across the Mining Lifecycle

Cementation Africa has built its reputation as a specialist underground mining contractor through decades of experience in shaft sinking, mine development, raiseboring and underground mine infrastructure.

Its integrated delivery model brings together engineering design, project management, construction, mechanical and electrical installations, commissioning and operational support. This approach enables mining companies to work with a single contractor across multiple stages of underground mine development, helping reduce coordination challenges and project interface risks.

“Underground mining projects are among the most technically demanding engineering undertakings in the resources sector,” Chamberlain explains. “Every project presents unique geological conditions, different mining methods and specific operational requirements. Success depends on developing engineered solutions that are tailored to each project rather than relying on standard methodologies.”

A Proven Track Record in Underground Mining

Cementation Africa’s project experience highlights the scale of its underground mining capabilities. Since 2001, the company has completed 25 shafts across the continent, including 10 since 2012.

Over the same period, it has sunk more than 10,000 metres of vertical shaft infrastructure, completed over 72,000 metres of raiseboring and drilled 93 holes using the Rotary Vertical Drilling System (RVDS). The company also reports accumulating 8.5 million fatality-free shifts.

According to Chamberlain, these achievements reflect the technical knowledge and practical experience developed through successive projects.

“They demonstrate accumulated technical knowledge, practical experience and the ability to solve complex engineering challenges underground. Every project builds on the expertise developed on previous projects, allowing us to continually refine our methodologies, improve efficiencies and enhance safety.”

Engineering Integration Improves Project Delivery

As mines become deeper and development requirements grow more demanding, coordinated project execution is increasingly important.

Cementation Africa’s engineering, procurement and construction teams work collaboratively throughout the project lifecycle. This integrated approach supports coordination, enables informed decision-making and helps project teams respond to changing geological and operational conditions.

“In underground mining, conditions rarely remain exactly as anticipated,” Chamberlain says. “Having engineering, construction and project management expertise working together allows us to respond quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining programme, quality and safety objectives. That integration creates real value for our clients.”

Technology and Experience Drive Innovation

Cementation Africa continues to invest in advanced shaft sinking methods, specialised equipment, digital engineering technologies and modern project management systems. These investments are intended to improve productivity, optimise project execution and reduce operational risks.

However, Chamberlain emphasises that technology must be supported by the expertise of experienced underground mining professionals.

“Technology is a powerful enabler but it delivers the greatest value when combined with experienced people who understand underground mining. Our strength lies in bringing together engineering excellence, practical construction knowledge and a culture of continuous improvement to deliver predictable outcomes on some of Africa’s most demanding mining projects.”

Supporting the Future of African Mining

Demand for copper, platinum group metals and other critical minerals continues to create opportunities for mining investment across Africa. Developing these resources increasingly requires specialised underground infrastructure and contractors capable of managing complex engineering and construction challenges.

Chamberlain believes that technical expertise, safety performance and integrated project delivery will remain essential to the future of underground mining on the continent.

“The future of African mining will depend on developing increasingly complex underground operations safely, efficiently and sustainably,” he concludes. “That requires contractors with the technical depth, engineering capability and proven execution experience to deliver critical underground infrastructure with confidence. Cementation Africa has built its reputation on precisely those strengths, and we remain committed to setting the benchmark for underground mining excellence across the continent.”