SHAFT SINKING
6.95 m, bucket digging force of 110 kN, a digging depth( below the telescopic boom) of 8.7 m and increased flexibility in terms of boom swing and movement, the unit is a key part of Redpath’ s roadmap towards automating the drill and blast shaft sinking process; a process that could be furthered with the introduction of an in-development, Redpath-engineered automated bucket dump system.
The new shaft-sinking system can deploy electrically coupled single-drum hoist systems to improve hoisting cycle efficiency while providing enhanced control and synchronisation within the sinking cycle.
Kevin Melong, Vice President, Shafts and Technical Services at Redpath Mining, explained:“ Rather than focusing on isolated equipment improvements, the company has taken a far broader approach by integrating multiple technologies, methodologies, controls systems and shaft-sinking components into a single, highly coordinated shaft-sinking platform designed around one central principle: safely enabling concurrent activities throughout the sinking cycle.”
While the group will be in London in May promoting the‘ concept’, it is already very much a reality with one RDS-100 built and at a mine site in Europe, plus a second one being manufactured in Dortmund at Redpath Deilmann’ s facilities. One of these will possibly be integrated into a hybrid setup that could feature both the SBR and the RDS-100 working in tandem.
Greinacher said:“ We are not pursuing this because we are being forced to; we are doing this as everybody – including ourselves – believes this is the future of conventional shaft sinking.”
New technologies that could be integrated into the shaft-sinking system include the Redpath PowerCom control system to integrate all critical sinking-plant components in a centralised operational platform for monitoring and coordination; and a sinking methodology simulator for modelling and optimising systems and plans.
Redpath is also developing a shaftsinking training simulator platform to provide“ realistic, immersive training environments for operators, shaft crews, hoist personnel and supervisors before they ever enter an active shaft project”, Melong says.
Safety and productivity are very much at the core of these developments, with the whole Redpath team committed to such a unified approach.
The new shaft-sinking system concept, and the solutions that comprise and complement it, answers the industry’ s demand for“ deeper shafts, faster project execution, improved safety performance and reduced project risk”, Melong said.“ Redpath believes its integrated sinking platform is positioned to meet those challenges head-on.”
Cementation Africa eyes continuity benefits
Another company looking at automation advances in the shaft sinking space is Cementation Africa.
The company, which is now benefitting from the closing of a R1.27 billion($ 78 million) Differential Capital-led deal to acquire the core mining and contracting assets of the distressed Murray & Roberts group, has more than a century of shaft sinking experience and is able to offer a fully integrated end-to-end solution for its clients.
Graham Chamberlain, New Business Executive, Cementation Africa, says the recent transaction concluding the ownership transition has enhanced client confidence, allowing the company to continue its market engagement with renewed financial strength and stability.
Advanced shaft sinking and raiseboring technologies are improving safety, productivity and project execution, Cementation Africa says
34 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2026