Coal producer Kangra has successfully commissioned a new continuous miner section at its Udumo shaft, equipped with three shuttle cars, with production starting early last month, two weeks ahead of schedule, demonstrating the mine’s operational efficiency, says Kangra GM Paul Redelinghuys.

The expansion forms part of Kangra’s broader strategy to grow underground operations at the Udumo shaft, in Mpumalanga, from three to five sections in the coming years, reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting increasing coal demand while maintaining high safety and productivity standards.

According to Redelinghuys, the expansions at Udumo shaft are expected to enhance resource extraction, improve operational efficiency and support continued economic contributions to the region.

“The expansion forms part of Kangra’s broader strategy to unlock the full potential of the Kusipongo coal reserve,” explains Redelinghuys, noting that the reserve – estimated to hold about 41.9-million tonnes – could extend the mine’s life by more than 20 years.

With the recently introduced section, monthly run-of-mine production is projected to increase from 110 000 t to about 140 000 t.

The expansion has also created an additional 38 direct jobs in the fields of engineering and mining, with further employment expected indirectly through supporting services such as coal hauling.

Attributing the section’s successful early startup to Kangra’s extensive planning and preparation, Redelinghuys notes that Udumo presents complex mining conditions, including dyke and dolerite intrusions, as well as mining depths exceeding 200 m.

To navigate these challenges, the company ensured adequate backup and support throughout the expansion project. It has also implemented support measures to optimise efficiency and reduce downtime during the ramp-up phase.

Another key component contributing to the new section’s early startup is the timely delivery and commissioning of all mining equipment — including a continuous miner, shuttle cars and a roof bolter — achieved under the leadership of Kangra production manager Musa Ntsele and Kangra section engineer Kwanele Buthelezi.

In addition, change management, training, coaching and licensing were carried out concurrently with equipment delivery, “enabling a successful transition from concept to reality”, adds Redelinghuys.

As part of its future development plans, Kangra has prioritised safety and efficiency by establishing separate ventilation districts for every section of Udumo, thereby enabling the mine’s airflow to be customised to the specific requirements of every existing, and future, section. Consequently, this will also ensure improved ventilation while using the mine’s existing infrastructure.

Water management has also been carefully integrated into the expansion, says Redelinghuys.

Following the initial groundwork, the power lines and water infrastructure were installed, and sumps were positioned on both sides of the pit. These sumps collect water and pump it into the mine’s current reticulation system, allowing for effective water control without requiring entirely new infrastructure.