Increasing optimism in the mining space has translated into opportunity for the civil engineering and construction sector with big industry players, like Concor Infrastructure, securing significant contracts.  

Concor Infrastructure, formerly known as Murray and Roberts Infrastructure, was recently awarded the Belfast Implementation Project for Exxaro’s new coal operation in Mpumalanga.

The 22 month contract comprises major bulk earthworks and civil infrastructure that will be the enabling works for the mining operation. It also includes the upgrading of a provincial gravel road to surfaced standard that will facilitate access to the mine.

Managing director, Eric Wisse, says the company’s extensive experience in mining infrastructure projects will allow its teams to leverage this expertise on the project.

Platreef mine project

“We also secured the contract for the earthworks and civils for the box cut at Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef mine in Limpopo,” Wisse says.

This is the first step of the Shaft 2 project and site mobilisation of Concor Infrastructure’s team has already begun. Shaft 2 will become the main production shaft for Platreef.

The company’s initial scope of work will require the excavation of a surface box cut to 29 metres below surface, and the construction of a concrete hitch for the head frame. This 103 metre structure will house the shaft’s permanent hoisting facilities and support the shaft collar.

Bakwena road rehab

Concor Infrastructure has also received a contract for road rehabilitation on the Bakwena highway, on the section from Pumulani Plaza to Hammanskraal.

Over the last five years, the company has worked on the Bakwena highway on sections stretching from Pretoria northwards. The work involves asphalt milling, and asphalt inlay and overlay work.

Wisse says that work continues apace on the company’s other major roads projects in the Eastern Cape, North West, Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal.