Sibanye-Stillwater has ordered loaders and utility vehicles built for narrow veins as it modernises the Siphumelele shaft at Rustenburg
Narrow-vein platinum mines are among the hardest places to introduce machines: the space is tight, and every piece of equipment has to earn its place. Epiroc has won a large order to do exactly that at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Siphumelele shaft in the Rustenburg operations, South Africa.
What was ordered
The order covers low-profile underground equipment: LHD 5.5 LP loaders, UV42 utility vehicles and a large range of UV42 cassettes. Delivery begins in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The cassettes are interchangeable work decks that mount onto the UV42. They handle transport tasks such as moving personnel, tools and explosives, which lifts the utilisation of each utility vehicle. Sibanye-Stillwater will use the fleet as part of an ongoing project to mechanise operations at the shaft, with safety and productivity as the stated goals.
Why the product line matters
The low-profile range comes from Epiroc’s acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment in 2023. It expands the company’s presence in support and service applications underground, where utility vehicles carry out general operations, maintenance and logistics.
“We are proud to support the Siphumelele operation as it starts to use mechanized equipment,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO.
For Sibanye-Stillwater, the investment is part of a strategy to extend mine life and unlock more value from existing ore reserves, said Richard Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa operations. “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,” he added.
Business impact
For mining contractors and equipment suppliers, the order shows demand for compact, purpose-built underground machines in operations that are only now moving from manual to mechanised work. It also shows a buyer favouring a modular approach: one carrier, several work decks.
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