Modi Mining will work closely with the Wolvekrans mining and planning teams to plan and deliver various sub-processes, including top soiling and stripping overburden.

South32 president and chief operating officer Africa region, Mike Fraser, said the award is particularly significant as it is the first core mining contract awarded to a 100% black-owned company.

“It marks a significant step forward in our plans to deliver a more inclusive supplier landscape,” Fraser commented.

“We welcome Modi Mining as a strategic mining partner of South32. We are impressed with their focus on safety, their commitment to continuous improvement, and their support for the local communities in which they operate.

“We look forward to working together to successfully deliver our projects at Wolvekrans.”

Modi Mining has also committed to creating downstream opportunities for local labour and subcontracting, aiming to source 80-90% of their labour from the nearby local communities.