These guys are one of a few Co's worldwide capable of drilling...

These guys are one of a few Co's worldwide capable of drilling 1km deep shafts through any material at large diameter. Of course every job will be different but I am sure Sedgman/Theiss etc... have done their due diligence on wherever the location of Exergens shaft will be.

Mainly posting just for interest -

Shaft Sinkers Holdings plc
www.shaftsinkers.co.za


Shaft Sinkers Holdings plc specialises in the sinking of particularly deep and wide vertical and decline shafts and the development of underground infrastructure, used in mining and hydropower applications. We have the capability to sink shafts through all types of rock strata, including running sands and clay.

About us


Key Facts

The Group is one of the pre-eminent vertical shaft sinkers in the South African market with a focus on particularly deep and/or wide vertical shafts.
It has the capability to sink shafts through all types of rock strata, including running sands and clay.
The Group is responsible for sinking the deepest ever man and material South African shaft (a secondary shaft at the Western Deep Levels to a depth of 3,131 metres below bank)
The Group is currently engaged in seven of the nine vertical shafts of depths in excess of 350 metres being sunk in South Africa.
Between 1961 and 2010, the Group has sunk in aggregate over 165 kilometres of vertical shafts worldwide and excavated over 400 kilometres of tunnelling.
The Group currently has 10 vertical shafts under construction in three continents and another nine decline and mine development contracts in progress. The majority of its current projects are based in South Africa
It is also working on major projects in both Russia and India.
Historically, the Group has completed projects in over 20 countries worldwide across Africa, Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
The Group works principally for established mining and infrastructure companies.
Major current projects and customers include the Shaft 16 and 17 complexes for Impala Platinum (commenced in 2005 and 2007 respectively), the Volgakaly project for EuroChem (commenced in 2008) and the Styldrift project for Anglo Platinum and Royal Bafokeng Resources (commenced in late 2010).

"The main shaft will have a final depth of 1920m at 10.0m in diameter; the ventilation shaft will be 1750m deep with a cross-sectional diameter of 9.0m; while the fridge shaft will be 1360m deep with a diameter of 6.0m. All three shafts are lined with concrete."

B Rubes