During the last year we have focused on consolidating the two operations. Two thirds of the ore body can be tapped via the infrastructure currently being installed and the deeper reserves will need another set of shafts although they can be reached to a degree using decline shafts from the footwall. Shaft-sinking is never without its problems and South Deep was no exception. During May this year, water was intersected on the main shaft at a depth of about 450m. The plug was then blasted and shaft-sinking recommenced.
Technical innovation is matched by financial foresight.
Most of the money raised by South Deep to fund its capital programme was applied to a gold hedge. In November 1995, Western Areas sold forward 7,3-million ounces of gold over the 8,5 years to 2004. Efforts made by the JCI management on the industrial relations front have yielded fruit. It is absolutely pointless to commit billions of rands to projects unless the future can be secured in a sustainable way. Yet there is far more to be done.