Weir to supply ENDURON® HPGR for the phase 2 expansion of Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef Mine
Energy-efficient grinding technology to support major platinum group metals expansion in South Africa
Global mining technology company Weir Group has secured a contract to supply its ENDURON® high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) to the Platreef Mine, operated by Ivanhoe Mines, as part of the mine’s upcoming Phase 2 expansion.
The HPGR system will form part of the Phase 2 concentrator’s tertiary crushing circuit, supporting increased processing capacity at the large-scale platinum group metals project in South Africa.
The Platreef Mine, located approximately 280 km northeast of Johannesburg, is one of the world’s largest precious metals deposits currently under development. Phase 1 of the project began production in November 2025, while the Phase 2 expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Ivanhoe Mines has also outlined plans for a further expansion phase aimed at transforming Platreef into one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost producers of platinum group metals (PGMs).
The decision to incorporate HPGR technology at Platreef follows the successful use of similar systems at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, where Ivanhoe Mines operates in joint venture with Zijin Mining.
ENDURON® HPGR systems are designed to deliver energy-efficient comminution, consuming up to 40% less energy than traditional tumbling mills. This reduction in energy usage can significantly lower operating costs while helping mining companies decrease carbon emissions and improve environmental performance.
The value of the contract has not been disclosed.
Bjorn Dierx, Weir, Director of HPGR and Process, said:
“Weir is delighted to be partnering with Ivanhoe Mines to supply our proven ENDURON HPGR technology. There has been a discernible trend in the mining sector towards reducing its environmental impact in recent years. The continued adoption of HPGR systems as the preferred solution for efficient, high-performance and sustainable ore processing provides one of the most significant opportunities in this regard.
“We have a large installed base of ENDURON HPGRs, and these orders reflect the strong confidence miners have in Weir’s advanced grinding technology and process expertise.
“Weir has always prioritised the service and support element of these partnerships. We understand the importance of being close to our customers and, in this case, we have a service centre less than 10km from the site to ensure we can provide immediate support during operations.”
Steve Amos, Ivanhoe Mines, Executive Vice President, Projects, said:
“HPGR technology is now fairly standard in the mining industry and has proven to be cost and energy efficient. Ivanhoe Mines has extensive HPGR operational experience gained from the three operating HPGRs at our Kamoa copper mine in DRC. We look forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership with Weir.”
