In a defining moment for one of Africa’s most respected underground mining contractors, Murray & Roberts Cementation has officially rebranded as Cementation Africa. This new name signals the start of an exciting and independent future, following the company’s acquisition by a consortium of investors led by Differential Capital.
Coinciding with its 21st anniversary, the rebrand reflects not only a proud legacy but also a renewed drive to innovate, expand and deliver even greater value to the continent’s mining sector.
“Turning 21 is not just a symbolic coming of age – it is a powerful inflection point for the business,” says Japie du Plessis, Managing Director of Cementation Africa. “As an organisation we have a solid foundation built on more than five decades of trust, technical excellence and safe project delivery. Now, as Cementation Africa, we step into the future with greater agility, independence and focus.”
While the name has changed, the company’s leadership team, skilled personnel and values remain firmly in place. Clients and partners can continue to expect the same high standards of safety, performance and professionalism for which the company is known.
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Formed in 2004 through the merger of Murray & Roberts RUC and The Cementation Company (Africa), the business has grown well beyond its origins as a conventional mining contractor. Over the past two decades, it has delivered more than 15,000 metres of vertical shaft sinking and 72,000 metres of raiseboring, averaging 300 metres per month. These achievements have been made possible through the use of advanced technologies, such as the Rotary Vertical Drilling System (RVDS).
A standout application of this technology is the 950 metre deep ventilation shaft at Ivanplats’ Platreef project in Limpopo, which recorded a deviation of just 0.5% over nearly a kilometre -a world class result.
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The company’s in-house mine engineering team plays a critical role in shaping these outcomes. From mine design and infrastructure layout to construction sequencing and execution planning, the team ensures every project is underpinned by robust technical and operational foundations. Their close integration with project teams and use of digital modelling tools enables smarter, faster decision-making and reduces risk across the project lifecycle.
Cementation Africa has also built a strong reputation for its role in complex greenfield mining projects, supporting clients from development through to operational readiness. “These transitional contracts are complex and challenging, and we take great pride in having completed several of them successfully,” adds du Plessis.
The company’s fully accredited Training Academy at Bentley Park remains central to its strategy and social investment. As the only facility of its kind on the continent, it plays a vital role in addressing skills shortages across the sector – offering training for artisans, supervisors and managers, and hosting blasting ticket examinations on behalf of the Department of Mineral Resources.
To further boost safety and productivity, Cementation Africa actively partners with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to test and implement the latest technologies. One example is its collaboration with Herrenknecht of Germany, which has introduced mechanised caisson shaft sinking using roadheaders, allowing for shaft development of up to 300 metres without a single worker entering the shaft.
“We are focused on technologies that remove people from high-risk areas while increasing deployment speed,” says du Plessis. “From mechanised reef extraction to blind boring with mobile rigs, it is all about safer, faster and smarter mining.”
This forward-thinking approach extends to training where simulation and virtual reality are incorporated alongside underground mock-up facilities to enhance learning and preparedness.
Safety remains non-negotiable. Du Plessis emphasises that it is a value embedded in every aspect of the business. The company recently celebrated an industry-leading 8 Million Fatality Free Shifts over a 12-year period – a milestone that reflects Cementation Africa’s rigorous protocols, investment in people and culture of shared accountability.
Looking ahead, Cementation Africa is actively expanding its footprint across the continent with fully incorporated business structures already in place in key markets. “We are strategically positioning ourselves to support more mining clients in countries such as Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Ghana,” concludes du Plessis. “While our name has changed, our commitment to performance, partnership and people remains as strong as ever.”
