Construction Risks Loom as Theta Gold Mines Commits to End-2026 Commissioning
Theta Gold Mines has placed a pivotal order for two Titan GDM3065 ball mills, marking a significant step forward in the TGME gold plant construction in South Africa, with commissioning targeted by the end of 2026.
- Order placed for two 900kW Titan GDM3065 ball mills
- Plug-and-play construction model to reduce capital expenditure
- Manufacturing and support based in South Africa near mine site
- On-site workforce expanded to 137 with civils underway
- Commissioning support and training included in service agreement
Strategic Equipment Procurement
The latest announcement from Theta Gold Mines (ASX, TGM) reveals a major procurement milestone in the development of its TGME gold plant in South Africa. The company has secured two Titan GDM3065 ball mills, each rated at 900kW, from MechProTech, a South African engineering firm located within close proximity to the mine site. This order is a critical component of the plant’s processing circuit and signals a firm commitment to advancing the project’s construction timeline.
Plug-and-Play Model Accelerates Build
The ball mills and their supporting infrastructure will be manufactured off-site under Theta’s innovative plug-and-play model. This approach involves factory assembly and testing before transportation to the mine, which is designed to fast-track construction and reduce capital expenditure. The dual mill configuration also offers operational flexibility, allowing for maintenance without halting production, thereby enhancing reliability.
Local Manufacturing and Support
Choosing MechProTech, based in Johannesburg, ensures that the equipment is locally engineered and supported. This proximity facilitates ongoing maintenance and rapid response times, which are vital for operational continuity. The package includes integrated feed systems, containerised motor control centre panels, and initial supplies of lubrication and grinding media, all backed by a comprehensive service agreement with on-site training and commissioning support.
Construction Momentum and Workforce Expansion
On the ground, the TGME project is gaining momentum with a workforce now numbering 137 personnel. Civil works are progressing steadily, including foundation construction and steel reinforcing installation, as documented in recent site images. These developments underscore the company’s drive to meet its commissioning target by the end of 2026.
Looking Ahead
Executive Chairman Bill Guy emphasised the strategic importance of this procurement, highlighting the performance guarantees and robust support framework that accompany the ball mills. This partnership not only strengthens Theta’s execution capability but also sets a new benchmark for mineral processing performance within the region.
Bottom Line?
With key equipment secured and construction accelerating, Theta Gold Mines is poised to transform its South African gold project into a production reality by 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the plug-and-play model impact overall project costs and timelines?
- What are the risks associated with on-site commissioning and operational ramp-up?
- How might local manufacturing partnerships influence future equipment upgrades or expansions?