Sheba Mine
Sheba Mine, part of the historic Barberton Mines complex, is one of the world’s oldest working gold mines, with operations dating back to 1885.
Renowned for its high-grade ore and pivotal role in the region’s development, Sheba Mine continues contributing to the Barberton Mines’ legacy of gold production.
Today, it remains a beacon of productivity and innovation, adding significantly to the region’s prosperity.
Performance FY24
Sheba & Consort Mine
Gold Produced
30,000 Ounces
Contractors
1,815
Employees
2,257
Annual Capacity
50,000 Oz/Annum
Life of Mine
7+ Years
Aisc
2,959 $/Oz
Our Operations
Why Sheba Mine
Sheba Mine has been a vital pillar of the group’s Barberton Mines complex since the 19th century. It is renowned for its high-grade reef orebodies and expanding bulk-mining potential through the Barberton Tailings Retreatment Plant (BTRP).
Discover how Sheba Mine continues to drive innovation and sustainable gold production.
The Royal Sheba Project
Adjacent to Sheba Mine, the Royal Sheba project supports BTRP operations with promising ore reserves.
Bulk sample processing has demonstrated strong grades and recovery rates, reinforcing its potential as a long-term resource.
The project is expected to extend BTRP’s lifespan, with feasibility studies guiding its phased development strategy.
Project Dibanisa
Project Dibanisa enhances operational efficiency by linking 23 Level at Sheba Mine with 38 Level at Fairview Mine, improving ore transport, workforce movement, and logistics.
This infrastructure consolidation reduces costs and expands mining capacity, particularly at the Sheba Mine’s ZK Shaft.
The project also optimises the extraction of the Royal Sheba orebody by enabling processing at existing metallurgical plants without the need for new facilities.
Integration with Barberton Tailings Retreatment Plant (BTRP)
Sheba Mine supplies ore to the BTRP, enhancing its ability to process high-volume, lower-grade deposits.
The Western Cross orebody, part of Sheba Mine and accessible via the Southwall Adit, offers a lower-grade (3g/t to 4g/t) but wider (10m) free-milling orebody suitable for bulk mining, complementing the Royal Sheba project and providing additional feed to the BTRP.
This integration strengthens Sheba’s long-term contribution to efficient, sustainable gold recovery.
High-Grade Orebody and Narrow-Vein Mining
Sheba Mine is known for its high-grade reef orebodies, which have been integral to its long-term success. The mine has adopted an up-dip mining method to minimise dilution in its narrow orebodies, significantly improving ore recovery over the previous cut-and-fill approach. This method enhances efficiency while maintaining high gold output.
As part of Barberton Mines’ broader strategy, Sheba Mine continues to optimise mining techniques to extract maximum value from its high-grade deposits while ensuring sustainable and profitable operations.
Underground Expansion and Exploration Drilling
Sheba Mine ESG Initiatives
Environmental Initiatives
To address the challenges of load shedding and power disruptions, we have implemented a comprehensive energy resilience plan. This includes integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, alongside a network of backup generators to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Our dedication to environmental stewardship extends beyond energy solutions. Our partnership with the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in the Barberton Mountain Lands highlights our commitment to biodiversity conservation and habitat preservation.
Social Initiatives
Sheba Primary was transformed from an old mine hostel into a modern school, reducing transport costs for students. R37 million upgrades at Ngwane and Sheba schools benefited over 1,200 learners and 47 educators, creating 285 jobs and engaging many local contractors.
Pan African Resources also invests in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and Local Economic Development (LED) projects for leadership and skills development, adult education, and bursary programmes – ensuring long-term, sustainable community upliftment.
Governance Initiatives
Mining For A Future
Pan African Resources Blog
Explore the latest news and insights on Sheba Mine and Pan African Resources’ other operations.
Our articles cover the performance of our surface and underground operations, key projects, news updates, and ongoing ESG efforts. Read more about our commitment to mining for a future.
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FAQ's
Frequently Asked
Questions About
Sheba Mine
What is the history of the Sheba Mine?
Sheba Mine, established in 1885, is one of the world’s oldest operational gold mines and played a key role in South Africa’s early gold rush. It forms part of the Barberton Mines complex and is known for its exceptionally high-grade gold deposits. Mining operations focus on underground narrow-reef mining, with ongoing exploration expanding its resource base.
Over the years, Sheba Mine has remained a significant contributor to gold production, integrating modern mining techniques to enhance efficiency while preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of the Barberton goldfields.
How many mines are there in Barberton?
Barberton Mines comprises three active gold mines: Sheba Mine, Fairview Mine, and the new Consort Gold Mine. These mines form part of Pan African Resources’ operations and are known for their high-grade gold deposits, long operational history, and continuous advancements in successful underground mining techniques.
How deep is the Sheba Mine?
Sheba Mine reaches depths of over 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) below surface. As part of ongoing exploration and underground expansion efforts, new extensions and deeper orebodies continue to be identified, ensuring the mine’s long-term viability.