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.
In FY26H1, Sheba produced 7,913oz, down 10% from FY25H1, as lower-grade feed and Zwartkoppie constraints impacted output.
Our Operations
Why Sheba Mine
Current production was impacted by lower-grade feed and Zwartkoppie constraints, with additional working platforms planned to improve ore blending.
The Royal Sheba Project
Adjacent to Sheba Mine, Royal Sheba forms part of the Sheba Fault opportunity to support the BTRP production run rate. The Sheba Fault project has a Mineral Resource of 6.9Mt at 3.24g/t for 0.7Moz of gold, is shallow, large-scale and free-milling, and currently has a projected LOM of at least 10 years.
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)
BTRP produced 7,143oz in FY26H1 at an AISC of US$1,484/oz. Its current LOM is approximately six years from near-term surface resources, with Sheba Fault resources expected to extend the profile in the medium to long term.
Western Cross remains an important development area for Sheba, but FY26H1 output was negatively impacted by lower-grade feed linked to development and ore drives into this large-scale but lower-grade orebody.
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. In FY26H1, however, production was affected by lower-grade ore feed to the processing plant and constraints in the Zwartkoppie orebody. Additional working platforms are planned to improve ore blending from underground areas.
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 continues to optimise mining methods at Western Cross and Zwartkoppie, with exploration and development ongoing to increase mining flexibility. Additional working platforms are planned in the near term to improve ore blending from underground areas.
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
The Group has taken steps to address higher-cost operations, including Sheba and Consort. In FY26H1, Sheba Mine AISC was US$3,220/oz, with improvement work under way as part of the focus on sustainable and cost-effective mining practices.
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 Fairview Mine, Sheba Mine, Consort Mine and the BTRP surface retreatment operation, with Sheba Fault as a growth project. These operations form part of Pan African Resources’ Barberton portfolio and are known for high-grade underground mining, long operational histories and ongoing development work.
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.