Copper 360 has begun underground mining operations at the Rietberg Mine in South Africa's Northern Cape Province.

The move marks the first copper production in the O'Kiep Copper District in more than four decades.

The Rietberg Mine, with a history stretching back to the early 20th century, holds substantial copper reserves. The mine was operational until its closure in 1983.

Its reopening is expected to significantly benefit the local economy by creating jobs and supporting community initiatives.

Copper 360 said the mine's revival is part of its Cluster Mining Model, which aims to reactivate several historical dormant mines in the area.

These mines, initially developed by Newmont and Gold Fields, have defined ore bodies and existing underground infrastructure.

Copper 360 holds mining rights over an area of 19,000 hectares where 12 mines and 60 historical prospects have been identified, each with a comprehensive dataset.

Copper 360 CEO Jan Nelson said: “The commencement of mining activity at Rietberg is an exciting moment for us and the culmination of several years of planning; but inasmuch as it marks a milestone for Copper 360, it also signals the beginnings of a new era for the Northern Cape.”

As per the estimates, the mine has measured and indicated resource of 4.78 million tonnes (t) at 1.27% copper, representing 60,800t of copper metal.

Ore from the mine is being processed at the Nama Copper Modular Floatation Plant (MFP) 2.

The company noted that the mine’s reopening advances Copper 360 from producing copper plate to producing copper concentrate.

This mine is expected to produce 45,000t a month at a grade of 1.6% copper as the second MFP (MFP 1).