Loading article…
Ergo mine adds 120 million tonnes of storage, boosting monthly throughput to 1.65 Mt and supporting DRDGOLD’s gold retreatment plan through 2031.
Ergo mine’s tailings storage capacity rose by 120 million tonnes with the commissioning of the Daggafontein facility, allowing the combined Brakpan and Daggafontein sites to handle 1.65 million tonnes of tailings per month through 2031 [3].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| New storage capacity | 120 million tonnes |
| Monthly throughput target | 1.65 Mt (combined) |
| Current reserves (as of 30 Jun 2023) | ~3.27 Moz gold |
| Capital spend for upgrade | R500 million |
The Daggafontein tailings storage facility (TSF) in Gauteng adds 120 million tonnes of capacity and is designed to receive 750 000 t of tailings each month, complementing the Brakpan TSF’s 900 000 t monthly intake [3]. Together they support a sustained processing rate of 1.65 million tonnes per month, a level DRDGOLD expects to maintain until at least 2031. Water was first pumped to the site on 25 June 2026 and the inaugural tailings deposit occurred on 6 July 2026, marking the first of five Vision 2028 projects to be completed [3].
Ergo mine, operated by DRDGOLD’s subsidiary Ergo Mining Proprietary Limited, processes historic gold tailings from the Witwatersrand Basin. Its flagship Brakpan plant can treat up to 2.1 Mt of tailings per month, with a 92 % availability rate, while the newer Knights plant adds 180 000 t per month [1]. As of 30 June 2023, the operation held roughly 3.27 million ounces of gold reserves, and FY 2024 production across DRDGOLD’s assets reached 163 904 oz [1].
The Daggafontein upgrade required a capital outlay of R500 million, reflecting DRDGOLD’s broader strategy to extend the life of its tailings retreatment business and to mitigate the environmental legacy of historic mining waste [3]. The added storage capacity also provides a buffer for future expansions, such as the planned Withok TSF, which could eventually accommodate over 750 million tonnes [1].
The Daggafontein addition underscores DRDGOLD’s commitment to scaling low‑risk, environmentally focused gold recovery, while the long‑term viability of the operation will hinge on maintaining the projected throughput and on gold price dynamics.
Coverage is mostly measured — 7 of 7 reports stay neutral.
Every Monday — the token unlocks, Fed dates & catalysts set to move crypto and markets this week. So you’re never blindsided.
Free · 3-min read · one-click unsubscribe
AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Aug 4, 2026 · How we report
ERGO NEXT Insurance is quoted as the source identifying common summer liability risks and suggesting appropriate insurance coverage for small businesses.
Yes, a hacker known as "C Isn't Sharp" has altered player levels and caused game crashes in Black Ops 2 multiplayer lobbies.
The article recommends general liability insurance for third‑party claims, workers’ compensation for employee injuries, and commercial auto insurance for vehicle‑related incidents.