Cementation Africa changes ownership as mining investment rises  

Cementation Africa, a leading underground mining contractor, Cementation Africa is entering a new phase after its exit from the Murray & Roberts group, with the underground mining contractor repositioning itself as investment in African mining projects begins to recover. 

The company’s transition out of the business rescue process tied to Murray & Roberts has given the business room to focus on its core operations and rebuild its standing in the underground mining sector. 

“This ownership transition is important for us as a business. It allows us to focus on what we do best, and that is mining,” Cementation Africa Managing Director Japie du Plessis said in an interview. 

The company was acquired by a consortium led by Differential Capital, whose Head of Special Situations Fund, Mark Salmon, said preserving jobs and technical expertise formed part of the investment strategy. 

“One of the important roles we play when we provide capital is helping to retain critical skills for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Salmon said. 

He added that the company had come through a difficult period with its assets and operational capabilities intact, placing it in a stronger position as mining companies increase spending on new projects and mine expansion.

Expansion plans across Africa 

Cementation Africa, headquartered in Johannesburg, is looking to deepen its presence across the continent while strengthening ties with its American sister company. 

The contractor recently secured a five-year agreement with Tharisa Plc to carry out underground mining development and construction work at the Tharisa chrome and platinum group metals mine near Rustenburg. 

The company has also reopened its office in Lusaka and is working at Mopani Copper Mines. In Ghana, it has completed the registration of a fully compliant local business as part of its regional growth plans. 

Du Plessis said the company is also pushing to expand its raise-boring business and invest more heavily in mining technology. 

“Technology is improving efficiency and safety in mining, and we are constantly looking at where it can help us perform better,” he said. “We want to challenge ourselves to move toward autonomous and remote operations over time.” 

The company is working with several technology partners as it explores automation and modern mining systems aimed at improving productivity underground.

Capital targets mining services gap

Differential Capital said it began looking at opportunities in the mining services sector about two years ago, after identifying a gap created by years of weak capital spending across the global mining industry. 

Salmon said lower investment levels had placed pressure on mining contractors for several years, but conditions are beginning to improve as demand for critical minerals, copper and platinum group metals supports new project activity. 

“That meant companies providing those services were likely to have exceptionally strong prospects as investment returned,” Salmon said. 

He said recent mining investment announcements have already started translating into healthier order books across the sector. 

Cementation Africa expands pan-African footprint

The business traces its roots to 2004 through the merger of Murray & Roberts RUC and The Cementation Company Africa. Over the years, it built a reputation for handling some of the continent’s most technically demanding underground mining projects. 

Cementation Africa was rebranded in 2025 following the acquisition by the Differential Capital-led consortium. The contractor brings more than five decades of underground mining experience spanning shaft sinking, mine engineering, contract mining and large-scale mine development. 

Today, the company operates across several African markets, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Ghana. 

Du Plessis said the immediate focus is stability and execution, supported by renewed client demand. “The big takeaway for us is that Cementation Africa is here to stay. We are focused on growth and strengthening our African footprint,” he said.