This agreement will allow MaXem to manufacture a second thermal unit that will be sold to its customer as well as the first unit built more than two years ago. MaXem will focus its work mainly on training and technical support with his client.

Donald Brisebois, president and CEO of Nippon, said: “I am very pleased with MaXem's progress in the implementation of the thermal fragmentation mining method in South Africa and I hope that this agreement will be followed by several others of the same type.”

Mark Van Shaik, president of MaXem, added: “MaXem is putting a lot of effort into introducing the thermal fragmentation mining method in our country. We are beginning to reap the fruits of our efforts and I am very proud of that.”