In one of Africa’s most remote and logistically demanding mining environments, ATS, Tsebo’s remote site specialist, transformed a critical operational challenge into a breakthrough solution: delivering over 330 hot, nutritious meals each day to a fully functioning mess hall 150 metres underground. This move not only improved employee well-being but also significantly enhanced productivity across the mine.
The remote reality and scale
Covering over 1,200 square kilometres and accessible only by small aircraft or rugged dirt tracks, this high-output mining site relies on complex logistics to support hundreds of employees and contractors. Supplies must be flown in or trucked across unpredictable routes that often take weeks due to terrain and weather.
ATS has responded with flexibility and innovation from the start of the operations, not only sourcing employees from nearby communities, but also training them to supply fresh produce locally. This approach has reduced costs, eased pressure on the supply chain, and helped build sustainable livelihoods in the surrounding area.
In this demanding environment, ATS provides a comprehensive range of integrated support services, including catering, cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, and facilities management, while also overseeing on-site retail and recreational spaces for employees.
The productivity challenge
Productivity was once hampered by the daily need for miners to travel to the surface for lunch, costing up to 2.5 hours each day. In a high-performance environment where every minute counts, this inefficiency became a major barrier. With operations reaching greater depths and teams spread across multiple levels, the traditional meal setup was no longer viable.
The underground innovation
ATS helped operationalise a custom-built underground mess, eliminating the need for miners to surface mid-shift. Meals are freshly prepared on the surface, packed with care, and delivered in insulated containers to Level 10 by 11:45 a.m. daily. With only one vehicle permitted in the tunnel at a time, deliveries are precisely scheduled to avoid traffic delays. A dedicated underground team serves the meals, maintains hygiene standards, and clears the space after each service.
Measured impact
- 2.5 hours of productivity regained each day
- +330 meals delivered underground daily
- Improved operational flow and uninterrupted shifts
- Better nutrition, energy and morale for mining teams
- Consistent service delivery in one of the world’s most extreme environments
Through innovation, planning and precision, ATS has proven that even in the harshest conditions, support services can directly power performance.