Timrite, through historic entities has been involved with support-related mining research and development since the mid 1960’s. The comprehensive R&D facility at Westonaria, west of Johannesburg, was established in 1990 with the ongoing objective of solving the complex support problems of South African mines.

A wide range of products designed and developed by the Westonaria facility has resulted in major advances in mining support design and strata control.
The centre is staffed by a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team capable of addressing the support challenges of both shallow and deep mines. In collaboration with operational staff and external rock engineering expertise the team has developed key competencies focused on commercial product and systems based R&D.

A comprehensive workshop, allows the manufacturing of new support prototypes for extensive surface testing at our R&D facility where computerised equipment simulates the conditions underground.

Over 120 patents and trademarks have been registered by Timrite for the mining industry, which is testimony to the success of the collaboration between Timrite and it customers and the number of issues resolved.

All testing equipment is annually calibrated by a SANAS (South African National Accreditation)

All Timrite’s timber products are available in a fire retardant treated form. Timrite applies the Pacsayf® chemical in a dipping process to allow for predetermined absorption levels. Treated products can offer the benefit of lower operational insurance cover for our customers.