Development of an innovative new mining method for narrow tabular steep dipping orebodies has reached an advanced stage after four years of effort. The reef boring machine that has already been put through its preliminary paces is viewed as having the potential to boost platinum group metals (PGM) grades through more selective mining, which then lowers unit costs, enhances safety, streamlines downstream materials – and looks like also conceivably being able to slash the size, risk and environmental impact of tailings storage facilities.