Under the ZAR2.6bn ($245m) contract, M&R will construct an entire underground mine, including the sinking, equipping and commissioning of a decline shaft and two vertical shafts.
It will also build horizontal tunnel, loading levels and associated ventilation, ground and water handling infrastructure.
M&R group CEO Henry Laas said: "This is a flagship project for Murray & Roberts and our local project team has been complimented with project management and operational capacity from our Cementation mining companies in Australia and Canada, demonstrating the breadth of capability and experience available in our Group.
"The more advanced Canadian shaft sinking methodology will be utilised for sinking the vertical shafts and Cementation Canada, who is recognised as leaders in applying this methodology, will be providing specialist training of the shaft sinking crews."
The Canadian shaft-sinking model is said to cover all the activities involved in the shaft-sinking production cycle.
Laas said: "Although good sinking rates are possible with this methodology, the primary drive in the transition to this methodology is improved safety, as no concurrent shaft sinking activities are required."
Located in Limpopo province in the northeast of South Africa, the Venetia mine currently represents 40% of the country’s annual diamond production.
