The Founder-Mining

Theunis Van Der Merwe had over 55 years experience in the mining industry. With his specific expertise in shafts, tunnels, mining and construction he has earned recognition and respect throughout the mining and engineering industries. Theunis traded under several family companies throughout the years, including Bolbec Mining, Sovereign Watercontrol (Australia under licence) and Specialised Mining Services. During this time he completed assignments for world renowned mining companies.

Career Highlights

• Commissioned Australia's largest shaft hoisting system for the Olympic Dam Expansion Project
• Installing and commissioning the flying saucer podium for the opening ceremony at Sydney 2000 Olympics
• Certificate of bravery awarded by the Royal Humane Society for the rescue of William Farr in 1981 for directing the rescue
• Shaft sinker at the Western Deep Level (South Africa) Ultra Deep5, 700-11,500 ft Gold Mine, the deepest shaft in the world in 1957
• Theunis sunk his first mine shaft in Australia at Agnew, Western Australia in 1976

Managing Director

Louis Van Der Merwe has over 35 years experience in the mining, tunneling and construction industries. Working in a variety of management supervisor roles, has enabled Louis to develop significant skills across the industry. From specialising in shaft construction, mine development watersealing, ground support, drill and blast, maintenance and contracting, he has illustrated a high standard of technical abilities, organisational skills and attention to details. Louis has worked in a variety of mine environments, including metalliferous, coal mines, shafts, tunnels and opencut.

During his career in mining, Louis became involved in servicing the industry specialising in shaft and tunnel construction, with a strong commitment to safety, quality assurance and compliance.

With his father Theunis, Louis amalgamated the family companies into Specialised Mining Services and now acts as the Principal.

Engineering Team

SMS is supported by a dedicated engineering team that delivers practical, site-focused design and technical support across a full range of multidisciplinary engineering services.

We serve the mining and resource sector throughout all project lifecycles.

Our engineers collaborate closely with operations and clients to develop safe, compliant, and constructible solutions for mine development, shafts, and underground construction.

Management Personnel

Our management team unites highly experienced professionals, including expatriate specialists, who possess extensive expertise in mining, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Drawing on both domestic and international experience, particularly from our expat team, we apply advanced knowledge across mine shafts, tunnelling, underground mining, open-cut operations, processing plants, and commissioning.

Complemented by a full cadre of functional support, such as expert schedulers, cost estimators, health safety advisors, our team ensures every project is executed with unparalleled precision, strategic coordination, and a truly global perspective

Associated Specialists

Our network of associated specialists includes key partners in hoisting systems, various infrastructure, as well as trusted suppliers and vendors across engineering disciplines such as electrical, instrumentation, mechanical, and civil.

We also collaborate with experts in concrete, shotcrete, grouting, ground support, water sealing, as well as explosives and training. Together, these partnerships enable us to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions for every project.