Mining and mineral beneficiation in the North West
The North West Province is South Africa's mining powerhouse. If ever there was a comparative advantage, the North West has it in mining and mineral beneficiation. The North West is by far the largest producer of platinum group metals in South Africa, accounting for some 64.7% of the nation's total output. Mining contributes 36.6% of gross domestic product by region (GDPR) and 21.6% of provincial employment.
Mineral rich
The North West's seven gold mines account for between 20 and 25 percent of South Africa's total gold output. Diamonds, vanadium, limestone, chrome, slate, nickel, fluorspar, phosphate, coal, manganese, dimension stone, rhodium and other minerals are also produced in substantial quantities.
The North West's mineral wealth represents a key economic advantage for mineral beneficiation within the region. The world demand for dimension stone has been strong for several years and is likely to continue. This, along with firmly established trade partners, gives the province a head start, and provides opportunities for expanding local beneficiation with emphasis on cutting, polishing and tile manufacturing.
Current projects underway
Invest North West is currently facilitating the development of a granite beneficiation project. This project involves the cutting and polishing of granite slabs and tiles for both the local and export market. Since the plant will be situated close to the granite quarries, costs for production will be reduced and local beneficiation will serve to unlock economic growth, employment creation and rural development within the region.
Cement is also an important product of the North West. New investments to mine and process limestone into cement for export have already been concluded for the Mafeking area. In terms of ferrochrome beneficiation, International Ferro Metals is a successful new ferrochrome mine in the North West with a processing plant adjacent to the mine. The operation is expected to be one of the lowest-cost producers of ferrochrome in the world, minimising chrome handling (and therefore costs). This R2.1-billion project, including the plant and the mine, will employ 2 000 people and at full capacity will produce 267 000 tons of ferrochrome annually.
The North West is also seeking to increase its level of diamond beneficiation. The Minerals park project in the Mafeking Industrial Development Zone will be housing, among others, diamond beneficiating operations, including the cutting, polishing and manufacture of diamond jewellery.
For more information contact Abiel at Invest North West on +27 14 594 2570 or email abiel@inw.org.za
