Modern Mining January 2022

MANGANESE

handing facility. Products include both lumpy (85%) and fine material (15%),” explains Rothmann. Project impact The establishment of East Manganese mine has given a boost to local economic activities in the area. The mine employs 80 people, primarily from local areas in its vicinity. The same number will be main- tained throughout the life of mine. If this figure is multiplied by 10 – which is the average number of people that are dependent on a single salary earner in South Africa – then in essence 700 – 800 people are directly benefitting from the project. In addition, the indirect economic benefit of the operation, even though not quantifiable, is also far reaching. Manganese prospects In investing in the project, Menar was encouraged by the prospects of the global manganese market.

Sitatunga could not apply conventional strip mining, hence the conical shape of the pit with a ramp down to the ore. The subcontractors employed for the project are Lesedi Mining, for the crushing and screening plant and the operation thereof; Epic Drill and Blast; Sa Labs Ithuba, to equip and operate the on-site lab- oratory; Itekeng Taxi Holdings, for staff transport; Menar Mining Services for the mining and Pitboz, for hygiene, waste removal and toilet hire. Dry crushing All mine infrastructure has been established, includ- ing the 350 t per hour dry crushing and screening plant, which was commissioned in September 2021. “A major advantage of using a dry crushing and screening plant is that it significantly reduces water requirements and limits pressure on local water sources. An additional benefit of a dry crush/screen process is that there won’t be any need for a slurry

A major advantage of using a dry crushing and screening plant is that it significantly reduces water requirements and limits pressure on local water sources.

An additional benefit of a dry crush/screen process is that there won’t be any need for a slurry handing facility.

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24  MODERN MINING  January 2022