MINING SUPPORT

The State-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is going all out to support technologies that will enable South Africa to beneficiate far more effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner. IDC divisional executive: mining and metals industries Abel Malinga (left) is seen with Mining Weekly editor Martin Creamer discussing three new technologies that will lower the energy, cut the costs and improve outcomes in platinum, steelmaking and ferrochrome production. The hydrometallurgical processing route envisaged for platinum copes well with the chromite in the upper group two reef. The creation of SupaScrap will relieve the acute shortage of quality ferrous scrap metal, and use of offgas to preheat the chrome ahead of its furnace entry results in up to 45% less energy being needed.