Mining in focus
conditions to produce hydrofluoric acid, which is a very
valuable commodity and a key ingredient of all fluorspar
products that are manufactured worldwide. It is a very
aggressive acid — one has to take care in how to transport
it and where it is used — but it is also a very versatile and
useful commodity,” says Brits.
This product will thus be shipped where there is
demand, or it could be used locally. Plans are to have an
aluminium fluoride plant, which is a downstream plant to
the hydrofluoric acid plant. Hydrofluoric acid is used to
make aluminum fluorite, and that material can then be used
directly in the aluminium smelting process to produce final
aluminium. Once again, the main purpose of using fluorite
in those applications is to reduce the smelting point of
aluminium or bauxite ore, and it can be reduced significantly
with substantial energy benefits or energy reduction.
The building of the training centre at Nokeng has been
as impressive as the other construction work on site. As
part of the mine’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP), the
2 400m² building was built and equipped in just seven
months at a cost of R17-million. More than 2 500 men
and women from nine local communities are expected
to receive training in skills such as boilermaking, fitting,
welding, and community house-building over the next 10
years at the Mining Qualifications Authority-accredited
Dr Lelau Mohuba Training Centre. Tuition, study
materials, transport, work clothing, and personal protective
equipment totalling R36 000 per trainee will be provided
free of charge by the company during the life of the mine.
Some 56 trainees are already enrolled in various training
courses and will be prioritised for permanent employment
by Nokeng once qualified. b
www.miningmirror.co.za
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe
inspecting Nokeng’s training facility.
NOVEMBER 2018 MINING MIRROR
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