Key Features
| Location: |
Approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Johannesburg, on the western limb of the world-renowned Bushveld Complex, in North West Province, South Africa, and immediately up-dip of the Rustenburg Mine (RPM) of Anglo Platinum |
| Ownership: |
50:50 partnership between AQPSA and Anglo Platinum through a pool and share agreement (P&SA1) |
| Comprises: |
Underground mining to a depth of 400 metres via four decline sections–the Kopaneng (formerly Central), Simunye (formerly East), Bambanani (formerly No. 3) and K5 shafts, and two concentrator plants with a combined capacity of 570,000tpm. |
| Management: |
Dedicated AQPSA management team |
| Production: |
Total production of 422,078 PGM ounces in FY2009
Production attributable to Aquarius of 211,039 PGM ounces
(46% of group attributable production) |
| Mineral Resources and Reserves: |
Total attributable mineral resources of 3.45 million 4E ounces after application of geological losses
Total attributable mineral reserves of 2.55 million 4E ounces |
| Life-of-mine: |
To 2018 |
| Refining: |
Offtake agreement with Anglo Platinum |
| Number of Employees: |
4,511 – including contractors |
About Kroondal
Conceived in 1996, Kroondal Platinum Mine – Aquarius Platinum's first and flagship operation – commenced production in August 1999. During 2000, Kroondal expanded its operation by installing a regrind mill and extra float cells in the plant. In early 2003, Aquarius entered into a P&SA with Anglo Platinum, whereby the two companies share revenues, costs and capital. In terms of this P&SA, the Anglo Platinum reserves adjacent to Kroondal were incorporated into the Kroondal mine plan, has resulted in an extension in Kroondal’s life-of-mine, and a more than doubling of the production rate.
The capital-intensive small-mine concept developed at Kroondal revolutionised the South African PGM industry. Essentially, the concept incorporates the use of key contractors, highly mechanised mining operations and the outsourcing of high-cost, high-risk smelting and refining operations. As a result, productivity levels at Kroondal rank among the highest
in the industry.
Location and Geology
Mining at Kroondal is done on two orebodies, namely the Kroondal and Townlands Blocks. The UG2 Reef outcrops on the Kroondal property and dips to the north at approximately 9 degrees. This orebody comprises two mineralised seams – the Main and Leader seams – which are separated by a one-metre pyroxenite zone commonly known as the parting.
Production
During FY2009, tonnes mined, largely from underground, increased by 7% year-on-year to 5.9Mt. As planned, open-pit production was minimal and ceased during the course of the year, offsetting a 5% increase in underground tonnage. A marginal decline in head grade, a function of geological conditions, was countered by improved recoveries at the concentrator plant, following improved process control and plant stability. This resulted in an overall increase of 8% in PGM production to 422,078 ounces in total. Improved production was partly due to greater stability in the workforce and in relationships with contractors, in turn a result of the managed contractor model implemented towards the end of the previous financial year which gave greater managerial and operational responsibility to Aquarius management.
While progress was made with development and ramp-up in production at the K5 decline shaft, the geological conditions nevertheless remained challenging. Development is being advanced through the Townlands Fault and once accomplished, will enable a sustained increase in output from K5.
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
Kroondal Block - metal split
Townlands Block - metal split
Kroondal Block - mineral resources
Townlands Block - mineral resources
Kroondal Block - mineral reserves
Townlands Block - mineral reserves
Kroondal - mineral resources
Kroondal - mineral reserves
The Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves have been confirmed in accordance with the South African Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC 2007) and its equivalent, the Australian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC 2004).
