Bika LIMS implemented at South African Chrome mine and processing plant
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Cape Town, 23 January 2025 South Africa’s significant chrome reserves and production capacity make it a major player in supplying chrome products to global markets, contributing to economic growth and industrial development. RGN, established 1959, leads the country in responsible mining and supplies chrome ore and concentrates in chemical (40 - 46% purity), metallurgical (48 - 52%) and refractory (54 - 62%) grades. Chrome is essential in stainless steel and alloy production, providing corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal to a wide range of products in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries. Chromium-containing alloys are used for heat exchangers and other components in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, also in catalytic converters and electroplating. |
Shallow chromium bearing deposits are mined near Rustenburg on the border of the South African North West and Limpopo provinces after the topsoil is removed and stockpiled for rehabilitation purposes post mining. The soil is analysed and plant nutrients added before being seeded and used to rehabilitate dormant mines, ensuring a rapid return to the land's natural state. All the water at the lab is recycled in a closed system. The 'Run of Mine', ROM, ore is processed in an on site plant - crushed, sized, centrifuged and washed before packaged and trucked to export harbours.
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Quality control is essential in the mine and plant, right up to the loads being dispatched. Samples are taken from stockpiles and at various points in the refining process and the results evaluated against grade stipulations to ensure the mine delivers its products to specification. Analysis is done by XRF and microscope photos of samples attached to COAs delivered to QC managers. The COAs for dispatched loads will be attached on orders in RGN's Open Source iDempiere ERP system when its interface is completed, the next task awaiting *****
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