Photo by: Anglo American
Name of the Project
Sishen ultrahigh dense-media separation (UHDMS) project.
Location
Northern Cape, South Africa.
Project Owner/s
Anglo American subsidiary Kumba Iron Ore.
Project Description
The project will maximise product quality and extend the life-of-mine (LoM) to 2039. The technology will allow for the processing of c-grade material previously classified as waste.
UHDMS is a specialised technology that has been locally developed. The project makes it possible for Kumba to increase the densities in the Sishen plant and DMS plant by a difference of between 3.6 and 4.2. This will enable Kumba to improve beneficiation so that it can upgrade its premium product from 18 % to 50 % a year.
Further, because the company can lower the cutoff grade, it can introduce about 130-million tonnes of reserves into its portfolio, which extends the LoM.
Potential Job Creation
About 53% of the population of the area is either directly or indirectly employed by the mine.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
The UHDMS project is being reviewed to determine the optimal sequencing and timing in consideration of it business reconfiguration.
Kumba says in its Financial Statement 2023, released on February 20, 2024, that it remains confident that the UHDMS technology will play an essential role in positioning the business for a sustainable future.
The changes resulting from the optimisation of the mine plan will be incorporated into the project’s technical review.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Kumba Iron Ore manager corporate communication, Sinah Phochana, email Sinah.Phochana@angloamerican.com.