Minerals mine to move slurry northwards
RBM applies for water use license for new Clarifier Sludge site.
A NEW site has been identified by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) to clarify its slurry product and retrieve ilmenite – a heavy mineral used as feedstock for the company’s final production processes.
The plot ‘tucked away in a valley’, has been selected as the most suitable spot to pose the least potential impact on both the closest body of water, the Nhlabane estuary 925m away, and the neighbouring Nhlabane community 685m away.
Speaking at a public meeting held in Richards Bay to discuss the site’s water use license application, RBM Environment Manager Michelle Boshoff indicated the proposed plant will take over processes from the current clarifying sludge site situated only 10km south, as it is nearing full capacity and will reach the end of its lifespan within two to three years.
‘RBM is operating one functional sludge site and has two other sites adjacent to it that has already been capped and rehabilitated,’ said Boshoff.
‘The new one should have the capacity to produce 800 000m3 of product and last until RBM reaches the end of Life of Mine (LOM) in 2035.’
Meanwhile, Waste Classification and desktop Risk Assessment of Clarifier Tailings have already been conducted.
‘We are also currently busy with an eco-toxicology study as part of the project to assess the possible effect of the clarifier sludge on the ecological health of nearby resources,’ added Boshoff.
RBM produces titania slag, rutile, zircon and high purity iron used to manufacture specialised products like paint, electronic products, kitchen appliances and automotive parts.
The company currently has the capacity to produce two million tons of products annually, including approximately 100 000 tons of rutile and 250 000 tons of zircon for customers across the globe.
