Co-ordinator of bioleaching work package for the EU

1
RD Highlights - non-ferrous metals

• Co-ordinator of bioleaching work package for the
  EUs BioMinE Project
• Heap bioleach technology for low grade Cu ores
  being piloted in Iran (NICICO)
• Two major BioPAD-funded projects
• Thermal magnesium process development completed.
  Demo-scale feasibility study (Anglo)
• RD support for copper-cobalt projects in Zambia
  and the DRC
• MetRix (metal resin IX tech) Co, Ni or Zinc
  recovery demo plant sent to Zambia (with Bateman)

2
RD Highlights - industrial minerals

• Renewed interest in uranium - metallurgical
  investigations for two projects in SA and one in
  Namibia
• Evaluation of manganese ore samples from Gabon
  (CVRD)
• Sample characterisation on kimberlite ores
• Numerous projects on ASSM industrial minerals
  (clay/ceramics, pegmatites, ornamental stone

3
Support for Small-Scale Mining

• SSM Division provides RD, skills and access to
  finance to ASSM
• Management of Technical Reference Group 23 on
  behalf of the MQA
• More than 800 small-scale miners trained -
  programmes supported by the MQA and Department of
  Labour
• Community-based training in glass-beadmaking,
  ceramics and alluvial diamond mining
• Training of SMMEs to enhance participation in
  mine rehabilitation programs
• Research SSM issues for the DME Sustainable
  Development Programme
• Contract research for SSM in other African
  Countries, e.g. gypsum mining in Nigeria

4
Socio- Economic Projects

• About 400 rural women trained most are
  economically active.
• Participated in shows in US and EU. Substantial
  grant secured from the National Lottery.
• Launched a SA mineral pavilion at JIA With
  Harmony Gold, the DME and DST
• gt26 rural womens jewellery coops established

5
Partnerships

• Links with professional bodies, other science
  councils, government departments and SET
  community (EU FP6, WSSD, etc)
• Role in various bilateral agreements (e.g.
  Belarus, Chile, India)
• Collaborative research with local and
  international universities

6
Mineral Policy Sustainable Development

• MESU - mapping out the options for strategic
  development of SADCs and continental mineral
  resources (AMP)
• Policy support for the DME around beneficiation
  initiatives and small-scale mining
• Spatial Development Initiatives (with RBDIP and
  Nepad)
• Mineral sector strategy for Northern Cape
  Province
• RBTS - completed overview of capital goods,
  technologies, products and services supporting
  the mineral-based industries