This is the user sandbox of Phogole Mahlako Confidence. A user sandbox is a subpage of the user's user page. It serves as a testing spot and page development space for the user and is not an encyclopedia article. Create or edit your own sandbox here.

Other sandboxes: Main sandbox | Template sandbox

Finished writing a draft article? Are you ready to request review of it by an experienced editor for possible inclusion in Wikipedia? Submit your draft for review!

The Postmasburg Manganese Field (PMF) is a world renowned manganese deposit located in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

History

The Postmasburg Manganese Field's history began with early geological mapping in 1930 and local prospecting in 1940s. Systematic exploration in 1950s led to discoveries at Gloria mine (1953), Nchwaning mine (1955), Mamatwan mine (1957), and Wessels mine (1958). Mining commenced with Gloria Mine in 1957, followed by Nchwaning in 1972

Local Geology

The Postmasburg Manganese Field (PMF) is situated within the Kalahari Manganese Field, a 2.5 billion-year-old Paleoproterozoic sedimentary basin in South Africa's Northern Cape Province. The PMF's stratigraphy comprises the Mamatwan, Gloria, Nchwaning, and Wessels formations, featuring manganese-bearing sedimentary rocks, iron-rich rocks, siliceous rocks, dolostone, and limestone. Tight folding, faulting, and jointing characterize the structural geology. ^[1]The manganese deposits formed in shallow marine and tidal flat environments through syngenetic and epigenetic mineralization. Key geological features include the Kalahari Fault and Thabazimbi-Middelburg Lineament. The PMF's complex geology hosts estimated reserves of over 100 million tons of manganese ore, grading 40-50% manganese, making it a significant global supplier.

Deposits Characteristics

The Postmasburg Manganese Field (PMF) is characterized by sedimentary, tabular, and stratiform manganese deposits. The manganese ore is primarily composed of braunite, bixbyite, and hausmannite, with subordinate iron and silica^[2]. The deposits are hosted within the Kalahari Manganese Field's Mamatwan, Gloria, Nchwaning, and Wessels formations.

The manganese ore bodies are typically 5-20 meters thick, with strike lengths of up to 10 kilometers. Depth extension reaches up to 400 meters, with reserve estimates exceeding 100 million tons. The manganese grade ranges from 40-50%. Mineralization is both syngenetic and epigenetic, with fine-grained, laminated, and brecciated ore textures.

The PMF's geological setting is complex, with tight folding, faulting, and jointing influencing the manganese ore body geometry. The deposits are shallow dipping, with a gentle inclination. This geological complexity requires careful mining planning and execution

Production

The Postmasburg Manganese Field (PMF) is a significant global manganese producer, with annual production of approximately 3-4 million tons of manganese ore. The mining method employed is underground room-and-pillar and open-pit mining, followed by crushing, screening, and beneficiation processing.

The PMF's processing plants are located at Nchwaning and Gloria, with a combined capacity to produce high-grade manganese ore. The ore is then transported via a 130 km railway to the Sishen-Saldanha export line, and ultimately exported through the Saldanha Bay and Durban ports.

The PMF's reserves are estimated to exceed 100 million tons, with a life-of-mine of approximately 20-30 years. The operation employs around 5,000 people, making it a significant economic contributor to South Africa.

Assmang, a joint venture between African Rainbow Minerals and Anglo American, manages the PMF's production. The company has invested significantly in upgrading infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and community development.

Infrastructure

The Postmasburg Manganese Field's infrastructure supports efficient manganese ore extraction, processing, and transportation. The operation consists of four mines: Gloria, Nchwaning, Mamatwan, and Wessels, along with beneficiation plants at Nchwaning and Gloria. A 130 km railway connects to the Sishen-Saldanha export line, while access to national highways (N14 and N18) facilitates road transport. Export is via Saldanha Bay and Durban ports. Water supply is secured through a scheme from the Vaal River and local boreholes, and electricity is provided by Eskom and on-site generation. Nearby towns, Postmasburg, Kathu, and Olivienhoutbosch, offer amenities, and air travel is convenient through the local airfield and Kimberley International Airport. Investments by Assmang and partners have upgraded infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and community development.

Environmental Challanges

**Postmasburg Manganese Field Deposits**
Location
Location	Postmasburg
Municipality	Northern Cape
Country	South Africa
Production
Products	Manganese
Production	3-4 million tons annually
History
Opened	1957 (Gloria Mine)
Closed	N/A (currently operational)
Owner
Company	Assmang (Afican Rainbow Minerals and Anglo American)
Year of acquisition	1957 (Gloria Mine)

The Postmasburg Manganese Field (PMF) faces significant environmental challenges. Water pollution is a major concern, as mining activities contaminate groundwater and surface water sources. Air pollution is another issue, with dust emissions from mining and processing operations affecting local communities. Soil degradation and loss of biodiversity are also pressing concerns, resulting from habitat destruction and fragmentation.

The PMF's operations have specific environmental implications, including the impact on the Molopo-Nossob River system and threats to endangered species such as the African elephant and lion. The degradation of the Kalahari Desert ecosystem and effects on local agriculture and livestock farming are additional concerns.

To mitigate these environmental challenges, the PMF has implemented various measures. These include water conservation and efficient use, air quality monitoring and dust suppression, rehabilitation of mined areas, biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration, noise reduction measures, and waste management and recycling programs. Efforts are also made to prevent and treat acid mine drainage.

The South African government's regulatory framework guides the PMF's environmental management. Key legislation includes the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), Water Act, and Air Quality Act. Stakeholder engagement is crucial, with community outreach and education, collaboration with environmental organizations, and engagement with local government and regulatory authorities.

The PMF's environmental management is an ongoing process, requiring continuous monitoring, assessment, and improvement. By addressing these environmental challenges, the PMF aims to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to sustainable development.

References

^[3]

^ "Geology and ore genesis of the manganese ore deposits of the Postmasburg manganese-field, South Africa. Mineral". Geology and ore genesis of the manganese ore deposits of the Postmasburg manganese-field, South Africa. Mineral. doi:10.1007/BF00196361.
^ "Mineralogy and mineral chemistry of oxide-facies manganese ores of the Postmasburg manganese field, South Africa". Mineralogical Magazine. doi:10.1180/minmag.1997.061.405.05.
^ Casteel,, Kyran. "Boosting Kalahari Manganese Production". Engineering and Mining. 206, Iss. 5: 5.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)

[1] "Geology and ore genesis of the manganese ore deposits of the Postmasburg manganese-field, South Africa. Mineral". Geology and ore genesis of the manganese ore deposits of the Postmasburg manganese-field, South Africa. Mineral. doi:10.1007/BF00196361.

[2] "Mineralogy and mineral chemistry of oxide-facies manganese ores of the Postmasburg manganese field, South Africa". Mineralogical Magazine. doi:10.1180/minmag.1997.061.405.05.

[3] Casteel,, Kyran. "Boosting Kalahari Manganese Production". Engineering and Mining. 206, Iss. 5: 5.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)

[1]

[2]

[3]

User:Phogole Mahlako Confidence/sandbox

Contents