Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM), one of the world’s highest grade rare earths mines, has announced it is moving out of care-and-maintenance to gear up for production following approval by South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) to proceed with the refurbishment of the mine’s infrastructure and reclamation of monazite material.
“The approval allows the mine to proceed with the re-equipping of the existing head gear infrastructure and decline shaft. The reclamation process will involve the removal of underground stockpiled blasted and ballast material brought to the surface for placement onto the existing feed to plant stockpile,” explained Graham Soden, SMM CEO and Mine Manager.
Upgrading of the infrastructure will involve building new ablution blocks and offices, as well as surface water runoff controls and retention dams. In addition, security facilities will be upgraded to comply with the NNR’s regulatory requirements.
Strategy
“In line with this we will shortly commence with a recruitment drive to employ staff, mostly from feeder villages in the area as part of our strategy to create local employment and generate local economic development,” he said.
