Eland Platinum Mine is an established mine, with a Concentrator Plant that produces PGM and chromite concentrate.
Two different mining methods are undertaken at Eland Platinum Mine at two sections, namely underground mining at Elandsfontein and opencast mining at Zilkaatsnek.
Elandsfontein
Opencast mining operations commenced in 2006 prior to the commissioning of the Concentrator Plant, to build up an ore stockpile. The opencast workings were accessed via two boxcuts, located along the length of the UG2 outcrop. Mining took place on both sides of each of the boxcuts (SLR, 2012). Excess waste rock was used for the construction of the TSF Paddocks and roads.
The opencast reserves on the Farm Elandsfontein have been mined out (SLR, 2012).
Zilkaatsnek
Opencast
The mining method for the Zilkaatsnek opencast operation comprises of a series of boxcuts, which, once the ore has been removed, the next cut of overburden is removed and the initial void backfilled. Voids will be backfilled as part of the Eland Platinum Proposed Projects.
Tailings Re-mining
Eland Platinum has been authorised to re-mine the tailings in Paddock 1. The tailings are re-mined using hydromining. The slurried tailings are piped from Paddock 1 to the Concentrator Plant, where the PGM and chromite minerals are extracted.
Ore from outside sources (unprocessed tailings)
Eland Platinum is also currently processing ore from out ........