Modelling and geological profiling of the boreholes confirmed two distinct geographical populations across the BTSF. This is the result of historical deposition that took place in two separate compartments, a higher grade BIOX® tail section and a lower grade concentrator/flotation tail section.

The BTRP section retreats previously processed slime material. The slimes emanate from historical mining activities on the same orebodies that are currently being mined underground from the existing Barberton Mines’ underground operations. The feed sources to the BTRP includes the Bramber Dam, currently contributing up to 15,000 tonnes per month of the 100,000 tonnes capacity of the BTRP. A further 72,000 tonnes per month is sourced from the nearby Harper Tailings Dams that will supply the BTRP with feed material at the current rate for the next four years. The remainder of the capacity is filled with residue material from the BIOX® Plant at Fairview at a rate of 13,000 tonnes per month.

The BTRP has been designed to treat 100,000 tons tailings per month through a Carbon in Leach circuit using electro-winning and smelting to produce a saleable product. Current tailings from the Fairview Concentrator and the Fairview BIOX(R) plant totalling 14,000 tons per month will be routed via a pipeline to the BTRP for treatment and 86,000 tons per month will be reclaimed from the BTSF.