The mineral assets are historical gold plant tailings material from the mining of auriferous and uraniferous ore from the goldbearing, late Archaean (2.7Ga to 3.2Ga), Witwatersrand Basin in the West Rand Goldfield. The typical composition is quartz (70 – 80%), mica (10%), chlorite and chloritoid (9% – 18%) and pyrite (1% – 2%). Gold, uranium oxide, zirconium and chromium are minor constituents.

The composition of a TSF depends on the geochemical make-up of the material being mined and the chemicals used in the mining and extraction process. Further, the internal structure of the TSF reflects the mining strategy and depositional methodologies employed for each operation. The bulk density of tailings material and the lateral and vertical variation in moisture content is a critical factor in the accurate estimation of tonnages. In addition, secondary processes such as metal re-mobilisation, erosion, weathering, leaching and acid mine drainage can affect the geochemical characteristics of a TSF. Gold can undergo mobilisation within the TSF over time, and hence, may exhibit areas of re-concentration, and even be present in the sub-structure (footprint) soil. These factors can result in a considerable variation in gold content and distribution throughout the TSF and such variation has an impact on final recoveries and projected revenues for the operation.

Hydraulic mining (hydro-mining) using high-pressure water cannons to hydraulically excavate tailings material. A second mining method employed by Ergo is the use of front-end loaders (FEL) to load slimes/sand. The FEL loads directly into a truck which then transports the ore to the processing plant.

FWGR is situated in the West Rand of the Gauteng province, 30km south of Johannesburg in the vicinity of Randfontein, Westonaria, Fochville and Carletonville. The FWGR includes historical TSFs with a total area of 412ha and includes the Driefontein 1 and 2 gold plants.

ERGO (Benoni, Springs area):
• Ergo plant;
• Elsburg tailings complex (including 4L50), Van Dyk 5L29 TSF, Brakpan/Withok TSF, Daggafontein TSF, Ezekiel TSF and Crown tailings complex;
• City Deep milling plant and pump stations;
• Knights plant.

Driefontein 2 plant:
- Mineral processing - CIL;
- Design capacity - 500 tpd.

Driefontein 3 plant:
- Mineral processing - CIL;
- Design capacity - 120 tpd.
(DP3 on care and maintenance).

Once decommissioned, the following infrastructure will also be transferred to DRDGOLD for no additional consideration: Driefontein 1 and 2 TSF, Kloof 2 TSF, Leeudoorn TSF.