11 Nov 2015

BCL Mine divisional manager - corporate strategy Mr Mack William has said that they have expanded operations through the Polaris II programme to prolong the life of the mine.

Presenting the Polaris II initiative to members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi recently during their visit to the mine, Mr William said besides their core business of mining copper and nickel and smelting concentrates, the mine has diversified its operations. 

He said BCL has acquired new rights to pursue exploration and mining for other minerals such as platinum, gold, diamonds, coal and uranium around the country. 

He said BCL is currently exploring the Tshokwe and Mahalapye area for minerals. 

He mentioned that plans are underway to harvest sulphur fumes from the smelter to produce sulphuric acid as part of the Polaris II initiative. Mr William also told the Ntlo Ya Dkgosi delegation that BCL Mine will increase its resource base and improve the concentrator and smelter efficiencies. 

He noted that BCL Mine has acquired Norilsk Assets in Africa and Kumati Mines in South Africa to increase its asset base.

Regarding operations at the BCL Mine, Mr Williams said mining is taking place in four shafts, namely Selebi, Selebi North, Phikwe Central and South Extension Shaft.

For his part, Acting Safety Health and Environment Manager Mr Lebofanye Kenosi said safety measures and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all employees. He said BCL has an Environmental Management Plan that has been approved by the government. 

He also stated that BCL adheres to the NOSA system, which involves people in the ensuring safety in the work environment.

BCL general manager Mr Dan Mahupela said the newly refurbished smelter and concentrate are back in operation after their recent shutdown.

The smelter switching on and heating process started on 28th October. 

The smelter was continuously heated gradually increasing the temperature for eight days until it reached a high point of 1300 degrees before starting to smelt mineral ore. 

About eight million litres of diesel was used to heat up the smelter.

Ntlo ya Dikgosi members toured BCL’s underground mines and the surface plant to get first-hand information on processes undertaken to produce copper and nickel. Ends