producers of industrial minerals commodities in south ... - InfoMine

FOREWORD
Due to the dynamic nature of the industrial minerals industry in South Africa, it was deemed
necessary, once again, to update the Minerals Bureau's directory on these commodities. The
directory not only plays a pivotal role within the industry, but also presents a holistic framework
of the industry to potential investors. It therefore plays an important role in promoting the
country's mineral industry.
The industrial mineral industry of South Africa is relatively small compared with other metal/
mineral industries in South Africa, but is still very important due to its strategic value. The
industry employed about 20 210 persons during 2003. This figure increases substantially if the
add-on industries are also taken into account. During 2003, some 28 different industrial mineral
commodities, excluding by-products from non-industrial mineral operations, were produced from
about 750 mines/quarries. Sand and aggregate producers represent about 70 percent of all
industrial mineral producers. There were some 95 producers of clays (plastic, refractory and
special clays), 52 dimension stone, 24 limestone and dolomite, 17 salt and 16 silica producers in
2003.
Aggregate and sand, phosphate rock concentrate, sulphur, dimension stone, andalusite
(alumino-silicate), vermiculite, silica and fluorspar are South Africa’s major industrial minerals
with regard to sales value. Most South African industrial mines/quarries can be classified as
small-scale. In addition, various forms of sulphur were recovered as by-products from other
operations. The value of total sales of industrial minerals amounted to more than R5,8 billion
during 2003.
Aggregate and sand, dimension stone and salt are the subjects of separate directories (D14, D9
and D4 respectively).
Data contained in this, the ninth edition, were supplied by the various mining, manufacturing and
marketing companies listed, to whom due acknowledgement is made. Where available e-mail
and web site addresses are also included. Further details relating to South Africa's industrial
minerals are given in the Bureau's annual review of the South African mineral industry (SAMI).
We hope that this revised edition will once again prove itself valuable to the producers,
marketers and consumers of South Africa's industrial mineral commodities.
N. Van Averbeke May 2004
DIRECTOR
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