Magnetite is recovered as a by-product of the copper operations. Since operations commenced in 1965, Magnetite has been separately stockpiled onsite.

Magnetite - material safety

Fe₃ O₄

The Specifications cover the following two magnetite products:

Current magnetite production is a by-product of the copper operations and as such is recovered from the Concentrator floatation tails stream by magnetic separation. Approximately 15%, by weight, of magnetite is removed by 'cleaning' and 're-cleaning' of the magnetic concentrate from the first stage. This results in the upgrading of magnetite to 66% Fe (greater than 95% magnetite). This upgraded magnetite is then subjected to elutriation, to generate medium and coarse grade products. The medium grade is the DMS product and the coarse grade is sold as a blend feed to iron- and steelmaking customers.

Dense media separation (DMS) - medium grade

Iron ore - coarse grade

Enquiries from potential customers regarding DMS medium grade product should be directed as follows:

South African market:
Martin and Robson (M&R) Industrial Minerals have the domestic mandate to market and sell DMS medium grade magnetite product in the Witbank and Natal coalfield areas. M&R form part on the Sturrock and Robson Group and are contactable at martinrobson@icon.co.za. Palabora sells directly to the Kumba Resources group who own the Grootegeluk and Tshikondeni coal mines.

International market:
Palabora has received numerous enquiries on the application of DMS medium grade product from overseas coal washeries.