LEA investigates copper beneficiation by SMMEs

The Director of Technology Innovation at LEA, Walter Kgabung says the results of the study are expected before the end of 2008.

The insignificant participation of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) in the mining sector and the invention of the Activox copper refining method presents opportunities for SMME participation in mining. Kgabung says the Activox plant in Selebi-Phikwe and the possible production of pure copper by Botswana Metal Refinery also present an opportunity for value addition and that there is a need for that opportunity to be exploited before BMR enters into long-term binding contracts for the sale of copper. "Recent advancements in the processing of copper ore to pure copper through the introduction of Activox technology have opened up opportunities for beneficiation," he says, citing DTC Botswana, which is already doing similar work for the diamond sector, as a good example of beneficiation.