The development of new R1.7 billion Nokeng Fluorspar Mine (Nokeng) has just begun in the north east of Pretoria, in South Africa’s Gauteng province. This mine is expected to lead in terms of both production volume and quality, and to rank in the bottom cost quartile globally when it reaches full production in 24 months’ time.
The mine is being developed by Nokeng Fluorspar Mine (RF) (Pty) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SepFluor Limited (SepFluor), which is 34.8% owned by Ixowise.
Nokeng will mine two deposits, Plattekop and Outwash Fan, over 19 years, with the prospect of extending its life of mine with a third deposit, Wilton, as yet unexplored.
On quality, the grade of Nokeng’s ore – at an average of ~27% calcium fluoride (CaF2) – is considered high. This will help ensure sound economics and locked-in markets for its 180 000tpa of acid grade fluorspar and 30 000tpa of metallurgical grade fluorspar.
Funding for the mine – a mix of equity and debt, involving both local and overseas investors and lenders – was locked in ahead of the recent announcement of South Africa’s new Mining Charter.
