[miningmx.com] — ASSMANG Limited, which is jointly controlled by AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS LIMITED and ASSORE LIMITED on Friday said it was evaluating the conversion of a further two open furnaces at its Machadodorp Works, which would increase the production of ferromanganese.
If the company proceeds with the proposed conversion, it is anticipated that it will increase Assmang’s capacity for high carbon ferromanganese to about 400 000 tonnes per annum and make about 100 000 tonnes per annum of additional product available to the market.
“As announced previously, it remains the aim of the company to optimise alloy production across its facilities,” African Rainbow Minerals and Assore said in a joint statement.
Assmang has just successfully converted the No 5 Furnace at its Machadodorp Works from the production of charge chrome to high carbon ferromanganese.
The new conversions, if they proceed, would be of the No 2 and 3 furnaces.
“Although most regulatory matters are in place, there are a number of engineering and logistical issues that require resolution before this conversion can be implemented. It is thus anticipated that this conversion would not take place before mid 2011,” the companies said.
With the ongoing uncertainties around the availability of electricity for future expansion in South Africa, the proposed conversion would free up sufficient power to allow Assmang to also consider expansion options at its smelters, and studies in this regard are continuing, they said.
