Limpopo's Mineral Rescources

Limpopo's rich mineral deposits include platinum group metals, iron ore, chromium high- and middle-grade coking coal, diamonds, antimony, phosphate and copper, as well as mineral reserves like gold, emeralds, scheelite, magnetite, vermiculite, silicon and mica.

Major international mining operations contribute to 20% of Limpopo's economy, making mining the primary driver of economic activity after government services. Substantial mineral reserves include platinum group metals, diamonds, coal, chrome, iron ore and copper.Limpopo diverse mining activities include diamonds, iron ore, coal, copper and phosphates.

The world's largest reserves of platinum group metals are to be found in the centre of the province, which also has rich deposits of chrome, vanadium, nickel and titanium. Large coal reserves occur in most of the western part of the province and are associated with significant quantities of natural gas or coal bed methane.

A joint South African and US feasibility study is being conducted to assess the potential of these reserves. The province is also the world's largest producer of antimony, a strategic element used in alloys and medicine. There are also a host of smaller operations extracting a range of minerals including gold, emeralds, mica, scheelite, black granite, potassium and silica. The potential of a new ilmenite, magnetite and vanadium mine is being assessed.

Source: www.southafrica.net