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Thaba Mine’s new state-of-the-art plant will maximise energy efficiency
on doubling its output by 2016, using open cast mining methods to produce 500,000 tonnes of chrome ore concentrate annually.
About Ms Costa, CEO, CRONIMET Chrome Mining SA Ms Costa joined CRONIMET Chrome Mining SA just two days after the Company applied for its mining right in 2009. Therefore, she has been involved in every process in the Company’s history, from feasibility studies to safety systems, and processing activities to systematic expansion of its activities. Ms Costa has been the CEO of CRONIMET Chrome Mining SA for more than two years and is also a Director for both CRONIMET Chrome companies in South Africa.
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This year, CRONIMET Chrome Mining SA is very much in a full expansion phase where we will expand the mine and our processing capabilities
“This year, CRONIMET Chrome Mining SA is very much in a full expansion phase where we will expand the mine and our processing capabilities. The completed photovoltaic plant is powering Thaba Mine’s daily operations, reducing our diesel consumption substantially and powering our activities with clean and sustainable renewable energy,” highlights Ms Costa. A new processing plant is currently being built as part of the Thaba Mine expansion. A key feature of the new plant is that it will be highly automated, which, in turn, will increase safety and productivity. As a crucial aspect of operating in South Africa is to source locally where possible, the construction of the new plant is contracted to a local company, Consulmet Metals (Pty) Ltd, which utilises a mixture of equipment sourced locally and internationally that meets CRONIMET’s stringent safety requirements. “Due to our geographic location, we are able to benefit from local resources and mining suppliers on our doorstep. We target local companies first, before we consider turning to international vendors,” she summarises.