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MINING AND INDUSTRY
Ellisras actually started developing with rapid strides since Iscor and Eskom settled in the area.
Kumba Resources: Grootegeluk mine
The Grootegeluk coal mine is the largest open cast coal mine together with beneficiation plants of its kind in the world. The mine provides Iscor Steel with high grade metallurgical coal for iron and steel production. The low grade coal is supplied to Eskom`s Matimba Power Station.
Eskom - Matimba Power Station
Matimba, the Tswana word for power, is designed to generate 4000MW and is the largest direct dry-cooled power station in the world. Coal is supplied to Matimba by means of a conveyer belt system from Grootegeluk mine.
Potential
Huge potential in the field of the beneficiation of coal and coal bed methane extraction exist. It is estimated that the Waterberg coal field of Ellisras/Lephalale holds 55% of the remaining coal reserves of South Africa.
Very unique opportunities relating to petro-chemical and aromatic industries wait to be explored.
Industrial Land
Industrial land to suit the needs of potential developers is available at the heavy industrial town of the municipality situated strategically between Matimba and Grootegeluk mine. The first phase provides a total of 57 hectares. A railway siding is also available.
The Oaks Diamond Mine: De Beers group
Located near Swartwater in the northern part of Lephalale. The Oaks mine was established in 1998 as an open cast daimond mine which treats on average 300 000 metric tons of rock. On average, 73 000 carats of diamonds are recovered annually.
Glenover Phosphate Mine:
Fer-Min-Ore Phosphate operates a fertilizer manufacturing plant at Glenover Mine approximately 80 km west of Lephalale near Steenbokpan. The plant makes use of the phosphate rock which was stockpiled during the previous quarry mining operations at Glenover in the 70`s. The product manufactured is Single Superphosphate containing 9.16% P + Ca + S.
Anglo Coal CBM Project:
Anglo Coal is investigating the economic potential of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) extraction from the Waterberg Coal Field in the Lephalale area. The project is currently in the feasibility phase and a 5 spot test is being conducted to examine the feasibiliy of extracting methane gas from the Beaufort Coal Seam. The test site is located on the farm Wildebeestpan 173 LQ, 25 km north west of Lephalale town.
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