Gravitas® Minerals is revolutionising the chrome beneficiation industry with its innovative ‘right technology, right application’ principle. Chief Executive Tebogo Kale emphasises the significance of this approach in developing efficient processes that align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability goals, as well as contributing to the circular economy.
Chrome is a critical industrial metal known for its hardness and resistance to corrosion, widely used in stainless steel production, nonferrous alloys, pigments, and leather processing. The beneficiation process of chrome typically involves four stages: ore preparation, coarse chrome beneficiation, fine chrome beneficiation, and water recovery. The chrome undergoes a smelting process to produce ferrochrome. Post the smelting process, some ferrochrome is often trapped in the slag, necessitating further processing to recover this valuable material.
However, the traditional methods of chrome and ferrochrome beneficiation face significant challenges, particularly in meeting ESG requirements. High carbon footprints, extensive water usage, and chrome losses due to technological limitations and ore variability are some of the critical issues.
“Typical plants require multi-level structures, which not only demand substantial real estate but also result in higher carbon footprints due to the extensive use of steel and cement,” explains Kale. “Moreover, water is a scarce resource, and its recirculation and reuse pose significant challenges, especially with losses occurring in tailings storage facilities.”
To address these challenges, Gravitas® Minerals developed the ChromEx™ pilot system, a high-efficiency, rapid deployment solution designed to minimize site work and eliminate long setup times. The system is particularly suitable for targeting low-grade chrome and ferrochrome feeds, run-of-mine (ROM), or acting as a cleaner plant to produce premium product grades for chemical, refractory, or foundry applications.
“The ChromEx™ system embodies our commitment to assisting our clients achieve their ESG goals,” highlights Kale. “By focusing on low-grade feeds and incorporating efficient beneficiation stages, including the Optima Separator®, spirals, magnetic separators, and cyclones, we significantly enhance chrome recovery and product grade control.”
Following separation, The Gravitas® EcoStack system dewaters the tailings, which is at a low chrome content to promote the circular economy in the construction industry. The slime produced from the Gravitas® EcoStack process can be used as feedstock for the Platinum industry as well.
Other applications of the ChromEx™ system include processing spiral tailings and thickener underflows, and reclaimed/remined materials from slimes dams, which also speaks to creating a circular economy. The plant is trial assembled at Gravitas® Minerals’ factory for signoff before shipment, with construction supervision and commissioning and warranty up to 36 months included in the scope of supply. Both rental and outright purchase options are available.
“Our approach ensures that we meet and exceed ESG goals, creating a positive impact on both our industry and the communities we serve,” concludes Kale. “Gravitas® Minerals is not just about mining; it is about sustainable and responsible mining for a better future.”
Customers are invited to partner in co-creating value through the Gravitas® Minerals test facility, where it proves concepts, quantify yields and provides process guarantees. A 200 kg to 500 kg sample is normally sufficient for a continuous multistage test.
