Name of the Project
Sishen ultrahigh dense-media separation (UHDMS) project.

Location
Northern Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Anglo American subsidiary Kumba Iron Ore.

Project Description
The project will maximise product quality and extend the life-of-mine to 2039. The technology will allow for the processing of c-grade material previously classified as waste.

UHDMS is a specialised technology that has been locally developed. The project makes it possible for Kumba to increase the densities in the Sishen plant and DMS plant by a difference of between 3.6 and 4.2. This will enable Kumba to improve beneficiation so that it can upgrade its premium product from 18 % to 50 % a year.

Further, because the company can lower the cutoff grade, it can introduce about 130-million tonnes of reserves into its portfolio, which extends the LoM.

Potential Job Creation
About 53% of the population of the area is either directly or indirectly employed by the mine.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
In its results for the six months ended June 30, 2024, Kumba has stated that it is imperative to focus on value-based production amid current logistics constraints. 

It has reiterated that the UHDMS project remains an important element in the positioning of its business for a sustainable future. 

While the reconfiguration of the business has been prioritised, Kumba remains confident of the benefits of the UHDMS technology. The technology will contribute towards Kumba’s objective of reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions by 50% by 2040 and ensure that it is well positioned for a sustainable future. 

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not stated. 

Contact Details for Project Information
Kumba Iron Ore manager corporate communication, Sinah Phochana, email Sinah.Phochana@angloamerican.com.