AR currently hosts a reserve base of 40 years at a mining rate of 80 000 tons per annum and a resource base of similar size.
AR conducts its own mining through open cast free-dig operations. The positional efficiency between pit and plant at AR is excellent as a round trip is less than 2 kilometres. Run of Mine (ROM) ore is dumped in selected stockpile positions ready to be mixed as required by the process. A buffer supply of ROM is contained in these stockpiles. Mixing is done as demanded by chemical analysis requirements and fraction sizes required.
Andalusite is a naturally occurring alumina-silicate used mainly in the manufacturing of refractory products in the form of shapes, castings, and monolithic. This is mostly for the iron and steel industry. Amongst others, it is also used in the aluminium, cement, foundry, and glass industries.
Chemical formula: Al2O3.SiO2
Mineral type: Andalusite
Trade name: Marlusite
Andalusite generally provides certain advantages in refractory applications:
High thermal shock resistance
Low volume expansion
Good creep resistance
Good resistance to chemical attack/ reactions
Environment
The sustainability of Andalusite Resources (Pty) Ltd depends on our ability to fulfill our core purpose of mining, processing, and trading Andalusite in a sustainable manner.
We endeavor to conduct prospecting, new projects, mining, and mineral processing in accordance with the generally accepted sustainable development principles of integrating social, economic, and environmental factors, in order to secure our license to mine and trade. Andalusite Resources (Pty) Ltd is committed to the principle of “zero harm” to the natural environment in all activities conducted and our mission is based on engagement, review, and best-practice to minimise harm to the environment.
