Platinum: The importance of mining this valuable metal

Platinum is a precious metal that plays a vital role in various industries, making it a key focus within the mining sector.

Its unique properties and diverse applications have led to an increased demand, particularly in the automotive, electronics and jewellery industries.

Platinum is primarily known for its use in catalytic converters, which are essential components in vehicle exhaust systems. These converters reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances.

According to the International Platinum Group Metals Association, about 40% of the global platinum demand comes from the automotive sector.

As stricter emissions regulations are implemented worldwide, the need for platinum in catalytic converters is expected to grow.

Platinum’s excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion make it valuable in the electronics industry.

It is used in various components, including hard drives, capacitors and connectors.

A report by research and markets indicates that the demand for platinum in electronics is projected to increase due to the rise in consumer electronics and the development of new technologies.

Platinum is also prized for its aesthetic appeal and durability, making it a popular choice in fine jewellery.

Its rarity and hypoallergenic properties enhance its desirability among  consumers.

The World Platinum Investment Council notes that the jewellery sector accounts for approximately 30% of platinum demand, driven by consumer
trends toward high-quality, lasting pieces.

According to the South African Chamber of Mines, the platinum mining  industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes substantially to the  national economy.

The mining of platinum contributes significantly to local economies, particularly in countries like South Africa, which produces around 70% of global supply.

When looking at all the sources above, it is clear that platinum’s importance in mining cannot be overstated. Its diverse applications across various industries, coupled with its economic impact, make it a critical resource.

Underground mining is an essential method for extracting valuable minerals  and resources from deep within the Earth.

While it plays a crucial role in the global economy, it also poses significant risks to the health and safety of miners.

Understanding these dangers is vital for improving safety measures and protecting workers in this hazardous  environment.

• One of the most immediate dangers in underground mining is the risk of  cave-ins or rockfalls. These incidents can occur due to unstable geological conditions or inadequate support systems. According to the Mine Health and Safety Council in South Africa, cave-ins are among the leading causes of fatalities in underground mines. Continuous monitoring of geological  conditions and proper engineering controls are essential to mitigate this risk.

• Explosions and fires can occur due to the accumulation of flammable gases,  such as methane or the presence of combustible materials.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that mining operations can release methane, leading to dangerous conditions if not properly ventilated. Effective ventilation systems and gas monitoring are thus critical to any mining operation.

• Poor air quality is a significant concern in underground mining.
Dust, toxic gases and insufficient oxygen levels can lead to severe respiratory  issues for miners. The exposure to silica dust, for instance, is linked to silicosis, a chronic lung disease. According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory
and Critical Care Medicine, miners exposed to silica are at a higher risk of  developing respiratory diseases. Therefore, mines have to implement dust control measures and provide adequate ventilation.

• The psychological impact of underground mining is often overlooked. Miners frequently work in isolated and high-stress environments, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology  highlights the importance of addressing mental health in mining to ensure  overall worker well-being. Providing support systems and promoting mental health awareness are crucial for mitigating these challenges.

• Beyond the immediate dangers, underground mining can pose long-term health risks. Prolonged exposure to these hazardous conditions can lead to  chronic illnesses, including respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. The World Health Organisation has emphasised the need for ongoing health

monitoring and preventive measures in the mining sector to address these concerns.

While underground mining is essential for resource extraction, it comes with inherent dangers that must be addressed to protect miners.

By implementing comprehensive safety protocols, investing in technology and prioritising worker health, the mining industry can mitigate risks and create a safer working environment.

Ever wondered exactly how the famous Merensky Reef around the town was discovered?

Well, the name should say it all. Hans Merensky, a German South African geologist, prospector, scientist, conservationist and philanthropist, discovered the rich deposit of vast platinum and chrome reefs at Lydenburg, Rustenburg and Makopane.

This in turn led to some of the largest platinum mines in the world,  phosphates and copper at Phalaborwa in the Transvaal Lowveld, gold in the Free State and the world’s biggest chrome deposit at Jagdlust near Polokwane.

According to South African History online, Merensky was born on March 16, 1871 at the Berlin Missionary Society station in Botshabelo, near Middelburg in Transvaal, where his father, Alexander Merensky, a noted ethnographer and author, was the resident missionary.

Keenly interested in minerals and enjoying outdoor living, he studied mining geology after finishing his schooling in Germany. He was awarded a doctorate in mining geology from the University of Charlottenburg in Berlin.

He  completed his practical training in coal mines in the Saarland and in Silesia and began work for the Department of Mines in East Prussia.

In 1904 he came to South Africa to conduct some geological surveys in the  Transvaal. He discovered tin near Pretoria and reported to the Premier  Diamond Mine regarding possible mining prospects. He worked for several mining companies, and Friedlaender & Co sent him to Madagascar to  investigate a reported discovery of gold, which turned out to be false.

He resigned from his job in Germany and moved to Johannesburg where he became a successful consulting geologist.

In 1909 he visited the diamond fields of South West Africa and controversially
predicted that diamonds would be found along the West Coast and south of  the Orange River.

In 1913 Merensky lost his entire fortune due to the depression, and was interned at a camp near Pietermaritzburg. During these financially difficult  years, he enjoyed the support of Sir George Albu.

In 1924 he followed up the discovery of alluvial platinum by AF Lombard on
his farm in Lydenburg and discovered its source in the Bushveld Igneous Complex, which set him on the road to financial recovery.

This deposit became eventually known as the Merensky Reef, which contains 75% of the world’s known platinum resources.

In his final years he lived unostentatiously on his farm Westfalia near Duiwelskloof in Transvaal, where, with great hospitality and charm, he received local celebrities and foreign dignitaries.

He allotted the larger part of his fortune to the Hans Merensky Trust to ensure that his projects in agriculture, horticulture and forestry operations on
the Westfalia Estate would continue after his death. He also established the

Hans Merensky Library at the University of Pretoria.

In 2004, Martin Enlen directed a German language movie called Platinum, based on Hans Merensky’s life. Both overdubbed and subtitled English versions of this movie exist.

The Hans Merensky Wilderness, a protected area in Limpopo, is named after him.