Smelting of tin at Minerals Research Laboratory
Establishment of Minerals Research Laboratory with the aim to lead investigations into the conversion of Apatite and the beneficiation of Corundum submitted by Government’s Mines Department.
The formation of Mintek dates back to 1934, when the South African Government recognised the need to support the mining and metallurgical industry through research and development. This led to the establishment of the Minerals Research Laboratory, which was attached to the Department of Metallurgy and Assaying at the University of the Witwatersrand. Over the years, Mintek underwent various stages of development and renaming until the Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK) was eventually formed. Today, Mintek operates from its 23-hectare site in Randburg, which comprises world-class laboratories and piloting facilities. Over the years Mintek has developed patented technologies that are used in the integrated mining value chain in over 40 countries across the globe.
Establishment of Minerals Research Laboratory with the aim to lead investigations into the conversion of Apatite and the beneficiation of Corundum submitted by Government’s Mines Department.
Agreement between Government’s Mine Department and the University of Witwatersrand leads to formation of the Government Metallurgical Laboratory Main focus: Extraction of Uranium from Gold ore. First leaching experiments carried out in 1946.
Opening of the pilot plant for the production of nuclear–grade uranium metal and compounds by Minister of Mines.
Parliament passes National Institute for Metallurgy Act. Through the Act, what used to be the Government Metallurgical Laboratory became a statutory, independent body.
The flame symbolizes fire used in metallurgy and flame of knowledge the base of the emblem represents two mountains – which when placed next to each other form the letter “M”.
Relocation of the Mintek facility to the Randburg site - NIMBURG.
Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs, FW de Klerk announces the change in name and status of NIM to the Council of Mineral Technology (Mintek). Installation of experimental furnaces at Mintek.
UG2 PGM investigations started in 1971. By 1975 the first pilot plant campaign was set up at Lonmin Western Platinum. In 1983 the first UG2 concentrator was commissioned at Western Platinum Milling. The UG2 smelting technology was transferred to industry in 1984.
1982 saw the first pilot 3.5MVA DC arc furnace commissioned at Mintek. The DC arc smelting technology was commercialized in 1988 at Palmiet Ferrochrome.
The Minfurn carbon-regeneration technology was implemented at Klipwal Gold Mine.
The FloatStar technology was first tested on an industrial PGM concentrator in 1993. In 1994 the FloatStar floatation circuit control was commercialized.
Research into alternative small-scale gold refining started in the 1970s. The first installation of the Minataur technology with a capacity of 100kg/shift was at the Harmony Mine in 1997.
Bacterial oxidation studies initiated in 1983 and implemented for refractory gold at Beaconsfield, Tasmania. MINIX gold-selective-resin was introduced to industry.
Project AuTEK formed between Mintek, Anglogold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold Mining. Aim of the project was to develop novel industrial applications for gold in the fields of catalysis, nanotechnology and biomedical research.
The Cynoprobe technology was developed in the 1990s and optimized until the multi-stream Cynoprobe (v2) launched in 2004. The first large scale demonstration of copper heap leaching was carried out at Sarcheshneh Copper Complex in Iran in 2005. In 2006 the LeachStar gold-circuit controller was launched at Mponeng.
The Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC) established through Department of Science & Technology. Focus of the centre is research in various nanostructured materials and nanominerals and their application in health and water. Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) launched in partnership with University of the Western cape.
The diamond provenance project launched in partnership with SA Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator. Aim is to establish origin of rough diamonds. Minfurn technology extended to water purification and food industry.
Following years of research tank bioleaching commercialized at Mondo Mineral in Finland.