While the company did not disclose the chosen partner, it did confirm that the deal was worth R18.4 million (US$1.57 million).

The plant, which will upgrade the mine’s current chrome ore run-of-mine product into lumpy and then foundry, chemical and met-grade concentrates, should be commissioned by July.

The crushing circuit’s design will give it a capacity of 41,000t monthly ROM. The premium price-fetching lumpy chrome ore will also be screened using this process.

The monthly feed capacity of the spiral wash plant is expected to reach 35,000t.

“This product diversification will enhance Bauba’s profit margins and diversify its revenue stream into less volatile, premium speciality grade chrome ore products,” Bauba officials said. “This plant allows for increased production when Bauba’s underground mine is at stable production of 30,000t per month. Stable planned underground production is still on track to be achieved by the first half of Bauba’s 2019 financial year.”