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Barplats said it has been authorised by government officials to resume operations at a reduced capacity. It also will be able to transport and export its chromium concentrates from the reprocessing project.

It will phase in its restart, while continuing to protect workers from the still-active threat of the outbreak.

Mineral Commodities (MRC) said its Mineral Sands Resources arm has received notification from the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy that mining and processing can resume at the Tormin mineral sands operations in the Western Cape province.

Tormin had been on care and maintenance since March 26. MRC said normal operations should be in place from April 13.

"The full impact on the company's supply chain and offtake business is still being assessed," it said.

"The company has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the health and safety of all employees and contractors returning to work are not [compromised] and that control measures already in place to minimise the risks arising from COVID-19 are strictly maintained."