Kropz, a developer of plant nutrient feed minerals with multiple phosphate projects in Africa, has introduced ore to its Elandsfontein mine and processing plant in the Western Cape in South Africa to produce concentrate and ramp up mining activities.

Despite potential supply chain challenges, the company expects to receive the imported reagents required to recover phosphate concentrate in January 2022.

It said it had struck a draft port access agreement with South Africa container terminal operator Transnet to support the long-term export of the mine's phosphate rock through the Port of Saldanha. The first exports are expected in Q1 2022.

Mark Summers, Kropz's chief executive officer, said the introduction of ore to the processing plant "reflects the successful culmination of the construction phase" and "signals the commencement of the next chapter" of the company's development.

"I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the tireless efforts of all of those involved in reaching this milestone safely and on time, despite the many challenges that the past two years have presented."