Description

Xstrata’s Lydenburg operation is located in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, which is approximately 300km north east of Johannesburg. The plant produces granulated and lumpy ferrochrome which is marketed to producers of stainless and special steel around.

Brief history of the operation

Lydenburg Works commenced production in 1977, and was taken over by Chrome Corp in 1997. It became an Xstrata operation in 1998. Lydenburg Chrome operation was the first Xstrata operation to utilise the leading energy-efficient Premus technology. Xstrata Lydenburg’s ore is obtained from other Xstrata chrome mines in the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex, such as Xstrata Helena and Xstrata Thorncliffe.

Additional information

Xstrata Alloys Lyndenburg’s has a well managed Cr (VI) Treatment programme in place, with the aim of reducing amount of salts reporting to the ground water; by replacing FeCl2 dosing with an Ecodose system (electrolysis).

Xstrata Alloys Lyndenburg’s Use also uses a state-of-the-Art weather station to collect air management and related data.

Xstrata Alloys Lyndenburg’s biodiversity programmes are being put in place as part of EIA study for plant. All other areas such as heritage sites, water management, Fauna and Flaura are covered in the study.

Xstrata Alloys Lyndenburg’s Sustainable development programmes are being planned for 2006/2007, which include brick making, low cost housing, and setting up of sustainable training facilities. These are crucial for giving unemployed community members access to the economy and improving their quality of life respectively.

Xstrata Lydenburg facilitated the building of Marifaan Primary School, and continues to be involved with various assistance programmes for the school. Many rural schools like Marifaan Primary School suffer from lack of proper buildings and other facilities, which is what the intervention of Xstrata Lydenburg Works addressed. Xstrata Lydenburg is also funding the building of additional classrooms at two other local schools.

Xstrata Lydenburg maintains an HIV / Aids programme that is in line with Xstrata Alloys HIV / AIDS policy. The policy encourages employees to be tested and gain access to needed treatments. Xstrata will provide assistance if employees are in need.