Black Rock Mine (N Hotazel)

Black Rock represents one of the largest manganese reserves in South Africa having estimated reserves of 70.4 million tonnes of manganese ore grading 39% manganese metal. This is an underground mine.

As much as 90 percent of manganese consumption is accounted for by the steel industry. The ore is blended with steel to fortify its strength and durability, which is essential in the manufacturing of construction materials. Manganese is also used with aluminum alloys, helping to reduce corrosion in common items, such as beverage cans.

Each of Assmang Limited’s three shafts managed its own operations independently from one another. Its control philosophy was largely decentralised, which worked adequately for monitoring and controlling each plant, but ultimately, the system had little regard for holistic business objectives.

Reference: https://www.aveva.com/en/perspectives/success-stories/brmo/
How the mining operation was optimized.