The Horizon Europe project HAlMan team recently had the privilege of visiting several key facilities in South Africa, marking a significant milestone for the project. These visits are particularly crucial as some of the project’s critical tests will be conducted at Mintek and Transalloys facilities. The team toured Ferroglobe in Witbank, Transalloys in Mpumalanga province, and Mintek in Johannesburg, gaining valuable insights into advanced metallurgical processes and reinforcing collaborative ties.
Ferroglobe: a leader in silicon and manganese-based alloys
Located in Witbank, Ferroglobe is a global leader in advanced metallurgical products. As the largest merchant producer of silicon metal in the Western World and a leading producer of silicon and manganese-based alloys, Ferroglobe is instrumental in various consumer and industrial applications. The HAlMan team had a rare opportunity to look inside the furnace during a non-operational period, providing a unique glimpse into the intricate smelting process. The visit was meticulously organized with safety as a top priority, ensuring all visitors were well-equipped and instructed.
Ferroglobe’s state-of-the-art technology and commitment to high customer service standards were evident throughout the tour. This visit underscored the company’s pivotal role in delivering best-in-class quality and reliability in metallurgical products.
Transalloys: enhancing steel for construction and infrastructure
Transalloys is located in the Mpumalanga province. Transalloys operates a significant smelter complex and is a major producer of manganese ferroalloys in Africa. The consortium partners had the opportunity to observe the production process of silicomanganese (SiMn), high-carbon ferromanganese (HCFeMn), and medium-carbon ferromanganese (MCFeMn) from a safe distance.
Transalloys’ use of high-grade manganese ore from the Northern Cape’s Kalahari field allows them to manufacture products that enhance the hardness and strength of steel, essential for construction and infrastructure applications. Their recent investment in a new converter, expanding their product mix, highlights their commitment to innovation and growth. This visit provided the HAlMan team with a deeper understanding of the significant role these products play in the steel industry.
Mintek: pioneering mineral processing and extractive metallurgy
The final visit was to Mintek in Johannesburg, one of the world’s leading technology organizations specializing in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. Established in 1934, Mintek operates under the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and supports the South African minerals industry with a wide range of services.
The tour allowed the consortium partners to explore Mintek’s comprehensive capabilities, from research and development to post-mining support. Mintek’s innovative approach and extensive expertise position them as a leader in the global minerals value chain. The visit emphasized Mintek’s critical role in supporting not only the South African minerals industry but also its significant impact on a global scale.
Strengthening collaborations and advancing the HAlMan project
These visits were invaluable for the HAlMan project team, offering an in-depth look at advanced metallurgical operations and fostering stronger collaborations with key industry players. The insights gained from Ferroglobe, Transalloys, and Mintek will be instrumental as the project progresses, particularly for the upcoming tests at Mintek and Transalloys facilities.
The HAlMan team extends their gratitude to all the hosts for their hospitality and the opportunity to witness cutting-edge metallurgical processes firsthand. These experiences reinforce the project’s commitment to advancing metallurgical science and technology for the betterment of industries worldwide.
About the HAlMan project
The HAlMan project is Co-funded by the European Union. The project’s consortium is composed of 14 partners and 3 associated partners (AP), representing 10 countries. The project coordinator is Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway). Consortium partners are OFZ AS (Slovakia), Mintek (South Africa), SINTEF AS (Norway), WIT Berry (Latvia), National Technical University of Athens (Greece), Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH (Germany), Advanced Minerals and Recycling Industrial Solutions (Greece), Centre for Research and Technology Hellas – CERTH (Greece), Mytilineos Anonimi Etaireia (Greece), CALIX Europe (France), CALIX LTD (Australia, AP), Spolka Akcyjna Odlewnie Polskie (Poland), Imperial College of Science and Technology and Medicine (United Kingdom, AP), MET4 (Greece), Transalloy PTY LTD (South Africa), Assmang (South Africa, AP). Project has started in January, 2023 and its duration is 4 years. Grant agreement ID: 101091936.
Photo by Denys Gryshan from OFZ, a. s.
