Samancor is the world's largest integrated ferrochrome producer.
Samancor operates the Eastern Chrome Mines, which comprises seven mines; Jardlust, Montrose, Doornbosch, Steelpoort, Annex Grootboom and Tweefontein. The Western Chrome Mines are located near Mooinooi on the western limb of the BIC in the Northwest province. Western Chrome mines comprises of five mining operations, the Waterkloof, Buffelsfontein, Elandsfontein, Millsell and Mooinooi mines. The total combined ore reserves exceed 450 million tons, calculated to a depth of 300 metres, with an annual production capacity of more than 4 Mt.
Samancor's total chromite resources exceed 1,8 billion tons and are expected to support current mining activity for well over 200 years at current rates of extraction. While some ore is exported, more than 80% is converted into three grades of ferrochrome (charge chrome, intermediate-carbon ferrochrome, and low-carbon ferrochrome).
Samancor’s operations are centred on reserves held in the Bushveld layered intrusive complex, which contains approximately 70% of the world’s economic chrome ore reserves in the Lower Group (LG) 6 and Middle Group (MG) 1 seams. LG6 has a Cr2O3 content of 43-47% and a Cr:Fe ratio of 1.6:1, while MG1 averages 42% Cr2O3 and a Cr:Fe ratio of 1.5:1. LG6 is typically 1.1m thick and MG1 1.4m, both dipping gently.