Geometallurgical characterisation of Merensky Reef and UG2 at the Marikana Mine, Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Of the three facies types of Merensky Reef examined, the overall characteristics of the BK facies type i.e. a high PGE grade, low abundance of orthopyroxene, a high abundance of BMS, and a higher degree of liberation of the BMS on milling of the ore, represent the most favourable set of characteristics for the efficient recovery of PGE. It is therefore the best quality ore of the three samples of Merensky Reef examined.