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Minerals Processing

Minerals processing is the industrial sector concerned with the extraction and refinement of valuable minerals from mined ore. The field encompasses a range of physical and chemical techniques used to separate, concentrate and purify mineral commodities after extraction from the ground. Core activities include crushing, grinding, screening, classification, flotation, magnetic separation, gravity separation and dewatering. Minerals processing plants are typically located at or near mine sites and transform run-of-mine ore into saleable concentrates or finished products. The sector serves the entire spectrum of mineral commodities, including base metals such as copper, zinc and nickel, precious metals including gold and platinum-group metals, industrial minerals, coal and iron ore. Process design and equipment selection depend on ore mineralogy, grade, liberation characteristics and the target product specification. Major international suppliers provide specialised equipment such as crushers, mills, flotation cells, thickeners and filters. Efficiency in minerals processing directly affects mine economics, as higher recovery rates and lower operating costs improve project viability. The industry faces ongoing challenges around energy consumption, water use, tailings management and the treatment of increasingly complex and lower-grade ores. Technological advances in automation, sensor-based sorting and fine-particle recovery continue to reshape the sector.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

Multotec unveils new screening mats to reduce blinding and operational costs

Minerals processing specialist Multotec introduced two conceptual screening solutions – an end-tension polyurethane mat and a side-tension rubber mat – at the Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa Conference in April, both designed to improve screening efficiency and reduce recirculating load. The mats, still in testing, have shown excellent results in limestone quarries and can last three to six times longer than steel screens, while requiring no additional infrastructure as they replace woven wire systems directly.

Metso expands Cape Town hub to support African port operations

Finnish minerals processing group Metso opened a regional hub in Cape Town in April to support its port equipment business across Africa, adding about 60 employees by year-end to bring its African headcount to about 500. The office will service Transnet Port Terminals' dry-bulk terminals in Saldanha, Gqeberha and Richards Bay under a seven-year, R500-million technical support deal, aiming to cut parts lead times from six to eight weeks and build local skills.

Sustainability and localisation drive minerals processing competitiveness in Africa

Environmental, social and governance policies have become essential investment attraction factors as Africa's mining sector faces rising commodity demand and sustainability pressures, says Multotec Africa MD Peter Mbada. The company invests more than R10-million yearly on skills development and learnerships, while innovations such as pulping chutes and digital monitoring sensors help mines improve water recovery, lower energy consumption and extend asset life.

Minerals Processing Updates


a end-tension polyurethane (PU) mat used in the screening process on quarries
Concept screens well received at conference
12th June 2026 By: Halima Frost

Two new conceptual screening solutions suited to the local sector were floated at this year’s Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa Conference and Exhibition – held on April 16 and 17 at the... 


Metso opens Cape Town hub to support ports business in SA, rest of Africa
15th May 2026 By: Irma Venter

Metso has expanded its global bulk-materials handling network with the opening of a new regional hub in Cape Town. The Finnish group supplies technologies, solutions and services to the aggregates,... 


Sustainable minerals processing in Africa key to competitiveness, access to capital
Sustainable minerals processing in Africa key to competitiveness, access to capital
24th April 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

As Africa’s mining landscape shifts under the forces of rising commodity demand, sustainability pressures and escalating operational costs, innovation has become the new currency of... 


Cape Town Economic Growth MMC James Vos, Ian Barnard, Jon Allen, Finnish ambassador Pekka Metso and Jabu Mdaki open the new Metso office in Cape Town
Metso opens Cape Town hub to support ports business in SA, rest of Africa
22nd April 2026 By: Irma Venter

Metso has expanded its global bulk-materials handling network with the opening of a new regional hub in Cape Town. The Finnish group supplies technologies, solutions and services to the aggregates,... 


Menar becomes a United Nations Global Compact member
Menar becomes a United Nations Global Compact member
12th March 2026

As a company involved in critical industries such as mining, minerals processing and logistics, Menar intends to use its membership as a platform to advocate for sustainable practices across all... 


BME Mining Chemicals GM Lefa Masiuana talks to Engineering News & Mining Weekly at Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town
BME Metallurgy positioned to better serve African mining industry
11th February 2026

BME Metallurgy is the minerals processing division of explosives manufacturer BME, a subsidiary of diversified chemicals group Omnia Holdings. It was previously known as Protea Mining Chemicals... 


FLS sales and service head for Africa Bernard Kaninda talks to Engineering News & Mining Weekly at Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
FLS strengthening aftermarket support to unlock long-term mining performance
10th February 2026

As mining operations across Africa become more complex, remote and cost-conscious, the role of strong aftermarket and service support is increasingly critical to sustaining performance and... 


Head and shoulders shot of Annelie
Incentives seen as key to unlocking investment momentum
30th January 2026

 Predictable and well-designed tax policy will be essential in helping mining and minerals processing companies, associated investors and government act in a coordinated manner, reports tax... 


Richard Späth, MD of TAKRAF South Africa
Richard Späth
28th November 2025 By: Creamer Media Reporter

This week we profile Richard Späth, MD of TAKRAF South Africa, a provider of equipment and solutions to the mining, minerals processing and materials handling industries. 


Image of Metso OKTOP Conditioner
Improving flotation performance in minerals processing
21st November 2025

Metso has announced the launch of a redefined OKTOP conditioner product series, designed to enhance flotation performance in minerals processing. The conditioners are located before the flotation... 


flotation cell coal application
Engineer warns era of large-scale dense media coal plants in South Africa may be over
14th October 2025 By: Darren Parker

South Africa’s era of large-scale dense media coal plants may be drawing to a close, according to DRA minerals processing consultant Mark Cresswell. Speaking at the twenty-first International Coal... 


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