Who we are
Mintek, South Africa’s national mineral research organisation, is one of the world’s leading technology organisations specialising in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and related areas. Working closely with industry and other R&D institutions, Mintek provides service testwork, process development and optimisation, consulting and innovative products to clients world-wide.
Mintek is an autonomous statutory organisation which reports to the Minister of Minerals and Energy. About 27 per cent of the annual budget of R390 million is funded by the State Science Vote, with the balance provided by contract R&D, sales of products and services, technology licensing agreements, and joint-venture private sector companies.
Mintek has about 780 permanent staff members, over half of whom are scientists, engineers and other technical R&D specialists.
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Areas of activities
Mintek's activities include:
- providing essential services (information, consulting and experimental);
- increasing the competitiveness of industry by developing appropriate technology to cut costs and improve recoveries;
- developing “breakthrough” process technologies and novel uses for metals and their products;
- marketing its commercial products and technologies to industry;
- establishing strategic partnerships and joint ventures;
- participating in regional development initiatives and Southern African Development Community activities and projects;
- maintaining and expanding international scientific links; and,
- developing the human resources potential of the region through educational and training activities.
Mintek offers a complete range of process development services, from preliminary bench-scale investigations to large-scale piloting and integrated flowsheet development in support of bankable feasibility studies. Engineering design, plant construction and commissioning are carried out in conjunction with international partners. Comprehensive laboratory and piloting facilities for sample preparation, milling, flotation, physical separation, smelting, leaching, pressure leaching, and metal recovery and purification are supported by internationally accredited analytical laboratory and mineralogical services.
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Profile
Mintek as a company operates within the complex and challenging economic and social landscape that characterises South Africa. Added to this responsibility is the task of operating effectively in the global environment, and satisfying the demands of a knowledgeable customer base.
Our technical programmes are aimed at generating high economic returns for the national and regional economies. Our social programmes focus on skills development and educational initiatives. An important target is the nurturing of self-sustaining local economies in areas of South Africa where smaller minerals extraction and beneficiation enterprises have the capability to generate broad-based employment and wealth.
The Mintek corporate structure is headed by a Board, which includes a Chairperson and Mintek's CEO, plus an additional six to nine other members. The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister of Minerals and Energy. Current Board members are:
- Mr. Mohau Mphomela (Chairperson)
- Ms. Salaminah Maja
- Ms. Matshediso Ndlovu
- Adv. Derick Block
- Ms. Nomusa Qunta
- Ms. Simangele Sekgobela
- Mr. Paul Streng
- Mr. Paul White
- Mr. Mosa Mabuza
- Mr. Tseko Nell
- Mr. Abiel Mngomezulu (Mintek CEO)
[View Mintek Board members page]
Mintek's Board of Directors bring a significant technical and business expertise to the company, ensuring that both the technical and the social targets will have a meaningful impact on the present and future economy of South Africa.
The CEO of Mintek is supported by his Executive Management team, 17 Divisional Managers and around 760 employees.
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