1. R&D Highlights - non-ferrous metals
Co-ordinator of bioleaching work package for the EU’s BioMinE Project
Heap bioleach technology for low grade Cu ores being piloted in Iran (NICICO)
Two major BioPAD-funded projects
Thermal magnesium process development completed. Demo-scale feasibility study (Anglo)
R&D support for copper-cobalt projects in Zambia and the DRC
MetRix (metal resin IX tech) Co, Ni or Zinc recovery demo plant sent to Zambia (with Bateman)

2. R&D Highlights - industrial minerals
Renewed interest in uranium - metallurgical investigations for two projects in SA and one in Namibia
Evaluation of manganese ore samples from Gabon (CVRD)
Sample characterisation on kimberlite ores
Numerous projects on ASSM industrial minerals (clay/ceramics, pegmatites, ornamental stone

3. Support for Small-Scale Mining
SSM Division provides R&D, skills and access to finance to ASSM
Management of Technical Reference Group 23 on behalf of the MQA
More than 800 small-scale miners trained - programmes supported by the MQA and Department of Labour
Community-based training in glass-beadmaking, ceramics and alluvial diamond mining
Training of SMMEs to enhance participation in mine rehabilitation programs
Research SSM issues for the DME Sustainable Development Programme
Contract research for SSM in other African Countries, e.g. gypsum mining in Nigeria

4. Socio- Economic Projects
Kgabane
About 400 rural women trained: most are economically active.
Participated in shows in US and EU. Substantial grant secured from the National Lottery.
Launched a SA mineral pavilion at JIA With Harmony Gold, the DME and DST
>26 rural women’s jewellery coops established

5. Partnerships
Links with professional bodies, other science councils, government departments and SET community (EU FP6, WSSD, etc)
Role in various bilateral agreements (e.g. Belarus, Chile, India)
Collaborative research with local and international universities

6. Mineral Policy & Sustainable Development
MESU - mapping out the options for strategic development of SADC’s and continental mineral resources (AMP)
Policy support for the DME around beneficiation initiatives and small-scale mining
Spatial Development Initiatives (with RBDIP and Nepad)
Mineral sector strategy for Northern Cape Province
RBTS - completed overview of capital goods, technologies, products and services supporting the mineral-based industries