Why do so few serious earthquakes occur in South Africa?
South Africa is renowned for its beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique biodiversity. However, one aspect of the country that is not often mentioned is its relative geological tranquillity. Unlike Some areas of the world which are prone to severe seismic events, South Africa enjoys a level of seismic stability that is quite astonishing. This […]
Critical Metals – Manganese Dioxide (MnO2)
Manganese dioxide is an extremely versatile compound and is associated with a rich history in various industries. Known for its chemical stability, effectiveness, and affordability, manganese dioxide finds its indispensable utility in modern applications and technology – from environmental remediation to steel production, electronic equipment and battery technologies. Where does manganese dioxide come from? Manganese […]
Has a day always lasted 24hours?
The length of a day is determined by the time it takes for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis, so the true question is whether the Earth’s rate of rotation has remained constant over time. The Earth and Moon are ‘tidally locked’: they behave as a ‘double planet system’ and rotate around […]
Ettringite
Ettringite as mineral was first described in 1874 by J Lehmann for a specimen collected at the the Ettringer Bellerberg Volcano, Ettringen, Rheinland-Pfalz in Germany. Ettringite as mineral also occurs in Bavaria, in the Puy-de-Dôme in France, and at the N’Chwaning and Wessels mines, in the Northern Cape, South Africa, as well as in California, Arizona and New Jersey in […]
Graphite: Some Weird and Wonderful Uses
Minrom has been a key player in the battery mineral industry, having completed a variety of Lithium, Graphite, REE, Nickel, Copper, and Cobalt projects throughout Africa. Embark on a journey with us in this article to explore some of the weirdest uses of graphite! Graphite, often associated with pencils and lubricants, might seem like a […]
Kalahari Manganese: A Geological Wonder
In memory of Prof. Nic Beukes, a great explorer of the manganese fields in South Africa The largest land-based source of exploitable manganese on Earth lies within the rich Kalahari landscape near Hotazel, in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The first geological description of Kalahari manganese deposits was made by Dr King back […]
Exploring Table Mountain: Unveiling Its Geological Wonders
Hello, young adventurers and future geologists! Today, we’re setting off on an exciting exploration to discover the geological secrets of Table Mountain, a symbol of natural beauty and a storybook of Earth’s past. The Geological Story of Table Mountain Formation Over Millennia: to start this journey we need to step back over 500 million years […]
Lithium
Lithium, the third element on the periodic table, is more than just a lightweight metal with remarkable chemical properties. Although lithium has been known for more than two centuries, it is only now being widely used in many industries due to recent advances in technology. Lithium has a range of fascinating characteristics that extend beyond […]
The Wonders of Table Mountain: A Tale of Geology, History, and Biodiversity
Welcome, curious explorers! Today, we’re diving into the story of Table Mountain, a natural wonder that’s not just a stunning backdrop to Cape Town but a fascinating tale of Earth’s history, rich in geological marvels, cultural significance, and unique biodiversity. Geological Insights from “How on Earth?”: In his enlightening book “How on Earth?”, Terence McCarthy […]
Stratigraphy of Humankind
South Africa’s rich tapestry of mining history is intricately woven with tales of prosperity, trade, and resilience. At the heart of this legacy lies the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe, situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries, Mapungubwe stood as the most complex society in southern […]
