History and location

Our South Africa Manganese operation can be found in the manganese rich Kalahari Basin, in the country’s Northern Cape, which is home to 80 per cent of the world's manganese.

This manganese business is made up of two manganese mines, and the Metalloys manganese alloy smelter which was placed on care and maintenance in FY20. 

The open-cut Mamatwan mine started operating more than half a century ago, with the underground Wessels mine following a few years later. The Metalloys manganese alloy smelter was built by industry pioneer Dr H.J van der Bijl back in 1939, in the city of Vereeniging before being relocated to a site near Meyerton.

Beneath the surface

The two mines are part of the Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) consortium, which we hold a 44.4 per cent interest in, and the remaining interest is held by Anglo America Plc and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment entities.

The Wessels mine has vertical and incline shafts and uses the mechanized bord and pillar mining method, while the Mamatwan mine uses the terrace mining method.

South Africa Manganese

Breaking the cycle of unemployment

We're committed to enabling and empowering young people by giving them opportunities.

Read more

Playing our part

We have seen an incredible amount of change in South Africa since we started operating here, and we’ve done our best to bring about positive changes as well.

We are working hard to make a meaningful contribution to the social and economic development of the country and we are committed to South Africa’s National Transformation Agenda.

We are doing this by:

  • Boosting economic empowerment with broad-based equity ownership structures
  • Advocating for equal representation in the workplace by upskilling historically disadvantaged workforces
  • Creating opportunities for the growth of black enterprises
  • Recruiting from within our local communities
  • Improving housing and living conditions for our team members
  • Increasing local engagement through sustainable community development
  • Making sure our plans are aligned with our values and the South African Mining Charter
Web card
South Africa's brightest sparks

Supporting the best and brightest contributors to STEM research and development.

Read more
Caring for Girls web card
Caring4Girls Program

We're making a difference to the lives of thousands of South African schoolgirls with the Caring4Girls programme.

Read more
Web card
Early Childhood Development Program

We've launched an Early Childhood Development program aimed at upskilling teachers.

Read more

Contact

Get in touch with South Africa Manganese

Barry Bezuidenhout, Acting Vice President Operations at HMM
Barry Bezuidenhout

Barry Bezuidenhout, Vice President Operations (Acting) 

Barry was appointed Acting Vice President Operations South Africa Manganese in February 2022. Prior to this he was General Manager at our Wessels Mine and before that, General Manager at Mamatwan Mine. Barry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, as well as a Masters degree in Business Leadership. He is also a council member of the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa.

Noleen Dube, Corporate Affairs

1 Peperboom Avenue, Hotazel
Northern Cape, 8490
South Africa
Phone: +27 53 742 2293