Beneficiation of marble from Griekwastad, Northern Cape Province
NP Mahumapelo, C Magaseng
This paper is based on a study to determine the potential beneficiation
opportunities for marble from Griekwastad in the Northern Cape Province.
The marble was characterized mineralogically by X-ray diffraction.
Major and trace elements were determined using inductively coupled
plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The sample was crushed, and the
crushed material beneficiated by tumbling and polishing. The resulting
beads were incorporated into a variety of jewellery and other decorative
items.
It is concluded that the beneficiation of Griekwastad marble presents a
good opportunity for value addition and job creation, provided that an
effective marketing strategy for the products can be developed.
Keywords: Griekwastad, beneficiation, marble, chemical analysis.