As a research unit dedicated to iron and manganese as the mineral commodities of choice, PRIMOR engages in a wide range of research activities at various levels of postgraduate study (Honours to Postdoctoral). Much of our emphasis is naturally placed on the world-class deposits of the Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Our research topics, both current and recent, can be summarised in the following umbrella themes:

• Origin and paleoenvironmental significance of Precambrian iron formations
• Fraction-specific geochemistry as it applies to Fe- and Mn-rich rocks and ores
• Origin of the Hotazel Fe-Mn Formation as archive of ancient biological and redox evolution
• Genesis of high-grade manganese ores in the northernmost Kalahari Manganese Field
• Genesis of high-grade iron and manganese ores in the Maremane Dome area of South Africa
• Origin and economic viability of battery-grade manganese oxide deposits in southern Africa
• Regional stratigraphy of the Transvaal Supergroup
• Iron and manganese mineralisation in the Transvaal and Kanye Basins of Botswana
• Regional alkali metasomatism and its role in Fe and Mn metallogenesis in South Africa

The overarching research objective of PRIMOR is to ultimately become a recognised centre for world-class fundamental and applied research on a diverse range of iron and manganese deposits from South Africa and beyond. This will be subject to availability of funding in the medium to longer term and expressions of interest from other stakeholders involved in the iron and manganese game. For these reasons, PRIMOR will always welcome any opportunity to discuss possibilities of further research collaboration with new industry partners, geoscience academics, as well as research initiatives similar to PRIMOR elsewhere.

Last Modified: Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:52:37 SAST