4. MINING : Clay quarry
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Opportunity
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A small-scale quarrying of clay and the establishment of a clay product factory, producing clay bricks, tiles and pots have been identified as one of the investment opportunities.
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Nature of the Project
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The Molemole area has clay deposits in and around Morebeng (Soekmekaar) area. The proposed activity includes:
- establishing clay quarry
- transporting of clay to the clay factory
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Rationale for this venture
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Creation of economic opportunities related to mining and beneficiation of local resources can provide rural communities with much needed employment, and subsequently, income security. In addition, the nature of potential mining and beneficiation activities bodes well for involvement of rural women, addressing the issues of women empowerment in rural areas.
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Attractiveness Assessment
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The uses of clay are numerous and can develop into a sustainable project with a diversity of products being created. The following activities could further be investigated:
- Milling of raw material and mixing it with water
- Clay products production
- Drying and firing process
- Marketing and distribution of clay products
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Opportunity Alignment
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The Council for Geoscience has undertaken a geological survey of the Molemole Local Municipality where they have identified a number of mineral deposits in the area, including iron ore, gold, sand, clay, vermiculite, dolorite, etc. Certain mineral reserves have been identified as potentially feasible for mining and further beneficiation.
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Potential Economic Impact
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The proposed development will employ between 25 to 50 people (could be predominantly women), which will also develop skills for machine operators and drivers.
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Investment Requirements
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The capital requirements for the establishment of the project are estimated at R5 million.
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Linkages
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Envisaged products of the clay factory include pottery, clay bricks, roof tiles and floor tiles.
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