METALLURGYSophisticated
METALLURGYSophisticated orespecificmetallurgical solutionsFinding the right balance for clients to get better results from their ore is what sets MetSoP apart,says co-founder Marcus Manyumwa.What is metallurgy and why is it importantin the mining industry?Metallurgy is the science and technology of extracting metalsfrom their ores and refining them for use. It plays a vital role inthe mining industry by enabling the recovery of valuable mineralsfrom complex ores, ensuring optimal metal yield and improvingoperational efficiency. Without metallurgy, mining operationswould not be able to economically or sustainably transform rawore into usable metal products.In simple language, one can think of metallurgy as the “secondhalf” of mining. Once you’ve dug the ore out of the ground,Marcus Manyumwa,MetSoP co-founderand TechnicalDirector.BIOGRAPHYWith over 18 years of hands-on experience in mineralprocessing and metallurgy across Africa, Marcus specialises inthe development and implementation of tailor-made reagenttechnologies to optimise metal recoveries and plant efficiencies.He holds a BSc Honours in Metallurgical Engineering from theUniversity of Zimbabwe and is currently pursuing a Masterof Science in Metallurgical Engineering at the University ofthe Witwatersrand. Marcus is also a certified Lead Auditor inEnvironmental Management Systems and a member of theSouthern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.metallurgy is what helps you turn it into something valuable. It’s thescience of extracting and refining metals from ore and it’s absolutelyessential in making mining both profitable and sustainable.For example, imagine you’re mining copper. You don’t just digup pure copper. What you actually get is rock with small amountsof copper locked inside. Metallurgy is what helps separate thatcopper from the rest of the material, using processes like crushing,grinding, flotation and smelting.At MetSoP, we specialise in one of the most important parts ofthat process: flotation. We develop reagents and chemical solutionsthat help valuable minerals like copper, gold or platinum to “float”to the surface during processing, making it easier to extract themefficiently. Without metallurgy, you’d basically have expensive pilesof rock instead of usable metal.What is an example of a metallurgical productand of a metallurgical service?At MetSoP, one of our flagship metallurgical products is the MetFloatY33 Series, a custom-formulated collector range designed for theflotation of complex sulphide ores. It is specifically engineeredto enhance selectivity and recovery in challenging mineralogicalenvironments. The MetFloat Y33 Series reflects our commitmentto ore-specific chemistry and metallurgical precision.On the service side, MetSoP provides comprehensivemetallurgical support, including on-site reagent optimisation,geometallurgical studies and plant trial supervision. We are also inthe process of establishing our Analytical Services Division, aimedat significantly reducing turnaround times and delivering faster,more targeted solutions to our clients.In addition, we will be offering complementary mineralogicalservices, empowering clients to stay in full control of theiroperations, even as ore characteristics evolve. These services willnot only support our clients’ decision-making but also enhance ourown product development efforts by providing deeper insight intoore variability and mineral behaviour.Please take us through a typical contract with a service client.A typical client engagement begins with a geometallurgicalassessment, where we analyse the ore’s mineralogical andchemical characteristics. Based on the insights, we develop customreagentformulations, followed by laboratory-scale flotation testwork to validate performance. We then proceed to plant trials,closely monitoring metallurgical performance and making realtimeadjustments to reagent dosages and process parameters.22 | www.opportunityonline.co.za
METALLURGYThroughout the engagement, our team provides on-siteoptimisation support, data analysis and regular performancereporting to ensure continuous improvement in both recoveryand concentrate grade.Please explain the difference betweena depressant and an activator.In flotation, a depressant is a reagent used to prevent specific,usually unwanted, minerals from attaching to air bubbles,effectively keeping them out of the concentrate. An activator, onthe other hand, enhances the surface properties of target minerals,making it easier for them to attach to bubbles, enhancing theirrecovery. At MetSoP, we carefully manage the use of depressantsand activators to selectively recover valuable minerals whileminimising contamination from gangue or penalty elements.This selectivity is key to improving metallurgical performance andreducing downstream processing costs.In simpler terms: think of a depressant as a chemical that tellscertain minerals, “Not you, stay out.” Activators do the opposite.They say, “You’re invited, come join the party.”At MetSoP, it’s all about finding the right balance; making surethe right minerals float while the rest stay behind. That’s how wehelp our clients get better results from their ore.What work takes place at the MetSoP laboratory?Our primary laboratory is located in South Africa and staffed bya team of qualified metallurgists and laboratory technicians.Their key work includes bench-scale and pilot-scale flotation testwork, formulation of customised reagent blends, diagnosticmineralogical studies and simulation of plant conditions to ensurefield-ready solutions.What sort of qualifications are required foryour field teams and laboratory experts?For our field teams, we typically require a BSc or BTech inMetallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing or related disciplines,supported by practical plant experience. Our laboratory expertsgenerally hold qualifications in metallurgy, chemistry or mineraltechnology, often with specialised training in flotation chemistryor mineral characterisation.At MetSoP, we value both university and technical collegequalifications, allowing us to build a diverse and capable talentpipeline. We are strongly committed to skills development andcurrently run a robust graduate and internship programme designedto provide hands-on exposure, mentorship and development foryoung professionals entering the sector.Do you support training and furthereducation for MetSoP staff?Yes, continuous professional development (CPD) is central toMetSoP’s growth strategy. We actively support and fund furthereducation, including formal qualifications, short courses andprofessional certifications across relevant disciplines.Our team participates in data-analytics training to stay ahead oftechnological trends shaping metallurgy and process optimisation.We also encourage attendance at key industry events such asMintek@90, PGM Day and the Junior Indaba, where our teamengages with the latest developments in the sector, networks withindustry leaders and contributes to shaping the future of miningand metallurgy in Africa.Is there potential for AI to play a role in your industry?Definitely. AI is beginning to change how data is used in mineralprocessing – it’s like having an extra brain that never sleeps. Forexample, instead of waiting for things to go wrong in a plant, AIcan help predict when equipment might need attention or whena process is drifting off track, allowing for proactive interventionbefore performance is affected.At MetSoP, we’re enhancing our data-analytics capabilities toharness this potential. We’re exploring how AI can help us developnew reagents and to analyse big data to determine optimumreagent dosages at plant scale. Importantly, it’s not about replacingpeople. It’s about giving our teams better tools to make smarter,faster decisions and improve overall plant performance.Is MetSoP involved in any eco-friendly metallurgicalpractices? What are your goals in that sphere?Yes, absolutely. At MetSoP, we take sustainability seriously.We’re actively developing low-toxicity reagents that minimiseenvironment impact without compromising metallurgicalperformance. We’re also exploring smarter ways to use less waterand energy during processing because every bit saved makes adifference. Another area we’re exploring is tailings reprocessing.This means going back to old mine waste to recover any valuablemetals that were missed the first time. Not only does this reducewaste, but it also helps make mining more responsible.Our broader goal is to help shape a future where mineralprocessing is both effective and eco-conscious. We aim to lead theway in Africa by offering solutions that are good for business andbetter for the planet.Where is the company currently active?Are you planning expansion?We are currently active in South Africa, Zimbabwe,Zambia and the DRC, servicing both establishedmines and emerging projects. Expansion isdefinitely on the horizon. Our next focus areasinclude West Africa and East Africa as we respondto growing demand for ore-specific metallurgicalsolutions in these regions.Contact details:Tel: 010 100 8436Email: info@MetSoP.comWebsite: www.MetSoP.comCo-founder Ipfi Mananzhe is alsoOperations Director.www.opportunityonline.co.za | 23
