Method Statement: Open Pit Chrome Mining
Project Title: Open Pit Chrome Mining Operations
Client: Fraxolite (Pty) Ltd
Contractor: BMC Africa (Pty) Ltd
Location: Portion 5 of Farm Vogelstruisnek 173JP
Prepared by: Matsebe Segokodi
Date: 01 March 2025
1. Scope of Work
This method statement outlines the safe and efficient execution of the following open-pit
chrome mining activities:
• Clearing of vegetation
• Soft digging of overburden and inter-burden
• Dewatering of pit
• Use of pecker (hydraulic breaker)
• Chrome extraction
• Hand-picking of chrome lumps
• Stockpile management
2. Plant and Equipment to be Used
• Excavators (30T and 50T)
• Hydraulic Pecker
• ADTs (Articulated Dump Trucks – 30T)
• Dewatering Pumps
• FEL (Front end Loader)
• Bulldozer (D5 or similar)
• Hand tools for sorting and lump picking
3. Detailed Work Methodology
3.1 Clearing of Vegetation
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• Conduct pre-site inspection and mark out the area.
• Mechanically clear vegetation using a bulldozer or excavator with a rake.
• Remove and stockpile cleared biomass away from the pit for proper disposal or
rehabilitation use.
• Ensure no disturbance of protected flora/fauna.
• Activity to comply with NEMA and EMP (Environmental Management Plan).
3.2 Soft Digging of Overburden and Inter-burden
• Excavate topsoil and loose overburden with a 50T excavator.
• Load overburden into ADTs and haul to designated overburden dump site.
• Separate topsoil for later use in rehabilitation.
• Inter-burden between ore seams is similarly removed without the use of blasting.
• Conduct regular visual inspections to prevent mixing with ore.
3.3 Dewatering of Pit
• Install submersible dewatering pumps in low points of the pit.
• Create proper drainage channels to direct surface water away from active mining
areas.
• Discharge water into settling ponds or designated drainage areas per environmental
permits.
• Maintain water sampling records if required by local regulation.
3.4 Use of Pecker
• Where compact material or rock lenses are encountered, use hydraulic pecker
attached to excavator.
• Only trained operators may use peckers.
• Pre-inspect area for stability before pecking begins.
• Use spotters to maintain a safe distance from other equipment and personnel.
3.5 Chrome Extraction
• Excavate chrome-bearing material selectively using a 30T excavator.
• Avoid contamination with inter-burden and overburden.
• Directly load chrome material into ADTs or haul to the primary stockpile area.
• Operators to be trained in selective mining techniques.
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3.6 Hand Picking of Chrome Lumps
• Spread chrome-bearing material at the stockpile or picking pad.
• Workers hand-pick visible chrome lumps (>40mm).
• Picked lumps are separated and stored in dedicated areas for lump recovery.
• All personnel must wear full PPE: gloves, hard hats, steel-toe boots, and high-
visibility clothing.
3.7 Stockpile Management
• Maintain separate stockpiles for run-of-mine (ROM) ore, chrome lumps, and inter-
burden.
• Construct stockpiles with safe slope angles and stable platforms.
• Label each stockpile for grade control and sampling.
• Implement dust suppression using water bowsers during dry conditions.
• Ensure clear traffic management around stockpile areas.
4. Environmental Controls
• Dust suppression through regular water spraying.
• Erosion control with berms and drainage where needed.
• Daily inspection of oil leaks and proper spill kits in place.
• Waste segregation on-site (scrap metal, general waste, hazardous materials).
5. Safety and Health
• All workers must undergo site-specific induction and medical fitness certification.
• Daily pre-start inspections of equipment.
• PPE mandatory for all tasks.
• Safety signage and demarcation around hazardous areas.
• Emergency response plan in place and first aiders on-site.
6. Supervision and Quality Control
• Site Supervisor to oversee operations and daily safety briefings.
• Spot checks on ore quality and contamination control.
• Maintain daily activity logs and reports.
• Conduct toolbox talks with specific focus on changing conditions.
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7. Risk Assessments and Permits
• Task-specific risk assessments completed for each activity.
• All high-risk activities (pecking, excavation near water) require a Permit-to-Work.
• Adherence to MHSA Section 11 on hazard identification and risk management.
8. References
• Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996
• National Environmental Management Act, 1998
• Project-specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
• Client Safety Specifications and Standard Operating Procedures
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