Lonmin is to take on new technology at its Eastern platinum mine, which it is claimed will boost recovery of platinum group metals (pgms) by its ability to perform ultrafine grinding.

Using specialist equipment from minerals process supplier Metso Minerals, Lonmin hopes to deliver a shot in the arm to its operations in the North West province, with the new apparatus expected before the end of the year.

Metso Minerals general manager Robin Melville says that ultrafine grinding, as performed by the firms patented stirred-media detritor, liberates locked minerals cost-effectively from flotation concentrate, enhancing overall mineral recovery.

The move means that some ores previously considered difficult or even untreatable can in fact be targeted.

According to Mr Melville, the technology is more cost-effective than the horizontal-style fine-grinding equipment on the market, in terms of capital outlay and the operating costs incurred.

Metso's process manager of platinum, Alan Fletcher, told Mining Weekly that the growth of the local platinum industry has seen demand for its technology soar.