NEWS
BARIUM SULPHATE
24 Apr 2018
Barytes is also known as Barium Sulphate, Barites or Barite and derives its name from Greek and means heavy. It is a remarkable mineral which comes with a wide range of industrial applications because of its chemical properties. It is chemically inert and comes with high density and low oil absorption property.
Barytes is also known as Barium Sulphate, Barites or Barite and derives its name from Greek and means heavy. It is a remarkable mineral which comes with a wide range of industrial applications because of its chemical properties. It is chemically inert and comes with high density and low oil absorption property.
THE HISTORY OF GLASS MAKING
24 Apr 2018
Ancient man as early as the Stone Age, in his quest for knowledge and continued survival, started using various natural elements to craft tools. One such natural element would be pieces of volcanic glass (Obsidian) used to craft weaponry, as well as other distinct types of tools. Obsidian and sand stone were used by primitive man in the art of flint knapping. These were used for arrow tips, spears heads and hand-held skinning knives. It was this invention of tool making that began our fascination with various natural raw materials such bronze, steel and glass making.
Ancient man as early as the Stone Age, in his quest for knowledge and continued survival, started using various natural elements to craft tools. One such natural element would be pieces of volcanic glass (Obsidian) used to craft weaponry, as well as other distinct types of tools. Obsidian and sand stone were used by primitive man in the art of flint knapping. These were used for arrow tips, spears heads and hand-held skinning knives. It was this invention of tool making that began our fascination with various natural raw materials such bronze, steel and glass making.
MAGNESIUM
24 Apr 2018
Magnesium is recognized as an essential nutrient for all species. In humans, magnesium performs an extremely important role with numerous health benefits. This is an aftereffect of the lack of magnesium in the feeding cycle. The magnesium impoverishment in soils and plants, supply animals with deficient magnesium intake, resulting in diminished human intake.
In order to solve these problems and prevent magnesium deficiency, especially in lactating and grazing cattle and sheep it is essential to include some additional amounts of magnesium oxide (MgO, Calcined Magnesite) in their daily feeding.
Magnesium is recognized as an essential nutrient for all species. In humans, magnesium performs an extremely important role with numerous health benefits. This is an aftereffect of the lack of magnesium in the feeding cycle. The magnesium impoverishment in soils and plants, supply animals with deficient magnesium intake, resulting in diminished human intake.
In order to solve these problems and prevent magnesium deficiency, especially in lactating and grazing cattle and sheep it is essential to include some additional amounts of magnesium oxide (MgO, Calcined Magnesite) in their daily feeding.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
24 Apr 2018
This product is mined and also known as potash or pearl ash. Appearance is that of white powder resembling salt which is water soluble and forms an alkaline solution.
This product is mined and also known as potash or pearl ash. Appearance is that of white powder resembling salt which is water soluble and forms an alkaline solution.
KYANITE INFORMATION
24 Oct 2017
Kyanite is a silicate mineral, usually found in aluminium-rich metamorphic pegmatites and/or sedimentary rock.
Kyanite is a silicate mineral, usually found in aluminium-rich metamorphic pegmatites and/or sedimentary rock.
OPTIFILTRATE (PERLITE)
24 Oct 2017
Perlite is a volcanic rock formed when lava (molten rock) spews out of a volcano and cools in a rapid manner. Because of rapid cooling, water is trapped within the rock, and the lava forms into a glass-like structure.
Perlite is a volcanic rock formed when lava (molten rock) spews out of a volcano and cools in a rapid manner. Because of rapid cooling, water is trapped within the rock, and the lava forms into a glass-like structure.
FOUNDRY SAND: PART 2
24 Oct 2017
There are many types of sand that one can use in moulding applications, from natural sands to man-made sands (such as ceramic sand). The purpose of sand as a moulding medium is to act as a good medium for high bonding mould strengths as well as provide a high refractoriness against heat. As a result, there will be fewer casting-related defects due to low refractoriness of the virgin sand.
There are many types of sand that one can use in moulding applications, from natural sands to man-made sands (such as ceramic sand). The purpose of sand as a moulding medium is to act as a good medium for high bonding mould strengths as well as provide a high refractoriness against heat. As a result, there will be fewer casting-related defects due to low refractoriness of the virgin sand.
WHAT IS CALCIUM CARBONATE OR CACO3?
24 Oct 2017
There are three natural forms of CaCo3, namely Limestone, Marble and Chalk. Whilst their chemistry is identical, they differ in terms of purity, thickness, whiteness and homogeneity.
There are three natural forms of CaCo3, namely Limestone, Marble and Chalk. Whilst their chemistry is identical, they differ in terms of purity, thickness, whiteness and homogeneity.
NEW APPOINTMENTS AT OPTIMIN SA
17 Jul 2017
Optimin SA is excited to announce the appointment of new staff in the following areas of expertise:
Finance & Quality Manager
National Sales Manager
Key Account Sales Manager
Optimin SA is excited to announce the appointment of new staff in the following areas of expertise:
Finance & Quality Manager
National Sales Manager
Key Account Sales Manager
OPTIFLO (BLEACHING EARTH)
07 Jul 2017
OptiFlo is a range of bleaching earths that offer edible oil refiners processing aids in order to produce clean, clear and quality oils.
OptiFlo is a range of bleaching earths that offer edible oil refiners processing aids in order to produce clean, clear and quality oils.
FOUNDRY CHROME SAND: PART 1 - BY NINO CIANI
07 Jul 2017
South Africa is a country rich in mineral resources, one such mineral resource is foundry chrome sand. Optichrome foundry sand is a product designed to specifically to meet the stringent standards within modern foundries.
South Africa is a country rich in mineral resources, one such mineral resource is foundry chrome sand. Optichrome foundry sand is a product designed to specifically to meet the stringent standards within modern foundries.
R.E.A.C.H. & CONFLICT-FREE MINERALS STATEMENT
01 Jun 2017
OPTIMIN is an environmentally and socially responsible supplier that does not use any conflict materials in our production. We have never used these materials in the past.
OPTIMIN is an environmentally and socially responsible supplier that does not use any conflict materials in our production. We have never used these materials in the past.
CHROMITE PRICE - BREAKING NEWS
01 May 2017
The chromite mines in South Africa announced a general increase in the price of all grades from Q4 - 2016.
The chromite mines in South Africa announced a general increase in the price of all grades from Q4 - 2016.
MAGNESIA NEXT IN LINE IN CHINA
01 Apr 2017
As Chinese authorities continue the clampdown on polluting industries to clean up local operations, the focus is shifting to magnesia processors. After the rapid downfall in magnesia prices out of China following the scrapping of the quota system, some suggest the downtrend may be reversed if the shutdowns lead to a supply shortage
As Chinese authorities continue the clampdown on polluting industries to clean up local operations, the focus is shifting to magnesia processors. After the rapid downfall in magnesia prices out of China following the scrapping of the quota system, some suggest the downtrend may be reversed if the shutdowns lead to a supply shortage
INDUSTRIAL MINERALS IN THE NEW TRUMP ERA
31 Mar 2017
"We have to be unpredictable. And we have to be unpredictable starting now," Donald Trump told supporters at a campaign speech back in April.
"We have to be unpredictable. And we have to be unpredictable starting now," Donald Trump told supporters at a campaign speech back in April.
CHROMITE EXPORTS SOAR!
01 Jun 2016
South Africa's long-standing position as the top global ferrochrome producer is being lost and the export of raw, unbeneficiated chromite ore is on the rise from this country.
South Africa's long-standing position as the top global ferrochrome producer is being lost and the export of raw, unbeneficiated chromite ore is on the rise from this country.
CHROMITE REVIEW 2016
02 Jan 2016
Grades produced include metallurgical and non-metallurgical applications:
Metallurgical grade (high chromium chromite, minimum 40% Cr2O3)
Chemical grade (high iron chromite, 46% Cr2O3)
Foundry grade (low silica chromite, 45% Cr2O3)
Refractory grade (high aluminium chromite, 46% Cr2O3)
Grades produced include metallurgical and non-metallurgical applications:
Metallurgical grade (high chromium chromite, minimum 40% Cr2O3)
Chemical grade (high iron chromite, 46% Cr2O3)
Foundry grade (low silica chromite, 45% Cr2O3)
Refractory grade (high aluminium chromite, 46% Cr2O3)
