The Horizon Europe project HAlMan consortium held a pivotal meeting from May 29 to 31, 2024, in South Africa, specifically in the cities of Witbank and Johannesburg. This meeting provided a crucial opportunity for the consortium partners to discuss the project’s progress, present their achievements, and strategically plan the way forward.
Productive discussions and strategic planning
Over the three days, consortium partners engaged in in-depth discussions about the project’s current status and future direction. The meeting served as a platform for each partner to present their results, showcasing the significant progress made so far. These presentations highlighted the innovative efforts and collaboration that drive the HAlMan project forward.
The HAlMan consortium meeting in South Africa was a resounding success, characterized by productive discussions, insightful presentations, and engaging site visits. The event reinforced the collaborative spirit of the consortium, providing a clear roadmap for the future and solidifying the partnership’s commitment to innovation and excellence under the Horizon Europe framework. Stay tuned for more updates as the HAlMan project continues to achieve its ambitious goals.
Engaging site visits
A highlight of the meeting was the organized visits to the facilities of key consortium partners, providing valuable insights into their operations.
About the facilities and safety
All site visits were exceptionally well-organized, prioritizing the safety of the HAlMan team members. Visitors were equipped with necessary safety gear and instructions, and the guides were knowledgeable professionals who provided engaging and informative explanations. These visits not only enhanced the partners’ understanding of each other’s work but also demonstrated the collaborative spirit of the HAlMan project.
Ferroglobe in Witbank
Recognized as a global leader in advanced metallurgical products, Ferroglobe is the largest merchant producer of silicon metal in the Western World and a leading producer of silicon-based and manganese-based alloys. The HAlMan team had an exceptional opportunity to glimpse into the furnace during a rare non-operational period, offering an inside look at the smelting process. The visit was meticulously organized with safety as a top priority, ensuring that all visitors were provided with necessary equipment and instructions.
Ferroglobe is a global leader in advanced metallurgical products, crucial for numerous consumer and industrial applications. As the largest merchant producer of silicon metal in the Western World and a leading global producer of silicon-based and manganese-based alloys, Ferroglobe combines state-of-the-art technology with high customer service standards to deliver best-in-class quality and reliability.
Transalloys in Witbank
As a major producer of manganese ferroalloys, Transalloys operates a smelter complex in Mpumalanga province. The consortium partners had a unique opportunity to observe the production process from a safe distance, gaining insightful information about the manufacturing of silicomanganese (SiMn), high-carbon ferromanganese (HCFeMn), and medium-carbon ferromanganese (MCFeMn). This visit highlighted the significance of these products in enhancing the hardness and strength of steel used in construction and infrastructure.
Transalloys operates a smelter complex in Mpumalanga province and is a significant producer of manganese ferroalloys in Africa. Using high-grade manganese ore from the Northern Cape’s Kalahari field, Transalloys manufactures products that enhance the hardness and strength of steel, with applications in construction and infrastructure. Their recent investment in a new converter has expanded their product mix, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and growth.
Mintek in Johannesburg
Established in 1934, Mintek is one of the world’s leading technology organizations specializing in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. The visit to Mintek allowed the consortium partners to explore their comprehensive range of capabilities and operations, from research and development to post-mining support. This tour emphasized Mintek’s role in supporting the South African minerals industry and its global impact.
Mintek, established by an Act of the South African Parliament in 1934, is a premier technology organization specializing in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. Operating under the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mintek supports the South African minerals industry with a broad range of services, from exploration and extraction to refining and post-mining support. Their innovative approach positions them as a leader in the global minerals value chain.
On behalf of the HAlMan project team, we want to thank everyone who was involved in organising the meeting, in particular the representatives of the Transalloys, Ferroglobe and Mintek who kindly opened their facility doors to our team.