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Randfontein Mine Cooke Section

Producer in South Africa with commodities Gold, Uranium, PGE, Platinum, Osmium, Iridium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Silver, Sulfur-Pyrite, Sulfur, Sulfuric Acid
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Sections on this page
  1. Identification information
  2. Geographic coordinates
  3. Site location context
  4. Geographic areas
  5. Commodities
  6. Materials information
  7. Alteration
  8. Mineral occurrence model information
  9. Host and associated rocks
  10. Nearby scientific data
  11. Geologic structures
  12. Ore body information
  13. Controls for ore emplacement
  14. Economic information about the deposit and operations
  15. Mining district
  16. Land status
  17. Ownership information
  18. Production statistics
  19. Reserves and resources
  20. Workings at the site
  21. Links to other databases
  22. Bibliographic references
  23. General comments
  24. Reporter information

Geologic information

Identification information

Deposit ID 10089664
MRDS ID W027870
Record type Site
Current site name Randfontein Mine Cooke Section
Related records 10231631, 10305638

Geographic coordinates

Geographic coordinates: 27.73478, -26.24661 (WGS84)
Elevation 1615
Relative position 10 KILOMETERS SOUTHEAST OF THE TOWN OF RANDFONTEIN; 16 KILOMETERS SOUTHWEST OF ROODEPOORT

Site location context

Political divisions (FIPS codes)

South Africa(country)

Africa(continent)

Land(continent)

Geographic areas

Country
South Africa

Commodities

Commodity Importance
Gold Primary
Uranium Primary
PGE Critical Secondary
Platinum Critical Secondary
Osmium Secondary
Iridium Critical Secondary
Rhodium Critical Secondary
Ruthenium Critical Secondary
Silver Secondary
Sulfur-Pyrite Tertiary
Sulfur, Sulfuric Acid Tertiary

Comments on the commodity information

  • THE MIDDLE ELSBURG REEF (VEIN) IN THIS AREA IS DISTINGUISHED BY THREE CONGLOMERATE BANDS. THE TOP BAND IS A PERSISTENT GOLD CARRIER WHEREAS THE MIDDLE BAND CONTAINS THE HIGHER URANIUM VALUES. LOWER BAND ERRATIC. SULFUR PRODUCED FROM PYRITE DURING 1974 , BUT PHASED OUT AS UNECONOMIC AT YEAR-END SMALL QUANTITIES PT AND AG RECOVERED BUT UNIMPORTANT IN SOUTH AFRICA TERMS. PT IS AN IMPURITY IN GOLD AND IS RECOVERED AT THE RAND REFINERY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE PURIFICATION PROCESS.

Materials information

Materials Type of material
Gold Ore

Alteration

  • (Local) None

Analytical data

Result COMPOSITION OF PLATINOIDS: IR = 32.8%, OS = 36.0%, RU = 16.0%, PT = 14.2%, RH = 1.0%

Mineral occurrence model information

Model code 193
USGS model code 29a
Deposit model name Quartz pebble conglomerate Au-U (BC name is Paleoplacer U-Au-PGE-Sn-Ti

Host and associated rocks

  • Host or associated Associated
    Rock type Volcanic Rock (Aphanitic)
    Rock unit name Ventersdorp System-Lava
    Rock description Ventersdorp System-Lava
    Stratigraphic age (youngest) Neoproterozoic
    Stratigraphic age (youngest) Neoproterozoic
    Stratigraphic age (youngest) Neoproterozoic
  • Host or associated Host
    Rock type Metamorphic Rock > Metasedimentary Rock > Quartzite
    Rock unit name Transvaal System--Dolomite;Witwatersrand System (Upper Division)-Quartzite, Shales, Grits And Conglomerates
    Rock description Transvaal System--Dolomite;Witwatersrand System (Upper Division)-Quartzite, Shales, Grits And Conglomerates
  • Host or associated Host
    Rock type Sedimentary Rock > Clastic Sedimentary Rock > Shale
  • Host or associated Host
    Rock type Sedimentary Rock > Clastic Sedimentary Rock > Conglomerate

Nearby scientific data

(1) 27.73478, -26.24661
ListMap

Economic information

Geologic structures

Type of structure Regional
Structure description Unique Continuity Of Gold/Uranium-Bearing Horizons Over Extended Area, Though Well Marked By Folding, Faulting And (Locally) Erosion And Redeposition Of Overlying Conformable Sediments.
Type of structure Local
Structure description Flat Dipping Beds Throughout Local Area, But Strike Swings Through 180 Degree Turn. Intruded Dikes (Frequently Water-Bearing) Are Abundant. Faulting Severe. Overlying Lavas And Dolomites Massive.

Ore body information

  • General form TABULAR/BLANKET
    Strike VARIABLE N - S TO E - W
    Dip 5 - 7 DEG.
    Thickness 1.1M
    Depth to bottom 1130M

Controls for ore emplacement

  • Gentle Uplift Of Continental Mass; Erosion; Peneplanation; Folding; Faulting; Volcanicity; Dike Injection And Build-Up Of Younger Sediments.

Economic information about the deposit and operations

Development status Producer
Commodity type Both
Deposit size Large
Significant No
Discovery year 1887
Discoverer Sir J.B. Robinson
Year of first production 1974

Mining district

District name West Rand Area Of The Witwatersrand Goldfields

Land status

Ownership category Private

Ownership information

  • Type Operator
    Owner Randfontein Estates Gold Mining Co., Witwatersrand, Ltd.
  • Type Owner
    Owner Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co. Ltd.

Production statistics

  • Year 1976
    Material ORE AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.545 Toz Au /Met Ton Of Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Ore Gold Gold 15g/mt
  • Year 1977
    Material U
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.193 Toz Au/Met Ton Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Gold Gold 5g/mt
  • Year 1977
    Material AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.042 Kg U3o8/Met Ton Treated
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    U3O8 Uranium Uranium 42g/mt
  • Year 1978
    Material ORE U
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.171 Toz Au/Mt Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Ore Gold Gold 5g/mt
  • Year 1978
    Material ORE AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.070 Kg. U3o8/Met Ton Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    U3O8 Ore Uranium Uranium 70g/mt
  • Year 1980
    Material ORE U
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.177 Kg U308/Met Ton Ore Treated
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Trace U3O8 Ore Uranium Uranium 177g/mt
  • Year 1981
    Material ORE AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.161 Toz Au/Met Ton Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Ore Gold Gold 5g/mt
  • Year 1982
    Material ORE AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.132 Toz Au/Met Ton Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Ore Gold Gold 4g/mt
  • Year 1982
    Material AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.190 Kg U308/Met Ton Ore Treated
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    U3O8 Uranium Uranium 190g/mt
  • Year 1983
    Material AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.174 Toz Au/Met Ton Ore Milled
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Gold Gold 5g/mt
  • Year 1983
    Material ORE AU
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Ap_Grade: ^0.157 Kg U3o8/Met Ton Ore Treated
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Trace U3O8 Ore Uranium Uranium 157g/mt
  • Year 1986
    Period 1986
    Material ORE
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Cp_Grade: ^Conventional Mining 7,318,000 At 0.203 Toz Au/Met Ton Ore 0.30 Kg. U308
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    U3O8 Ore Uranium Uranium 300g/mt
    Ore Gold Gold 6g/mt
  • Year 1986
    Period 1986
    Material ORE
    Accuracy Accurate
    Description Cp_Grade: ^Conventional Mining - 0.203 To2 Au/Met Ton Ore And 0.30 Kg U308/Met Ton. Mechanized Mining- 3,761,000 Tons At 0.22-8 To2 Au/Met Ton And 0.26 Kg U308/Met Ton Ore.
    Importance Item Commodity Group Amount recovered Grade Recovery percentage
    Trace U3O8 Ore Uranium Uranium 300g/mt
    Ore Gold Gold 6g/mt

Comments on the production information

  • URANIUM RECOVERIES NOT REPORTED DURING 1974 - 1976 (CONS HELD IN SLIMES PENDING COMPLETION OF "MILLSITE" PLANT MODERNIZATION). OLD RANDFONTEIN SECTION PRODUCED 122.1 MILLION METRIC TONS OF ORE MILLED AND 21.0 MILLION TROY OUNCES OF GOLD (AVE. ORE GRADE 0.172 TR. OZ. AU/MET. TON) DURING 1892 - 1967 . THE SECTION ALSO PRODUCED 6.9 MILLION KILOGRAMS OF U3O8 FROM 13.1 MILLION TONS OF ORE TREATED (AT AVERAGE GRADE OF 0.526 KILOGRAMS PER TON) DURING 1952 - 1962

Reserves and resources

  • Type In-situ
    Estimate year 1986
    Total resources 3761000000mt ore
    Commodity Subtype Grade units Group Importance Year
    Gold Au 6.842 g/mt Gold Major 1986
    Uranium U3O8 0.00026 wt-pct Uranium Major 1986

Comments on the reserve resource information

  • CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA - 1986 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS - 1984 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS - 1985 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS-1986

Workings at the site

  • Type of workings Underground
    Overall depth 1130M

Comments on the workings information

  • MINING METHOD: ON-REEF DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYED WITH UP-DIP STOPING AND SLUSHER REMOVAL OF BROKEN ORE. FLAT DIP CONTRIBUTES TO GOOD MINING CONDITIONS. UNDERGROUND WATER REMOVAL FROM DIKES AND WIDESPREAD FAULTING IS, HOWEVER, MAJOR COST PROBLEM.

Comments on development

  • RANDFONTEIN SECTION OPERATED AS GOLD PRODUCER ONLY FROM 1892 - 1952 AND AS GOLD/URANIUM PRODUCER DURING 1952 - 1962 . SECTION CLOSED AT THAT TIME EXCEPT FOR UNDERGROUND CLEAN-UP AND LIMITED GOLD RECOVERIES FROM BLACK REEF DURING 1962 - 1967 . COOKE SECTION DEVELOPMENT COMPLETED IN 1973 AND OPENED JANUARY 1974 . NEW DEVELOPMENT IN OLD RANDFONTEIN SECTION CURRENTLY UNDER WAY. DEWATERING AND PREPARATION FOR BIRD REEF URANIUM/GOLD RECOVERIES REPORTEDLY ON SCHEDULE FOR 1977 RE-OPENING IN THIS SECTION. ; TOTAL$: 180.0 ; MILL.CAP: 1.2 MIL. MET. T/YR. ; ECON.YEAR: 1976 ; ECON.COM: A NEW MINE (COOKE SECTION) ( 1974 ) IN VICINITY OF OLD PRODUCER (RANDFONTEIN SECTION: 1892 - 1967 ) WITH LONG-LIFE OUTLOOK FOR GOLD & URANIUM. CURRENTLY, URANIUM & GOLD PROCESSED AT RANDFONTEIN SECTION'S REFURBISHED "MILLSITE" MILL. COOKE SECTION PLANT, TO BE COMPLETED IN 1978 , WILL EXTRACT GOLD ONLY AND MILLSITE WILL THEN RECOVER URANIUM ONLY. TOTAL INVESTMENT PROJECTED THRU 1978 . PLANNED MILL CAPACITY 1978
  • : 4.2 MILLION TONS ANNUALLY. (SEE ALSO EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT COMMENTS)

Reference information

Bibliographic references

  • Deposit

    MINERALS RESOURCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, FIFTH EDITION; HANDBOOK 7 ; 1976

  • Deposit

    MINERAL RESOURCES OF SOUTH-CENTRAL AFRICA; PELLETIER, R.A.; 1964

  • Deposit

    MERTIE, 1969, ECONOMIC GEOLOGY OF THE PLATINUM METALS: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 630, P. 45-48.

  • Deposit

    COUSINS, 1973, PLATINOIDS IN THE WITWATERSRAND SYSTEM: JOURNAL SOUTH AFRICA INSTITUTE MINING AND METALLURGY, V. 73, NO. 6, P. 3-5.

  • Deposit

    WAGNER, 1929, PLATINUM DEPOSITS AND MINES IN SOUTH AFRICA: STRUIK (PTY) LTD., CAPETOWN 1973, P. 32-40.

  • Deposit

    MINING JOURNAL, 1977, V. 288.

  • Deposit

    RANDFONTEIN ESTATES GOLD MINING COMPANY, WITWATERSRAND, LIMITED ANNUAL REPORTS 1973 - 1976 . "RANDFONTEIN'S COOKE SECTION - A NEW GOLD MINE FOR A FAMOUS OLD PRODUCER"; MINING MAGAZINE; APRIL 197

  • Production

    CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS - 1984 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS - 1985 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS-1986 ; ANALYSES OF WORKING RESULTS, CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA - 1980 ; CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA - ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS - 1981 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS-1982 ; CHAMBER OF MINES ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS - 1983 ; ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS, CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA. JANUARY - DECEMBER 1978 ; ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS, CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA. JANUARY - DECEMBER 1979 ; ANALYSIS OF WORKING RESULTS, CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA, JANUARY-DECEMBER 1977

General comments

Subject category Comment text
Deposit MAX. THICKNESS REFERS TO APPROX. STOPING THICKNESS OF ELSBURG REEF IN COOKE SECTION. ORE BEARING HORIZONS AVERAGE 0.10 - 0.20 METER. DEPTH TO BOTTOM REFERS TO DEPTH OF DEEPEST SHAFT (MAIN SHAFT).
Deposit THIS RECORD INCLUDES DATA FROM DUPLICATE RECORD M046314 WHICH HAS BEEN DELETED FROM MRDS.
Deposit INFORMATION MERGED FROM RECORD NUMBER W028236 ; W028698 ; W028731 ; W030934 ; W032341 ; W032946 ; W033102 ; W033786 ; W044649 ; W055288

Reporter information

Type Date Name Affiliation Comment
Reporter 01-FEB-1978 Sweetwood, Charles W. Department of State
Updater 01-JUL-1987 Mccarter, Lorna D Department of State
Updater 01-OCT-1978 Sweetwood, Charles W. Department of State
Updater 01-APR-1980 Sweetwood, Charles W. Department of State
Updater 01-JUL-1981 Mccarter, Lorna D. Department of State
Updater 01-AUG-1982 Mccarter, Lorna D. Department of State
Updater 01-JUL-1984 Mccarter, Lorna D. Department of State
Updater 01-JUL-1983 Mccarter, Lorna D. Department of State
Updater 01-JUN-1985 Mccarter, Lorna D Department of State
Updater 01-MAY-1986 Mccarter, Lorna D Department of State
Updater 01-JUN-1987 Mccarter, Lorna D. Department of State

Beyond USGS

Supplemental information added by qvyshift.com. Not part of the original USGS MRDS record.

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