Opencast mining operation Rossmin has registered as an essential services provider and continues to supply calcium additives to the food, animal feed and agricultural industries, heeding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for essential services to continue operations during the lockdown announced in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Limestone is a vital source of calcium for humans, animals and plants. One of the most important aspects of limestone grits is the calcium it provides to egg-laying chickens enabling the chicken to produce the eggshell, says Rossmin, a member of the JT Ross group.
Limestone is also required as a soil amelioration agent to raise soil pH prior to fertilising and planting. The correct acid saturation level in soils is essential to plant health with a direct effect on crop yields and food security.
To ensure the health and safety of its operations team during this risky time, Rossmin is taking every precaution to provide staff with the support and tools they need to continue operations.
Established in 2010, Rossmin mines high-quality limestone deposit Marble Delta near Port Shepstone, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The company uses the most advanced systems to process the minerals to produce high-quality products for various markets.
Rossmin also contributes to the upliftment of previously disadvantaged people through the Rossmin Social and Labour plan and has made the local community surrounding its operations shareholders in its business.
In addition, the company endeavours to limit its impact on the surrounding environment through good governance practices over the life of the mine.