Previous Year Question
Postmasburg and its adjacent areas of South Africa is major producer of which of the following minerals?
Uranium
Bauxite
Manganese
Mica
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Postmasburg is located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, and its surrounding region is one of the world's important manganese-producing areas.
According to South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources, the manganese deposits of the Northern Cape extend for about 150 km, from south of Postmasburg northwards to the Wessels and Black Rock mines near Hotazel.
The region is broadly divided into two manganese fields—the Sishen/Postmasburg Manganese Field and the more extensive Kalahari Manganese Field (KMF) to its north. Ferruginous manganese ore is prominent in the Postmasburg field.
An important examination fact is that the Kalahari Manganese Field is one of the world's largest manganese deposits. The South African Government also records manganese movements from the Postmasburg and Hotazel mining regions by rail towards export ports.