By Duncan Mnisi
Witbank, Mpumalanga — On Tuesday, Open Value Market (OMV), a major supplier of building and industrial materials, officially opened its upgraded Valkenburg milling plant in Witbank. The development marks a significant step for the region’s mineral industry.
The plant was previously used mainly for storing and transporting bentonite, a type of clay. It has now been fitted with new equipment that allows it to process a wider range of industrial minerals more efficiently.
Rousseau van der Merwe, OMV’s operations manager, highlighted the site’s strategic importance, noting its proximity to Mpumalanga’s iron and steel industry.
“Having the mill here gives us an advantage because it is close to our main clients and industries,” he said.
The plant can now process minerals such as sodium bentonite, dolomite, calcite limestone, calcium bentonite, magnesite, and magnesium carbonate.
The upgrade was carried out with support from the Raubex Group and features equipment supplied by Chinese company SBM, a specialist in mineral crushing and milling. Local engineers also contributed to the plant’s design.
An on-site laboratory has been established to monitor production processes and ensure consistent mineral quality.
According to Van der Merwe, the mill’s flexibility is one of its biggest strengths.
“The plant can adjust its operations to produce different mineral products, which allows us to better serve industries such as ferrochrome production,” he explained.
The Valkenburg plant’s location offers logistical advantages, being close to mineral-rich areas and large clients such as Samancor.
It also complements OMV’s existing mill in Olifantsfontein, enabling the company to expand its reach and provide more customized mineral solutions.
Since acquiring the Valkenburg plant in 2014, OMV has invested heavily in upgrading its infrastructure and supply chain.
The new facility strengthens the company’s focus on sodium bentonite production while also addressing South Africa’s growing demand for industrial minerals.
The expansion underscores OMV’s commitment to leveraging local resources and advanced technology.
As Van der Merwe noted, “Having the mill in Mpumalanga gives us a logistical advantage and helps us deliver high-quality minerals efficiently, supporting South Africa’s industrial growth.”
