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Minrom Minrom is a geological consulting company specialising in exploration programme development & execution, 3D Geological Block Modelling & CPR reporting

MINROM - Geological Consulting, Mineral Resource management, Corporate Advisory Services, & Geological Training.

A pegmatite is not a single type of rock; it consists of several types arranged in zones.The boundaries between these zo...
16/09/2026

A pegmatite is not a single type of rock; it consists of several types arranged in zones.

The boundaries between these zones are crucial for determining the effectiveness of any sampling programme. Minrom was contracted by a pegmatite mining group to map and sample lithium and tantalum-niobium-tin (3T) occurrences across four claim areas in southern Zimbabwe.

We traversed the claims and the surrounding areas, recording lithological outcrops to establish how far the pegmatites extended laterally and whether they were zoned. Our findings confirmed they were. We identified mica-rich margins, an oxide transition zone, and a central barren core containing petalite, each with distinct compositions and grades. Hand samples revealed tantalum and niobium alongside the lithium-bearing minerals.

This zonation is what makes pegmatite exploration more challenging than it appears at first glance. The mineral grade is not uniformly distributed; instead, it exists in compositionally defined zones with sharp boundaries. A channel sample that crosses multiple zones may yield an average value that does not accurately reflect any individual zone. This illustrates the importance of mapping before drilling. You must understand what you are sampling before deciding where to sample.

We recommended a Phase 2 programme that includes 10 diamond drill holes to define zonation in three dimensions rather than on a flat plane, accompanied by metallurgical testwork. In lithium pegmatites, the host mineral influences the processing route, and petalite, spodumene, and lepidolite behave differently through the processing plant.

Ultimately, a drill hole is only as valuable as the question it is designed to answer.

In the field, an insect bite or sting is easy to dismiss. It itches, it swells a little, and by the next morning it's us...
26/08/2026

In the field, an insect bite or sting is easy to dismiss. It itches, it swells a little, and by the next morning it's usually forgotten. Sometimes though, it is not the case.

Stings from bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants or other creatures can trigger anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction that can become life-threatening within minutes. The challenge is that a person may not know they are allergic until an incident happens. On a remote site, where medical assistance may be an hour or more away, knowing what to look for and what to do in those first few minutes matters more than most people realise.

For a mild reaction:
Move away from the source. Scrape out any stinger — do not squeeze it out. Wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes, and monitor for any change in symptoms. Apply an antihistamine cream if available.
Call for emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:
Difficulty breathing. Swelling of the face, lips or throat. Dizziness or loss of consciousness. A weak, rapid pulse. Hives, nausea, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.

While waiting for help:
Ask if the person carries an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)and assist with administration if needed. Loosen tight clothing, keep the person still and covered, lying flat, with legs elevated to support blood pressure. Do not give anything to drink. With breathing difficulties, let them sit upright. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Preserve life. Prevent further harm. Promote recovery.

These three principles apply to every first-aid situation, including insect bites and stings. The first step is always to figure out what you're dealing with.
This is our Safety Share for the month. Share it with your team before the next site visit.

20/08/2026

Fraserburg is a small Karoo town, far from most things. It is also home to children who rely on a school lunch as their only meal of the day.

BeTheGood, Minrom's NGO initiative founded by Minrom CEO Oscar van Antwerpen, has been active in Fraserburg and the surrounding Karoo for several years now. The work may be unglamorous, but it is indispensable: stationery drives, food donations to the VGK church feeding scheme, books, sports kits, school uniforms, hygiene essentials for adolescent girls. This kind of support doesn't make headlines, but it changes the texture of a child's day in ways that compound over time.

This video was filmed during one of our recent collaborative projects in Fraserburg. Faces are blurred to protect the children's privacy, but what stays with every visitor is the energy of the community and the impact that consistent attention can have.

If you'd like to contribute, donations of any size go directly towards sponsoring a learner, supporting feeding schemes, and school materials for children. Every contribution is managed with full transparency and distributed according to the children's most pressing needs.

You can donate now or find out more on BeTheGood’s website.

On a brownfield exploration project, the most valuable asset may already be sitting in a filing cabinet.When Minrom was ...
19/08/2026

On a brownfield exploration project, the most valuable asset may already be sitting in a filing cabinet.

When Minrom was contracted to evaluate a Cu-Co prospect near Kolwezi in the DRC, the first phase of work didn't involve a drill rig: it involved a desk. Historical exploration data was reviewed, gaps were identified, and a geological model was constructed before a single new metre was drilled. That foundation determined where the programme went next — and how confidently.

What followed was a four-year, multi-phase campaign that delivered a 44% increase in resource tonnage over the previous MRE, at average grades of 1.67% Cu and 0.23% Co.

The temptation in exploration is always to drill first and think later. This project is a reminder that the thinking is often where the value is created.

Our detailed approach is outlined in our blog linked in the comments below.

14/08/2026

While it is important not to get lost in the details while core logging, there are some details which are important not to miss, such as faulting.

Faults significantly impact our interpretation of geological structures, ore formation, and ground control. Accurate fault identification helps us understand geological history and structural evolution and make informed decisions.

Faulting in drill core presents at different scales, from micro-faulting to meter-scale fault zones. Evidence of faulting to look out for in core includes polishing, slickenlines, brecciation, and occasional offset.

Ensure you capture faults during logging to keep your logs fault-free.

Core logging is where a drill programme either gains or loses its value.It is the first act of geological interpretation...
22/07/2026

Core logging is where a drill programme either gains or loses its value.

It is the first act of geological interpretation, the moment raw rock becomes data. Lithology, mineralisation, structure, alteration, recovery. Logged carefully, that information underpins every model, every resource estimate, every capital decision downstream. Logged carelessly, no amount of analytical sophistication can recover it.

What makes core logging difficult isn't the process but the judgment. Recognising subtle mineralisation styles, correlating structures across intervals, knowing when recovery loss matters and when it doesn't — these are skills built through repetition and mentorship, not procedure manuals.

As a discipline, it doesn't always get the attention it deserves compared to the technologies built on top of it. Remote sensing, ML-assisted classification, hyperspectral scanning — all valuable. But they interpret data first created by a geologist standing over a core tray.

The foundation still matters most.

Field workers navigate some of the harshest terrain on earth—corrugated gravel roads, blinding dust that reduces visibil...
15/07/2026

Field workers navigate some of the harshest terrain on earth—corrugated gravel roads, blinding dust that reduces visibility to mere metres, and remote stretches where assistance is over an hour away. And often, this comes at the end of a 10-hour shift.

Yet, the road fades into background noise the moment it feels routine. That's when the risk of incidents is highest.

At 100 km/h, 15 seconds equal about 415 metres of road ahead. On a paved highway, it might seem manageable. But on a mine access road, with soft shoulders, blind crests, and the threat of oncoming haul trucks, that distance can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Vehicle incidents are still among the top three causes of mining fatalities worldwide. Not due to recklessness, but because familiarity leads to inattention.

Defensive driving isn't just about being cautious; it's about staying deliberate. This means scanning further ahead than feels necessary, maintaining a buffer you hope you'll never need, and treating every road condition as a variable, not a given.

A — Attitude. B — Back Down. C — Clear Space.

This is simple in principle: the discipline is making it automatic, every trip, not just after an incident.

This is our Safety Share reminder for the month. Share with your team before the next site visit to reinforce defensive driving practices.

What’s the difference between a first-pass and a detailed technical review?A first-pass review investigates whether corr...
07/07/2026

What’s the difference between a first-pass and a detailed technical review?

A first-pass review investigates whether correct procedures were followed during business case development and verifies that supporting documentation is available. An in-depth review assesses whether the project is truly feasible and capable of sustaining development.

That means looking past the headline figure to the geology, data quality, block model assumptions, mine plan, hydrogeology, project-stage realism, and the wider risks that can change value after capital is committed.

The key question is: what must be true for this project to succeed, and where are the critical vulnerabilities?

We unpack that in our latest article: https://minrom.com/importance-of-technical-due-diligence-review-for-investors-minrom-consulting/

The Good FOOD DRIVE: A Child’s Development Depends on Consistent NutritionFor many children in Fraserburg, the soup kit...
02/07/2026

The Good FOOD DRIVE: A Child’s Development Depends on Consistent Nutrition

For many children in Fraserburg, the soup kitchen is their main source of nourishment, both during school terms and holidays. It provides daily meals that young growing bodies and developing minds require, especially during the long cold winter break.

Underprivileged children of the Karoo depend on community support to get through the season. Every bag of groceries, every tin of food, and every act of kindness makes a significant difference to the children.

By supporting Be The Good’s Food Drive and donating nourishing food, we can keep the soup kitchen stocked, support families, and ensure that the children in Fraserburg receive the sustenance they need to get through a more comforting winter and build a stronger future.

Learn how you can be part of this effort at www.bethegood.co.za or email [email protected].

Wet Conditions Change Everything on Site: Slippery Ground. Reduced Visibility. Increased Risk.When rain sets in on a geo...
18/06/2026

Wet Conditions Change Everything on Site: Slippery Ground. Reduced Visibility. Increased Risk.

When rain sets in on a geological site, the landscape can change very quickly. What was solid ground can quickly become unstable: roads become slick, slopes soften, visibility is reduced, and flooding is possible. All these raise the risk level for every task undertaken.

One often overlooked fact: water can weaken soil very fast and even moderate rain can reduce bearing capacity, making slopes slippery and stockpiles prone to collapse. Flooding adds another layer of risk, threatening roads, spoils, dams, sumps, and electrical equipment. That is why awareness and daily assessments are critical: check the forecast, walk the site, pay attention to sumps and dams and closely inspect drains, run-offs and other erosion controls, before the rainfall begins. Vehicles and equipment need extra attention: tyres, breaks and electrics are more vulnerable in wet conditions. Protecting and securing equipment can help prevent damage and keep operations running.

When navigating roads, slowing down and detouring around flood zones is often much safer. Avoid poorly drained areas where mud and hidden traps can catch you off guard.

Communication remains the most powerful safeguard: report hazards, share updates, and warn colleagues about changes in conditions. Keeping the team ahead of the risks ensures no one is caught unprepared. Heavy rains demand everyone’s full attention — wet weather can quickly change everything and being prepared greatly minimises risks.

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Unit 3 Kingfisher Park, Old Paardevlei Road
Cape Town
7130

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Tuesday 07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 07:30 - 17:00
Thursday 07:30 - 17:00
Friday 07:30 - 17:00

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