Research and prepare a short report on the processing of a typical Merensky Reef platinum bearing ore through th processes of comminution, concentration, and extraction (both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical). Assume that we are only interested in the following products: PGM metals as a group (no precious metals refining) and the copper metal and nickel as nickel sulphate. You need not describe any associated acid plants, but you can only specify if and why one is required. This is a common process used at some of the Rustenburg based platinum mines treating Merensky ore for the Bushveld Igneous Complex. You need not go into detail on the process steps, as long as you describe the overall purpose and typical product streams of such processes. The sequence of steps is important. NB: Some operations also treat the UG2 Chromite rich ore, but this has totally different mineralogy and is the topic of a separate process, not to be considered here. - Your report must be no longer than 5 pages (can be shorter) and must follow the report writing rules you were taught in your fundamental communication modules. Please follow the correct reference styles (any accepted style will do, but we recommend the modified Harvard style, as per NWU guidelines). Marks will be gained or lost for communication skills, like spelling and language. - Please include aids like diagrams and flow sheets to ease understanding. Remember, you must convince the examiner that you understand the process. - There are many references available on this well-known process. Note that there are slight variations between some companies' implementation (like AngloPlatinum vs Impala), but you can choose which one to describe. - Always remember that this is a Geology module and that you should consider the mineralogical aspects when describing processes. - The submission is electronic but will be subject to Turnitin plagiarism checking. Serious sanctions will be considered in the case of plagiarism