Kropz Appoints Jan Steenkamp As New MD Of Elandsfontein

Steenkamp is a well-known South African mining industry veteran and has successfully managed mining operations across a number of commodities. He is currently a non-executive director on the board of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), a leading South African diversified mining and minerals company, said the company in a statement.

He was first appointed as Managing Director of ARM group’s Avgold in 2002 and also served on the board of Assmang. In May 2003, Steenkamp a board member of Avmin, later became CEO. Following his tenure as an executive of ARM in June 2017, he served as the Chief Executive of ARM Ferrous and the Chief Executive of ARM Exploration and Strategic Services.

Elandsfontein is Kropz’s flagship asset, which looks to exploit the country’s largest sedimentary phosphate deposit. Around $120m has been invested in exploration, bulk sampling, feasibility studies and subsequent construction of a mine, mineral processing facility and associated infrastructure. Off-take agreements for its production of more than 1mtpa at >31% phosphate (P₂O₅) rock concentrate have already been secured, the company said.

The results of the metallurgical test work, currently being carried out at Elandsfontein are expected to be released during H1 of 2019.

Following its successful admission on the AIM market in November 2018, Steenkamp has been tasked with establishing an operational team and driving the Elandsfontein project through to commercial production.

Ian Harebottle, Chief Executive of Kropz commented: “I am pleased to welcome such a high calibre individual onto the Kropz leadership team. It is no coincidence that Jan has been a long-time asset to the success of the ARM story, associated with our largest shareholder, Africa Rainbow Capital (ARC). Once again, it shows the immense support Kropz continues to receive from ARC, not only as a provider of investment for the project and the company, but also as a source of further technical expertise and assistance required to bring our exciting projects on stream.”

“I am very excited to be a part of the Elandsfontein opportunity. This project has been built to a high standard, has received significant capital investment to date, and is now nearing the final stages of completion. I am pleased to be managing the team that is set to form the foundation for a company with the grand ambition to become an African fertilizer champion,” expressed Steenkamp.