An Overview of Submerged Arc Furnaces Tapping Operations and Tap-Hole Management at Assmang Manganese Cato Ridge Works

Assmang Manganese Cato Ridge is an integrated manganese smelter in South Africa producing High Carbon Ferromanganese and Refined Alloys. It was constructed in 1956 and is jointly owned by African Rainbow Minerals and Assore Limited. This paper seeks to share critical considerations to ensure effective, efficient, and sustainable tapping operations. These considerations include tap-hole design, launder design, maintenance practices and procedures, daily operations, critical equipment required, and tapping employees’ skills. The paper will also discuss the benefits of being an inclusive employer whereby more than 50 percent of employees who are tappers are females ranging from the age of 26 to over 50 years. The following are the outcomes of the well-managed tapping process: reduced health and safety risks, metal/slag separation, improved tap block life cycle, no production losses due to unplanned tap-hole blocks maintenance, no V-Shape repairs, and no runaway taps.