Richards Bay Research Articles

Uncovering sediment pollution sources: A comparative assessment of two South African Estuaries

Richards Bay Harbour is South Africa's largest and busiest deep-water port by tonnage, and this ongoing shipping and port activities will expectedly result in metal contamination issues. The adjacent Mhlathuze Estuary is a nature reserve with a long history with Richards Bay Harbour and may be prone to metal contamination from multiple sources. The study investigates the sources of contaminated sediments in these two South African estuaries arising from their proximity to various anthropogenic activities. Investigating these sources of contamination is crucial for developing effective pollution control strategy since Richards Bay Harbour and Mhlathuze Estuary are regarded as estuaries of national conservation importance in South Africa. To provide further insights, sediment samples were acid digested and quantified for metal concentrations using Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariate (SIMPROF and cluster) analysis was used to identify how sampling sites in Richards Bay Harbour and Mhlathuze Estuary were grouped based on sediment metal concentrations. Results of pollution load index for Richards Bay Harbour showed site 4 to be heavily polluted, while site 3 in Mhlathuze Estuary showed moderate pollution. Multivariate analysis (SIMPROF and cluster) further revealed sites related to anthropogenic activities and those that were unpolluted. Engaging this advanced analysis enhanced the ability to delineate potential pollution sources and further helped in the identification of the main contributors to sediment pollution. The findings indicate that port and industrial activities are the major contributors to sediment contamination at the estuaries. The results provide specific insights into the sources of pollution, informing targeted environmental management and policy-making efforts to protect and improve the estuarine environments.

Richards Bay

The development of Richards Bay, on the Mhlatuze Lagoon in Zululand, as a harbour was an event of the 1970s. Before this it had primarily been used as a fishing and vacationing spot by the inhabitants of nearby Empangeni. However, there had been numerous attempts to establish a harbour on the Mhlatuze Lagoon but none of them got beyond the planning stage. This article deals with the naming and development of Richards Bay. Starting as a trading store-cum-hotel, it became a favourite fishing spot and a holiday resort after World War II, and finally a thriving export harbour. It has now become the industrial growth point of Zululand.

Environmental conditions affecting air pollution dispersion over Richards Bay, South Africa

Air pollution dispersion over Richards Bay, South Africa is studied using satellite, reanalysis and in-situ measurements. Near-surface concentrations of trace gases and particulates reach high concentrations under dry stable ‘berg’ winds. Temporal records of CO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, SO2 (2000-2023) exhibit no trend and short-term dose exceedances of individual pollutants are rare and confined to winter mornings. Regional point-to-field correlation maps of a Richards Bay winter air pollution index found that anomalous warming of the west Indian Ocean accelerates the jet stream over Madagascar and pulls smoke- and dust-laden north-westerly winds across the South African plateau, implicating long-range transport. At daily and hourly time scales dewpoint temperature and boundary layer height best indicate changes in local air pollution dispersion that impact respiratory health. A case study of 15-17 June 2021 revealed a 10ºC thermal inversion caused by negative sensible heat fluxes of -40 W/m2 through the night, leading to SO2 concentrations above 100 ppb in the morning along the main access road (28.8ºS, 32ºE). Poor dispersion seldom happens in the summer when turbulent mixing and rainfall cleanse the air.

Water Quality and Pollution Status using Principal Component Analysis of Lake Nsezi in Richards Bay, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

The water quality of Lake Nsezi in Richards Bay, South Africa was investigated for the possible influence of anthropogenic activities around the lake. Lake water was sampled for a period of one year from May 2014 to May 2015. Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis were compared to regulations of WHO, USEPA and DWAF WQG for aquatic environment and domestic use. Physicochemical parameters measured were within the recommended specifications as per WHO, USEPA and DWAF guidelines for aquatic environment and domestic use at the exception of TDS, Cl and few heavy metals such as Al, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn. The average content levels for these parameters were: 530±167 mg/L (TDS), 135±92 mg/L (Cl), 0.079±0.11 mg/L (Al), 0.171±0.66 mg/L(Cd), 0.38 ± 0.50 mg/L (Fe), 13.6±15.33 mg/L (Pb). Principal component biplots positively showed some strong and moderate metal loadings of 0.564 (Fe), 0.552 (Pb), 0.928 (Na), 0.893 (Mg), 0645 (Sr) and 0.772 (K) at a variety of sites. Bacteriological parameters content investigated were all above the WHO, USEPA and DWAF guidelines for domestic use for E. coli, heterotrophic plate counts and total coliform counts.

DETACHED BREAKWATERS PROTECT LARGE MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE FROM SEVERE STORMS

The port of Richards Bay in south Africa is constantly being subjected to extreme storm events where recorded wave heights exceed 5 m. Over the last decade, these storms have caused significant damage to the port’s breakwater structures, especially to the main southern breakwater. The frequency and intensity of large storms are increasing, and therefore much needed repairs to the aging infrastructure are becoming more frequent. As part of a campaign to enhance the structural integrity of the breakwaters at Richards Bay, the CSIR was contracted to undertake a 3D physical model study, which was completed in 2019. Subsequent to the 2019 study, the CSIR initiated a study to investigate alternative solutions that could potentially be implemented to safeguard marine infrastructure similar to the main breakwater at Richards Bay. This study focused on a submerged detached breakwater constructed in front of the existing main breakwater to shelter it from extreme storm events.

Isolation and Characterization of Potential Lignin Peroxidase-Producing Bacteria from Compost Samples at Richards Bay (South Africa).

Lignin recalcitrance is a key issue in producing value-added products from lignocellulose biomass. In situ biodegradable lignin-modifying enzymes-producing bacteria are considered a suitable solution to lignin biodegradation problems, but exploitation of ligninolytic bacteria is still limited to date. Hence, this study aimed to isolate and characterize potential lignin peroxidase ligninolytic bacteria from decomposing soil, sawdust, and cow dung at Richard Bay, South Africa. The samples were collected and cultured in the lignin-enriched medium. Pure isolated colonies were characterized through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The ability of the isolates to grow and utilize aromatic monomers (veratryl and guaiacol alcohol) and decolorize lignin-like dyes (Azure B, Congo Red, Remazol Brilliant Blue R) was evaluated. Of the twenty-six (26) bacteria isolates 10 isolates, including Pseudomonas spp. (88%), Enterobacter spp. (8%), and Escherichia coli (4%) were identified as true lignin peroxidase producers. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CP031449.2) and E. coli (LR025096.1) exhibited the highest ligninolytic activities. These isolates could potentially be exploited in the industry and wastewater treatment as effective lignin degrading agents.

Assessment of metal pollution in sediment and its impact on the macrobenthic community of Richards Bay Harbour, South Africa

Port and industrial activities often cause contamination of estuarine sediments, yet information on sediment metal contamination in Richards Bay Harbour is limited. This study examined the extent and ecological relevance of metal contamination using sediment quality guidelines, pollution indices, macrobenthic community structure and the biotic index M-AMBI. Sediment samples for metal and macrobenthic analyses were collected quarterly at seven sites during 2016−2017 using a Van Veen sediment grab sampler. Sediment samples were acid digested using a microwave digester and analysed for metal concentrations using ICP-OES. Highest metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn) were associated with areas most affected by industrial activities, while concentrations of most metals at the remaining sites were low. Pollution indices confirmed significant enrichment of Cd, Cr and Cu in bulk terminal sediment. Sediment quality guidelines revealed potential toxicity associated with Cu, Cr and Ni. The dominant taxa were Halmyrapseudes digitalis (two sites), Mediomastus capensis (three sites) and Sigambra parva (two sites). A significant inverse correlation existed between pollution indices and M-AMBI scores, confirming the adverse effect of metals on habitat quality. The need for a biomonitoring programme incorporating relevant biotic and abiotic indices is emphasised to assess the long-term effects of sediment contamination on aquatic communities in South African estuarine environments.

On the inner dynamics between Fossil fuels and the carbon market: a combination of seasonal-trend decomposition and multifractal cross-correlation analysis.

This study examines the inner dynamics of multifractality between the carbon market (EU ETS) and four major fossil fuel energy markets: Brent Crude Oil (BRN), Richards Bay Coal (RBC), UK Natural Gas (NGH2), and FTSE350 electricity index (FTSE350) from January 04, 2016, to March 04, 2022. First, we decompose the daily price changes by applying seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL). Then, we examine the inner dynamics of multifractality and cross-correlation by employing multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) and multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MFDCCA) using the remaining components of the return series. Our findings reveal that all series and the cross-correlations of carbon and fossil fuels markets have multifractal characteristics. We find crude oil to be the most efficient market (lowest multifractal), while coal is the least efficient (highest multifractal). Only coal shows persistent, whereas the other markets exhibit antipersistent behavior. Interestingly, the coal and EU ETS pair demonstrates a higher degree of multifractal patterns. In contrast, the pair of natural gas and EU ETS exhibits the lowest multifractal characteristics among the energy markets. Only the crude oil market shows persistent cross-correlations in the multifractality. These findings have important academic and managerial implications for investors and policymakers.

Organochlorine pesticide contamination in sediments from Richards Bay, South Africa: spatial trends and ecotoxicological risks

The occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aquatic systems is a matter of global concern and poses significant toxicological threats to both organisms and human health. Despite the extensive use of OCPs for pest and disease control in southern Africa, relatively few studies have examined the occurrence and toxicological risks of OCP residues in the region. This study investigates the composition, distribution, and potential sources of OCP contamination in sediments from Richards Bay, a rapidly developing industrial port on the northeast coast of South Africa. Surface sediments collected from Richards Bay Harbour and surrounding areas indicate that OCP contamination in the region is widespread. Total concentrations (∑OCP) in surface samples ranged from 135 to 1020 ng g−1, with hexachlorocyclohexanes (∑HCH; 35–230 ng g−1) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDT; 12–350 ng g−1) the dominant contaminant groups detected. Metabolite isomeric compositions indicate that the presence of aldrin and endosulfan likely result from historical agricultural usage, while recent input of γ-HCH, heptachlor, and endrin may be linked to the illegal use of old pesticide stockpiles. Total DDT concentrations were dominated by p,p′-DDT (80 ± 64 ng g−1), which was attributed to its ongoing use in malaria vector control in the region. A 210Pb-dated sediment core revealed that OCP input to the local environment increased dramatically from relatively low concentrations in the mid-1940s (∑OCP, 355 ng g−1) to peak levels (∑OCP, 781 ng g−1) in the 1980s/1990s. An overall decrease in ∑OCP concentration from the mid-2000s is likely related to restrictions on use following the Stockholm Convention in 2004. Despite current restrictions on use, OCP concentrations exceeded sediment quality guidelines in the vast majority of cases, raising concerns for protected estuarine and mangrove habitats in the area, as well as for local fishing and farming communities.

When foreign direct investment is threatened: Rio Tinto and Richards Bay Minerals

Theoretical basis The theoretical basis of the teaching note is grounded in theory associated with macroeconomics and foreign direct investment (FDI); in particular why FDI is important to a developing country. Research methodology A secondary research methodology was used for the research and writing of this case study. Data (news articles and relevant readings) was obtained via the internet. Case overview/synopsis The case highlights the interrelated factors (civil society infrastructure, local and political unrest and community instability) that led to global mining company Rio Tinto announcing the halt of its operations and force majeure at its only South African business, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). RBM was the largest business and employer in the province. Following the destruction of some of its equipment, civil unrest such as blocking of roads and intimidation of staff and the murder of one of their executives, Nico Swart, RBM management consequently announced all supplier contracts and operations would be halted until it was safe for work to be resumed.The case allows students to consider the interrelated factors that multinationals operating in developing countries are subject to in terms of different sub-national institutions and the potential impact of a large multinational ceasing operations in a local economy, both directly and indirectly. It concludes with considerations of what needs to be in place for RBM to continue operations. Complexity academic level This case can be used in undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, in management development programs or in short executive education courses focusing on the environment of business, macroeconomics and FDI.

The nature of investment climate through a facet of public investment: The emerging market case

The purpose of this article is to table the nature of investment climate through a perspective of public investment. The investment climate of a city is the responsibility of the city’s municipal management (Biyase & Rooderick, 2018). Thus, this article provides insight into public investment in order to highlight the public sector’s role to ensure a good investment climate. The article focuses on KwaZulu-Natal secondary cities, particularly Newcastle and the City of uMhlathuze (Richards Bay). This article followed a qualitative approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic data analysis was adopted with the aid of NVivo version 12. Analysis and interpretation of the result are presented through models developed from NVivo. The key finding of this article discusses investment climate in secondary cities through the lance of the public sector’s role in attracting investment by packaging effective investment incentives, planning and executing programs and projects to attract and retain investment, and targeting countries for inflow foreign direct investment based on the city’s sectors, not political diplomacy. Moreover, key findings reveal that each of the identified cities has autonomous independence to package their own investment incentives to advance their investment climate. Respondents pointed out that Richards Bay has an industrial development zone that is aimed at attracting investors across the globe. Furthermore, respondents highlighted that the city has investment incentives, but they are not applicable to the city.

The Status of Coastal Marine Tourism in KwaZulu Natal in 2022

The 2014 Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy Maritime growth strategy document made provision for the growth and development of six maritime sectors as part of the country’s economic growth strategy. One of the chosen sectors was coastal marine tourism. Within the South African context, coastal marine tourism has been most developed within the urban coastal areas like Durban, Ballito and Richards Bay as well as the southern coastal belt from Durban to Port Edward. Along the coastal regions between Durban and Kosi Bay, not much was known about the status of coastal marine tourism within the rural coastal areas. To understand the status of coastal marine tourism within these areas, the Moses Kotane Institute surveyed rural community coastal marine tourism (CMT) related businesses and local economic development officials within the districts of uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, iLembe and Ugu. Participants were vocal about the challenges facing communities and fledgling businesses and the solutions needed. While all participants were able to identify some CMT products, they all agreed that communities were not enjoying the benefits of the CMT value chain or engaging in the industry as they should. Challenges cited included lack of infrastructure, insufficient knowledge of the sector, difficulty raising funding, lack of business knowledge or access to opportunities, and the powerlessness of local and provincial agencies when dealing with the administrators of the many protected areas, as they report directly to national government structures and get their mandate from national government and the ineffectiveness of many government programs and community interventions. They also referred to the government departments that had made a positive contribution towards community economic development and suggested interventions which they thought would assist them. These are all captured within this paper, together with observations and recommendations on interventions that can be made.

Levels of Elements in Typical Mussels from the Southern Coast of Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique): Safety Aspect

The soft tissues of mussels are often used as the main food source, especially in coastal areas. Neutron Activation Analysis was used to measure the content of 24 macro- and microelements in the soft tissues and 18 elements in the shells of selected sets of mussels of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis. The mussels were collected in 8 polluted and 4 pristine zones, which included Namibia, the west and east coasts of South Africa, and Mozambique. According to factor analysis Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, I, Sb could have anthropogenic origin. The concentrations of elements such as Cr, As, Se and partly Zn at polluted stations were above the maximum permissible levels for seafood. The concentrations of Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Sb, Cs, Th, U in shells and soft tissues of the same mussels were at the close levels. Elements such as Al, Cr, Co, As (partly Zn, Se, and I) are considered to be harmful to human health at the levels of mussels consumption of 200 g/week per person and lower in such zones as Swakopmund, East London, Port Shepstone, Richards Bay, Xai-Xai according to calculated risk quotients and target hazard indices.

Does a reciprocal transplant experiment of neighboring Vachellia karroo populations demonstrate local adaptation?

Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso (formerly Acacia karroo) is the most widespread tree in southern Africa, and exhibits wide morphological variation such that the phenotypes have been considered as separate species. We sought to determine whether local adaptation was occurring in two neighboring Vachellia karroo populations (ca. 15 km apart) in South Africa that show tremendous size variation as adults. We examined seedling and sapling performance of genotypes grown in reciprocal environments that differ in climatic and edaphic conditions. We used a field reciprocal transplant experiment at Richards Bay and Empangeni, and complemented this with a common garden study. We measured total height, stem diameter, thorn length, leaf area, leaf weight, plant aboveground dry weight and specific leaf area after 4 months and 16 months for common garden and field-grown plants, respectively. For greenhouse-grown plants, root dry weight was also measured. Phenotypes of seedlings and saplings from the two populations maintained their differences in the greenhouse and in the field. Greenhouse-grown plants showed lower proportional root allocation for Richards Bay than Empangeni (i.e. root mass fraction: 0.20 ± 0.01 vs 0.60 ± 0.02). In the field, there were significant genotype-by-environment interactions for two of the seven performance traits for reciprocally-transplanted populations. We found limited evidence for local adaptation that is attributed to variation in edaphic conditions. Local adaptation was evident in two leaf traits (leaf area and leaf dry weight) that showed a genotype-by-environment interaction. These two traits clearly have important fitness consequences for photosynthesis. However, plants from one population grew taller and had longer thorns at both sites. We conclude that the magnitude of divergent selection in the two populations is relatively low and may be accompanied by processes such as genetic drift, leading to limited local adaptation and genetic differentiation.

Bayhead delta evolution in the context of late Quaternary and Holocene sea-level change, Richards Bay, South Africa.

Richards Bay is part of a back-barrier lagoon fronted by high coastal dunes on the NE, Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. In the early 1970s, a berm was constructed, dividing the original Mhlathuze Estuary into two separate systems; the Richards Bay Harbour and the new Mhlathuze Estuary. This study investigates the stratigraphic evolution of the incised valley system and bayhead delta in the Richards Bay Harbour segment. Seven seismic units (Units 1–7) were imaged. A single regionally developed sequence boundary (SB) along with two tidal ravinement surfaces (tRS1 and tRS2) were identified. Surface SB is associated with the LGM lowstand which developed when sea levels were ~ 130 m below present, until ~18,000 year BP. Cretaceous age siltstones (Unit 1) form the basement. Transgressive material overlying SB (Unit 2) reflects the filling of an incised valley located in the middle segment of a wave-dominated back-barrier system. It is overlain by a bayhead delta (Unit 3), the geometry and seismic signature of which indicate alternating periods of aggradation/progradation and backstepping. The behaviour is attributed to episodic jumps in sea-level, and is tentatively (on the basis of elevations in relation to the regional sea-level curve) linked to periods of rapidly rising sea-level (8.2 ka event and Meltwater Pulse (MWP)-1d). These intervals of rapidly rising sea-level, combined with relatively low gradient settings facilitated backstepping of the delta. Fills (Unit 4) occur within minor incisions along the delta top. These are interpreted as distributary channels that fed sediment to the seaward edge of the bayhead delta system. Elongated mounds on the seafloor (Unit 5) are interpreted as spoil from contemporary port dredging. Slump deposits (Unit 6) along the delta front are attributed to a combination of oversteepening of the delta by dredging, as well as deposition of modern sediments brought into the system by tidal currents. The system is capped by fine-grained, tidally redistributed and deposited sediments (Unit 7) which were possibly sourced from older organic material of an indeterminate source. This site is especially sensitive to episodic rates of sea-level change due to the relatively small Glacial Isostatic Adjustments (GIA) during the postglacial transgression and the flat antecedent gradients of both the subaerial unconformity and the overlying tidal ravinement.

Spatial distribution and consequences of contaminants in harbour sediments – A case study from Richards Bay Harbour, South Africa

Richards Bay Harbour (RBH) is situated in the industrialized area on the northeast coast of South Africa. To decipher recent human activities and accompanying environmental degradation, surface sediment was collected across RBH and analysed for granulometric and elemental composition, microfaunal assemblages, and microplastics. Microplastics occur most abundantly near recreational areas, whereas metal contamination relates to activities at bulk goods terminals from which they are imported or exported. In particular, Cr and Cu concentrations in surface sediment near bulk goods terminals exceed South African sediment quality guidelines. In metal contaminated sediment, bioindicators reflected stress and were noticeably impacted. A transect of short sediment cores reflects spatial and historical metal contamination and allows quantification of the load of metals within the sediment column. The volume of metal (Cr) contaminated sediment was estimated at almost 2 million m3.

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the ocypodid burrowing crab, Paratylodiplax blephariskios, in Richards Bay Harbour, South Africa

Bioaccumulation of metals in an endemic ocypodid burrowing mud crab, Paratylodiplax blephariskios, was investigated in contaminated mudflats of the subtropical Richards Bay Harbour (RBH), South Africa. Following sampling of water, sediment and mud crabs from three sites (Bhizolo, Mzingazi and Richards Bay Coal Terminal) in RBH during 2016/2017, tissue and sediment samples were oven dried for 48 hours, weighed and digested in an advanced microwave digester. Samples were then analyzed in triplicate for Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Highest tissue concentrations of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were recorded at Bhizolo. High Biota Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) values for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn at all sites confirmed that crabs bioaccumulated these metals. The high Cr concentration in sediment (Bhizolo: 104 ± 18.2 µg g−1; Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT): 104 ± 29.2 µg g−1; Mzingazi: 94.1 ± 38.7 µg g−1) was not reflected in the biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) value, suggesting low bioavailability of Cr. High BSAF values for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn suggest that the threshold of regulation in P. blephariskios was exceeded, resulting in net bioaccumulation.

Biomedical intervention model as HIV prevention among post-secondary school youth in Richards Bay, South Africa

Biomedical intervention model as HIV prevention among post-secondary school youth in Richards Bay, South Africa

Offshore wind energy – South Africa’s untapped resource

In the context of the Anthropocene, the decoupling of carbon emissions from electricity generation is critical. South Africa has an ageing coal power fleet, which will gradually be decommissioned over the next 30 years. This creates substantial opportunity for a just transition towards a future energy mix with a high renewable energy penetration. Offshore wind technology is a clean electricity generation alternative that presents great power security and decarbonisation opportunity for South Africa. This study estimated the offshore wind energy resource available within South Africa’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), using a geographic information system methodology. The available resource was estimated under four developmental scenarios. This study revealed that South Africa has an annual offshore wind energy production potential of 44.52 TWh at ocean depths of less than 50 m (Scenario 1) and 2 387.08 TWh at depths less than 1 000 m (Scenario 2). Furthermore, a GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation was conducted to determine the most suitable locations for offshore wind farm development within the South African EEZ. The following suitable offshore wind development regions were identified: Richards Bay, KwaDukuza, Durban, and Struis Bay. Based on South Africa’s annual electricity consumption of 297.8 TWh in 2018, OWE could theoretically supply approximately 15% and 800% of South Africa’s annual electricity demand with offshore wind development Scenario 1 and 2 respectively.

Mineralogical and Leaching Characteristics of Altered Ilmenite Beach Placer Sands

In order to have a good understanding of the treatment process and improvement on the market value of ilmenite beach placer sands, knowledge of its mineral composition and phase distribution is fundamental. In this study, a combination of characterization techniques including high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron (HR-TEM) microscope, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques was used to understand the mineralogical characteristics of ilmenite beach placer sands obtained from Richards Bay, South Africa. The mineral phase constituents of the ilmenite beach placer sands were studied before pre-oxidation and additive leaching in a chloride environment. During observations using XRD and HR-SEM, the ilmenite beach placer sands exhibited signature rhombohedral crystal form and crescentic pits with evidence of alteration phases. The characterized pre-oxidized ilmenite showed the presence of a ferric oxide film deposit of the particles. The leaching characteristics of both raw and pre-oxidized ilmenite was studied in the presence of additives. The leaching efficiency of the pre-oxidized ilmenite in the presence of additives increased by 20% at atmospheric conditions. The characterized residues show the improved amenability of pre-oxidized leach in chloride media. The formation of new phases containing pseudo-rutile indicated crystallographic disintegration by the movement of atoms during dissolution. Some particles retained the crescentic pit and the subangular grain structure; however, the phase changes were observed at the grain boundaries and grain edges. The leached residue’s EDS results still indicated the presence of pseudo-rutile and some minor unreacted oxides such as SiO2, Al2O3, and other trace metals. The trace metals impurities present in the as-received ilmenite were reduced by 80% in the final residue after the leaching.