Scientists at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) are working with Italian partners to develop tiles based on stones like the ones shown on the picture. This is the process.
1. Sandstones of Lesotho's molteno formation (the stones called maseru, after which Lesotho's capital city is named) are the most preferable.
2. They are then crushed into individual quartz particles.
3. The partcles are mixed with a specialised binder and taken through a process called vacuumvibrocompression.
4. The resulting conglomerate is polished to a mirror surface.
5. The result is an engineered stone that will beat your ceramics in strength, durability and sheer beauty.
These are the achievements so far.
1. Millions of Maluti have been poured into this amazing research project by NUL and Lesotho Funeral Services and which is the main sponsor over the past 9 years.
2. Geological survey on the proposed mining site is complete.
3. Sample tiles have been created (ask those who have visited NUL recently).
4. Mining Plan is complete.
5. EIA and many other studies are ongoing.