4.1 Mining . Mining industry is the region's core employment source and is downscaling, mainly because mines are reaching the end of their production lifespan; . In this area there are big deposits of Wollostonite near Kheis and Lepelfontein; . A plant for the processing of the Wollostonite had already been built in Garies; . Testing of the processing plant is under way, and mining and processing Wollostonite will start in the nearby future; . A number of smme's can be developed around this project; . PDI groups are encouraged to get mining rights for Lepelfontein deposits; . Large deposits of Mica are to be found in Tweerivier; . PDI's need funding and support in the drafting of business plans; . Mining economists have to prepare a feasibility study plus a funding model and also have to research the markets; . Deposits of copper have been discovered at Rooifontein and Kamassies.