Merensky, Hans (1871-1952), was a South African geologist and naturalist. In 1924, after examining samples of ore from Sekhukhuneland, in northeastern South Africa, Merensky located the largest and most important platinum ore reserve in the world. That reserve, now known as the Merensky Reef, is more than 185 miles (300 kilometers) long.
In 1926, Merensky predicted that diamonds would be found near fossilized oysterbeds off the mouth of the Orange River. Later, the claims he staked nearby produced diamonds unequalled for size and quality. Through his work, the Bushveld Complex in northeastern South Africa has yielded vast quantities of valuable minerals. Merensky was also keenly interested in nature conservation and experimental agriculture.
Merensky was born on March 16, 1871, in Botshabelo, near Middelburg, in what is now the province of Mpumalanga. His parents were German missionaries. He was educated in Germany and became a mining engineer. He returned to South Africa in 1904. Merensky died on Oct. 21, 1952.
See also Bushveld Complex .
