Hans Merensky

Dr Hans Merensky (1871 - 1952) was a remarkable man. He was a world-renown geologist, prospector, economic trendsetter, agriculturist, conservationist and philanthropist. He discovered the largest platinum deposit in the world, and the Merensky Reef is named in his honour, the richest deposit of alluvial diamonds at Alexander Bay, gold in the Free State and phosphate at Phalaborwa, among others. In his honour there is also the Hans Merensky Dam, Nature Reserve, Hotel & Golf Estate, Library, High School and Foundation.

His life was too full for this article to do it justice. If you are interested in his life and legacy, two biographies have been written: "Look beyond the wind" by Olga Lehman (1959) and "Platinum, Gold and Diamonds - The story of Hans Merensky's discoveries" by Eberhard W. Machens (2009).