DRC mining code’s shortcomings limiting sector’s contribution to fiscus – senator

The mining industry and the production of copper and cobalt in particular is of vital importance to the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, political, social and legislative... 

Firms joining forces to raise $500m for mining projects, particularly in Africa

Mining investment advisory company MX Mining Capital Advisors and law firm Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa are collaborating to assist in raising about $500-million in finance for mining... 

University receives R15m shot in the arm from Sibanye

Diversified miner Sibanye has partnered with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to integrate mining education with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The company will inject R15-million into the... 

Krugerrand demand resurgence anticipated to result in record sales

Increased demand for gold has supported sales of the gold bullion Krugerrands and this year is predicted to yield the highest sales since the 1980s, with an expected 15% to 20% increase on the... 

Bisie boxcut nears completion, first tin concentrates in 2019

Tin exploration and development company Alphamin Resources is nearing completion of the boxcut at its 9 900 t/y Bisie tin project, in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alphamin... 

Canada to host tantalum, niobium symposium in October

The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Centre (T.I.C.) will host its fifty-eighth general assembly and seventh technical symposium from October, 15 to 18 in Vancouver, Canada. The special early... 

Think-tank hands over title deeds to residents of Western Cape town

Think tank the Free Market Foundation’s (FMF’s) Khaya Lam land reform project last month handed over the latest batch of title deeds to residents in the town of Grabouw, in the Western Cape,... 

Union concerned about planned job cuts, wants Zwane sacked

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Monday called for the resignation of Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, citing a complete breakdown in relations. Speaking at a press briefing to... 

Nedbank debt-financing African mining projects to the tune of $7bn

Investment banking services provider Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) is providing the African mining industry with about $7-billion in debt financing products and says it remains... 

Sibanye’s R15m investment aims to unlock benefits of 4th industrial revolution for mining

Diversified miner Sibanye has partnered with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to integrate mining education with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The company will inject R15-million into the... 

Efforts to reposition balance sheet, price improvements lift Glencore’s H1 earnings

Diversified mining and marketing company Glencore said “extensive efforts” to reposition its balance sheet and propel the company’s industrial asset portfolio improvements over the last two years... 

Hudbay returns to Q2 profit

Canadian precious metals and base metals miner Hudbay Minerals achieved a net profit of $25.6-million and earnings a share of $0.11 for the three months ended June 30, compared with a net loss of... 

Conflicting Perceptions

There exists a clear sense of optimism in Zambia’s government circles about the future of the mining industry, particularly regarding the stability of the regulatory and fiscal regime, a stronger... 

Zambian copper mines urged to ‘grasp the opportunity’ as price enjoys strongest, most sustained rally

With the copper price hovering at around $6 000/t, the red metal is enjoying its strongest and most sustained price rally since the depths of the global commodity slump in January 2015, when it was... 

New booklet outlines measures to turn mine enviro hazards into jobs generator

Environmental watchdog Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE) has proposed the establishment of a pilot project to address the waste and pollution legacy of mining in the Witwatersrand basin,... 

New association aims to support emerging truck operators

The newly launched Emerging Truckers Association of South Africa (Tasa) aims to assist in meaningfully transforming the local truck and freight industry, with a long-term view of ensuring work for... 

Despite decline, platinum supply continues to exceed demand

Research conducted by New York-based research and consulting firm CPM Group for its Platinum Group Metals Yearbook 2017 concludes that the platinum market remained in a surplus during 2016. Newly... 

New report highlights Tahoe Resources’ sustainability efforts

Canadian miner Tahoe Resources recorded no fatalities during 2016 and reduced hand-related injuries by more than 75% in both Peru and Guatemala by implementing a hand-safety programme, according... 

Turquoise Hill sees reduced profits, advances Oyu Tolgoi underground works

Rio Tinto subsidiary Turquoise Hill Resources has recorded a lower net income attributable to shareholders of $23.8-million in the quarter ended June 30, compared with $29.8-million during the... 

NUM calls for Zwane’s resignation, concerned by large number of retrenchments

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Monday called for the resignation of Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, citing a complete breakdown in relations. Speaking at a press briefing to... 

Platinum industry redoubling marketing efforts in the midst of oversupply

Marketing is immensely important for the platinum sector, which is battling a pervasive weak price environment, with the metal trading at about $925/oz, compared with the all-time high of $2 270/oz... 

Bamboo a possible answer to asbestos remediation challenges – Mintek

Bamboo may be suitable as potential cover to remediate asbestos related mine waste in semi-arid regions of South Africa, states South African State-owned mineral and metallurgical innovation... 

Platinum industry redoubling marketing efforts in the midst of oversupply

Marketing is immensely important for the platinum sector, which is battling a pervasive weak price environment, trading at about $925/oz, compared with the all time high of $2 270/oz, in 2008 and... 

Digital adoption vital for future mining success – EY

As productivity remains the number one operational risk in the mining sector, future digital transformation in the mining and metals sector will be a critical enabler to addressing the industry’s... 

New association launched to support emerging truck operators

The newly launched Emerging Truckers Association of South Africa (Tasa) aims to assist in meaningfully transforming the local truck and freight industry, with a long-term view of ensuring work for... 

Zwane meets with Black Business Council to discuss Mining Charter

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane on Friday met with Black Business Council (BBC) president Dr Danisa Baloyi, and her executives, to discuss the mining legislative framework and “related... 

Buffalo Coal in push to slash debt and improve safety and operational efficiency

South African bituminous and anthracite coal miner Buffalo Coal is determined to repay all its debt and continue to improve safety standards, while improving overall operating capability to ensure... 

Zululand Anthracite Colliery unveils new 50 t/h wash plant

Investment company Menar Holding’s Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC), near the town of Ulundi commissioned its new wash plant, last month. The new coal processing plant has 50 t/h processing... 

Buffalo Coal in push to slash debt and improve safety and operational efficiency

South African bituminous and anthracite coal miner Buffalo Coal is determined to repay all its debts and continue to improve safety standards while improving overall operating capacities to ensure... 

Geophysical techniques touted as ideal for alluvial diamond exploration

Ground geophysical surveys have been carried out by the Council for Geoscience (CGS) on a farm that hosts an alluvial diamond mining operation near Schweizer-Reneke, in the North West. The North... 

Zim lithium, tantalum prospect returns ‘excellent’ test results

Diversified exploration and mining company Premier African Minerals reported “excellent results” from the initial metallurgical testwork study, which was completed by German materials testing and... 

Social media fuelling illicit diamond trade in Central African Republic – report

A new undercover investigation by international watchdog organisation Global Witness has uncovered how diamond smugglers are making use of social media platforms as they seek to get diamonds linked... 

Universal eyeing 3Mt coal output this year

ASX-listed coal miner Universal Coal anticipates that its Kangala and New Clydesdale Colliery (NCC) mines, in Mpumalanga, will deliver an estimated three-million tons of coal in the 2017 financial... 

Liberia makes progress in reporting stakes despite Ebola, Mali also improving

Liberia has undergone its first Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) validation in terms of the EITI standard and has demonstrated “meaningful progress” despite a disruption bought... 

Mining companies urged to make better use of digital technology

Struggling with commodity prices, declining ore grade and operational challenges, South African miners have no choice but to focus on creating operational excellence to buffer against declining... 

Sephaku lifts volumes in highly competitive cement market

JSE-listed minerals exploration, development and investment company Sephaku Holdings’ (SepHold’s) net profit increased by 12.8% year-on-year to to R68.1-million for the year ended March 31, despite... 

Guinea to host alumina-bauxite symposium in September

The International Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Society (IBAAS), in association with geological services provider Camen Resources, will host the sixth edition of the International Bauxite-Alumina... 

Initiatives launched to probe unexploited potential of diamond-bearing gravel deposits, other minerals

The South African mining sector is currently facing a decline and in an attempt to stimulate and support renewed mining activities, the Council for Geoscience (CGS) has launched a number of... 

AngloGold initiates arbitration proceedings over new Tanzania legislation

Concerned about newly enacted legislation in Tanzania, gold mining major AngloGold Ashanti is seeking a “constructive dialogue” with the Tanzania government to gain assurance that its operations... 

Digital innovation, while necessary, comes with risks – Deloitte

While global competition has necessitated technological and digital innovation across all industries, there is legitimate concern globally that innovation could threaten job creation, particularly...