Diversified miner South32’s South African manganese operations produced 2.18-million tonnes of manganese in the 2024 financial year, ended June 30, higher than the 2.11-million tonnes produced in the 2023 financial year, and above the two-million tonnes the group had expected to produce. Group subsidiary Samancor Manganese in June entered entered into a binding agreement for the sale of the Metalloys manganese alloy smelter, in Gauteng, to Khwelamet, an entity jointly owned by Menar and Ntiso Investing Holdings.
China, South Africa still driving chrome supply globally
In unpacking production and export figures for chrome and ferrochrome in 2023 and the first quarter of this year, the International Chromium Development Association (ICDA) has confirmed that China and South Africa continue to drive the chromium market. ICDA senior market research analyst Tanya Atalay says these markets have shown resilience amid the global economic slowdown.
De Beers’ Jhb rough diamond sorting, sales building receives green star rating
Diamond miner De Beers’ new rough diamond sorting, valuation and sales building Sky Park, in Johannesburg, has received a five-star interior green rating and two four-star green building ratings from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). The ratings were awarded for the sustainable design elements proposed and approved by the GBCSA, as well as the ‘As-Build’ rating that evaluates the use of green and sustainable materials during the construction phase. The waste, water, and power management strategies implemented during construction were also recognised as part of these awards.
URA reports improved recovery rate at Gravelotte; readies for first trial emerald sale
London-listed gemstone miner URA Holdings will hold its first trial emerald sale for gemstones recovered from its Gravelotte mine, in South Africa, later this year. The company reports in an update to shareholders that it has achieved early production targets at the mine, which started phased production on April 29.
Solidarity concludes wage agreement with Assmang
After three months of negotiations, labour union Solidarity has reached a five-year wage agreement for members employed by Assmang. This agreement was concluded in collaboration with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
Orion announces last call for shareholders to participate in SPP
ASX- and JSE-listed Orion Minerals has reminded shareholders based in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, Jersey, the UK, Mauritius and Singapore to buy shares under a share purchase plan (SPP) before the offer closes on July 23.
Eligible shareholders include those that held Orion shares as of June 28.
We’re looking forward to being PGM leader as a standalone entity – Anglo Platinum
Platinum group metals (PGM) mining and marketing company, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange primary-listed Anglo American Platinum, highlighted on Monday that it is working to deliver a responsible and orderly separation from the secondarily-listed Anglo American by the end of next year. “Our management team and independent board is already working alongside a dedicated team with Anglo American to achieve this,” Anglo Platinum CEO Craig Miller outlined.
With no recovery in sight, lithium prices force miners to reevaluate output
With lithium prices languishing near three-year lows and showing no signs a recovery is coming, attention is now turning to whether miners will be forced to rein in supply of the battery metal.
The price of the material that’s vital to the energy transition has plunged by around 80% since late 2022, and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence sees the current glut deepening through 2027. While some smaller producers have already cut output, the question now is whether the bigger firms will choose to shutter mines and delay projects from Australia to Chile.
Higher, all-cash offer emerges for Sierra Rutile
ASX-listed Sierra Rutile on Monday announced a new offer for the company – the third in the last four months – with major shareholder Lenoil throwing its hat in the ring.
Lenoil, which has an interest of 19.85% in Sierra Rutile, has made a cash offer for the company that beats the recent A$0.16-a-share Gemcorp Commodities bid.
Congo’s South Kivu governor suspends mining operations in province
The governor of Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province has ordered the suspension all mining activities in the restive region, giving all companies and operators 72 hours to leave mining sites, a statement said on Friday. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, said in the statement that the suspension until further notice, was due to “disorder caused by the mining operators.”