With the introduction of various technologies becoming more prevalent in mining, Council for Geoscience (CGS) CEO Mosa Mabuza has said the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies are finding expression in geosciences and its applications, describing this as “exciting times” for geoscientists. Speaking in a panel titled ‘The role of technology and skills development in unlocking Africa’s potential’ – held on the second day of this year’s London Indaba on June 26 – Mabuza explained that the conventional approach to geomapping had limitations.
Copper supply gets a boost as Chile shows signs of recovery
Copper production in Chile, the world’s biggest supplier of the wiring metal, is showing signs of recovering from 20-year lows.
Output in May was the highest this year, rising more than 8% compared with both April and the year earlier, according to data released Friday by the country’s bureau of statistics.
Separation of energy portfolio and Ramokgopa’s appointment praised amid rising …
The decision to establish a separate energy portfolio with the African National Congress’s Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as Minister and the Democratic Alliance’s Samantha Graham as Deputy Minister has been welcomed by stakeholders and commentators alike. There are already warnings, however, that the success of the new Electricity and Energy Ministry will be judged not only on ensuring a permanent end to loadshedding but on whether it is able to shepherd South Africa, justly, through the unfolding energy transition in a way that addresses not only the immediate threats to security of supply and affordability but also long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Kangankunde feasibility study supports robust rare earths project
Rare earths mining and development company Lindian Resources has announced the completion of a feasibility study on Stage 1 of its Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi. The study examined Stage 1 of the project’s development, which includes mining operations, a mineral processing plant and necessary support infrastructure.
Hedge funds are hoarding cobalt amid battery metal slump
Hedge funds including Anchorage Capital Advisors and Squarepoint Capital have been building positions in cobalt by buying up physical material, as tumbling spot prices and a more liquid futures market create new trading opportunities in the battery metal.
Cobalt is a relatively tiny and specialized market compared with commodities like copper or oil, and prices have dropped to the lowest in more than seven years as the market is flooded with production from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia.
Rainbow signs royalty, equity agreement with Ecora, raising $10m for Phalaborwa studies
London-listed Rainbow Rare Earths has signed a share placing and royalty agreement with fellow-listed Ecora Resources, raising $10-million for Rainbow to proceed with studies at the Phalaborwa rare earths project.
Rainbow says the agreement endorses its 85%-owned Phalaborwa project, in South Africa’s Limpopo province, as a stand-out opportunity. The project is expected to be one of the highest-margin rare earth projects globally.
Ransom resigns from Perseus board due to ill health
David Ransom, nonexecutive, independent director of Perseus Mining, has tendered his resignation effective June 30, citing health reasons.
Perseus, an Australian company operating three gold mines in Africa, announced Ranson’s departure in a statement on Monday.
Sierra Rutile completes initial safety review
ASX-listed Sierra Rutile has announced the completion of its initial safety risk review of Area 1, leading to the resumption of operations at the Sierra Leone mine after a temporary suspension.
The company suspended mining at a part of Area 1 two weeks ago, following the death of a worker.
South Africa opposition makes debut in Ramaphosa’s unity Cabinet
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new Cabinet, allocating ministerial posts to opposition politicians while retaining close ally Enoch Godongwana as finance minister. The announcement of the new executive followed more than a week of negotiations that ensued when the African National Congress invited its rivals to join a so-called government of national unity after losing its parliamentary majority in May 29 elections. Nine parties accepted the offer and agreed to back Ramaphosa’s reappointment as president in exchange for being allocated other posts.
Anglo further supports education, entrepreneurship with handover of Jhb CBD building to Wits …
Demonstrating its broad commitment to education, entrepreneurship and leaving a positive legacy in the Johannesburg central business district (CBD), diversified miner Anglo American on June 28 celebrated the official handover of its building at 47 Main street, in Johannesburg, to Wits Business School (WBS). This showcases the company’s commitment to working with partners, including inner-city stakeholders, academia, small, medium-sized and microenterprises, civic organisations and residents, to rejuvenate the CBD and surrounds.