South African mining needs what is often referred to as a one-stop shop to ensure that an applicant is not sent from one department to the other but goes to one place where the application is submitted and the applicant receives communication from one source. “That’s a process that needs to take place as quickly as possible,” Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane highlighted during a media conference that followed the council’s 134th AGM in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Andrada signs deal to restructure Uis Tin Mining Company
Dual-listed Andrada Mining has executed a legally binding agreement to restructure Uis Tin Mining Company (UTMC), the operational Namibian entity that holds the ML133, ML134 and ML129 mining licences in Namibia, to ensure a more efficient corporate structure going forward. The company is seeking to increase its ownership interest in UTMC, from 85% to 100% through the acquisition of the 15% interest currently held by the Small Miners of Uis (SMU).
Paladin sets guidance for resurrected Namibia uranium mine
Uranium mining company Paladin will continue to use previously mined stockpile ore for production at the Langer Heinrich mine next year, and will restart mining activities in 2026.
Having recently completed the restart of the Namibian mine, Paladin on Wednesday announced its 2025 production guidance of 4-million to 4.5-million uranium oxide at a production cost of $28/lb to $31/lb.
Petra shares plans to reduce operating costs, appoints new CFO
London-listed Petra Diamonds has shared its plan for a sustainable reduction of $30-million a year in operating costs from the 2025 financial year, as well as a smoothing of its development and sustaining capital profile to about $100-million a year at its South African operations to target free cash generation through the cycle. At an investor day presentation, in London, England, on June 27, Petra said approved extension projects were expected to be self-funded, with production growth to over 3.4-million carats expected by the 2028 financial year.
Experts unpack the evolution of ESG across the mining value chain
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has evolved to being driven by external factors such as shareholder activism and investor confidence, rather than regulatory frameworks, finds a panel discussion hosted by Creamer Media on June 26. ESG strategies are also becoming increasingly data-driven, with quantifiable and measurable outcomes and thorough reporting, which many mining companies are doing voluntarily.
Akobo completes processing plant, starts commissioning in Ethiopia
Scandinavia-based gold exploration and mining company Akobo Minerals has successfully completed the construction of its processing plant and has started commissioning activities at its operation in Ethiopia. The company currently holds an extensive exploration licence encompassing 182 km2 and a 16 km2 mining licence with an active mining operation in the Gambela region and Dima Woreda, Ethiopia.
Vedanta in talks with IHC unit, investors for Zambian copper stake sale
International Resources Holding (IRH), the mining investment arm of United Arab Emirates’ richest company, is among investors holding talks on buying into Vedanta Resources’ Zambian copper assets, a senior Vedanta executive told Reuters. IRH, a unit of Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company which holds about $244-billion in assets, is interested in acquiring a stake in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and is conducting due diligence on the assets, Chris Griffith, Vedanta’s chief executive for base metals, said.
Sibanye ‘will have to’ shutter US mine unless palladium recovers
Sibanye Stillwater will be forced to halt operations at its Montana palladium mine if prices don’t recover soon, according to CEO Neal Froneman.
“The future of Stillwater remains in the balance,” the CEO said on Tuesday, when asked at a London conference about the outlook for the mine. “I mean it’s as simple as that. If there’s no correction in the price soon, as strategic as it is, we will have to put it on care and maintenance.”
Mining central to South Africa’s socioeconomic wellbeing, AGM hears
Given its far-reaching multiplier effect, mining is the epicentre of South Africa’s economy and social wellbeing and has been at the heart of its economic progress and development for much of this country’s history, Minerals Council South Africa’s 134th AGM attendees heard in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Simply put, a R1-million increase in mined output results in 2.5 economy-wide job opportunities.
Copper market facing renewed caution from investors
With the demand for copper having increased amid the global energy transition, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence project manager: energy transition commodities Piotr Ortonowski described this year as “the year of the unexpected” for copper. Speaking at a panel discussion at this year’s London Indaba under the theme ‘Copper: defying gravity- or was it all just hype?’, he explained that this year was expected to be a year of oversupply, with a few big mining projects still ramping up.