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MiningWeekly.com provides real time news reportage through originated written & video material. Now you can listen to the top three articles on Mining Weekly at the end of each day.

  1. 1 HR AGO

    Martin Creamer talks about: Southern Palladium, Sibanye-Stillwater, Hillside Aluminium make headlines

    Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses Southern Palladium’s A$20-million raise to ramp up work at its Bengwenyama PGM project in Limpopo; Sibanye-Stillwater’s commitment to community development projects; and smelting continues to test maximum technical capacity at Hillsid

    5 min

  2. 6 HR AGO

    Venetia mine is sparkling as brightly as the diamonds it brings to surface

    This audio is brought to you by Astec Industries, a Global Leader in manufacturing equipment for infrastructure, including asphalt production, construction, and material processing, driving innovation and sustainability. The successful transition from opencast mining to underground mining is being achieved with considerable aplomb at Venetia Diamond Mine, which Mining Weekly has just visited. De Beers' $2.3-billion investment in the Venetia underground project, in Limpopo province, represents the biggest single investment in South Africa's diamond industry in decades. Stay-in-business capital of $0.6-billion extends to 2027, with no investment needed into Venetia's large processing plant, coping as it does with the feed of six-million tonnes a year, from which 4.5-million carats of diamonds will be recovered annually. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) Underground infrastructure includes two vertical shaft systems for personnel transport, ore transport and the routing of services, as well as lateral access to stations on level 54 - to which Mining Weekly descended - level 91 and level 94 for the services shaft, and the station on level 100 for the production shaft. The service shaft has an internal diameter of 7 m and will eventually provide all the services and people transport for the underground workings. The production shaft, with the same internal diameter, is fitted with two rock winders, each having two 24 t payload skips. Presently, Venetia is processing lower-grade surface stockpiles while the operation transitions and that will continue as the underground production slowly ramps up. Mining underground until 2049 is expected to yield 81-million carats of diamonds from 115-million tonnes of diamondiferous material. Reductions in the mine's carbon footprint will be realised when Envusa Energy's renewable-energy projects are operational. Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Renewables, aims to establish a regional renewable-energy ecosystem in South Africa to meet the group's long-term power requirements. Located 32 km south of the Limpopo river, Venetia is the only remaining diamond mining operation of the De Beers Group in South Africa and has been this country's largest producer of diamonds since 1995. Back in the day, De Beers at some stages probably had about nine to 11 operations in South Africa and all of those operations have been sold. There are still legacy closure footprints, such as Voorspoed in the Free State, the Big Hole of Kimberley, and Namaqualand on the West Coast. At Venetia, sampling began in 1969, opencast development in 1990, opencast mining from August 1992 to December 2022, and underground mining has been proceeding since 2023. With ramp up of the underground to six-million carats a year having been slowed to 2032, the life of mine now extends to 2049. The 17-person leadership team that has emerged from the resizing process is now implementing the new underground ramp-up projection. During opencast mining, a very good 101 grade was achieved and the 838-million tonnes of ore and waste moved yielded 143-milion diamond carats. Venetia Senior GM Ntokozo Ngema, Venetia GM Underground and Projects Jan Nel and Venetia Senior Mining Manager Thabo Mokone outlined the next chapter of Venetia's journey to Mining Weekly. They led us through the Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) and thereafter up the production shaft headgear, which provided an overview the mine's infrastructure, taking in the large plant, primary crusher, primary stockpile, secondary and tertiary crusher, water recovery, primary and secondary scrubbing, fines and coarse dense media separation, and diamond recovery. Noteworthy is the mine's dry tailings dam. The descent down the mine in the cage highlighted that safety is front and centre of the underground environment, which is reflected by the mine achieving 13-million fatality-free shifts. We witnessed the IOC helping to advance safety still further, al...

    12 min

  3. 23 HR AGO

    Mpumalanga gold plant build accelerates, contractors mobilised, ground broken

    This audio is brought to you by Astec Industries, a Global Leader in manufacturing equipment for infrastructure, including asphalt production, construction, and material processing, driving innovation and sustainability. The pace of the gold plant build of the TGME gold mine project in South Africa's Mpumalanga province is stepping up, with contractors mobilised and construction underway at the carbon-in-leach (CIL) section and associated retaining walls. Sydney-listed gold mining development company Theta Gold Mines reports that negotiations with long-lead equipment suppliers for mills and crushing circuits are advancing and more than 120 personnel are now on site. Full-scale operations will create more than 500 jobs, powered by global best practice AI-driven training. Civil works and debt syndication have been supported by capital raises and convertible loan conversions and plant commissioning is being targeted for the end of 2026. "Rapid progress continues on site," executive chairperson Bill Guy stated in a release. "Contractors and equipment are now fully mobilised, and site earthworks are underway accelerating the transformation of this historic site into a modern gold producer." This is the site of the old Transvaal Gold Mining Estate that is centred around the historical mining towns of Pilgrim's Rest and Sabie. The project aims to restart underground gold mines in what is a prolific gold mining region. "Recent capital raises and convertible loan conversions have strengthened our balance sheet, positioning us to complete civil works and advance debt syndication. "With funding and construction aligned, we remain firmly on track to commission the plant by the end of 2026," Guy added. As reported by Mining Weekly in June, the project is targeting the Beta, Rietfontein, Frankfort and Clewer-Dukes Hill-Morgenzon (CDM) mines. In the base case, the project has a mine life of 12.9 years, delivering production of 1.24-million ounces of contained gold over the life-of-mine (LoM) at a processing rate of 540 000 t/y to initially recover 1.08-million ounces of gold. The project aims to produce 30 000 t a month from the Beta mine, 15 000 t a month from the Rietfontein mine, 15 000 t a month from the Frankfort mine and 10 000 t to 20 000 t a month near the end of the CDM mine's LoM. The existing mining infrastructure will be used, with the addition of new accesses, underground development and predevelopment of the mining grids to access the planned mining areas at Beta, Frankfort and CDM. At Rietfontein, the existing adits and underground development will be used with the addition of new development ends, a new decline and the extension of an existing decline. The mining strategy for the underground operations is to apply mechanised longhole drilling to narrow-reef mining to selectively mine out only the reef channel, with minimal dilution at Beta, Frankfort and CDM. Rietfontein will be mined conventionally using shrinkage stoping, with hybrid loading methods between trackless load-haul-dump and rail-bound locomotives. The processing plant will have a feed capacity of 45 000 t/m. In the base case, the project has a net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of $324-million at an average $1 642/oz and an internal rate of return of 65%. Based on these figures, the project has a forecast after-tax payback period of 31 months. The estimated development capital or peak funding requirement is $77-million. Development finance institution the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) has extended a credit-approved loan facility agreement for R622-million, or about A$53.8-million, to help fund the TGME project. The agreement, which includes a debt term of seven years from first drawdown, follows the completion of due diligence by the IDC and allows for Theta to move ahead with development and construction.

    4 min

  4. 1 DAY AGO

    Gold, platinum community upliftment highlighted by Sibanye-Stillwater

    This audio is brought to you by Astec Industries, a Global Leader in manufacturing equipment for infrastructure, including asphalt production, construction, and material processing, driving innovation and sustainability. Gold and platinum mining company Sibanye-Stillwater on Wednesday highlighted its expansive array of community development projects that are contributing to a future where near-mine communities are thriving and self-sustaining. In online gold and platinum booklets, the Johannesburg- and New York-listed mining company outlined a multiplicity of wide-ranging shared value initiatives in education, agriculture, skills development, health, wellness, social infrastructure, refurbishment and even supplying schools with essential educational tools such as WiFi. "We remain committed to continuing the journey towards ensuring long-term, sustainable benefits for the communities around our operations," Sibanye-Stillwater executive VP stakeholder relations Thabisile Phumo stated in a release to Mining Weekly on Wednesday October 22. "We believe the true value of mining extends beyond the resources we extract. It lies in ensuring that the positive impact we have on communities endures long after the life of our mines," Phumo added. The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act requires holders of mining or production rights to contribute towards the socioeconomic development of the areas in which they are operating as well as the areas from which the majority of the workforce is sourced. The focus is on social and labour plans (SLP), which are guided by the Mining Charter. SLPs are a regulatory requirement for socioeconomic development and transformation in South Africa and are delivered following implementation plans agreed in the specific SLPs of each mining right. In gold, Sibanye-Stillwater has eight SLPs in place, which apply to gold mines in South Africa's Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga provinces, and in platinum the nine SLPs it has in place apply to its platinum group metals mines in South Africa's North West and Limpopo provinces. Phumo's view is that value must be created that has long-term outcomes and enduring societal impact. "Fostering sustainable socioeconomic opportunities is key to reducing communities' dependence on mining operations and addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. "We acknowledge that the path to sustainability is not without its challenges. Maintenance and vandalism continue to threaten the longevity of certain projects. Many local SMMEs face an uphill battle to remain viable in a volatile economy," she pointed out. "Additionally, we have seen how the breakdown of relationships among project beneficiaries can undermine impact and stall progress. These realities strengthen our resolve to work even more collaboratively - to build stronger, more resilient systems that support ongoing capacity building, accountability and inclusive participation. "Since inception, we've consistently delivered socioeconomic benefits to our communities. Our aim is to ensure these benefits have a lasting impact by developing our communities into trusted partners for continued growth." Education is central to the endeavour and a key SLP objective is to expand the educational skills base through the construction of school infrastructure, provision of sports facilities, and equipping schools with essential educational tools. Since 2017, Sibanye-Stillwater has constructed and refurbished seven schools and provided WiFi to 18 schools. Mathematics and science programmes have been introduced at 17 schools in Bojanala district municipality. The school WiFi initiative enables students from grade 10 to grade 12 to research assignments and practicals and enables teachers to use the smartboard for more interactive teaching. In addition, schools that do not have mathematics and science laboratories use the WiFi for simulations. Access to quality healthcare is vital for the ...

    4 min

  5. 2 DAYS AGO

    South Africa's Hillside aluminium production holds steady as smelter tests capacity

    This audio is brought to you by Astec Industries, a Global Leader in manufacturing equipment for infrastructure, including asphalt production, construction, and material processing, driving innovation and sustainability. In the three months to September 30, production at South Africa's Hillside Aluminium in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, increased by 1% to 181 000 t amid the smelter continuing to test maximum technical capacity. Moreover, production guidance for the 2026 financial year (FY26) remains unchanged at 720 000 t, Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed diversified mining company South32 reported on Tuesday, October 21. South32's saleable production of manganese decreased by 7% to 551 000 wet metric tons (wmt) in the September quarter, owing to underground development activity at the Wessels manganese mine in South Africa's Northern Cape. FY26 South Africa Manganese production guidance remains unchanged at 2 000 000 wmt, with planned maintenance scheduled in the current quarter. Among the overall production highlights was a 33% uplift in manganese volumes. Of $117-million received from equity accounted investments in the three months to September 30, $36-million was from the manganese business, which is expected to add to cash generation in the December quarter. Meanwhile, saleable production of aluminium by Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique increased by 3% to 93 000 t in the September 2025 quarter. The Mozal smelter operated near its maximum technical capacity, prior to the decision in August 2025 to stop pot relining owing to the uncertainty of future electricity supply beyond March 2026. FY26 production guidance also remains unchanged at 240 000 t, based on operations continuing to March 2026, when the current electricity supply agreement expires. To secure electricity for Mozal, South32 is engaging with the Mozambique government, Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, and South Africa's Eskom but it is still uncertain whether Mozal will secure electricity supply beyond March. "Without the required electricity supply, we expect that Mozal will be placed on care and maintenance at the end of the current agreement," South32 stated in a release to Mining Weekly. In August, South32 published its second climate change action plan, which includes the positioning of the portfolio for the energy transition, operational emissions reduction, and the strengthening physical climate resilience. Net cash declined by $59-million to $64-million in the September 2025 quarter. "Our financial position remains strong as we continued our investment in growth at Hermosa, supported by $117-million in net distributions from our Sierra Gorda and manganese equity accounted investments during the quarter," South32 CEO Graham Kerr stated. Sierra Gorda is an opencast copper mine in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile. Its payable copper equivalent production increased by 12% on higher planned copper grades and an increase in molybdenum volumes. Net distributions of $81-million were received from Sierra Gorda in the quarter. "Looking ahead, we remain focused on maintaining our operating momentum and capitalising on strengthening market conditions in base metals," Kerr added.

    3 min

  6. 4 DAYS AGO

    Southern Palladium powers ahead with $20m raise to fast track Bengwenyama project

    This audio is brought to you by Astec Industries, a Global Leader in manufacturing equipment for infrastructure, including asphalt production, construction, and material processing, driving innovation and sustainability. Sydney- and Johannesburg-listed platinum group metals (PGMs) company Southern Palladium as locked in a $20-million raise to ramp up work at its Bengwenyama PGM project in Limpopo, Investor Stream reports. Southern Palladium owns 70% of and the Bengwenyama PGM project and the Bengwenyama Community 30%. Located on the eastern limb of South Africa's well-endowed Bushveld Complex, the project has a resource of 40-million ounces of platinum group elements and gold, with shallow ore. The project is moving toward development, including a staged approach to lower capital expenditure, with a prefeasibility study showing strong economics, including a $1-billion net present value and a three-year to five-year payback period. The recent placement attracted good shareholder support, which executive chairperson Roger Baxter said future-proofed Southern Palladium on its journey towards a final investment decision in 2026. With fresh capital, a tight register, and momentum building into 2026, Southern Palladium looks ready to take Bengwenyama from study to shovel, Investor Stream commented. In the Tubatse and Sekhukhune district municipalities, it covers 5 280 ha on the farms Nooitverwacht 324 KT and Eerstegeluk 327 KT. The optimised prefeasibility study points to a staged production approach that involves predevelopment of blocks using off-reef twin haulages, drives and centre gulley raises. As has been reported by Mining Weekly, Stage 1 proposes a production rate of 1.2-million tonnes a year from the South decline only, expanding after four years to 2.4-million tonnes a year in Stage 2 with the introduction of the North decline. Stage 1 is expected to deliver more than 200 000 oz/y of PGMs in concentrate. Total 6E (platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and gold) ounces recovered is estimated at 2.22-million ounces over the 23-year mine life. Stage 1 and 2 total 6E production is estimated at 7.5-million ounces over the total 33-year life-of-mine (averaging more than 400 000 oz/y from Year 4 or possibly sooner for Stage 2). A well-established, standard processing technology has been adopted and optimised using current state-of-the-art (two-stage mill-and-float) infrastructure. PGM concentrates are expected to be processed at existing downstream refining facilities in South Africa. The company is also exploring off-site processing for Stage 1 to further reduce initial capital requirements. Peak funding is estimated at $279-million. Stage 1 is estimated at $219-million while ongoing/expansion capital - Stage 1 and 2 - is estimated at $300-million. An environmental guarantee has been lodged with South Africa's Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources for the development of the project for future rehabilitation of the disturbed area. Project delivery includes the recent start of a metallurgical and geotechnical drill programme of about 10 000 marking the next phase of definitive feasibility study (DFS) work, in line with the company's stated development strategy for staged mine development. The guarantee follows an extensive consultation and execution process with Southern Palladium's insurance counterparty and government representatives, and reflects the company's rigorous approach to ensure the highest standards of regulatory compliance for mine development. "We remain well engaged with key stakeholders and continue to work towards mining right approval, alongside the advancement of our comprehensive DFS works programme in the coming months," MD Johan Odendaal has been quoted as saying.

    4 min

  7. 6 DAYS AGO

    Sale of South African chrome, PGM assets progressing well, Zambia-focused Jubilee reports

    This audio is brought to you by Astec Industries, a Global Leader in manufacturing equipment for infrastructure, including asphalt production, construction, and material processing, driving innovation and sustainability. Workstreams to conclude the sale by Jubilee Metals of its South African chrome and platinum group metals (PGM) operations are progressing well, the now Zambia copper focused London AIM- and Johannesburg AltX-listed company stated on Friday, October 17. Approval by South Africa's Competition Commission as well as delivery of the audited accounts for the disposal of the group for the year ending June 30, are the two remaining significant conditions precedent to the sale. Jubilee is hopeful that completion of the sale will be achieved by the end of this calendar year amid delivery of audited results for the financial year ending June 30 during the second half of November. "Our South African operations have delivered a solid performance whilst the sale of our South African chrome and PGM Operations is progressing to expectation," Jubilee CEO Leon Coetzer stated in a release to Mining Weekly. Shareholder approval received for the disposal of the South African chrome and PGM operations was received in August and the first $15-million of the sale consideration has been received in cash. In the three months to September 30, Jubilee stated in an operational and project update for South Africa that the lost time frequency injury rate for the period was 0.96, a 27.8% decrease compared with the previous quarter with one classified injury recorded. Chrome concentrate production for the three months to September 30 was an 11.2% lower 404 151 t compared with the corresponding period of last year owing mainly to the cessation in July of the OBB chrome ore supply contract but offset by increased production from Thutse operations. The OBB contract contributed the equivalent of 450 000 t/y of chrome concentrate while PGM tailings from the OBB processing facility continue to be processed at the Inyoni PGM facility. PGM production for the three months was a 10.1% lower 8 382 oz, with both decreases owing mainly to the impact of the cessation of the OBB contract on chrome concentrate and PGM feed supply. South Africa production guidance for Jubilee's 2026 financial year is 1.65-million tons to 1.80-million tons of chrome concentrate production and 36 000 oz to 40 000 oz of PGM production. The now Zambia-focused Jubilee first established its integrated multi-metals recovery and refining operational footprint in Zambia with the acquisition of the multi-metal Sable Refinery in Kabwe, in August 2019. The acquisition served as an entry point for Jubilee into Zambia, presenting a platform from which to pursue the various base metal opportunities and to begin actively engaging with third-party suppliers to develop strategic partnerships to grow copper production. Jubilee is focussing on growth in copper operations in Zambia where there is a supply of on-surface copper waste material and a junior mining sector with limited processing facilities.

    3 min

  8. 17 OCT

    Martin Creamer talks about: Africa collaboration, De Beers interest and reviving ferroalloy smelters

    Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses the fourteenth Oppenheimer Research Conference hearing that Africa should collaborate to protect the planet; Botswana and Angola seeking an interest in De Beers and the opportunities it presents; and South Africa being urged to revive

    8 min
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MiningWeekly.com provides real time news reportage through originated written & video material. Now you can listen to the top three articles on Mining Weekly at the end of each day.

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