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  1. 15 min ago

    Considerable room to increase mining's innovation intensity, survey finds

    This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. The results of a study on the modernisation of South African mining indicate that there is considerable room to increase innovation participation and intensity across the firms surveyed. The finding was communicated at South Africa's Mining Modernisation Showcase, where a strong partnership was visible between Minerals Council South Africa, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators' specialised research unit within South Africa's Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC-CeSTII), PwC Smart Mining, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the National Advisory Council on Innovation. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) At the event, the modernisation of South Africa's mining sector was described as being "an urgent strategic priority for the South African economy" amid South Africa ending up tenth in a ten-country global benchmarking exercise to understand the best practices being undertaken by other mining jurisdictions across the globe and see what lessons South Africa could implement from them. Modernisation is about building a more efficient and resilient and competitive South African mining industry that can thrive in the future. Dr Kgabo H Ramoroka, the senior research specialist of the HSRC-CeSTII shared findings on research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities within the South African mining and mining services sector from data between 2021 and 2023. The RDI Survey Report, prepared jointly by HSRC-CeSTII and RIIS, established the extent of RDI activity in the mining sector, where it is concentrated, how firms engage in RDI activities to pursue modernisation, what capabilities exist at firm level and across the sector, and the possible opportunities for advancing modernisation. Factors hindering the ability of the South Africa mining industry to be globally competitive in the mining space include declining ore grades, aging infrastructure, rising production costs, lack of skills, and the slow adoption of technology. The core work of HSRC-CeSTII is collecting R&D data and when modernisation became a topical issue, it found itself sitting around the same table with RIIS and the Minerals Council amid South Africa finding itself unable to answer crucial questions despite mining being a cornerstone of its economy as a significant contributor to employment and exports. "We selected 180 firms that were likely to be active in research, development, and innovation activities," Ramoroka reported at the event covered by Mining Weekly. The study embraced a two-phase survey approach and involved firms that form part of the database of the Minerals Council as well as enterprises that had already participated in RDI surveys and business innovation surveys. The first phase takes in 180 profiled mining and mining services firms across the mining value chain and the second phase only 90 firms out of the 180 firms that reported being actively RDI engaged. "This approach has enabled us to generate a robust picture of firm innovation behaviour and capabilities within the industry," Ramoroka pointed out. The survey of mining companies and mining services providers delivered broader insight across the value chain. Commodity representation was from coal, platinum group minerals, gold, diamonds, iron-ore, manganese, copper, and other industrial minerals. "But we didn't end there because from the start, we were curious about what modernisation really means, so we went into the field and also asked companies to provide us with their understanding of modernisation," Ramoroka explained. Five major themes emerged. First was safety enhancement, second the increased adoption of automation and advanced technol...

  2. 1 hr ago

    Rio Tinto signals no rush to revive Glencore deal as standstill ends

    Rio Tinto signals no rush to revive Glencore deal as standstill ends This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. A freeze on Rio Tinto approaching Glencore for a takeover expires this week, but people who have been briefed by top executives don't expect any fresh tie-up talks for now as CEO Simon Trott focuses on cost cuts and asset sales. Trott launched a simplification strategy to collapse Rio Tinto into three core businesses and concentrate on its most profitable assets after he took the top job at the world's second-biggest listed miner a year ago. But within months, he was running the numbers on the prospect of a $200 -billion megamerger that would join Glencore's marketing and copper assets with Rio Tinto's operational expertise to maximise its copper potential. Ultimately, Trott found no value case, and the miner walked away on February 5, setting in train a six-month standstill under UK takeover rules which expires on Tuesday. "The company got a pretty clear message back when talks were on, that they shouldn't go there. If Simon Trott started up talks again, then from a corporate governance perspective, the share price would take a hit," said Michael Bell, chief investment officer of Solaris Investment Management in Brisbane, which holds Rio shares. Trott has reassured Australian investors that Rio Tinto has no reason to revisit talks with Glencore, three people said. Rio Tinto declined to comment. "The changes that Rio Tinto has been making in the past few years with aluminium, lithium and copper are what people want to see for future growth, not a return to coal," Bell added. Glencore is among the world's top five coal exporters. Surging coal prices earlier this year had raised Glencore CEO Gary Nagle's hopes that Rio Tinto may be open to another look at creating the world's biggest mining company, three investors said in March. "The ball is in Glencore's court. Any offer of value would have to be vastly different to the offer of value that was discussed and rebuffed six months ago," said Glyn Lawcock, an analyst with Barrenjoey. Glencore declined to comment. The value equation has shifted in Glencore's favour, with its shares having jumped 33% this year, against an 18% rise in Rio Tinto's UK-listed shares. The rally in Glencore's share price is "definitely something that reduces the chances that Rio will come back," said analyst Jon Mills at Morningstar, adding it would dilute Rio's shareholders and undermine Trott's call to walk away. Trott's immediate priority and first test is liberating $10-billion-plus through divestments, targeting half of that by year end, while expanding trading and pursuing copper opportunities. Rio Tinto "should be looking to partner and bolt-on," he told analysts on a results call last week. "The strategic challenge that Rio's approach to Glencore highlighted – a lack of copper growth options post 2030 – is one that is not easily solved other than via M&A," Barclays analysts said in a note. GLENCORE WOOS AUSTRALIAN INVESTORS Glencore meanwhile has focused on proving up its copper assets, while also raising its visibility Down Under. After it reports its half-year results on Wednesday it will host calls with Australian institutional investors, including non-shareholders. The investor outreach comes after the company underestimated the impact of Australian opposition to a potential merger with Rio Tinto, due to issues like its coal exposure, uncertainties around the value of its marketing business and historic corporate governance issues. The reception to a potential marriage was much warmer in the UK, where BlackRock, a top shareholder in both firms, has backed consolidation among large miners. As Glencore considers its options, a Sydney listing remains one avenue, alongside seeking other partners. ...

  3. 16 hr ago

    AI helping to develop alloy for use in new applications, Valterra Platinum reports

    This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Can you use AI to find new markets for platinum group metals (PGMs)? "The simple answer is yes," was the reply of Valterra Platinum CEO Craig Miller to Mining Weekly during the latest media roundtable of this PGMs mining and marketing company. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) "The work that we're doing in the market development space through the partnerships that we have, the investments that we've been making in some companies, is exactly that – applying technology to utilise and get to solutions much quicker than you would have done historically, by utilising AI, and that's particularly around how you mix various metals and come up with an alloy, which can then be used in new applications. "We're already starting to see some of that coming through. It's still relatively small amounts of ounces, but the potential is very much there, and we're quite excited about that." In addition, is the use of PGMs in the AI space. "We think that, conservatively, there's probably 200 000 oz to 300 000 oz of PGMs used today in AI-related developments, and we can see that growing sort of four- or five-fold over the next five to eight years." Valterra last week presented a set of stunning half-year financial results, which included a headline earnings surge of 1 633%. Mining Weekly: You expressed considerable bullishness about future demand growth. Share some of that bullishness with us and the reasons for your confidence. Miller: About two-thirds of PGMs go into the automotive sector, in internal combustion engine vehicles as well as hybrid vehicles. We continue to see relatively good demand from our customers in the automotive sector, but we also recognise that the share of battery electric vehicles will continue to grow. As a result of that, we need to create new demand segments, particularly in industrial applications, also in jewellery, and also in other forms of mobility through fuel cell electric vehicles. As a company, we've entered into several partnerships – with Sibanye-Stillwater here in South Africa, with Johnson Matthey, with Umicore in Germany, and with Pujing Chemicals in China – to advance the opportunities that we see in the industrial space for PGMs. It's on the back of what we've seen from some of the early stages of those partnerships – as well as opportunities to substitute gold for platinum in both the electronics area as well as in jewellery – that you can see additional demand segments materialising, which gives us the confidence of that underlying support for the long-term outlook for PGMs. SANDSLOOT PROJECT With its eye also on supply, Valterra is developing a high-grade underground PGM project beneath the Sandsloot openpit at its Mogalakwena PGM flagship mine. This project aims to offset declining surface ore grades, with potential full production expected after 2030, pending a 2027 investment decision. Unlike other Bushveld Complex reefs, the reef height is between 40 m and 120 m, with a 45º dip on average, characteristics well suited for bulk, underground mechanised mining. The 4 g/t to 6 g/t is pointing to a substantial potential value-rather-than-volume-based growth uplift that facilitates the use of existing concentrator and tailings facilities, an advantage that is set to save billions of rands in upfront capital expenditure and operating expenditure. Mining Weekly: You report that trial mining is scheduled to take place at the emerging new Sandsloot underground mine before the end of this year ahead of a final investment decision. Tell us about that? Miller: Given the significant quality and scale of the Mogalakwena operation, we saw the potential of going underground at Mogalakwena and specifically the Sandsloot area, which is different to where the openpit is. Thr...

  4. 1 day ago

    Australia's gold mining industry has 'bright' future – Surbiton Associates

    This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. The outlook for Australia's gold mining industry looks bright, with announced plans for new gold mines, expansions to existing operations and new treatment capacity set to drive further growth in output in the years ahead, gold consultancy Surbiton Associates reports. The consultancy points out that Australia's gold production has averaged more than 300 t/y since 2017 and, in 2025, the country's mines produced 303 t of gold, valued at about A$54-billion at the prices prevailing during 2025. Surbiton Associates director Dr Sandra Close notes that Australia is essentially a land of small to medium-sized gold deposits. At the moment, there are about 80 gold-only operations and a further 20 operations that produce gold as a by-product. "While we are usually cautious about predictions, there are some big new projects and some large plant expansions coming on stream in the next few years. "Late 2026 and during 2027 will see several substantial expansions of existing operations. Of these, Super Pit will be the largest by far, with its treatment capacity doubling," she says. Northern Star Resources' new plant at the Super Pit, in Kalgoorlie, will increase treatment capacity from 13-million to 27-million tonnes a year. Close states that Northern Star has immense tonnages of low-grade stockpiled material that higher gold prices have made more profitable to treat. Commissioning of the new plant is underway. Further, Newmont Corporation has almost completed a new shaft, costing over A$2.3-billion, at its Tanami mine, in the Northern Territory, which will have a capacity to hoist 3.8-million tonnes of ore a year from deep underground. It will replace the existing truck haulage system of 2.7-million tonnes a year and reduce production costs, while increasing output by about 150 000 oz/y. At Karlawinda, in Western Australia, Capricorn Metals is increasing treatment capacity from four-million to 6.5-million tonnes a year, with total gold production expected to increase to 150 000 oz/y shortly. In addition, Vault Minerals' King of the Hills operation will see its Stage 2 expansion increase capacity by 50%, resulting in a 35% increase in gold output. Although commissioning is expected in about mid-2027, production parameters might change with the recent announcement of the merger of Vault with Genesis Minerals, Surbiton Associates points out. "By 2028, further production is expected from at least three more sources. One of these is a plant addition, while the other two are from the rejuvenation of shallow pits not mined since the 1990s," Close says. Ora Banda Mining has announced plans to build a new three-million-tonne-a-year treatment plant at Davyhurst, in Western Australia, costing $375-million, which is expected to start production in the second half of 2028. Meanwhile, planning and permitting continues at Capricorn's Mt Gibson development, in Western Australia. The resource base totals 4.8-million ounces, including reserves of 3.3-million ounces, with over 17 years' mine life. Gold output is estimated to rise to 260 000 oz/y with commissioning expected in early 2028. At Minerals 260's Bullabulling project in Western Australia, resources are now estimated at 6.2-million ounces of gold with an increase in reserves expected to be announced soon. Yearly gold production is planned to be 150 000 oz/y to 200 000 oz/y, with first production planned for late 2028. "Further developments are slated to commence in 2030. Northern Star's massive Hemi deposit in Western Australia is expected to treat ten-million tonnes of ore a year from 2030 onwards, initially producing 550 000 oz/y of gold," says Close. Canada's Vista Gold Corp has also announced that it will develop the Mt Todd operation in the Northern Territory by ...

  5. 3 days ago

    AngloGold's 'exceptional by any measure' second quarter pays $364m dividend

    This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. "Exceptional by any measure," was the description of AngloGold Ashanti CEO Alberto Calderon of his company's robust second-quarter results, which included 46%-higher earnings to $2-billion and 36%-higher free cash flow to $727-million. "This result shows the strong cash generation capacity of our assets, and the resilience of our portfolio. We remain focused on managing the factors in our control to optimise margins as we look to a production increase in the second half of the year," Calderon reported in a presentation covered by Mining Weekly. (Also watch attached Creamer Media.) AngloGold has undertaken an in-depth review of its portfolio to identify opportunities to create additional value from its current suite of operating assets. A pipeline of high-return, capital-efficient brownfield opportunities with the potential to increase gold production from 2029 onwards has been identified. These opportunities span mining, processing and recovery improvements at Obuasi, Geita, Sukari, Siguiri and Cuiabá. The strategy is focused on leveraging existing infrastructure and orebodies to bring forward potentially high-return ounces from existing assets. Work is also underway to advance the longer-term, Tier 1 growth opportunities from the North Bullfrog and Arthur Gold projects in Nevada. The priority is to unlock the wealth of untapped value within existing mines to boost production, extending life and lowering unit costs by expanding capacity and using the infrastructure already in place. The $0.72 per share second-quarter lifts dividend declared for the first half of 2026 to $949-million, or $1.88 per share, compared with $469-million, or $0.925 per share in the corresponding period of 2025. A proposed $2-billion share buyback programme was approved by shareholders on July 23 and is now awaiting South African Reserve Bank approval. Second-quarter gold production were a 7%-lower 744 000 oz, total cash costs a 21%-higher $1 480/oz and capital expenditure a 44%-higher R549-million. The strategic initiatives on which AngloGold continues to focus are predictable operating results; providing competitive returns to shareholders; bringing a new production centre into operation in southern Nevada; the steady ramp-up of Obuasi mine in Ghana; and realising organic growth projects at its mines in Tanzania, Guinea, Egypt and Brazil. Second-quarter cash generated from operations was a 49%-higher $1.8-billion, compared with $1.2-billion in the second quarter of 2025. Second-quarter cash taxes more than doubled year-over-year to $542-million, from $237-million in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting the higher gold price and improved profitability as well as timing of tax payments across the operating jurisdictions. Remaining 2026 cash taxes are expected to be paid in equal quarterly instalments of between $230-million to $250-million. Gold production is expected to be significantly weighted toward the second half of 2026. As production volumes increase, unit costs are expected to trend lower during the second half. Full-year 2026 guidance for gold production, costs and capital expenditure, which was issued in February 2026, remains unchanged. On April 16, 2026 the group completed the repurchase of $666-million principal amount of its outstanding bonds. This bond buyback has reduced gross debt, lowered future interest obligations, and partially eliminated maturities in 2028 and 2030, enhancing financial flexibility through the cycle. To further optimise capital allocation, on 23 July shareholders approved a proposed share repurchase programme for up to $2-billion of AngloGold Ashanti's ordinary shares. This programme is expected to provide an additional mechanism for shareholder returns, alongside the existing d...

  6. 4 days ago

    Martin Creamer talks about: Valterra Platinum, modernisation and AI in mining

    Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses Valterra Platinum’s strategic industry partnerships, which are actively supporting long-term PGM demand growth; calls for South Africa to urgently modernise mining; and how AI is being used when it comes to identifying deposits.

  7. 4 days ago

    BHP Port Hedland iron-ore workers to strike August 8 and 9, if no pay deal reached

    This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Workers at BHP Group's Port Hedland iron-ore operations in Western Australia plan to go on strike next week, unions said on Friday, threatening to disrupt the miner's $80-million of daily exports through the world's largest iron-ore port. BHP, the world's third-largest iron-ore producer, still has time to avert the action if it can reach a deal at the next meeting, on Tuesday, union officials said at a press conference in Melbourne. The unions most recently met with BHP on July 28. Workers plan to impose a 24-hour ban on loading ships on Saturday, August 8, followed by a 24-hour work stoppage at the Port Hedland Bulk Export Terminal beginning at 05:30 AWST on August 9 (21:30 GMT August 8), said the Combined BHP Ports Unions in a statement. Electrical Trades Union spokesperson Adam Woodage said 16 shipments were expected to be held up over the two days. Around 150 workers are expected to take part in the strike, he told reporters in Melbourne. BHP said it was focused on reaching a fair deal with the unions, adding it had offered the unions a 16% pay raise. "It is disappointing that they are creating more disruptions," BHP said in an emailed statement. "As with all potential disruptions to our business, we have plans in place to ensure operations can safely continue." Port Hedland, which is also used by miners Fortescue and Hancock Prospecting, shipped out 571.6-million tons of iron-ore in the year to June 2026, accounting for 75% of total iron-ore exports from the Pilbara over that period. MARKET SANGUINE, FOR NOW The threatened strike put a floor under sliding iron-ore prices, which hit a one-year low on Thursday. The stoppages threatened for August 8 to 9 would affect around 800 000 tons a day of iron-ore shipments, which BHP should be able to make up for across the year, said analyst Glyn Lawcock of Barrenjoey in Sydney. "One swallow doesn't make a spring. But if this is the tip of the iceberg and we see continued and ongoing disruption, it will ultimately take a toll on the market," he said. The Combined BHP Ports Unions represents three unions, including the Western Mine Workers Alliance, as well as electrical and manufacturing workers. High-voltage and power workers negotiating a separate enterprise agreement with BHP will also undertake a 12-hour stoppage on August 9. Unions are pushing for a bigger voice in Australia's mining heartland, emboldened by a Labor government law in 2022 giving them the power to negotiate wage deals that cover several employers and more scope to request flexible arrangements and industry-wide strikes. Top global miner BHP has been in negotiations for more than seven months with unions representing around 450 operators and maintenance workers over a four-year enterprise agreement. The unions said workers were seeking enforceable wage and condition protections through a new enterprise agreement. Workers are arguing that extreme heat, long hours and time away from family meant they should not be facing lower rates than workers in cities. "The only reason you end up with some money in your pocket is because you're working every weekend, You're still going to get your double time but you're working four weeks straight for it," said electrical trades worker Ben McKenna. Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto said on Friday in an analyst call that Australia's third-largest miner was "not immune" from strikes, but that it hoped its culture would prevail. Earlier this month, BHP reported record annual iron-ore output.

  8. 4 days ago

    Anglo highlights ability to provide capital efficient copper growth in tightening market

    This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. The capital intensity of mining has risen well ahead of inflation and mining project development timelines are continuing to extend, Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad pointed out on July 30 when he reported $2.9-billion half-year copper earnings at a 60% margin. Accentuated by Wanblad is the ability of Anglo to provide capital efficient growth in a tightening copper market. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) "We're of the view that the formation of Anglo Teck can only be positive for the increasing of global copper supply," said Wanblad of the merged entity that he will lead this year or early next year. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) Anglo's copper business produced 344 000 t of production in the six months to June 30 and is on track to meet full year guidance of 700 000 t to 760 000 t. Bringing new copper online is becoming ever more expensive. The rate of inflation for capital intensity is running at almost double the increase in consumer price index (CPI) terms, Wanblad explained during the presentation of half-year results covered by Mining Weekly. "Capital is, therefore, now a bigger part of the project's economics than ever before and returns need to be higher just to justify those elevated costs," "As capital inflation continues, the economics of many growth projects are at risk without higher prices and this is why we believe the copper price has to be structurally higher. "It's also taking a lot longer to build and deliver these projects. Back in the 1990s, it took about seven years, from the time that an orebody was discovered to bringing it into production. "Over the last decade or so, that has stretched out to almost 18 years and if that carries on, the cycles will take longer to move from trough to peak and we'll see much biggest swings in price. "This is especially true when so much of the demand for copper is coming from strategic buyers, who rally aren't all that price sensitive. "So, in that kind of world, projects that you can deliver in the short to medium term without spending a fortune to build them, become hugely valuable," said Wanblad. Over the last 15 years, the mining industry's capital expenditure estimates have tended to come in considerably worse than what estimated at the study stage, " So, in that world, low complexity and low capital intensity is exactly where you want to be," Wanblad commented. Starting from lower capital intensity, protects returns, and positions copper mining companies to benefit from price upside that these supply dynamics should drive. Against that background, the integration of Collahuasi and Quebrada Blanca is seen as a promising prospect that provides capital-efficient copper growth at scale in the near term. There is potential to add an incremental 175 000 t of copper production a year at a capital expenditure (capex) of $2-billion, or $11 000 of capex per ton of copper growth. Moreover, the integration would still allow for further growth of both assets, which provides increased flexibility for future options, including leaching and other plant expansions. Anglo is putting the building blocks in place to bring about this integration "and just like any other adjacency that we've bought over the last few years, it's important that we take our time and we do this properly". Much of what drives the extended schedules for copper projects is the time needed for permitting, planning, and stakeholder alignment, "so we want to get that right from the outset. We continue to believe that this is by far the best way forward for both. It sits right in that sweet spot: low capital intensity, relatively low execution risk, high confidence and near-term copper growth at real scale, and I'm genuinely confident about the potential h...

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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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