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  1. HÁ 14 H

    Breakthrough positions chrome as key revenue driver for Southern Palladium

    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. Results from metallurgical test work at the Bengwenyama platinum group metals (PGM) project in South Africa's Limpopo province indicate that up to a fifth of Southern Palladium's future revenues could come from chrome. In an announcement on the ASX and JSE on Friday Southern Palladium reported that the results from its latest metallurgical test work not only confirm the high-grade nature of the Bengwenyama upper group two (UG2) mineral resource but also suggest that chromite concentrate recoveries of more than double initial estimates are achievable. "Metallurgical test work has once again confirmed the grade and robust nature of the UG2 Mineral Resource, but the doubling of chrome recoveries is potentially company-changing; it elevates chrome from a by-product to a parallel output," Southern Palladium CEO Johan Odendaal highlighted in a media release to Mining Weekly. On a three-element basis, the metallurgical sample indicates an average combined platinum, palladium and gold grade of 7.35 g/t and a prill split of 49.9% platinum, 48.6% palladium and 1.5% gold with a chromium oxide grade of 29.71%. These mineral resource grades confirm that the metallurgical sample is representative of the first 10 years of the planned development and could add about 350 000 t of chrome concentrate to production. Recoveries of 65% were achieved in the test work compared with 30% assumed in the optimised prefeasibility study (OPFS) released in July last year. Improvements in the high-grade chrome concentrate recoveries have a materially positive impact on project revenues, with chrome comprising 12% of revenue in the original OPFS. As part of the test work, composite samples that included the footwall were put through dense media separation (DMS) and gravity test work. DMS was not part of the processing circuit outlined in the OPFS circuit, but the positive results of the test work have encouraged Southern Palladium to include it in its definitive feasibility study (DFS). "DMS as a waste rejection stage in UG2 beneficiation is a well-established industry practice for removing barren footwall and hanging wall material included in the mining cut. The key benefits of this approach are a substantial reduction in the milling and flotation circuit load, together with a marked increase in both PGM and chromite head grades to the concentrator," Odendaal explained. The higher mass yield of chromite concentrate, and DMS waste removal, will materially reduce the quantity of feed to the PGM mill/flotation circuit and also lessen the risk of PGM concentrate penalties. This allows Southern Palladium to introduce a smaller PGM mill/flotation circuit, reducing upfront capital and accelerating project development. Southern Palladium reports that it is continuing to make strong progress at advancing DFS workstreams and early mine development planning and the latest results are being refined into the final DFS-level work on plant design and metrics. Located on the eastern limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex, the Bengwenyama PGM project is one of the world's largest remaining undeveloped PGM resources. The project encompasses the UG2 and Merensky reefs, spanning from surface to a depth of 1 100 m over a downdip extent of 10 km. These reefs represent primary economic deposits exploited by other platinum mining companies in the region. Southern Palladium is focused on the UG2 reef, which is the predominantly mined reef in the area. The project benefits from proximity to existing mining operations and established infrastructure, enhancing its strategic value and development potential.

    4 min

  2. HÁ 14 H

    Sibanye-Stillwater collaborates further to find new applications for platinum metals

    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. Mining and metals company Sibanye-Stillwater and the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) on Friday announced their research collaboration to advance nuclear medicine for cancer treatment. This followed Sibanye-Stillwater's announcement on Thursday that it is partnering with precious metals and technology company Heraeus in a joint research and development project aimed at developing a generation of innovative, cost-efficient glass fibre bushings. Earlier this year, Sibanye-Stillwater also co-launched a new programme to develop innovative technologies that are enabled by platinum group metals (PGMs) together with Valterra Platinum and technology provider Johnson Matthey. The aim of Sibanye-Stillwater's latest collaboration with Necsa is to advance the development of a radioactive palladium isotope derived from rhodium for use in targeted radionuclide therapy. The radioactive isotope palladium-103 (Pd-103) is currently used in Brachytherapy to treat localised tumours, including prostate cancer, by delivering radiation directly to the affected area, thereby limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Rhodium is a PGM produced and refined by Sibanye-Stillwater at its South African operations. Under the first phase of the project, Necsa will test and verify that the rhodium meets radionuclide production standards and will conduct further chemical work, including the production of high-purity Pd-103, which could eventually be used in targeted radionuclide therapy. The second phase of the project will see the parties collaborate on developing other nuclear medicine applications using rhodium and other PGMs produced by Sibanye-Stillwater. PGMs are already used in a range of medical applications, including diagnostic imaging and medical devices. "This collaboration brings together complementary strengths to advance research in nuclear medicine, while deepening South Africa's sovereign capability in radiopharmaceutical innovation," Necsa group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe pointed out. "Our vision is not only to contribute to the next generation of precision cancer therapies, but also to strengthen the country's role as a globally respected centre of excellence in nuclear research," Tyabashe added. The collaboration with Necsa reinforces Sibanye-Stillwater's philosophy to invest in research and development (R&D) opportunities to find new applications for its metals. "Supporting advancements in healthcare through the potential use of our rhodium in nuclear medicine aligns strongly with our purpose to create a better future for people and planet through our metals," Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Dr Richard Stewart stated in a media release to Mining Weekly. Necsa is mandated to develop, utilise, and manage nuclear technology for national and regional socioeconomic development through applied R&D, commercial applications and skills development in science and technology. Sibanye-Stillwater is a producer and refiner of platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium and ruthenium, gold, nickel, chrome, copper, silver, cobalt, zinc and battery metals and has increased its presence in the circular economy by expanding its recycling and secondary-mining exposure globally.

    3 min

  3. HÁ 16 H

    Martin Creamer talks about: N Cape investment, BHP's workshops, Namibia's green hydrogen breakthrough

    Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses the R105-billion in investment pledges for the Northern Cape; the exploration workshops that BHP is set to launch; and the green hydrogen breakthrough in Namibia.

    6 min

  4. HÁ 18 H

    Defense Metals included in world's first dedicated ex-China rare earths ETF

    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. TSX-V-listed Defense Metals Corporation has been included in the newly launched Sprott Rare Earth Ex-China Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), which is the only ETF providing focused exposure to rare earth companies outside of China. Defense Metals CEO and president Mark Tory says inclusion in the ETF validates the company's success in advancing the Wicheeda rare earths project, in British Columbia. He adds that exposure through the ETF will allow the company to attract additional institutional investment and increase liquidity, as the ETF is expected to be an important benchmark for investors focused on this critical materials segment of the market. The Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF has been designed to track the performance of global companies engaged in the mining, separation, refining and production of rare earth elements, while excluding companies domiciled in or primarily operating in China. Defense Metals is currently advancing the Wicheeda project through the feasibility study stage, with a prefeasibility study in 2025 having confirmed the project's status as one of the most advanced undeveloped rare earth deposits in North America.

    1 min

  5. HÁ 1 DIA

    Investors commit R105-billion-plus to Northern Cape development

    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. South Africa's minerals-endowed Northern Cape province has attracted more than R105-billion in investment pledges in new and expanded mining, energy and agriculture projects, with an expected 19 800 new jobs to be created as a result. The investment accords were signed at this week's inaugural Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference in Kimberley. The three-day conference was attended by over 900 stakeholders, including government Ministers, industry leaders and prospective investors, to catalyse investment and growth opportunities in the province's green energy, minerals and mining, agriculture, industrialisation, infrastructure and logistics, and tourism sectors. The new investor commitments are described by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul as taking the Northern Cape a long way toward achieving its target of growing the province's GDP from R164-billion to R200-billion and creating at least 60 000 new and sustainable jobs by 2030. "After all the deliberations of the past three days, serious commitments have been made and we assure all the corporate entities that have made these pledges that we don't take your commitments for granted," Saul added in a media release to Mining Weekly. The mining industry investments included: A R17-billion commitment by Vedanta Zinc International for expansion of its Gamsberg mine, which will make it the world's largest zinc mine, as well as for the development of a smelter in the province.An R11.2-billion commitment by Anglo American that will take in expansion of Kumba Iron Ore.A R2.8-billion investment by Northern Cape Protech & Agri Revolution in mining, beneficiation and agriculture.A R1.4-billion commitment by South32 for mining and beneficiation. Investments announced in the province's renewable-energy sector included: A R30-billion investment by IPPO in the new Upington Energy Park renewable energy generation and storage facility.A R16.8-billion green energy production investment by Ando Energy.A R13-billion commitment from Mulilo for expanded green energy production enabling industrialisation pathways in the province.A R12-billion investment by Prieska Power Reserve for a catalytic green hydrogen and ammonia project set to start producing in 2030. Investments announced in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors included: A R1.5-billion investment by South African Atlantic Salmon for the development and enhancement of the Nama Aquaculture Park with a salmon processing facility.A R30-million investment by Dune Foods, which focuses on producing MannaBrew, a mesquite-based alternative to coffee. "It's been a truly remarkable few days," said Northern Cape Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Venus Blennies-Magage. "We close with a clear pathway forward to unlock large-scale investment, unlock economic inclusion and create sustainable jobs for the people of the Northern Cape."

    3 min

  6. HÁ 1 DIA

    Silver poised for investment demand as another market deficit year looms

    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. US-based industry body The Silver Institute expects total demand to decrease modestly by 2% year-on-year this year to 1.11-billion ounces, given sustained high prices that impact jewellery and silverware demand. Conversely, some losses will be mitigated by firmer coin and bar demand, which is expected to increase by 18% year-on-year. The Silver Institute says silver is poised to have a sixth year of market deficit as global silver mine production is expected to remain flat in 2026. "Broader grade-related and operational pressures across key producing regions should offset modest growth at a limited number of assets. With mine production stable this year, we expect the structural market deficit to widen to 46.3-million ounces," the organisation states. While the Iran war has undoubtedly complicated the short-term outlook for silver, the broader macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop remains supportive for silver prices. This assumes that the situation will be relatively contained and that the recent pressure on precious metals prices from rising US rate expectations will prove temporary. Further, elevated policy uncertainty, sovereign debt risks, and concerns over the future role of the US dollar remain relevant. Commenting further on silver's performance in 2025, The Silver Institute says falling inventories, a dramatic shift of metal into Chicago Mercantile Exchange vaults, rising exchange-traded product holdings, and a surge in bar and coin demand created an unprecedented liquidity squeeze in October 2025. This led to explosive conditions for lease rates and prices. Against this backdrop, silver prices delivered a remarkable performance last year, breaking a series of all-time highs before rallying further in early 2026. Additionally, global silver demand exceeded supply for the fifth consecutive year in 2025. While this narrowed compared to 2024, it continued to place additional pressure on global above-ground silver stocks. SILVER DEMAND Total silver demand decreased by 2% last year to 1.13-billion ounces, as a 14% jump in coin and bar demand almost offset losses across other key segments. After four years of strong growth, silver industrial demand declined by 3%to 657-million ounces in 2025. Demand for brazing alloys increased modestly by 1%, supported by continued strength in the automotive and aerospace sectors. In contrast, other industrial demand decreased by 7%, largely owing to a slowdown in the ethylene oxide market. On a regional basis, East Asia and South Asia accounted for the majority of losses in 2025, while demand in Europe and North America remained broadly stable. Global silver jewellery fabrication decreased by 8% last year, with India recording the steepest decline at 20%, as record-high rupee prices and heightened volatility undermined affordability. Silverware demand declined by 21% to a four-year low last year. As with jewellery, the losses were concentrated in India, where far higher prices weighed on discretionary spending. After two consecutive years of decline, coin and net bar demand grew by 14% in 2025. Strong gains were recorded across most regions, except in the US. India led with a 33% increase, while Europe posted its first rise in three years. The Middle East and China recorded multi-fold gains, driven by rising investor interest amid higher prices and a low base in prior years. By contrast, the US reported a third consecutive year of losses, as President Donald Trump's election dampened safe-haven buying. Profit-taking during the price rally, particularly in the first nine months of the year, also weighed on US demand. SUPPLY Global silver mine production increased by 3% to 846-million ounces in 2025, driven by higher by-product output from copper operatio...

    5 min

  7. HÁ 2 DIAS

    Exploration workshop sessions initiated in Africa by BHP

    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 series of workshops to promote and support greater intelligence and collaboration in minerals exploration in key mining jurisdictions in sub-Saharan Africa are to be conducted by global mining major BHP. The first of these is being held in Johannesburg, co-hosted by the JSE, Africa's largest stock exchange by market value, and additional sessions will be held in the coming weeks in Namibia, Angola and Zambia. "By co-hosting this workshop with BHP, the JSE is supporting the capabilities and collaboration needed to build a stronger pipeline of quality mining investment across the region," JSE primary markets equity origination manager Patrycja Kula-Verster explained, while pointing out that capital formation in mining starts long before market entry. The sessions are directed not only at junior mining and exploration companies but also at the regions' academic institutions that maintain strong geoscience, mining engineering, and innovation programmes. Geological surveys and national geoscience bodies, and research centres focusing on new exploration technologies, are also invited to attend. Shared will be BHP's view of global mineral systems, exploration methodology, and geoscience data schema, while also strengthening relationships across key institutions to support future exploration in the region. The sessions will also provide an introduction to BHP's Xplor programme for junior mining and exploration companies, along with innovative thinkers in exploration, academic institutions and geological surveys. BHP Xplor, a nine-month accelerator programme for early-stage mineral exploration companies and mining innovators, provides $500 000 in equity-free funding, along with hands-on technical, commercial, and operational support. It is designed to help explorers fast-track promising concepts into viable projects that can contribute to the minerals needed for the energy transition. The workshops are led by BHP head of global generative exploration Dr Cam McCuaig and joined by senior members of the BHP exploration team. "The objectives of the workshops are to provide insights into BHP's global exploration approach and identify mutual opportunities for collaboration. We also want to create greater awareness of BHP Xplor, and support innovative projects to bolster exploration in the region," McCuaig stated in a release to Mining Weekly. The 2025 BHP Xplor programme includes JSE-listed South African exploration and development company Orion Minerals, which is advancing a portfolio of copper and zinc assets. Orion executive exploration John Paul Hunt reported that Xplor has been a validation of Orion's strategic positioning and vision in South Africa's Northern Cape. "It's already helping us to accelerate our thinking about our future resources," Hunt added. BHP and the South African Council for Geoscience recently signed a strategic partnership to collaborate on geoscientific data and accelerate mineral exploration using advanced digital tools. This partnership creates a framework for joint research, data sharing, and exploration initiatives aimed at unlocking new insights from decades of geological information.

    3 min

  8. HÁ 2 DIAS

    Antofagasta affirms copper production will tick up in remainder of the year

    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 Chilean multinational conglomerate Antofagasta has reported a strong quarter of cash cost performance, with net cash costs having been 108c/lb at group level in the first quarter of the year. Notably, net cash costs were 72c/lb and 34c/lb at the Los Pelambres and Centinela mines, respectively, despite lower copper production in the quarter. The group-wide net cash cost decline of 30% year-on-year was driven by higher by-product credits. CEO Iván Arriagada says this demonstrates the quality of the group's portfolio, including its meaningful exposure to gold and molybdenum. The company expects copper production to increase in the year head, on the back of higher ore processing levels and improving grades at Los Pelambres. Arriagada confirms that pre-commissioning activities are underway at the Centinela second concentrator project, while progress across the Los Pelambres growth-enabling projects continue to strengthen the operational platform for future production growth. Antofagasta aims to increase its copper production by 30%, particularly as prices remain strong for now and medium-term fundamentals – structured demand and constrained supply – are compelling. In the first quarter of the year, Antofagasta recorded 19.2% lower copper production of 143 000 t, compared with 177 000 t in the last quarter of 2025. For context, Antofagasta produced 154 700 t of copper in the first quarter of 2025. Arriagada attributes the lower copper production to lower processing rates and grades in line with the mine plans at both Los Pelambres and Centinela. Gold production also decreased by almost 30% quarter-on-quarter to 46 500 oz in the first quarter of the year, which compares to 66 300 oz having been produced in the last quarter of 2025 and 42 900 oz produced in the first quarter of 2025. The company recorded lower ore processing rates at both of its concentrators despite achieving higher gold grades. Molybdenum production totalled 3 000 t in the quarter under review, compared with 4 400 t in the preceding quarter and 3 100 t in the same quarter of last year. The molybdenum production decline reflects a balance of higher recoveries but lower ore processing rates. Antofagasta remains on track to produce between 650 000 t and 700 000 t of copper in the full year at an estimated net cash cost of between $1.15/lb and $1.35/lb – assuming fuel prices return to levels seen in January. The company's capital expenditure guidance remains unchanged at $3.4-billion for the year.

    3 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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