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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. 56 MIN AGO

    Competition approval awaited for re-start of major ferromanganese facility - Menar

    Private investment company Menar, which is awaiting Competition Commission approval following its bid for the large Metalloys ferromanganese facility in Meyerton, is looking to restart at least two of the four furnaces on the site of what was once the world's largest ferromanganese production facility before being shut in 2020. Bringing two furnaces back online would provide the base for the production of 500 000 t of ferromanganese a year and require a feed of one-million tonnes of manganese ore from South African mines. "When Samancor decided to close the operations, it was purely because of issues with power availability. Now with Eskom having surplus power, the opportunity is created for ferroalloy producers and Metalloys is one of them," Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu outlined to Mining Weekly in a Zoom interview. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) Menar intends changing the name of Metalloys to Khwelamet. Metalloys was once a producer of one-million tonnes of ferromanganese a year on a property that has a gas-fired power station, which Menar would like to revive in tandem with baseload from Eskom, waste-to-power generation and solar power generation. "We're hoping that by either the end of this year, or early next year, we'll get Competition Commission approval if the authorities are happy with our application. If the numbers make sense, then we will hopefully restart the operations in the next 12 months. That's the plan," Bayoglu revealed. "It's critical to make the product as green as possible and in addition to restarting the ferromanganese furnaces, we'd like to create an energy complex in the area. Hopefully this project will keep us busy next year. "If you think about the 16-million tonne to 17-million tonne export capacity from South African manganese mines, a million tonnes is a sizable amount for the mines to supply for ferromanganese production. Assmang decided to close its operation in Cato Ridge, in KwaZulu-Natal. Without it, there will be no ferromanganese production capacity in South Africa, so reviving Metalloys will ensure that the country still has capacity. It will also be great for employment opportunities within the Vereeniging and Meyerton areas," Bayoglu added. Menar's portfolio of mining assets spans anthracite, coal, manganese, gold, and nickel. Mining Weekly: Given the closeness to year-end, talk us through Menar's 2024 highlights. Bayoglu: I'd like to start with what we achieved with our rehabilitation projects. The rehabilitation project at Singani Colliery is almost complete. We're at the stage of dealing with the vegetation, and hopefully by quarter one of next year, we'll be done. We've finished mining our resource at Phalanndwa, in Delmas, and we started rehabilitating the two pits there immediately. We're hoping to be done with the first pit by the first quarter of next year, so we can start working on the second area, which we call the Madala pit. Hopefully, we will complete the work on the second pit by the end of next year. These are important highlights because these are environmental liabilities and we think that as a responsible miner, we should deal with the rehabilitation once the resource is depleted. On the operational side, we were ramping up the Gugulethu Colliery in Hendrina, Mpumalanga, where last month we produced 150 000 t of run of mine (RoM) coal, and washed about 90 000 t. Hopefully, we'll reach steady-state production in January, which will be 200 000 t of RoM. We may reach it in December, depending on what happens with the rain because rain slows us down. We employ about 400 people at Gugulethu, which is the newest coal mine in the country and the plant is going to be washing about 200 000 t of coal a month. We've already started exporting. The washed product is transported to Rietkuil Siding and from there, we rail it to Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBTC). This project was pledged as a commitment to President Cyril Ramaphosa's investment drive and we've delivered o

    11 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Long-term demand outlook for platinum is robust, ongoing question mark over supply

    The long-term outlook for platinum from a demand perspective is pretty robust. The question, once again, is whether supply will be adequate to meet it. "In terms of automotive demand, we can't overlook that the drive train is going to continue to electrify. It's just the pace of that electrification that is quite difficult to predict as things stand at the moment," World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) research director Edward Sterck commented to Mining Weekly in a Zoom interview. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) Given platinum's far-reaching application diversity, Sterck was responding a question on WPIC's long-term demand forecast, following its publication on Tuesday of the Platinum Quarterly for the third quarter of 2024, which pronounced the third consecutive platinum market deficit of 539 000 oz for 2025. Automotive demand continues to features as a demand growth driver for 2025, with the slowdown in battery electric vehicle (BEV) demand leading to a sustained automotive platinum need over a longer period, bolstered by stricter emissions legislation, more hybrid vehicles that contain platinum-catalysed internal combustion engines (ICEs), as well as the additional used of platinum to substitute palladium Interestingly, automotive demand is projected to hit an eight-year high of 3 245 000 oz next year amid above ground platinum stocks being poised to fall in 2025 to 3 014 000 oz. "As things stand at the moment, we've seen that ongoing consumer reluctance to adopt full battery electrification is resulting in a slower rate of the growth in battery electric vehicle market share, so higher-for-longer ICE," Sterck pointed out. Overall, however, a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 1.2% in total platinum group metals demand for automotive applications is expected. For jewellery, the long-term outlook is broadly flat, but with some signs of upside potential beginning to show. While significant sub sectors of industrial demand go up and down, industrial demand has over the last 11 years been at a consistent 3.5% CAGR, which is expected to continue. Meanwhile, in the 2030s, hydrogen is likely to become the biggest sector of all of the others and more than offset the decline in automotive demand. On the long-term investment demand front, continued growth of demand for the physical bar and coin is likely, with exchange traded fund or ETF demand expected to begin to reflect the ongoing deficits. "But at some point, given we've got ongoing shortages of platinum for the foreseeable future, ETFs may become a source of supply, albeit at much higher prices than we see today." SUPPLY DEFICIT The supply deficit theme is becoming embedded by ongoing mine supply constraints, with a slight 2025 recycling recovery forecast owing to improved availability of end-of-life autocatalytic converters. The market is expected to reach a deficit of 682 000 oz in 2024, as the exceptionally strong demand from the previous year is sustained, reaching 7 951 000 oz (flat year-on-year) and again exceeding supply, which remains constrained at 7 269 000 oz - a 2% increase year-on-year. Mining Weekly: Despite some improvements in recycling, platinum supply remains severely constrained. What are the specific challenges facing platinum mining and recycling and how are these are likely to be resolved? Sterck: In terms of mining, it's really a function of the restructuring activities that the miners have taken in response to the fall in the prices of palladium and rhodium, so we've seen around 10 000 jobs exit the industry through this restructuring process. Some shafts have been placed on care-and-maintenance, with quite big announcements coming out of North America, for example. In effect, the miners are trying to improve the economics of the mines and prioritising focusing on costs rather than outputs. In terms of recycling, it's just this ongoing shortage of end-of-life vehicles. Yes, we do have a small recovery expected for next

    16 min

  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    Sibanye-Stillwater's R43m investment in Simulacrum training facility at UJ realised at launch

    Multinational metals and mining group Sibanye-Stillwater and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have launched the Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum mining facility and the Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for Sustainable Mining. The Simulacrum is a modern mining facility built on the UJ Campus in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, with the support of Sibanye-Stillwater to the tune of R43-million. The facility, which was built in 2020 and 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, incorporates a vertical shaft, mine tunnels, stope environments, a rescue chamber and extensive virtual reality (VR) infrastructure to replicate underground mining conditions. The high-tech infrastructure allows students, researchers and academics to gain first-hand experience of realistic underground mining environments in a controlled and safe setting. Simultaneously, on November 22, the launch event also unveiled the Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for Sustainable Mining, aimed at fostering postgraduate research and integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. This centre will focus on advancing mining efficiency and sustainability, with Sibanye-Stillwater committing R12.75-million to fund its operations from 2024 to 2026. The collaboration between Sibanye-Stillwater and UJ has spanned over a decade, marked by an investment exceeding R55-million in research, technology development and practical training initiatives for mining students. Since 2013, Sibanye-Stillwater has invested more than R2-billion in education to support the development of skilled professionals. In a statement coinciding with the launch, Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman emphasised the importance of innovation and skills development in ensuring the mining industry's future. "The future of our industry depends on innovation, skilled professionals and a commitment to finding safer and more productive ways to mine. These world-class facilities will support the development of skills and expertise needed for the mining industry in South Africa to remain globally competitive and to maintain its critical role in the South African economy and society," he said. Froneman also highlighted the practical benefits of the Simulacrum in equipping students with hands-on experience in a modern, simulated environment. UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi spoke at the launch, noting the partnership's focus on bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. "The Sibanye-Stillwater Simulacrum enhances the learning experience by connecting theoretical knowledge with practical training. Our partnership allows students to better understand practical mining aspects," he said. Mpedi further highlighted the Centre for Sustainable Mining's role in integrating 4IR technologies to address sustainability and efficiency in mining practices. He underscored the broader significance of sustainable mining practices, pointing to their alignment with environmental, economic and social priorities. "Traditional mining practices have had detrimental effects on the environment and communities, thus making a compelling case for sustainable mining. A sustainable lens aligns environmental preservation with economic growth and social policy," he said. This approach would ensure that mining continues to serve as a vital economic cornerstone in South Africa while empowering communities for future generations. Additionally, Mpedi emphasised the transformative role of technology in advancing mining education and safety. "This project also melds with our interest in technology and the 4IR. This state-of-the-art facility integrates VR and extended reality technologies with physical mine simulations to provide advanced, safer training for mining professionals. "We have seen through this programme how augmented reality can supplement reality via superimposing computer-generated information over the physical context in real-time," he explained. He pointed out that such collaborations heralded a shift toward a sust

    7 min

  4. 5 DAYS AGO

    Martin Creamer talks about: SA back on investment radar amid concerns for ferrochrome, manganese sectors and rare earths recovery in Limpopo

    Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses South Africa being back on the investment radar; concerns that the South African ferrochrome and manganese alloy industry is at risk of vanishing, and the rare earths recovery project, underway in Limpopo.

    7 min

  5. 6 DAYS AGO

    Kore signs final fixed-price EPC contract for its Kola project

    Potash development company Kore Potash, which owns 97% of the Kola and DX projects in Congo-Brazzaville, has signed a final engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with PowerChina International Group for the construction of the 2.2-million-tonne-a-year muriate of potash (MoP) Kola project. The EPC contract has been signed at a fixed price of about $1.93-billion, with $708.9-million of that allocated for the construction of transportation links and utility pipelines that will enable the project to avoid relying on State infrastructure. Kore says the reliance on its own infrastructure will be a critical advantage compared with other potash projects around the world. "The entry into this EPC contract marks a significant milestone for the Kola potash project. By signing this fixed-price construction contract with one of the largest international engineering groups, the company has minimised risks associated with cost and time overruns typical in large mining projects. "The company also believes this structure will facilitate accelerated financing and a relatively straightforward construction process, leading us to profitable production," says Kore CEO Andre Baya. The EPC remains subject to financial close for the project. Kore in April 2021 signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with Summit Corporation, which intends to provide Kore with a debt and royalty financing proposal for the construction of Kola. Kore expects to receive a nonbinding financing term sheet from Summit by the end of February 2025. The construction period for Kola is estimated at 43 months and the project is scheduled to deliver first production during the first half of 2029. It has an estimated life-of-mine of 33 years. As part of efforts to limit the risks of the project construction, the EPC with PowerChina includes provisions for penalties in the event of delayed completion and noncompliance with performance metrics. Kore says the EPC affirms the board of directors' aim for the company to become one of the lowest-cost producers of potash for sale to Brazil and high-growth markets in Africa. "Brazil is a potash import-dependent market with significant growing demand. The country is one of the largest net exporters of agricultural goods, which require MoP that helps provide potassium for plant growth. "Potash is applied in the agricultural sector and is critical to maintaining food supply for the growing global population. The Brazilian potash market is Kore's main target market followed by the high-growth African markets," the company states. Further, Kore notes that developing the operating capacity to run the Kola operations after commissioning is a challenge and, as such, it has opted for a contract operator model. PowerChina has submitted a nonbinding proposal to operate the Kola project on Kore's behalf. "PowerChina has significant experience as a third-party operator of a potash mine, process plant, ports, etc, and has proposed that existing resources be deployed to operate the entire Kola project operation, which could potentially lead to cost savings for Kore," Kore points out. It notes, however, that there can be no certainty that a binding operator proposal will be entered into with PowerChina, adding that it is also not required to accept PowerChina's proposal.

    4 min

  6. 18 NOV

    MMP looks to the future with a new strategy

    With a focus on research, development and innovation (RDI), the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) is implementing a new strategy for the next five years, with a focus on the future of the South African mining sector. Speaking at the 2024 Mining Technology and Innovation Showcase, on November 18, MMP executive director Julie Courtnage noted that the new strategy, which was approved on October 30, reflected a shift in thinking for the public-private partnership. She noted that the new strategy included shifting MMP's focus from having a reactive problem-solving mindset to an anticipatory future focus; moving away from siloed research programmes to larger holistic research portfolios; and moving from point source solutions to a systemic view of research. The new strategy also aims to shift from an exclusive focus on narrow-reef hard rock mining to other commodities and other types of mining. "The pursuit of innovation breakthroughs by the MMP is, therefore, going to be through forging a culture and an operating model of a collective of experiential learning and collective experimentation, and we are embracing all the connections with all co-creators," she said, pointing to the memorandum of understanding that was signed between the MMP and the Mining Qualifications Authority in October. "But the one thing we see is collaboration is hampered by a lack of information flow about what is going on in mining RDI and in mining itself, and so our priority focus over the next five years is, how do we get information to flow, either at site level or across the whole sector. That is quite a dramatic vision and we are very proud of it," she added. Courtnage said the changing strategy would match the MMP's operating model to sector realities, adding that the MMP would have more of an impact at systems level rather than at point source technology level. "This will also deliver much simpler scalability and, therefore, impact. We should get improved solutions when we've got people working together with good information flow." Courtnage also discussed the MMP's vision of co-creating Africa's first test mine with multiple stakeholders. She added that the MMP was also currently looking at total resource asset management technologies and approaches for asset evaluation and decision-making at an integrated level. She also noted that the MMP plans to establish a sector-wide mining equipment and technology assessment, verification and certification process. "Through centralising these kinds of processes, we aim for quite phenomenal cost savings and, of course, the safety benefit, because, as we know, off-the-shelf products are not always suited for the environment in which we are working." Courtnage also highlighted the focus on automation and mechanisation linked to improved skills and better job opportunities. The MMP is also looking at tracking and monitoring the impact of innovation on aspects such as safety, productivity and costs, as well as at the possibility of establishing resource recovery zones linked to local economic development to support localisation, industrialisation, improve job opportunities, resource security and to reduce the socioeconomic mining dependency patterns. "The path that the MMP envisages for at least the next five years takes us on quite a challenging journey and an exciting one to the African Mining Hub. That is not a new name, it's not a location, it's a state of being and a state of operating and we intend to deliver this strategy through conscious connections, very unusual ways of working within this increasing complexity that we face," she said. Also speaking at the event, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane highlighted the council's efforts to foster innovation through partnerships and collaboration with key organisations. He described the relationship between the private and public sectors, in the form of the Minerals Council, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Departme

    6 min

  7. 15 NOV

    South Africa's rare earths project in Limpopo seen as one of world's most resilient

    The rare earths recovery project, which is underway in South Africa's Limpopo province, is seen as one of the world's most resilient rare earth projects at a time when these elements are in widespread demand in permanent magnets to help the world go green. "We believe this is one of the most resilient rare earth projects in the world. We ran a trial of reclaim on the phosphate gypsum in February this year very successfully, so we proved that we could reclaim it hydraulically," George Bennett, the CEO of the London-listed South Africa-led Rainbow Rare Earths, proclaimed at this week's Mintek@90 event, covered by Mining Weekly. (Also watch the attached Creamer Media video.) Rainbow calculates that it has an economic grade of rare earths in the gypsum stacks at Phalaborwa, where the 25-million-tonne resource provides for 16 years of recovery of four of the world's most sought after rare earth elements. Some 150 000 t of these rare earths will be produced at an operating expenditure (opex) believed to be the lowest of any projects in the West and even below that of the East. "The fact that we could achieve such a low opex makes this project very resilient. At the moment, no rare earth projects in the world are making money at current rare earth pricing," he said. But two months ago, even when the prices of the two key permanent magnet rare earth elements were at $47/kg to $48/kg, Rainbow would have been profitable had it been in production. Prices have since recovered to about $60/kg for the two elements and in 2022 they were at $180/kg and all the forecasts are for rising rare earth prices A large-scale pilot plant, which has been built as part of Rainbow's close collaboration with Mintek since 2022, operated at the high level of 20 kg per hour of feed, making it six to ten times the size of a normal pilot plant. This plant will be rerun in January/February just to prove final stage separation. Involved is the first commercial recovery of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum in Phalaborwa and this is being pioneered by Rainbow Rare Earths. The phosphogypsum is the result of the mining of a hard-rock phosphate deposit, which has been carried out by Foskor for the last 60 years. The mined material is concentrated through a flotation process into a phosphate slurry, which over the period has been the feed for a nearby phosphoric acid plant, where two key ingredients were added, namely sulphuric acid and heat to create phosphoric acid. The rare earths in the phosphate slurry were further upgraded in the phosphoric acid sludge in the phosphoric acid plant and then that phosphoric acid production created a gypsum waste residue that was transported in a concentrated form to the gypsum stacks. The event was held to mark Mintek's nine decades of pioneering contributions in the minerals and metallurgy sector by South Africa's Council for Mineral Technology, which derives its mandate from the Minerals Technology Act. In conjunction with Mintek, Rainbow has developed a one-of-a-kind flowsheet that enables the commercial extraction of key rare earths out of the phosphogypsum and go to the lengthiest of downstream value additions. Displayed on a large screen was an old opencast mine that had been mined for many years, an old Sasol phosphoric acid plant that has not been operating for ten years and two unlined environmentally hazardous gypsum stacks. "Rainbow's project's going to clean this all up into a very environmentally friendly state," Bennett promised. The ready-fenced and power-lined site has a high-voltage switch yard, reflecting the considerable advantages of being on a brownfields location.

    4 min

  8. 15 NOV

    South Africa's Manganese incentive, Barrick's Q3 results, and gold equities underperforming

    Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses South Africa's impressively low battery manganese incentive price; Barrick’s third-quarter results, which showed that the African region delivered its usual reliable performance; and gold equities continuing to underperform the gold price.

    6 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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