Sasol studying conversion of CO2 into fuel, Zimbabwe gold, coal-mine opportunities, Simmers chair's ongoing Vulisango pledge

South Africa's coal-to-liquids company, Sasol, is studying the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into fuel. Engineers and scientists in Sasol's technology division are working on algaeic forms of methanol production.

Read on page 7 of this edition of Mining Weekly of Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology's report of a CO2-to-methanol breakthrough earlier this year.

Sasol produces large volumes of CO2 in the production of synthetic transport fuels from coal at its plant in Secunda and is committed to reducing its CO2 footprint through the introduction of greater production efficiencies, carbon capture and storage and through innovations such as algaeic methanol production.

To watch a video on Sasol's CO2-to-fuel aspiration, go to www.miningweekly.com and click on ‘Multimedia' and then on the ‘Real Economy Report' of Sept 24-30, 2009.

Many Zimbabwe mines are seen as underused and presenting an opportunity for equity partners to return them to account at moderate cost.

Read on page 11 of this edition of Mining Weekly of Zimvest MD Shaun Lightfoot saying, on the sidelines of a British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa meeting in Johannesburg, that the upside for investors is the complete bypassing of any greenfield risk.

He reports that several reputable Zimbabwe mining companies own large proven gold and coal reserves, in particular, but lack access to capital. With proper capitalisation and the use of more modern technology, he believes that Zimbabwe can return to producing 27 t of gold a year, rather than the low 4 t it will produce this year.

Lightfoot also enthuses about the country's energy coal and coking coal reserves that are not being exploited. A flat tax rate of 15% has been set for mining companies, which initial allowances reduced to an effective 8%.

To watch a video on Zimbabwe opportunities, go to www.miningweekly.com and click on ‘Multimedia' and then on ‘Video Clips'.

Engagement with disgruntled black economically empowered shareholder Vulisango will continue in order to resolve differences, says Simmer & Jack chairperson Nigel Brunette. Read on page 6 of this edition of Mining Weekly of directors Kevin Wakeford, Baba Njenje, Siviwe Mapisa, Ayanda Sisulu-Dunstan and Stuart Murray resigning from the company's board last month.

Wakeford says both sides in the dispute can benefit if all parties accept a new vision to unlock shareholder value. Simmers CEO Gordon Miller says that both Simmer & Jack's gold division and its First Uranium subsidiary are poised for strong gold growth.

To watch a video on Simmer & Jack, go to www.miningweekly.com and click on ‘Multimedia' and then on ‘Video Clips'.