Paragon awarded second Lesotho diamond prospecting licence

A second kimberlitic-prospecting licence has been granted to Aim-quoted Paragon Diamonds’ 85%-owned subsidiary Botle Mining in Lesotho, the company announced on Thursday. The licence encompasses the Motete dyke, a substantial kimberlite fissure...

Riedel moves into Burkina Faso

ASX-listed junior Riedel Resources has reached an agreement with fellow listed Golden Rim Resources to acquire five highly prospective gold tenements in Burkina Faso. Riedel would pay $900 000 in cash, and would issue 12.5-million shares to...

NGO engages with 
corporate partners 
over illegal mining

Social development non-governmental organisation Pact-Congo is finding ways to reduce conflicts associated with the complex issue of artisanal mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Together with corporate partners, and donors such as...

Mercury-free gold extraction process makes African footprint

The iGoli mercury-free gold extraction process has made a significant impact in Tanzania and is widening its footprint in Africa, reports mineral-focused company Mintek.

Shaft Sinkers women employee receives blasting ticket

In a first for Shaft Sinkers, Kgaugelo Salomé Selala, a member from the local community around the Everest Platinum Mine, received her full blasting ticket last November, making her one of few women miners in the world. While legislation...

Research body launches projects to counter small-scale mining effects

The Small-Scale Mining and Beneficiation division of Mintek has launched a number of projects to counter the impact of small-scale and artisanal mining on the environment.

Potentially destabilising factors continually arising on continent

Skyrocketing commodity prices mean an increasing number of companies getting involved in mining projects in what were once considered high-risk areas throughout Africa.

African miners petition EU over new law

African mining companies have been urged to petition the European Union's Reach to allow exportation of minerals with exemption from the body's rules.

New mining frontier opens in Madagascar

After nearly four decades of self-imposed isolation, in the past couple of years the island Republic of Madagascar has been reopening itself to the outside world and to foreign investment.

Firm steps up Burkina Faso gold exploration

Canadian firm High River Gold Mines has announced that, in addition to building the mine and mill at the Taparko gold project, it is aggressively exploring its large highly-prospective land holdings in Burkina Faso.

Early results from ‘Ashanti II’ drill programme

Canadian explorer PMI reports that the first holes drilled in a 5 000 m drill programme designed to test three gold-mineralised areas on the Fromenda concession in Ghana, have indeed intersected gold mineralisation.

Uganda seeks to boost mine sector

Uganda is set to implement a capacity-building project that will aim to encourage increased private investment in exploration and mining development in the country through reform of mineral sector frameworks and emphasis on regulatory and fiscal...