Early understanding of social risks should inform project decisions

Proposed mining projects’ investment and capital expenditure decisions should be informed by an early understanding of social risks, says environmental and social services provider Digby Wells... 

Coal merchant to release green coal-processing technology

Coal merchant Afri Coal is investigating a coal processing method to reduce carbon emissions, says company director Pauline Coertzen. Afri Coal is conducting the research and development for this... 

Algae can reduce coal-related CO2 emissions

South Africa can benefit from using algae and related plants for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction and cofiring while facilitating mine rehabilitation, says coal expert and University of the... 

Asset management system enables total cost insight

Physical asset management service provider Pragma’s life-cycle costing (LCC) system enables coal mining companies better insight into the total life-cycle costs of their assets, says Pragma asset... 

Suitable rail infrastructure can facilitate access to increased coal resources

The establishment and maintenance of efficient and accessible rail and port infrastructure, and the regional linking thereof, could enable State-owned electricity provider Eskom to access a... 

Brewery to identify 2015’s top young entrepreneurs

Brewing and bottling giant South African Breweries (SAB) will announce this year’s finalist in the SAB KickStart programme – a youth entrepreneurship programme aimed at providing fledgling business... 

Joburg chamber launches SME incubator

In addition to the export incubator it initiated in October last year, to be formally launched later this year as part of its 125 years celebration, business promotion organisation the Johannesburg... 

SMEs get PoPI right with self-assessment info tool

An increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are benefiting from information security and privacy professional services firm 4Di Privaca’s Protection of Personal Information... 

Online company registration drive bearing fruit

Retail bank First National Bank (FNB) has noted a substantial number of newly registered businesses since the launch of the online business registration initiative collaboration, which it... 

Diversified supplier base helps companies explore new markets

South African companies should diversify their supplier base to effectively explore new markets and achieve the flexibility required to survive challenging and ever-changing business operating... 

Black business advocacy group supports small business expo

This year marks the first time that black business advocacy organisation the Black Business Council (BBC) will participate in Empowertec Africa – a  biennial expo that showcases small business... 

Development agency empowering SMMEs

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) handed out 200 certificates in the Eastern Cape and 300 certificates in KwaZulu-Natal in November 2014 to medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) that had... 

Control over key performance criteria can reduce project costs

Mining companies can reduce a project’s final installed cost by 5% to 10% by effectively tracking key performance criteria, says consulting services company SNC-Lavalin project manager John Dixon.... 

Companies to benefit from fishbone method

Mining companies stand to benefit from professional and specialist project management service provider VBKOM Projects’ “unique application” of the fishbone diagram, also known as the Ishikawa... 

MTS upgrades benefit mines

A mine technical system (MTS) running on a platform that is nearing its end-of-life creates risks in terms of planning and reporting on operational activities of a mine. It could render the mining... 

On-time commissioning of mining complex demonstrates company’s abilities

The completion of the commissioning of Russia’s Vladimir Grib diamond deposit’s mining and concentration complex as per schedule, showcases engineering, procurement, and construction management... 

Aligning mining projects with financing requirements a challenge

Aligning mining projects in Africa with international project financing requirements, while ensuring that there is a direct link to the work conducted on the ground and that clients’ expectations... 

Academics weigh in on gas industry outlook for 2015

The South African gas sector is likely to see an increase in mergers and acquisitions among gas producers in 2015, especially during the early part of the year, as the industry adjusts to deal with... 

Hydrogen research laboratories launched

As part of government's response to the global challenge of energy security, its hydrogen and fuel cell technologies programme - Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) - and the Council for Scientific and... 

SA gas sector viable, despite challenges

South Africa is regarded as having significant potential as a bankable oil and gas investment destination, with leading hydrocarbon majors and independents, including oil giants Exxon Mobil, Shell,... 

Govt push for gas expected to continue

There is likely to be continued support from the South African government this year to promote gas as an alternative source of energy, says professional services firm EY Africa energy sector leader... 

Oil prices affecting progress of gas in Africa

The once-promising notion that gas was soon to become a game- changer in Africa seems unlikely to happen in the near future, owing to the negative impact of the low oil price on the industry, says... 

CANSA advises farmers to conduct prefracking water tests

Nonprofit organisation for cancer prevention the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has advised farmers situated next to officially identified hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, operations... 

Cost-effective hydrogen production introduced

Gas solutions provider Hydrox Holdings has introduced a new hydrogen production method that reduces production costs by eliminating the need for membranes or expensive electrodes typically required... 

SA government on track with gas plans

The possibility of successful gas projects will depend on the emergence of willing investors to fund the costs of exploratory drilling.  An increase in appetite from private investors could... 

Gas specialist acquires air separation unit

Industrial and specialty gas products manufacturer Air Products South Africa in November purchased the  A2100 air separation unit (ASU) from Sasol chemicals division Sasol Chemical Industries, says... 

Company to use mining event to demonstrate its product innovation legacy

This year marks an important milestone for global mineral exploration company Boart Longyear, as it is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The company plans to use the Investing in African Mining... 

Mining companies benefit from allocating resources

With decreasing productivity, poor capital discipline and cost inflation plaguing the global mining industry for the past two years, the consulting arm of multinational mining materials company... 

Company enables miners to enhance process efficiency

The 2015 Investing in African Mining Indaba is a natural destination for speciality chemicals, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics company Dow to demonstrate its expertise to mining... 

Banker to identify and finance mining projects at mining event

Sustainable banking-focused banker Nedbank aims to use the Investing in African Mining Indaba – to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 9 to 12 – to find, promote... 

African mining investment event revitalised

This year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba will feature a new addition to the programme – the participation of an influential global figurehead, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair as the... 

Consulting firm to launch industry reports

Consulting and risk management firm Deloitte will launch three industry reports detailing the state and the future of mining in Africa, and mining trends on the continent at this year’s Investing... 

Software solutions provider to launch new products

Mining software solutions and services provider MICROMINE Africa will launch the latest versions of its mining operations and geological data solutions, Pitram 2015 and Geobank Mobile 2, at this... 

Gold producer reveals plans for West Africa investment

With several existing developments in West Africa, internationally diversified low-cost gold producer Nordgold plans to invest further in the region and will update potential investors on its... 

Organisation aligns itself with industry demands

Recognising the trends and developments that shape the mining industry across the value chain, occupational health, safety and environmental risk management services provider NOSA aims to establish... 

Consulting company hopes for a prosperous 2015

Irrespective of the general negative economic climate, long-term economic value in minerals projects can be achieved once environmental and social issues are built into a company’s strategy and not... 

Company sheds light on advantages of gas-powered generators at mine sites

How to manage the total cost of owning mining equipment and the advantages of using gas-powered generators at mine sites are two of the key discussion points that engine, power generation and... 

Mines benefit from long lasting hydraulic hoses

Hi-tech rubber belts and hose manufacturer Gates will use this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba to launch its safe, long-lasting hydraulic hose and couplings for mines, says Gates Europe... 

Mining to benefit from minor metals growth

Africa-based mining projects could benefit from the growth of minor metals, such as tin, graphite and vanadium, says strategic services supplier Core Consultants MD Lara Smith. Smith will deliver a... 

State rail company invests in track management

In support of its Market Demand Strategy (MDS), State-owned freight and logistics company Transnet is concentrating on refurbishing the country’s rail track system through training and the...