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Project Management News

Zimbabwe-based miner expands operations

By: Anna Moross 10th December 2021 With Zimbabwe’s extensive resources, platinum group metals producer Zimplats intends to expand its mining operations, exhausting the southerly parts of the mine area and focusing on the northern mining blocks, says Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats), Zimplats’ holding company, group executive of... →

Commissioning of PGMs plant announced

10th December 2021 Canada-based platinum-group metals (PGMs) company Eastern Platinum in October announced the successful commissioning of its PGMs main plant circuit B following the completion of the refurbishment and upgrade work, which began in May. Construction and pre-commissioning were completed in September... →

Local project shows significant progress

10th December 2021 Diversified miner Jubilee Metals, a “leader” in metals processing, with operations in Africa, in November provided an operational and corporate update on its Inyoni platinum group metals (PGMs) project in South Africa, “following a period of significant progress”. →

Suppliers partner to deliver project

10th December 2021 Industrial equipment supplier Verder Pumps South Africa, a market leader in advanced industrial pumping solutions, announced that it had been selected as one of the preferred pump suppliers for platinum producer Anglo American Platinum’s (Amplats’) new modular fines flotation pilot plant and had... →

An image of the feed pump to the modular pilot plant for the main plant

VERDERFLEX PUMPS The pumps selected for this project included the Verderflex VF65, Dura 25, Dura 35 and Dura 45

Miner provides update on Waterberg project

By: Anna Moross 10th December 2021 TSX-listed mine developer Platinum Group Metals in October provided an update on the Waterberg project, a bulk underground palladium and platinum deposit located in the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex in the Limpopo province. →

Company highlights importance of phased development

By: Anna Moross 10th December 2021 Diversified miner Ivanhoe Mines’ palladium/rhodium/platinum/gold/nickel/copper Platreef project is well under way, with the company pursuing a phased-development approach for the project, says Ivanhoe technical services executive VP Pierre Joubert. →

An image of the development of the Platreef Project

PLATREEF PROJECT The preliminary economic assessment envisaged average production of 109 000 oz/y of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold

Exploration debate highlights Nema challenge

By: Martin Creamer 3rd December 2021 The withdrawal of a portion of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) has created a major challenge for mineral exploration in South Africa, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) co-sponsored exploration webinar heard on Thursday. Taking part in the panel discussion under... →

IDC co-sponsored webinar covered by Mining Weekly.

Fibre solution aids communication

By: Halima Frost 3rd December 2021 Multinational network operator Paratus Zambia is rolling out its fibre and microwave links to cover the Copperbelt mining area and is extending coverage to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Paratus Zambia country manager Marius van Vuuren tells Mining Weekly that the... →

A mine vehicle in the forefront of ZZambian mine with openpit in the background

IN THE DISTANCE The distance its networks now cover allow Paratus Zambia to connect remote mines on the Copperbelt with the world

African Copperbelt a good mining destination – consultants

By: Halima Frost 3rd December 2021 The Central Africa Copperbelt is the obvious choice for miners looking to expand their copper portfolios, with the region being known for “world-class” deposits, says mining consultants The MSA Group. “Mining companies looking for a foothold in the region always focus on two things – prospective... →

Chrysocolla and malachite exposures on a rock face in Zambia both are copper ores

N PLAIN SIGHT Chrysocolla and malachite are so prevalent in the Central Africa Copperbelt it can be seen above ground in rock formations

Company boasts substantial supply increase

By: Halima Frost 3rd December 2021 The average monthly turnover and tonnage throughput of Zambia-based steel product supplier Afrope Zambia has increased sixfold since its acquisition by South African logistics and trading company Inter Trade Africa in 2019. The company has expanded its product offering to the mining consumables... →

A man welding a steel mes screen used in the copper mines as a support underground, at the Afrope manufacturing plant in Zambia

STEELY SPARKS The amount of steel used in products used in mine support systems such as screen mesh Central Africa Copperbelt has increase exponentially

Transport group eyes Copperbelt

By: Halima Frost 3rd December 2021 Specialist logistics group Unitrans Africa plans to use its copper handling success, in Botswana, as a launchpad to enter into mining operations in the Copperbelt of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Our recent success in on-mine copper materials handling and pit development, paired... →

A large yellow mining machine with EV capability used to load ore onto Unitrans road trains

POWER PUSH The use of electric power vehicles in the mining sector is being successfully pushed further up into the Central African region by Unitrans

Rising demand for separation compound

By: Halima Frost 3rd December 2021 Since the partnership between global chemicals producer 2M Holdings and speciality materials company Celanese, established in 2014, demand for its methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) compound, used to separate copper from ore, has grown substantially in the Central Africa region. 2M Holdings South... →

Large plastic containers of methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) compound which is used in the separation or flotation of ores on the African Copperbelt

2M Holdings South Africa MD Denzyl O’Donoghue discusses the use of MIBC as an effective flotation agent in the separation of copper

Use renewables to cut carbon and create hydrogen, use hydrogen to cut diesel – Cutifani

By: Martin Creamer 2nd December 2021 Use renewables to cut carbon and create hydrogen, and then use the hydrogen that has been created to replace diesel. Anglo American CE Mark Cutifani proposed this climate blueprint while also outlining his London- and Johannesburg-listed mining company’s entry into crop nutrients that can free up... →

Creamer Media screenshot during GlobeScan climate webinar

GlobeScan climate event covered by Mining Weekly’s Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer.

Law firm creates outsourced compliance solution for mining industry

By: Martin Creamer 25th November 2021 A specialist mining law firm, which prefers people to paper, has created an outsourced compliance solution for Africa’s mining industry. NSDV will not simply rely on the paper trail when a client calls with an issue, but instead phone, WhatsApp, or drive there and chat to the officials. →

NSDV director and co-founder Lili Nupen

Intrinsic testing tools a necessity – manufacturer

By: Halima Frost 19th November 2021 Using intrinsically safe testing tools in the mining and industrial sectors is of the “utmost importance” amid the explosive gases, vapours and dust in those industries, says testing and measurement equipment provider Comtest technical sales manager Gerrit Barnard. Devices that are certified as... →

The Comtest 28II Ex range of intrinsically safe testing equipment

INTEGRAL The need for safe testing tools is a priority in environments with highly explosive gases present

Flame-detection series in demand

By: Halima Frost 19th November 2021 Since the launch of its new Det-Tronics X-Series range of flame detectors earlier this year, multinational home and industrial appliance manufacturer Carrier Global has noted a marked increase in demand for the detectors. Carrier Global sub-Saharan Africa sales manager Randhir Seodutt attributes... →

A Carrier Infrared and ultraviolet sensor which detects hydrogen gases or flame

EXPLOSIVE GROWTH The X-series range of flame detectors offered by Carrier has seen a growth in popularity

Impact of new tailings standards highlighted

By: Cameron Mackay 19th November 2021 With the release of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) in August last year, the foundation of this field has shifted, and the stakes have been raised, argues engineering consultancy SRK Consulting. The company adds that this standard sets a new bar for corporate... →

An infographic from SRK regarding spheres of TSF influence

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management requires that mines engage with multiple spheres of influence when designing and managing tailings storage facilities

Software helps miners manage tailings, waste

By: Cameron Mackay 19th November 2021 Software company IsoMetrix’s tailings management solution has been developed over many years to help miners manage their incidents, obligations and risks related to mine waste facilities. The solution also reduces the administrative burden of conducting audits, inspections and reporting, states... →

Expect to be unemployed from age 40, Miller warns graduates entering mining

By: Martin Creamer 15th November 2021 Because of the collapse of investment in greenfields exploration in South Africa, any mining graduate entering the profession today can expect to be unemployed from the age of 40, said AmaranthCX director and founder Paul Miller on Monday, when he pointed out that South Africa is now at an... →

AmaranthCX director Paul Miller interviewed by Mining Weekly's Martin Creamer

New tech calculates ventilation recovery

By: Halima Frost 12th November 2021 Mine ventilation, refrigeration, and cooling engineering consultants BBE Group, in August released the 2021 version of its flagship Vuma-network, free of charge, to the mining sector and other interested parties worldwide. BBE’s in-house product, called Vuma-transient, used by BBE engineers,... →

Six different photos of shafts and tunnels in a mine where BBE have installed the Vuma-network sensors and technology for ventilation

CLEARING THE AIR The Vuma-network of technologies is being offered free of charge to the mining sector to help ensure that ventilation post care and maintenance is up to scratch

Care, maintenance must be communicated correctly

By: Halima Frost 12th November 2021 Environmental consulting company Environmental Assurance (Envass) director Emile van Druten says it is “absolutely imperative” for a mine to correctly communicate its care-and-maintenance plan to not only staff and stakeholders but also the affected communities and suppliers. He tells Mining... →

A sunset picture of a mine with yellow machines in operation, with a laptop, plans and cell phone in, while there is a green belt of natural vegetation in the background

THE WHOLE PICTURE The care and maintenance period of a mine entails so much more than just telling staff

Minerals Council backs Eskom leadership, urges govt to cut procurement red tape

By: Martin Creamer 10th November 2021 Minerals Council South Africa on Wednesday supported the Eskom leadership team in its efforts to stabilise South Africa’s electricity supply and urged government to focus on shortening the bureaucratic processes hindering Eskom’s ability to procure urgently required spares for power stations and... →

Minerals Council South Africa CEO Roger Baxter

Training aims to enhance on-site safety

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 5th November 2021 With businesses constantly evolving and adapting, safety training solutions provider KBC Health and Safety is also adapting and advancing its training solutions to ensure that it is creating value and positively impacting on its clients. Consequently, the company has created a new safety... →

SIAN THURTELL Experiential training can enhance the retention of knowledge

Safety culture established to ensure smooth operations

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 5th November 2021 With the importance of health and safety within an industrial and nuclear setting, Lesedi Nuclear Services (LNS) states that it establishes a world class safety culture by structuring itself in a manner that ensures that management fosters a top-down approach that is actively involved in control... →

Pallinghurst now has all key battery, hydrogen fuel cell elements

By: Martin Creamer 3rd November 2021 The Pallinghurst Group now has within its fold all the key elements needed for lithium-ion batteries, fuel-cells and green hydrogen economy. Pallinghurst’s latest transaction with Talon Metals brings in nickel, copper and cobalt, which augment the already-in-the-bag graphite, battery-grade... →

Pallinghurst Co-Chief Executive and Co-Founder Arne Frandsen speaks to Mining Weekly’s Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer

Explosives company achieves world-class rating

By: Halima Frost 29th October 2021 Mining explosives and blasting technology supplier BME, a member of diversified chemicals group Omnia, tells Mining Weekly it has achieved a record-low recordable case rate of 0.05% in the blasting sector for the last financial year. A recordable case rate is a well-established measure of safety... →

A yellow blasting mechanism linked to a cell phone being held in a hand, used to incorporate new technologies when blasting at mines

BLOWING UP The use of technology in applications such as blasting at mines has seen an increase in safety and blast accuracy

Company showcases tech innovations on new forum

By: Halima Frost 29th October 2021 Industrial equipment multinational Siemens launched its inaugural Smart Mining Forum as an online event from August 3 to 5. The event highlighted Siemens’ technical expertise and showcased real examples of its software and technology solutions while current and future trends in sustainable mining... →

A cell phone and a deep groove ball bearing cross section highlighting Siemens SIDRIVE IQ application

DRIVING TECHNOLOGY Siemens offers numerous new technologies aimed at the mining sector which it highlighted its Smart Mining Forum

Viable project management for small-scale mining success

By: Claire O'Reilly 29th October 2021 The multidisciplinary nature of mining projects requires strict, iterative processes in terms of establishing what will make the project and its future operation viable, says Johannesburg-based consulting and project management company Bowline. →

Sustainable rare earths separation facility on horizon

By: Claire O'Reilly 29th October 2021 UK-based exploration and development company Pensana, formerly Pensana Rare Earths, is aiming to establish, subject to funding, a world-class, independent and sustainable supply chain of rare-earth metals vital for electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines and other strategic industries, says... →

Weighing the viability of in-house, outsourced project management

By: Claire O'Reilly 29th October 2021 The concept of project co-sourcing – a hybrid model that uses in-house management and outsourced project managers – is not yet readily practiced in South Africa because of perceived resource and intellectual property risks to both owner and contracting firms. During co-sourcing, the resources are... →

Picture of Giel Bekker, University of Pretoria project management Associate Professor

GIEL BEKKER n-house project management is strategically focused, while outsourced project management is implementation-focused and tactically orientated

Project managers’ skill set must evolve

By: Claire O'Reilly 29th October 2021 Project management in South Africa requires continued change in all facets of society, with projects having to consider and address the needs of a multitude of stakeholders while being successful and profitable, says consulting and contracting company ProjectWay director Reniel Engelbrecht →

Picture of ProjectWay director Reniel Engelbrecht

RENIEL ENGELBRECHT . The reality in projects is that more collaboration between client and contractor can be beneficial for project development, and allow for more flexibility and agility when facing varying external pressures

Covid accelerates 4IR, women in mining progress

By: Nadine Ramdass 22nd October 2021 Women have gradually become formal participants in the mining industry, which has resulted in their having to deal with various challenges, and although the industry has improved in its identifying and dealing with these issues, the biggest game changer is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).... →

An image of female mine workers at Impala Platinum Mining

4IR UNLOCKS OPPORTUNITIES Rapid adoption of 4IR is increasingly creating opportunities for women in mining

Incentive needed for smaller end of stock exchange to survive – Miller

By: Martin Creamer 18th October 2021 An incentive is needed for the listing of companies on the smaller end of the stock exchange, which is facing an existential crisis, said AmaranthCX director and owner Paul Miller on Monday. Reacting to the groundswell of headlines about delistings and lack of listings on the Johannesburg Stock... →

Creamer Media screenshot of Paul Milller during October 2021 Zoom interview.

AmaranthCX director and owner Paul Miller interviewed by Mining Weekly’s Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer

Company increases local exploration activity

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 15th October 2021 Mining investment company Menar, through its subsidiaries, has committed to ensuring its continued growth through several investment and development projects. “Exploration allows for the development of new projects and the establishment of new mines. Menar has R7-billion worth of new investment... →

AERIAL VIEW While exploration does present multiple financial and economic benefits, the economic viability has to be assessed over a long-term period

Explorer provides update on Senegal project

8th October 2021 West African exploration company Oriole Resources provided an update last month on its Senala gold mining project in Senegal, where joint venture partner IAMGOLD has the option to spend up to $8-million to earn a 70% interest. IAMGOLD this year has completed more than 80% of a two-phase... →

Drilling confirms geological model

8th October 2021 Gold miner West African Resources (WAF) reported last month that resource definition drilling has confirmed the geological model, with extensive zones of gold mineralisation intercepted at the Toega deposit in Burkina Faso. “Resource definition drilling at the 1.3-million-ounce Toega gold deposit... →

Progress announced with exploration projects

8th October 2021 Gold miner Hummingbird Resources in August announced its unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The company reported material progress and success with its 2021 Yanfolila exploration and drilling programme, in Mali, during the first half of the year (H1). →

Image of drilling at Hummingbird Resources' Yanfolila project

EXTENSIVE DRILLING The company reported drilling 32 500 m of the 44 600 m forecast for the year, in H1 2021, with significant drill hole intercepts

Ghana base acts as catalyst for growth

By: Cameron Mackay 8th October 2021 Much of the success of consulting engineers and scientists SRK Consulting’s office in Accra, Ghana, is based on the company’s local knowledge, represented by experienced professionals from West Africa, states SRK Consulting principal resource geologist and SRK Ghana country manager Ivan Doku.... →

Image of SRK Consulting working on a mine site in West Africa

BUILDING IN-COUNTRY EXPERTISE Despite challenges, SRK Consulting continues to build capacity in West Africa

Company Announcements

LED Lighting Donated to Matolweni Community Crèche

WSP and SLR Consulting oversee the complete design and construction of the Gold Fields South Deep Gold Mine Doornpoort Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)

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