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Project Management News

‘Green’ trend an opportunity for mining

12th February 2021 Africa’s minerals sector should “seize the opportunities presented by the global transition towards green energy”, experts noted during a virtual webinar on the future of mining in Africa, post-Covid-19. One opportunity lies in growing global demand for lithium, which is used in batteries for... →

Positive progress at ‘mine of the future’

By: Halima Frost 12th February 2021 Global automation company ABB says operators at the Sustainable Underground Mining (SUM) future mine project, have been able to make use of new remote technological systems implemented by the company since September 2020. The SUM project aims to establish a new world standard for sustainable... →

SUM IT UP The Sustainable Underground Mining future mine project sums up the aspirations of the mining sector in regards to sustainable mining

Halt to Richards Bay Minerals project depriving South Africa of R100bn

By: Martin Creamer 5th February 2021 Rio Tinto's KwaZulu-Natal mineral sands mining company, Richards Bay Minerals, has got a major project called Zulti South that is fully permitted and fully funded – but is not being developed. Construction began in the first half of 2019, but was then brought to a halt in December 2019 amidst... →

From top left clockwise, Gary Felthun, Roger Baxter, Werner Duvenhage, Mzila Mthenjane, Advocate Thabo Mokoena and Neal Froneman.

Photo by Creamer Media
From top left clockwise, Gary Felthun, Roger Baxter, Werner Duvenhage, Mzila Mthenjane, Advocate Thabo Mokoena and Neal Froneman.

PGMs company’s subsidiary awarded US patent

5th February 2021 Platinum group metals (PGMs) mining company Platinum Group Metals reports that it has completed an "at-the-market" offering of common shares first announced on September 4, 2020. The offering was completed on November 30, 2020 pursuant to an Equity Distribution Agreement with financial service... →

HIGHLY VALUED Platinum Group Metals sold 5 440 186 common shares in the capital of the company at an average price of $2.21 for gross proceeds of $12-million

Miner reports gold intercepts at flagship deposit

5th February 2021 Gold miner Loncor Resources last December announced that the second core hole of a 7 000 m drilling programme at its Adumbi deposit had intersected gold at its 84.6%-owned Imbo Project in the eastern part of the Ngayu greenstone belt, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The second core... →

STRIKING GOLD
The gold mineralisation at Adumbi is associated with up to 130 m of interbedded banded ironstone, quartz carbonate and chlorite schist

Photo by Shuttershock
STRIKING GOLD The gold mineralisation at Adumbi is associated with up to 130 m of interbedded banded ironstone, quartz carbonate and chlorite schist

Miner supports cobalt initiative, secures investment

By: Cameron Mackay 5th February 2021 Diversified miner Glencore is playing a significant supporting role in The Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), a multi-stakeholder initiative to support the production of fair cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), says Glencore lead cobalt trader David Brocas. “We operate industrial mines in... →

MULTI-STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION Glencore is actively supporting the FCA, and are encouraging other relevant companies to join the initiative

Tin producer achieves record production

5th February 2021 Tin miner Alphamin Resources in January reported that its tin production at its high-grade operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased by 13% to a quarterly record of 2 898 t. This exceeded the company’s market guidance of between 2 600 t and 2 800 t. The company also provided an... →

EXCELLING SAFETY The Bisie tin mine recorded zero lost-time injuries in the last quarter

Mining code could cap cobalt growth for DRC

By: Cameron Mackay 5th February 2021 Demand for portable electronics, energy storage and electric vehicles will create significant demand for lithium-ion batteries, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be a critical supplier of raw materials used in these technologies, particularly cobalt, states international metals and... →

SECURING SUPPLY
The DRC is the world’s largest producer of mined cobalt. Most intermediates produced in the country are exported owing to the lack of refining capacity

Photo by Bloomberg
SECURING SUPPLY The DRC is the world’s largest producer of mined cobalt. Most intermediates produced in the country are exported owing to the lack of refining capacity

Hydrogen plant to power truck

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 5th February 2021 Energy transition leader ENGIE has contracted Pretoria-based engineering firm Thermtron Scientific to provide balance of plant services for the on-site hydrogen plant of the Mogalakwena mine, in Limpopo, on an engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning basis. Initial talks between... →

POWER HOUSE The hydrogen plant will supply Anglo American with hydrogen to fuel its “revolutionary” fuel cell electric vehicle haul truck

Responsible Mining Foundation seeks ‘more ambitious’ standards for TSFs

By: Simone Liedtke 22nd January 2021 The vast majority of large-scale mining companies are still unable to demonstrate that they review and report on how effectively they manage risks related to tailings storage facilities (TSF), and take responsive actions as necessary, despite growing disclosure on TSFs, the Responsible Mining... →

The Corrego do Feijao tailings dam collapse, in Brumadinho, Brazil.

Company services Zambian smelters remotely, eyes expansion

By: Cameron Mackay 19th January 2021 Local foundry company Thos Begbie opened a workshop in Solwezi, Zambia, in March last year to supply and service copper smelters in the region more efficiently; however, the impact of Covid-19 has forced the company to close its workshop indefinitely. “There has been a drastic decrease in... →

ALEX NHLAPO As the demand for copper increases, pressure is placed on the smelters and refineries to increase their production output

Upgraded chairlift PLC panels increase safety

15th January 2021 Mining systems solutions provider Becker Mining South Africa in October last year successfully installed and commissioned its first, upgraded chairlift programmable logic controller (PLC) panel, which enhances the reliability of the Becker chairlift systems. The PLC, which was launched at the... →

HEALTHY PLC The upgraded PLC is used in conjunction with Becker’s chairlift system to safely transport personnel on mines

Remote health and safety audits gaining traction

By: Halima Frost 15th January 2021 The unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has fast-tracked technologies and methodologies across all sectors, especially those pertaining to mining health and safety regulations and compliance, accredited certifications provider JC Auditors compliance specialist Oliver Naidoo tells Mining... →

Proactive second half for coal giant

By: Halima Frost 11th December 2020 Diversified miner Exxaro, one of South Africa’s leading coal and coking coal producers, tells Mining Weekly that three of its five coal investment projects started production in the second half of this year. The projects include the Grootegeluk 6 expansion project, the Leeuwpan life expansion... →

GOOD LUCK The Grootegeluk mine has proven its mettle being Exxaro's most prominent mines

Implats continues ramp-up despite pandemic disruptions

By: Cameron Mackay 11th December 2020 Multinational platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Impala Platinum’s (Implats’) 2018 strategic review highlighted that restructuring lossmaking operations at its Rustenburg mining complex and positioning it on the lower half of the cost curve were strategically crucial. These strategic imperatives,... →

SIDE-STEPPING COVID DELAYS Gains in productivity, safety and efficiency have resulted in an upward revision to the planned production profile at Implats’ Rustenburg operation

PGMs miner focused on Waterberg mine project

11th December 2020 As reported by Mining Weekly last month, platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Platinum Group Metals is focused on advancing the palladium dominant Waterberg project, located on the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The project is planned as a fully mechanised, shallow, decline... →

R. MICHAEL JONES Platinum Group Metals’ near-term objectives are to achieve the grant of a mining right for the palladium dominant Waterberg Project and complete construction

Transport system linking mining areas now operational

11th December 2020 As part of an expansion programme at local platinum miner Booysendal Platinum’s Booysendal concession platinum project, multinational ropeway manufacturer Doppelmayr Transport Technology has been awarded a contract for the construction of a second RopeCon system. Once finished, this second... →

IN TOTAL ORE For the expansion of the Booysendal mine, Booysendal Platinum opted for a RopeCon system to tackle the challenge of transporting 909 t/h of platinum ore

Manufacturing, lockdowns can mean more exports from Copperbelt

By: Cameron Mackay 4th December 2020 The Chinese manufacturing sector has recovered quickly from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which, complemented by a shortfall in raw materials in the country, has resulted in high demand for copper in China. Consequently, the lockdowns in South American countries and the challenges... →

OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Lockdowns in copper mining South American countries has created an opportunity for miners in the African Copperbelt to export more copper to countries like China

Photo by Bloomberg
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lockdowns in copper mining South American countries has created an opportunity for miners in the African Copperbelt to export more copper to countries like China

XRT sorting can be adapted for Copperbelt mining

By: Cameron Mackay 4th December 2020 Ore-processing equipment supplier TOMRA Sorting Mining’s experience in copper ore sorting globally came to the fore with its X-ray transmission (XRT) technology, with which the company has attained “ideal” results in the recovery of material and waste removal. TOMRA Sorting Mining area sales... →

CHRISTIAN KORSTEN Test results have shown that senor-based ore sorters in copper mining can work as a pre-concentration, and remove a significant mass of waste material

Company involved in plant construction for DRC mine

By: Cameron Mackay 4th December 2020 Local consulting firm Metallurgical Engineering Technology and Construction (METC) was approached in 2017 to provide detailed engineering and equipment supply for the Mutoshi copper mine, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). METC director Steve Cathey states that the main objective was... →

STEVE CATHEY We aim to become the go-to engineering team to solve the challenges around transitional ores that many copper producing mining houses are currently facing

Consulting engineers boost project portfolio

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 27th November 2020 Platinum producer Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has appointed engineering, design and project management company COENG Consulting and Construction Engineers to provide ad hoc professional services at Amplats operations. “A formal tender process was conducted, whereby a certain number of... →

LOUIS LABUSCHAGNE The relationship between COENG and Amplats started about four years ago

Site training continues online during pandemic

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 27th November 2020 The onset of Covid-19 resulted in many companies moving aspects of their operations to online and virtual platforms, and contractor and management solutions provider KBC Health & Safety has made similar adjustments. “Since Covid-19 more clients have adopted our computer-based training programmes.... →

SIAN THURTELL Since Covid-19, more clients have adopted our computer-based training programmes

Strides taken to improve environmental, community impact

20th November 2020 Worley Parsons mineral processing technology and expert solutions VP Mervyn Stevens states that the mining industry has taken big strides to improve its impact on both nearby communities, and the world. He explains that this has seen targets set around renewable energy, automation and zero... →

Demand for reliable monitoring systems on the rise

By: Halima Frost 20th November 2020 The demand for early-warning systems for tailings facilities and/or dams has increased exponentially, subsequent to the Vale incident, suggests geotechnical civil and mining instrumentation company Terra Monitoring operations director Robin Schmidt. Therefore, the company – a member of... →

IN DEMAND The raise in demand for reliable detection systems aimed at tailing facilities has grown over the last few years owing to devastating faliures

Company’s range increases, improves recovery

By: Simone Liedtke 20th November 2020 The application of South African minerals processing company Multotec’s technologies in tailings and waste management streams allows for the recovery of resources – such as water, precious metals and by-products – in a way that maximises revenue and the manageability of the process, says product... →

TURNKEY SOLUTIONS Multotec supplies turnkey filtration plants to enable end-users to implement a dewatering project cost effectively

Technology helps companies weather storm

By: Cameron Mackay 13th November 2020 Multinational consulting engineers SRK Consulting director Andrew van Zyl stresses that technology, through the efficiencies it enables, is an important tool for retaining jobs in mining. The sector has been in a long period of decline, and technology is an opportunity to arrest that decline by... →

ANDREW VAN ZYL AND MARCIN WERTZ SRK’s in-country expertise has provided many advantages, particularly in instances when cross-border travel has been restricted

High demand for tailings consulting exceeds local capacity

By: Cameron Mackay 13th November 2020 Engineering consultant Knight Piésold is focused on providing technical advice for many local tailings dam facilities, says Knight Piésold technical director for mining services Africa Andrew Copeland. This increase in demand for tailings dam-related consulting can be attributed to several... →

SWIMMING WITH THE CURRENT Owing to Knight Piésold’s dam engineering experience, the company can work with mines in remote areas, particularly in the DRC, to provide hydropower

Exploration is priority, says Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe

By: Martin Creamer 3rd November 2020 South Africa should be an exploration site that contributes to gross domestic product growth and employment creation. “Exploration is the way to go and a priority,” Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe told the 2020 Junior Indaba in his keynote address on Tuesday. (Also watch... →

Gwede Mantashe (right) and Bernard Swanepoel.

The Junior Indaba covered by Mining Weekly’s Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer

Flow-through must not only incentivise exploration but also market participation – Miller

By: Martin Creamer 2nd November 2020 A flow-through share scheme tax incentive, currently under consideration for South Africa, must serve to incentivise not only exploration but also public listed market development and market participation by a diversity of investors. Mining supply sales consultancy AmaranthCX director Paul Miller... →

Photo by Creamer Media
Mining supply sales consultancy AmaranthCX director Paul Miller

Hopes rise as top firms arrive at potential flow-through share model to stimulate mining exploration

By: Martin Creamer 27th October 2020 A flow-through share model has been drawn up with the help of top firms to stimulate badly neglected mining exploration in South Africa, Minerals Council South Africa junior and emerging miners leadership forum chairperson Errol Smart said on Tuesday. Speaking to Mining Weekly in a Zoom... →

Minerals Council South Africa Junior Miners’ Forum Chairperson Errol Smart interviewed by Mining Weekly’s Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer.

Decision soon on platinum process that can save power

By: Martin Creamer 26th October 2020 The definitive feasibility study for the installation of a revolutionary new electricity-slashing processing plant at Pilanesberg Platinum Mine in the North West will be completed next month, in time for an investment decision from the shareholders in KellTechnology South Africa, which are... →

Kelltech’s Keith Liddell interviewed by Mining Weekly’s Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer.

New service offering can help plug skills gap

16th October 2020 Australian engineering consultancy firm MEC Mining last month launched a new geotechnical engineering division, as part of the company’s in-house services, to cater for industry demand in the mining sector. The division will be led by MEC Mining technical services and Western Australia manager... →

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY With several Perth-based gold explorers, the company’s presence in Perth and expertise in gold will allow the company to better access and support these companies

SA company aims for preferred supplier status in Australia

By: Cameron Mackay 16th October 2020 Australia is abundant in minerals, with more mines being established every year; this results in more mined ore having to be processed, says local foundry company Thos Begbie sales engineer Esli Bantjes. He states that the company’s goal is to be the preferred supplier of components for... →

SCM21 PROJECT SUPPLIER Thos Begbie will manufacture and supply new and improved components to BHP’s Olympic Dam underground copper mine’s flash and electric furnace

Key market for fatigue monitoring technology

By: Cameron Mackay 16th October 2020 The Australian mining industry has been a key contributor to the growth of fatigue-monitoring technology provider SmartCap Technologies. SmartCap CEO Tim Ekert says that Covid-19’s impact on other key markets has further reinforced Australia’s importance to the company’s growth. “SmartCap has... →

FIGHTING FATIGUE A key benefit of the Life product is the elimination of incidents caused by fatigue, enhancing safety and overall productivity

GPS-denied drone trialled in South Africa, with keen eye on underground mine mapping

By: Donna Slater 9th October 2020 Melrose Arch-based mining technology company Dwyka Mining has conducted what it believes is the first Autonomy Level 2 (AL2) flight in South Africa, using a new drone-mounted light detection and ranging (Lidar) technology payload − Hovermap. The Hovermap payload is developed by Brisbane,... →

Dwyka Mining Services trials a DJI drone fitted with the Hovermap lidar payload in a GPS-denied environment

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Dwyka Mining Services trials a DJI drone fitted with the Hovermap lidar payload in a GPS-denied environment

Nigeria incentivises new mining investment

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 Nigerian Mines and Steel Development Minister Olamilekan Adagbite highlighted the incentives being offered to investors in Nigeria’s mining sector during a webinar on Driving Investment in the Nigerian Mining Industry in a Pandemic Situation, held in August. Government intends to reignite... →

GOING FOR GOLD Nigeria's government looks to reignite flames under the mining investment banner to draw attention to its vast mineral and metal resources

Grande Côte operation achieves ‘excellent’ results

9th October 2020 Multinational mining and metallurgy company Eramet 2020 half-year results, released on July 29, noted that its Grande Côte Operation (GCO) built on the “excellent operating performance” of 2019, producing 371 000 t of mineral sands over the period. Notably, GCO is the largest single dredge... →

NOT SCRAPING THE BOTTOM The dredging operation at Eramet's Grande Côte operation reported an excellent operating performance for the first half of 2020

Study paves way for engaging artisanal miners

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 Environmental consulting firm Digby Wells Environmental Mali country manager Mamadou Dembele says a dearth of opportunities drives the artisanal mining sector in Mali, and in West Africa. He tells Mining Weekly that a study conducted in June 2019 in the region by Digby Wells Environmental, which... →

LEGITIMATE OPPORTUNITY While considered illegitimate trade, artisanal mining space is well organised and financially fruitful

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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