Photo by: Bloomberg
The opencast Sishen iron-ore mine, in the Northern Cape, which is operated by the Anglo American-controlled Kumba Iron Ore, is the biggest iron-ore operation in South Africa. The JSE-listed Kumba hopes to extend Sishen’s life-of-mine beyond its remaining 13 years through an exploration programme in the area between Sishen and Kumba’s newer Kolomela iron-ore mine. Kumba may also diversify into other minerals such as manganese and coal as Africa’s top miner of the raw material seeks opportunities for growth and diversity to shield its business from price swings.