The Editor’s take: It is encouraging to see that the mining sector in South Africa has had a stellar performance in the face of a challenging operating and economic environment. As you will see in this edition of Modern Mining, PwC – in its 13th edition SA Mine analysis – notes that the country’s mining sector delivered a robust financial performance for the 2020 – 2021 financial year, despite the current challenging pandemic environment.
With record rand prices for gold, the platinum group metals basket, iron ore and more recently, coal, it was no surprise that the industry’s financial performance exceeded expectations on most fronts. Total market capitalisation increased in 2021 to R1,470-billion from R1,047-billion the previous year. For the companies in PwC’s analysis, revenue in rand terms grew by 63%. This was mainly driven by higher prices for PGMs and iron ore. In fact, the PGM basket generated the largest portion of revenue.
The 2020 – 2021 period has truly been rewarding for mining industry stakeholders. In the editor’s view, this financially sound period might be an opportune time for the industry to deal with some of the pressing issues, such as ESG concerns, digital transformation and labour issues, among others.
On the Cover
For the past 20 years, Axis House has been a staple entity in the development of cutting-edge reagent solutions in the global mining sector. Central to the company’s success over the years has been a strong focus on research and development, a customer-centric approach and continued innovation. Looking ahead, the company has a specific focus on expanding its footprint into new markets and mineralogies with a range of new technical products. MD Justine Stubbs and sales manager: Africa Gareth Heynes speak to Modern Mining.
Realising the multi-mine, multi-jurisdiction gold producer strategy
The recent securing of a group level financing package and the imminent commencement of building at the high-grade Kouroussa Gold Mine in Guinea mark the next phase of Hummingbird’s strategy to become a multi-mine, multi-jurisdiction gold producer.
The quest for zero harm in SA’s mining industry
The Minerals Council South Africa, in conjunction with mining companies, aims to achieve world-class safety performance by working in close collaboration with tripartite partners in government and organised labour. This feature discusses some of the initiatives, challenges and achievements on the road to zero harm in mining.
Managing health and safety in remote mining locations
The biggest challenge facing mines operating in remote locations – in terms of health and safety – is their remoteness. Mastering health and safety in remote locations, reasons Kevin Thompson, vice president: Business Development at Remote Medical International, requires a tailored approach based on the specific circumstances of each mine.
HYDAC seeks SADC expansion of IIoT-powered oil lubrication systems
HYDAC South Africa is scaling up its oil-based lubrication systems in the southern African mining industry. Setting the company apart in this field is the integration of sensors and IIoT in its offering to enable remote diagnostics, thus being more proactive in servicing customers, especially those operating in remote parts of Africa.
Solid financial performance for South Africa’s mining sector
South Africa’s mining sector delivered a solid financial performance for the 2020 – 2021 financial years with value delivered to all stakeholders despite the current challenging pandemic environment. For the companies in PwC’s 13th edition SA Mine analysis, revenue in rand terms grew by 63%. This was mainly driven by higher prices for PGMs and iron ore.
UMS delivers on Target ahead of schedule
With design and contracting capabilities under the same roof, United Mining Services (UMS) is positioned to respond quickly to mining customers’ needs, and has the flexibility to address challenges of any size, big or small. UMS recently delivered a fast, innovative solution for Harmony’s Target 1 gold mine to optimise the shaft’s cooling capability.
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