Editor’s take: Statistics South Africa recently pegged South Africa’s population at over 60-million people, citing a positive population growth year-on-year. Now, given that a vast number of the population have access to electricity (84.39% in 2020), this is a whole lot of people that have all experienced severe loadshedding. But if we think that we are the only ones on the dark side – think again. Like South Africa, energy bills in Europe are soaring – with countries, including UK, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway all expecting to face a cold, dark and very expensive winter. On a positive note, South African’s were delighted when the president announced an energy plan that will improve the performance of Eskom’s existing fleet of power stations; accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity and enable businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar.
On the cover
SANY Rental ticks the right boxes for mining contractors
While buying machinery makes sense for larger companies that have the necessary financial muscle, many small to medium-sized mining contractors are turning to rental. Amid this growing rental culture, SANY Rental, a division of SANY Southern Africa, continues to expand its rental fleet to provide the most diverse selection of yellow metal equipment solutions and accommodate a wide range of project and operational needs.
Tin rocket back on Earth, but for how long?
The tin market took off like a rocket in 2020. After an initial dip at the start of the pandemic, prices quickly rebounded. The white metal ended 2021 up 88% as pandemic-related trends saw demand for consumer electronics jump massively. At nearly $40 000/tonne many thought this was the apogee of the tin spaceflight. With the world seemingly returning to normal, demand growth was forecast to slow slightly in 2022 before returning to baseline rates in 2023.
AfriTin eyes the big league
Tech-metals mining company AfriTin Mining’s majority owned Uis tin mine in Namibia, which is backed by Standard Bank Namibia as financing partner, recently signed a proposed loan term sheet from the Development Bank of Namibia for an estimated £5,5-million to fund the Uis Phase 1 Stage II Continuous Improvement Project. The Uis tin project has inherent within it all the elements to become a world class asset, says AfriTin’s CEO Anthony Viljoen.
De Beers – a pace-setter for gender equity
The cultural step-change shaping the mining sector as it aligns to Mining Charter requirements of gender parity speaks to a culture of inclusivity as women begin to play a larger role in the traditionally male dominated mining sector, writes Nelendhre Moodley.
Electra Mining Africa - bringing industry together for 50 years.
With over 25 000 m² of floor space already sold and more than 550 confirmed exhibitors, this year’s Electra Mining Africa exhibition, which celebrates 50 years, is gearing up to welcome a host of local and international visitors.
Trade show organiser and portfolio director Charlene Hefer from Specialised Exhibitions says there is much anticipation and excitement around the restart of exhibitions and a general eagerness to return to in-person, face-to-face business events.
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