Editor’s take: Robust commodity prices have seen investors and miners alike making significant capital injections into Greenfield and Brownfield developments which, in turn, has seen a large portfolio of new developments underway. While there is certainly no shortage of gold projects being developed, particularly in West Africa, energy metals, propelled by the clean energy drive, are also in the development driving seat. This edition of Modern Mining highlights the strong line-up of early-stage projects, with a number of project developers eyeing production in the next few years.
On the cover
UMS prepares for the shift in shaft sinking
Although the slew of new mining projects being developed are largely open-pit operations, our cover story, UMS Shaft Sinkers, concedes that, when compared to a decade ago, there are far fewer underground mines being developed today. According to the shaft-sinking specialist, this is due largely to the prohibitive costs related to underground mine developments. On a positive note, though, the strong demand for battery minerals is prompting a surge of studies for new shaft developments, and signals an exciting time in the industry.
CCR’s Mbamba Kilenda targets copper production by 2025
Emerging copper producer Central Copper Resources is mulling a suitable listing domain as it upgrades its flagship Mbamba Kilenda project in the Democratic Republic of Congo and prepares to start building its first copper project by as early as 2023, targeting production in 2025, says COO Kevin van Wouw.
Predictive Discovery’s Bankan Gold in the starting block
With an eye to becoming a gold producer in the next three years, gold explorer Predictive Discovery, is ramping up its exploration and baseline environmental studies at its flagship Bankan Gold Project, located close to Kouroussa, in Guinea. The Australian-listed junior miner is focused on firming up its 4,2-million ounce Mineral Resource Estimate at the Bankan Gold Project, with a clear strategy of moving from explorer to gold producer in the near future.
Crocodile River Mine is ready for a restart
Armed with a reconfigured mine layout plan that is aligned to an adjusted mining method, platinum producer Eastern Platinum mine, owner of the Crocodile River Mine, is ready to restart its flagship operation which has been on care and maintenance since 2013, said GM Hannelie Hanson. Following the platinum price slide in 2011, the miner took the decision to put its operations on hold. Over the intervening years, the operation has been upgraded, and now boasts infrastructure enhancements that target improved efficiencies, increased production and greater safety.
Shining the spotlight on safety in underground mining
Underpinned by the mining industry’s drive for zero harm, companies and industry bodies are progressing the development of technologies and equipment that ensure the safety of the sector’s workforce. The Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) is at the forefront of identifying and steering the development of innovations related to the high-risk underground mining sector, says programme manager Martin Pretorius.
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