Editor’s take: Following the new Government of National Unity there has been much haggling between the ANC and the DA for new leadership positions, which the country hopes will invigorate some sectors. Unfortunately for the mining industry, which is in much need of stimulation and investor friendly policies, Gwede Mantashe remains with the minerals resources portfolio, which means that the excessive red-tape and snail’s pace of change is here to stay. And so, it is an uphill battle for miners, especially emerging and junior miners looking for some much-needed funding. For some good news, the much-anticipated Electra Mining Africa 2024 event is on our doorstep with businesses readying for one of the industry’s top events. According to event organizer, Specialised Exhibitions, it has pulled out all the stops for the biggest event in mining and manufacturing. Electra Mining Africa 2024 is set to deliver an unrivalled experience, we are told.
On the cover
Beowolf Mining targets growth in Africa
Beowolf Mining, a leading supplier of drilling consumables to the quarrying and mining sectors, has set its sights firmly on expanding its footprint into Africa. Director of sales Riaan Theron highlights the company’s African expansion strategy as well as key trends influencing the drilling market. Having traditionally served the South African mining market, Beowolf Mining has adopted an expansion strategy to grow its business in Africa. While the South African mining sector is grappling with its own challenges, Theron believes that the local market will remain an important mining destination for years to come.
Ruling with an iron fist: the world’s most mined metal finds new outlets for growth
Iron ore and its final product, steel, are perhaps the most socially and economically significant commodities of the last three millennia. Now, iron ore is finding new pathways to a green future. According to the United States Geological Survey, 98 per cent iron ore is used in steelmaking, which then feeds the construction, engineering, automotive, and machinery industries. Iron ore dominates the metals mining landscape, comprising 93 per cent of total mined material. In 2022, 2.6 billion tonnes of iron ore were mined, containing approximately 1.6 billion tonnes of iron.
Orion Minerals on track for Prieska production by end 2025
A Government of national unity bodes well for the country, Errol Smart CEO of dual-listed Orion Minerals’ told attendees during a recent webinar. The company is fast-tracking the development of its flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) and advancing its Okiep Copper project, both located in the Northern Cape. Orion Minerals is on the cusp of taking its flagship PCZM up the value curve and into construction in the next six to eight months as it targets production in late 2025.
SRG - Where luxury and innovation meet
Rising global geopolitical tensions and persistent financial market concerns see strong demand for gold as a safe haven commodity. This is good news for Silk Route Gold (SRG), one of the country’s top precious metal’s refiners, which is pushing the boundary to create innovative and cutting-edge customised offerings, SRG Director Tania McKay and Manager, Tanur McKay, tell Modern Mining.
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