Editor’s take: Standing the test of time
March 2025 holds a special place in Modern Mining’s history – twenty years’ ago, the publication produced its very first edition. Marking a milestone of two decades of progress and stability, Modern Mining has withstood the test of time, having evolved from a purely print publication, to now having an extensive online and social media offering. Like the industry, the publication has had its ups and downs, facing off on the 2008-financial crisis and then again, the Covid pandemic in 2019. Leading underground mining contractor, Murray & Roberts Cementation, which was profiled in our very first edition, has been supporting the publication for the past two decades and once again appears in our Modern Mining Celebration feature.
Coal continues to endure where it is most welcome
The UK became the first major economy in the EU to shut down its last coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire last year. At first glance, such developments might give coal critics a reason to celebrate and cement their argument that coal’s fate has been sealed. However, the world is bigger than the West, and coal has secured dominance on the opposite side of the global map. Instead of dying, King Coal has just relocated to Asia, where it is most appreciated. Anyone looking for answers to how coal will likely perform in the foreseeable future should turn their attention eastwards. Countries like China, India and Indonesia account for a large portion of global coal consumption.
Newcore Gold advances Enchi Gold project towards production decision
There is no better time to be in the gold mining business than now when the precious metal has soared above the $2600/oz mark and is speeding towards $3000/oz. As an explorer gearing to make the jump to producer, new kid on the mining block, Newcore Gold, is in the right space at the right time. With an eye to advancing its flagship asset – the Enchi Gold Project in Ghana – to a construction decision, Canadian gold exploration and development company, Newcore Gold’s immediate focus is on taking its asset up the value curve, in readiness for the start of a prefeasibility study (PFS) in 2025, says CEO Luke Alexander.
The innovators generating revenue from waste materials
Whilst traditional mining methods, namely open-pit and underground mining, will long be needed to meet the ever-growing demand for minerals, a few key innovators, across a range of commodities, are finding success with a more unconventional approach – extracting commodities and generating value from waste. This lower cost, more sustainable approach, perhaps deserves more recognition for its ingenuity and economic potential.
Illegal mining – is government making headway?
The recent Stilfontein illegal mining saga, which held the public’s interest for a good few months, culminated in the deaths of over 70 illegal miners and the rescue of close to two hundred and fifty. As it stands, South Africa has over 6 000 abandoned mines, many of which are targets for illegal mining. Given that the responsibility of abandoned mines lies with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the question arises: Is government doing enough to address the situation? Modern Mining recently spoke to Mariette Liefferink, CEO: Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) for some insight.
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