Editor’s take: Power moves
Asian technology leaders, Japan and China, are making monumental moves in the renewable energy space, with Japan exploring a new frontier in energy collection – space, while China remains more grounded, unlocking opportunities from the ocean. Japan has two groundbreaking innovations underway – its OHISAMA programme, designed to test the feasibility of harnessing solar power from space for use on earth and the development of a solar super-panel. The leader in solar technology innovation, particularly in the development of perovskite solar cells (PSC) and space-based solar power, aims to capture solar energy 24/7 and beam it to Earth, to deliver continuous sun energy. The plan is to launch a 180-kilogram satellite equipped with PV panels into orbit 400 kilometres above earth, where it will turn sunlight received into electricity.
Titanium: A critical investment opportunity in a strategic mineral
As global demand accelerates and supply chains tighten, titanium is emerging as one of the most strategically vital and investable minerals in the 21st-century industrial economy. Long valued for its strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion, titanium’s strategic importance is now underscored by its official designation as a “critical mineral” in jurisdictions including the United States, the European Union, and Australia. A supply squeeze on high-quality feedstocks, rising geopolitical tension, and growing demand from strategic sectors are turning titanium into a mineral of critical consequence—and potentially, critical return.
Partnerships will transform Africa’s mining sector
The time is opportune for Africa's mining sector to step up and realise its full potential. With its vast mineral reserves, the continent possesses the resources to power the next phase of development for the continent and the globe. Given robust debate around which minerals will be most important to fuel that development, there is renewed interest in Africa from across the world. The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI26) theme, “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships” highlights the transformative power of collaboration in addressing the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
METC Engineering delivers value to mining projects
The value EPCM contractors bring to mining projects cannot be overstated. EPCM offers a streamlined approach to project execution from initial design and engineering, through to procurement and construction. The company is adept at simplifying the process, expediting coordination and logistics issues, unlocking cost savings and ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on time. “At METC we always go the extra mile – including collaborating with financial institutions in securing capital to advance projects, establishing relationships with key personnel in remote regions – thereby facilitating a smooth passage for long-lead items and we are known for executing projects on time and within-budget,” says METC Engineering’s MD Nick Tatalias.
De Beers drives gender equity with purpose
The mining industry has long been dominated by men, but companies like De Beers are actively reshaping this narrative. In South Africa, women still account for less than 20% of the mining workforce, according to the Minerals Council. Globally, the industry reflects a similar pattern with women comprising just 15 to 20% of the workforce. However, with new gender equity targets now gazetted for the mining and quarrying sector - including 24.4% female representation at Top Management level by 2030 – transformation is gaining traction.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD AND READ THIS ISSUE IN PDF FORMAT.
