Editor’s take: SA seeks new avenues of trade
US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs are wreaking havoc across the globe. South Africa has been hit with a 30% tariff - this affects the agriculture (citrus, wine, nuts), automotive manufacturing, metals, and agro processing segments. America is South Africa’s third biggest trading partner after China and the EU, accounting for 7.5% of South Africa’s global exports. According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), significant progress has been made in opening vast new markets like China and Thailand (securing vital protocols for products like citrus and others); with inroads into high-growth markets across Asia and the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and several Trade and Investment Packages inked with a number of countries, including Japan.
Emerging trends in shaft sinking
Like many other aspects of the mining value chain, shaft sinking is undergoing a fundamental, multidimensional shift driven by several factors. Chief among them is the dynamic transition from surface to underground mining of many commodities, which has translated into increased demand for UMS Group’s specialised services. Other key trends include the fundamental shift towards accelerated projects, convergence of technology, sustainability demands and a greater focus on health and safety.
Akobo seeks new gold ounces
Having achieved first gold from its Ethiopian Segele mine in October, last year, Scandinavian-based gold producer, Akobo Minerals, is now firmly focused on unlocking further gold ounces from higher-priority targets closer to its flagship asset, CEO Akobo Minerals, Jørgen Evjen, tells Modern Mining. The company is building a development pipeline anchored by the Segele mine. Already, several near-mine targets have been identified, with Akobo noting the potential for additional underground or open-pit operations. Akobo’s cash cow, Segele mine, will fund its exploration programmes and new gold resources.
Bengwenyama – in the starting blocks
The developing structural deficit in the PGM market and subsequent improved prices sees platinum group metals developer, ASX/JSE-listed Southern Palladium, bullish about the future, citing stronger demand for PGMs going forward. Southern Palladium expects to break ground on its flagship Bengwenyama Project, located on the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, in 2027, at a time when platinum group metals prices are expected to be at their most favourable, Managing Director, Johan Odendaal tells Modern Mining.
Andrada in the critical minerals sweet spot
The race to secure critical minerals is hotting up, with the US actively courting new partners and making significant investment moves. This competition is reshaping geopolitical dynamics and sparking new investment and exploration activities worldwide. Africa, a rich source of critical minerals, holds several trump cards as a producer of key commodities in the critical minerals’ portfolio. This healthy demand is good news for critical minerals miner, Andrada Mining, which is making bold moves. Andrada currently produces tin and tantalum from its operations in Namibia and has produced lithium bulk samples from its pilot plant for potential off-takers.