Editor’s take: Shaping the world
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 has been awarded to Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado for promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. Venezuela has evolved from a democratic country to an authoritarian state that is now suffering a humanitarian and economic crisis. According to the Nobel Prize organisation, Machado has been steadfast in her support for a peaceful transition to democracy. “Maria Corina Machado has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace. She embodies the hope of a different future, one where the fundamental rights of citizens are protected, and their voices are heard. In this future, people will finally be free to live in peace.”
Moolmans celebrates 75 years with a strong vision for the future
It is said that the most enduring brands are built from the heart. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, making them real and sustainable.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in the mining industry this year, Moolmans is testament to this statement as a business that is grounded in a culture of customer centricity and built on strong relationships and robust partnerships.
It is this long-standing approach to business that has afforded Moolmans its unparalleled reputation as one of Africa’s largest open-cut mining contractors, known for dependable service and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality results.
Iron Ore’s wintery outlook
Right now, Africa is not a key player in the US$145bn global iron ore trade. It currently mines 90 mtpa of ore, exporting 60 mtpa of this to Asia and Europe – just 4% of the 1.55 btpa seaborne flow. Its residual mined supply is converted locally to 20-25 mtpa of crude steel. The continent’s current primary iron ore source is South Africa, from the mines of Kumba and Assmang. At year’s end though, Africa’s iron ore exports will include the first shipments from Simandou, Guinea (RIO-Chinalco-WCS, Blocks 1-4). It’s then forecast to ramp up to 120 mtpa by 2028, or 8% of seaborne supply, taking Africa’s total trade contribution to over 12%.
Karowe Diamond Mine on track to unlock underground potential
Canadian diamond mining company, Lucara Diamond Corp. and mining projects specialist, United Mining Services (UMS) recently celebrated two key milestones ‒production shaft last blast and 2 000 lost time injury free days ‒ in the development of the Karowe underground project (UGP), located in Botswana. “Reaching the end of a sink is a massive celebration signalling that the riskiest phase of the shaft sinking process is now complete. This phase has been delivered ahead of contractual schedule and, most impressively, without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI),” UMS CEO Digby Glover told industry stakeholders attending the celebration.
Weir Solutions delivered by local expertise close to customers
Serving a growing customer base in West Africa, Weir has strategically deployed its human resources across Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and Ghana to provide a strong regional presence, according to Andrew Ayirebi, Weir's Regional Manager West Africa. “The mining landscape in West Africa has undergone significant changes in recent years, with increasing expectations for efficiency, sustainability and technological integration,” Ayirebi says. “Weir has responded proactively to these evolving needs, positioning itself as a strategic partner for mining operations – who increasingly seek to optimise its performance while minimising its environmental impact.”
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