Editor’s take: Mining to the rescue
As the world and South Africa brace for soaring oil prices following the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the future is looking increasingly bleak. By the second week of March, oil prices surged over 20% to pass $100 a barrel. Referencing the conflict, Dr Azar Jammine, Chief Economist at Econometrix, a keynote speaker at the recently held Afrisam Budget Breakdown Breakfast, advised that imminent shortages of supply are going to change the global environment in a significant way, with the price of goods and services set to soar, and “as a consequence, interest rates around the world may not come down to the extent that we anticipated”.
How Rare Earths are powering the green transition
Rare earth elements are essential components of various modern technologies, powering electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced defence systems. From industrial robotics and engineering to consumer electronics and medical applications, rare earths are found in nearly every major industrial sector.
As the renewable energy transition accelerates, the strategic importance of these elements is also becoming more significant. Neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium are critical for green technologies, particularly in producing high-strength permanent magnets for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.
Gold: locked and loaded
Gold continues its meteoric rise, reaching several all-time highs in January alone to reach over $5 000 oz. But what is driving this surge in demand? Are traditional buyers simply increasing their allocations to the precious metal, or has a new player entered the market and begun to reshape the landscape? For answers to this and other important questions, Modern Mining caught up with the World Gold Council’s John Reade for insight into the world of gold.
And yes, beyond the traditional investors that include central banks, private investors, the jewellery industry and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), is Tether, and not the gold back BRICS currency, the Unit, which has muscled in on the market, says Reade.
Sanankoro Gold in the starting blocks
Since lifting the moratorium on its mining code, enacted to boost state revenue, miners in Mali have been receiving revised mining permits, with West African gold developer, Cora Gold - a new kid on the mining block in Mali - eagerly awaiting receipt of a mining permit for its flagship Sanankoro Gold Project in south Mali. The company is working closely with the Ministry of Mines as it eagerly awaits its mining permit with hopes of beginning the exciting process of constructing its Sanankoro Gold mine shortly thereafter, CEO Bert Monro tells Modern Mining on the side-lines of the Mining Indaba conference.
Firering diversifies product offerings and eyes new markets
Following its recent hot commissioning, AIM-quoted Firering Strategic Minerals is focused on optimising its second kiln, after which it will begin modifications to Kilns 3 and 4. The company is advancing several parallel initiatives. These include diversifying its lime product range, expanding into new markets in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and advancing ancillary revenue streams such as the development of a cement plant for limestone powder production, says, Independent Non-Executive Director, Vassilios Carellas.
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