Modern Mining: Insights

Smarter blasting: the only way to reach what copper’s left after the renewables boom

By Johan von Landsberg, Technical Manager at Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA)

Copper is a critical component in solar power systems, electric vehicles, battery storage, and the infrastructure that supports the renewables ecosystem. It’s one of the driving forces behind the accelerating global move to clean energy, and without it, there is no energy transition. Likewise, without ongoing innovation in explosive practices that push boundaries in what mines can achieve, the industry will struggle to go further and deeper in extracting this precious resource as it becomes increasingly difficult to access.

Tackling the barriers of renewables and empowering the manufacturing sector

Solar energy is surging in South Africa. According to PwC, the country recently added over 4,400 megawatts of solar panels, excluding government procurement and utility-scale installations. Much of that capacity sits in the commercial and industrial sectors, according to the CSIR. But the energy is primarily self-consumed, meaning many manufacturing sites draw power directly and don't gain more energy independence through comprehensive energy storage or hybrid energy solutions.

The secret to mining contractor management success in Africa’s emerging markets

By Claudene Ahnoop, Chief Operating Officer at KBC Health and Safety and Roscoe Bremer, Business Development Executive

International companies expanding into Africa’s emerging markets often arrive with best-in-class contractor management systems, only to discover their systems do not work. This is because success in these markets depends on more than just technology. It requires a deep understanding of local infrastructure, cultural context, and operational realities.

ESG disclosure requirements for financial institutions in South Africa: A 2025 update

By Kent Davis and Paula-Ann Novotny, Partners at Webber Wentzel

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations have become increasingly important for organisations globally, including financial institutions in South Africa. ESG disclosure helps stakeholders understand how companies manage ESG risks and opportunities and how they perform against ESG criteria. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, financial institutions must stay informed about current and upcoming disclosure requirements.

Fixing the foundation: Rethinking gross fixed capital formation in a high-debt economy

By Bontle Setshedi, Junior Analyst at Tamela

The South African Reserve Bank’s March 2025 Quarterly Bulletin reported a decline in real gross fixed capital formation of 3.7% in 2024 after a 3.9% increase in 2023. This downturn raises concerns about the current state of fixed investments in South Africa and the impact on economic growth.

Skills gaps threaten sustainable growth and progress in Namibia’s mining sector

By Julien Karambua, Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia

Namibia is poised to become a key supplier in the global energy transition with discoveries of critical minerals like lithium, gold and uranium. While this presents a significant opportunity for economic advancement, ensuring that this growth is sustainable, requires a considered approach. There is currently a critical shortage of skilled workers, which risks undermining the country’s potential within the mining sector. If this skills gap is not addressed swiftly, the industry’s momentum could stall just as it is beginning to take off.