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An image showing an infographic from the Global Carbon Project regarding nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide emissions grew by 40% from 1980 to 2020, study finds

Published: 14 Jun 24

Emissions of nitrous oxide – a greenhouse gas (GHG) said to be more potent than CO2 or methane – continued unabated between 1980 and 2020, a year when more than ten-million metric tons were released into the atmosphere primarily through farming practices, according to a new report by the Global Carbon Project. Agricultural production accounted for 74% of human-driven nitrous oxide emissions in the 2010s – attributed primarily to the use of commercial fertilisers and animal waste on croplands – according to the report ‘Global Nitrous Oxide Budget 2024’, led by researchers from Boston College and published on June 12 in the journal Earth System Science Data.

UN Antonio Guterres says climate finance is not a favour.

Climate dealmakers brace for China showdown over money at COP29

Published: 14 Jun 24

With just five months to go before the COP29 climate summit, the biggest fights are set to be over how to channel trillions of dollars from developed nations to emerging markets — and how China fits into the equation. Negotiators representing more than 190 countries convened in Bonn, Germany, this week for a meeting that typically sets the tone for the annual talks. While the atmosphere was more positive than last year — where the controversial appointment of an oil executive to lead COP28 overshadowed discussions — the gathering also made clear the scale of the challenge facing Azerbaijan, a relatively small player on the international stage that stepped in to host COP29 at the last minute.

Plans for piloting independent transmission projects model

Published: 14 Jun 24

Amid all the political upheaval, work is continuing with plans to pilot a model for introducing independent transmission projects. Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the prospects.

DP world plans $3bn investment in African ports by 2029

Published: 14 Jun 24

DP World plans to spend $3-billion over the next three to five years on new port infrastructure in Africa to meet long-term growth that includes surging demand for critical mineral exports. “The cost of logistics and supply chain across Africa is very high relative to other global markets,” which presents a good opportunity, Mohammed Akoojee, DP World’s CEO and MD for sub-Saharan Africa, said in an interview on Bloomberg Television. The port operator is expanding in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and has recently assessed harbors in South Africa and Kenya for potential investment.

Webber Wentzel senior associate Francois Sieberhagen

Opinion: Beware, but do not fear!

Published: 14 Jun 24

In this article, Webber Wentzel senior associate Francois Sieberhagen writes about the implications of the Supreme Court of Appeal's (SCA's) judgment in the case of Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy & Three Others vs Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC and Eight Others.

Milkor highlights its partnership with German group regarding sea surveillance UAV

Published: 14 Jun 24

South African defence company Milkor on Thursday reaffirmed its partnership with German group Aerodata, to develop a maritime surveillance version of the Milkor 380 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). This partnership was first announced at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2024, last week. The Milkor 380 is a medium altitude long endurance UAV. The company is currently assembling six of the aircraft, which will all be completed by the end of this year. Deliveries of “several” of the UAVs will, the company reports, take place over the next 12 months, to undisclosed customers. The new maritime version has the designation AeroForce 380, and is basically a combination of the Milkor 380 UAV with Aerodata systems and sensors.

Camera surveillance benefits sector

Published: 14 Jun 24

Despite the pivotal role played by South Africa’s public transport systems, recent minibus taxi strikes show the public transport system’s vulnerabilities, in the form of the effects such action has on commuters and the economy, says Axis Communications. The Western Cape experienced damages to the province amounting to an estimated R5-billion, according to Axis Communications Africa sales manager Marcel Bruyns.

GovChat founders’ new venture, Suppple, lists in Luxembourg in £200m IPO

Published: 14 Jun 24

IT and AI company Suppple Plc in May witnessed its £200-million initial public offering (IPO) on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) in Europe. Suppple will be required to comply with LuxSE rules and regulations in the coming months for the listing to be definitive.

Tech enhances tunnel safety

Published: 14 Jun 24

Manufacturing company and surface specialist SURTECO states that it ensures greater safety in Norway's tunnels, owing to the preeminece of safety in tunnels, which is a priority in Scandinavian countries. It is, therefore, understandable that one of the world's first linear multifunctional LED escape systems for tunnels was implemented in a project in Norway.

An image of traineesas part of the YES programme

Youth service addresses skills deficit, enabling future success

Published: 14 Jun 24

Addressing youth unemployment and the associated skills deficit are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for the South African mining sector. The private-sector-led Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative plays a key role in this effort, aligning industry needs with the development of high-potential youth, says YES strategic research and marketing services head Simona Mazza. The mining industry continues to directly employ about 481 000 people, according to Statistics South Africa, and provides at least that many jobs in supporting industries, she elaborates. Further, the industry generates substantial government revenue through taxes and royalties.