Research Channel | Advanced Search - Research Channel Africa

Back All

Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane (left) and VP Paul Dunne.

South Africa will be well represented at Shanghai Platinum Week, Minerals Council assures

Published: 28 Jun 24

South Africa will be well represented at the upcoming Shanghai Platinum Week 2024, which takes place from July 8 to 11, Minerals Council South Africa VP Paul Dunne has highlighted. This major event will occur amid the growth in demand for platinum group metals (PGM) applications in China being extremely high, which makes detailed access to the Chinese market hugely advantageous for South Africa.

Dealmakers optimistic on global M&A prospects despite sluggish growth

Published: 28 Jun 24

Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity grew at a sluggish pace in the second quarter, yet many dealmakers are upbeat, forecasting transactions will pick up in the second half of 2024. Stubbornly high interest rates, a hostile regulatory environment and a frothy stock market that has made valuations pricey weighed on dealmaking in the last three months.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, mining's socioeconomics, Western mining make headlines

Published: 28 Jun 24

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses the initiative that will boost platinum-based hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles; the role of mining in South Africa’s socioeconomic wellbeing; and the the business model of the Western mining industry needing new power.

EFFICIENCY BOOST The Xcentric ripper is a hydraulic attachment on an excavator that employs percussion to break or rip through hard material at a rate that is 80% more effective than a standard vibration-activated attachment or hydraulic hammer

Percussion excavation as blasting alternative

Published: 28 Jun 24

Opencast mining, bulk materials handling, and drilling and blasting service provider Zizwe Opencast Mining’s fleet of hydraulic ripper excavator attachments from systems developer Xcentric enables clients to mine in socially sensitive areas, such as near communities, where drilling and blasting are not feasible. The Xcentric ripper is a hydraulic attachment on an excavator that employs percussion to break or rip through hard material at a rate that is 80% more effective than a standard vibration-activated attachment or hydraulic hammer.

MAJOR SERVICE The 50 000-hour component replacement project is intended to bring heavy-wear components back into a serviceable state that is in line with original equipment manufacturer specification

Electric shovels receive 50 000-hour service

Published: 28 Jun 24

A 50 000-hour component replacement project on one of the large 7495-series Caterpillar electric rope shovels owned and operated by diamond producer Debswana for its Jwaneng mine is going to plan, being undertaken by Barloworld Equipment (BWE) Botswana, with recommissioning of the equipment expected in September. BWE Botswana is the Caterpillar-appointed sole agent in Botswana, providing parts, technical and maintenance support services to Debswana.

GLOBAL PUMP SUPPLY
The company supplies a variety of pumps to diamond processing and beneficiation plants globally

Pumps maker targets diamond processing

Published: 28 Jun 24

As the diamond mining industry faces challenges such as resource depletion, increasing operational costs and competition from synthetically made diamonds, heavy-duty centrifugal slurry pump manufacturer Schurco Slurry is expanding its product range to include comprehensive dewatering pump solutions, designed to meet a wide spectrum of applications in the mining sector. “The future of diamond mining will depend on how well the industry can adapt to new challenges and opportunities,” says Schurco pump applications and project manager Marc Young, noting that Schurco Slurry, in particular, is supporting this adaptation through continuous innovation and by providing high-quality products for customers.

NEW ERA
The scheduled start of underground production in the first half of 2028 is anticipated to bring a new era of high-value diamond recovery for Lucara

Underground expansion progressing towards 2028 start

Published: 28 Jun 24

With careful planning, innovative solutions and a dedicated team, diamond miner Lucara Diamond Corporation’s Karowe Underground Expansion Project (UGP) at the wholly owned Karowe diamond mine, in Botswana, is well-positioned to achieve its goals, says CEO and president William Lamb. The scheduled start of underground production in the first half of 2028 is anticipated to bring “a new era of high-value diamond recovery, further solidifying Lucara’s position in the global market”, he adds, noting that as the project progresses, the continued collaboration with the government of Botswana and the local communities will be pivotal.

SHINING INVITATION
De Beers Group is calling on young aspiring jewellery designers from their producer countries to enter the 2024 Shining Light Awards

Awards focus on development of designers

Published: 28 Jun 24

By focusing on sustainability, innovation and comprehensive industry exposure, diamond miner De Beers’ Shining Light Awards is evolving to meet the changing needs of the jewellery industry to recognise and support talented youth and as a means of boosting their careers. The competition, established in 1996, has become a key platform for discovering and nurturing young jewellery design and innovation talent, says De Beers beneficiation manager Kagiso Fredericks.