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Challenges in critical minerals supply threaten global energy transitions

Published: 22 Nov 24

An unprecedented surge in demand for critical minerals on the back of global transitions to clean energy is posing significant challenges in meeting these goals, as the critical minerals sector experiences various challenges, says data and analytics company GlobalData. “The global transition to clean energy is gaining momentum, heavily relying on renewable technologies such as solar PV cells and wind turbines, alongside energy transition solutions like hydrogen, energy storage and carbon capture,” GlobalData explains, adding that this growing demand is putting pressure on minerals supply.

Gold holds four-day gain on haven demand and dovish Fed comments

Published: 22 Nov 24

Gold held a four-day rally as haven demand added support amid an escalation in Russia’s war with Ukraine, while traders assessed prospects for further easing by the Federal Reserve. Bullion traded near $2 670 an ounce — on track for its best week since April — after Ukraine said Russia launched a “new” kind of ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro in an alarming signal to Kyiv’s Western backers. Heightened geopolitical tensions tend to drive investors to safety assets, such as gold.

Solaris is developing the Warwintza copper project in Ecuador

Solaris appoints new CEO as it prepares to exit Canada

Published: 22 Nov 24

TSX- and NYSE-listed Solaris Resources has announced it will complete its exit from Canada by the end of 2024, with its headquarters relocating to Zug, Switzerland, effective January 1, 2025. The decision to redomicile comes after a Canadian government security review triggered by China’s Zijin Mining’s C$130-million investment plans in Solaris’ flagship Warintza copper project in Ecuador earlier this year.

SA back on investment radar amid concerns for ferrochrome, manganese sectors and rare earths recovery in Limpopo

Published: 22 Nov 24

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses South Africa being back on the investment radar; concerns that the South African ferrochrome and manganese alloy industry is at risk of vanishing, and the rare earths recovery project, underway in Limpopo.

Troilus secures $1.3bn in potential funding for Quebec project

Published: 22 Nov 24

Canadian project developer Troilus Gold continues to make strides in its financing efforts for the development of its flagship copper and gold project in Quebec, with the announcement of a letter of intent (LoI) from Export Development Canada (EDC) for up to $300-million. The new LoI from EDC builds upon the earlier LoIs announced with key European export credit agencies. Together, these LoIs represent up to $1.3-billion in potential financing, positioning Troilus well as it prepares for the next phase of its journey toward becoming a North American copper and gold producer.

Russia's diamond miner Alrosa to cut production and staff in 2025

Published: 22 Nov 24

Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds by volume, may suspend some production in 2025 and cut staff as it grapples with low global prices, the sanctions-hit company's CEO, Pavel Marinychev, said on Thursday. Marinychev said the global diamond industry was in a "deep crisis," with prices falling for a second consecutive year. For Alrosa, this crisis is exacerbated by a ban on Russian diamond sales to G7 and EU countries as part of Western sanctions.

An image of typical redundant mine infrastructure

Sound demolition benefits construction processes at mines

Published: 22 Nov 24

Specialised demolition contractor Jet Demolition is enabling mining operations, through its engineering services, to efficiently demolish old and outdated infrastructure for the purpose of upgrading or expanding current infrastructure, as well as establishing new infrastructure. The company also assists mines with planning services for mine closure and site rehabilitation.

FRANCISKA LAKE
Since the launch of the GISTM, significant work and innovation have been dedicated to helping mines effectively comply

GISTM brings more integrated approach to TSFs

Published: 22 Nov 24

The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) has brought a more integrated perspective to the approach, construction, operation and closure of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) since its launch four years ago, according to international mining consultancy SRK Consulting partner and principal environmental scientist Franciska Lake. This means that an even wider range of disciplines now need to engage collaboratively in projects that relate to TSFs, from environmental, social and governance (ESG) specialists, to practitioners in mine closure, climate change, hydrology, geochemistry, water stewardship and disaster management.

An image of modular units set up at a mining operation

Modular units improve mine construction processes

Published: 22 Nov 24

Modular construction units are highly beneficial for the various construction processes at a mining operation, and can prove to be cost-efficient, easily moveable and easy to set up – making it an ideal solution with various purposes during construction processes. Mining operations require efficient and optimised solutions for construction processes, making it necessary to consider more modern solutions that make such processes seamless and adjustable.

MASSIVE SOLAR
DRDGOLD's 60 MW solar PV power plant seen in the background of its Ergo tailings reprocessing plant

Solar plant, battery storage enhance sustainability in tailings

Published: 22 Nov 24

In an effort to reduce its reliance on grid power and improve sustainability metrics, gold mining company DRDGOLD has completed a 60 MW solar PV power plant at its Ergo tailings reprocessing plant, on Gauteng’s East Rand, with 20 MW now operational, as well as commissioning a 160 MWh battery energy storage system. The facility generated more than 13.1-million kilowatt hours of energy during the 2024 financial year, amounting to 10% of Ergo’s consumption, the miner reported in August.