Ilan Solomons

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Ilan Solomons

Ilan Solomons is a Creamer Media Contributing Editor for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Email: newsdesk@engineeringnews.co.za

New chairperson for Wits rock engineering department

6th October 2017 As a leading school in the field of rock engineering, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Mining Engineering has appointed Professor Rudrajit Mitra as centennial chairperson of the school’s rock engineering department. He joins Wits from the University of New South Wales (UNSW)... →

Generous De Beers bursaries for varsity students

6th October 2017 When Ndlaleni Prudence Mkwanazi applied for tertiary education financial assistance from diamond company De Beers’ Voorspoed diamond mine, in Free State, earlier this year, little did she anticipate the great news she would receive. After all, the financial assistance programmes that she... →

Photo by De Beers
NDLALENI PRUDENCE MKWANAZI A hard worker with big dreams to achieve in her life, Mkwanazi obtained ten distinctions during her first year of study in 2016

Good corporate governance integral to mitigating risk – Manuel

3rd October 2017 The current lack of good corporate governance is negatively impacting on many of South Africa’s State-owned enterprises, according to former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, who believes that working corporate governance could successfully mitigate risk. Delivering the keynote address at the... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel

Hwange Colliery Company records revenue declines, narrows operating loss

29th September 2017 Zimbabwe coal mining and exploration company Hwange Colliery Company (HCC) recorded a 23% year-on-year decline in revenue for the six months to end June, it reported on Friday. The company’s revenue stands at $18.8-million, which is substantial decline from the $24.5-million recorded during the... →

Despite lower valuation, research firm provides favourable update for Mustang

29th September 2017 Australian and US investment research firm Independent Investment Research (IIR) has updated its valuation for ASX-listed junior miner Mustang Resources, with this resulting in a slightly lower base case 12-month price target of $85-million, or $0.16 a share, a 225% premium to the current price.... →

Photo by Mustang Resources
POSITIVE RESULTS Bulk sampling and test pitting within the newly acquired 8245L licence at Montepuez is delivering high quality stones from this secondary deposit

Pilot Crushtec deploys Metso technologies enabling quarry to increase output, reduce costs

29th September 2017 Crushing and screening specialists Pilot Crushtec International, the Southern African distributor of Metso products, says it has the technologies and support services to assist in supplying raw materials for the construction industry. The company notes that there is a national drive to increase... →

Photo by Pilot Crushtec International
SUPPORTING DEMAND NEEDS There is an ‘upsurge in demand’ for raw materials, such as stone dust, which is an essential ingredient for the manufacture of bricks and concrete blocks

Zambia mines deny they are being subsidised by domestic electricity consumers

29th September 2017 The notion that Zambia’s mines are being subsidised by domestic consumers is “wholly untrue and completely at odds with the facts”, states Zambian Chamber of Mines president Nathan Chishimba, in response to a number of recent articles in the Zambian media suggesting that the government and... →

Photo by Duane Daws
KEY CUSTOMER The Zambian mining industry accounts for 80% of Zesco’s revenues with the balance coming from households, government, general industry and agriculture

Report reveals how politicians and security forces are siphoning off Zim’s diamond wealth

29th September 2017 Powerful military, political elites and security forces have taken control and secretly exploited Zimbabwe’s once promising diamond sector, while concealing the scale of the loss to its people, a new report from international watchdog organisation Global Witness reveals. The report entitled ‘An... →

FUNDING OPPRESSION? The report raises concern that diamond money is secretly financing institutions responsible for oppressing the Zimbabwean people

International bodies sign agreement to promote sustainable energy

29th September 2017 The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido) and the World Energy Council (WEC) have signed a joint declaration to support the global dissemination of sustainable energy solutions. Under the new partnership, Unido and the WEC have committed to develop the leadership skills and... →

Photo by Duane Daws
CHRISTOPH FREI Energy leaders of tomorrow will need to rely on different skill sets from the energy leaders of the past

MHSC’s centre of excellence set to open in November

22nd September 2017 The Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) is currently implementing a business plan for its centre of excellence, which is scheduled to open by the end of November. This is according to MHSC research COO Nkhensani Masekoa, who was addressing delegates at Southern African Institute of Mining and... →

Photo by Creamer Media image
NKHENSANI MASEKOA The centre of excellence will seek to undertake research, build capacity and facilitate research outcomes for the South African mining sector

Construction starts on Pan African’s R1.7bn Elikhulu tailings retreatment project

22nd September 2017 Government, trade unions and traditional leadership have heaped praise on South African precious metals miner Pan African Resources for the development of its R1.7-billion Elikhulu tailings retreatment plant (TRP) project, located at the company’s Evander gold mine, in Mpumalanga. Speaking at the... →

Photo by Creamer Media image
ELIKHULU CONSTRUCTION START Pan African CEO Cobus Loots, Mpumalanga Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Eric Kholwane and Department of Mineral Resources director-general Advocate Thabo Mokoena

Lesotho’s Letšeng mine recovers several 100-ct-plus diamonds, expects trend to continue

15th September 2017 The Letšeng diamond mine, in Lesotho, recovered several diamonds larger than 100 ct during the first half of 2017, with LSE-listed diamond miner Gem Diamonds upbeat that this trend will continue for the remainder of the year. These gems include the 114.38 ct Type II, the 126 ct D-colour Type IIa... →

Regulatory overhaul expected to improve water use licensing turnaround

15th September 2017 Analysts are hopeful that recent regulations promulgated by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will assist in overcoming the long delays in securing water use licence authorisations (WULAs) and allow more streamlined implementation of projects. WULAs are required by a range of water... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENTS The new regulations are a positive step that aligns the timelines for WULAs with the application for an environmental authorisation

Lesotho’s Letšeng mine recovers several 100-ct-plus diamonds, expects trend to continue

15th September 2017 The Letšeng diamond mine, in Lesotho, recovered several diamonds larger than 100 ct during the first half of 2017, with LSE-listed diamond miner Gem Diamonds upbeat that this trend will continue for the remainder of the year. These gems include the 114.38 ct Type II, 126 ct D-colour Type IIa,... →

Photo by Gem Diamonds
LETŠENG DIAMOND MINE The openpit diamond mine, in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, comprises two kimberlite pipes within 200 m of each other

Mining industry urged to do more to prevent further fatalities in 2017

15th September 2017 The recent spike in fatalities at South African mines, with the most recent occurring at Harmony Gold’s Kusasalethu mine, near Carletonville, should serve as a timely reminder to the mining industry that a significant step change in health and safety practices is needed to ensure the goal of zero... →

Photo by Creamer Media image
MTHOKOZISI ZONDI Despite the decrease in fatalities and injuries at mines in recent years, a lot more needs to be done to ensure the ending of injuries and fatalities at mines

Sandvik invests in local equipment facility, launches new low-profile load haul dumpers

15th September 2017 Mining equipment and services provider Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology last week officially opened its new R15-million production unit in Boksburg. The opening of the new 1 500 m2 facility, which has ten production bays, coincided with the launch of the 5 t Sandvik LH115L low-profile load haul... →

Photo by Sandvik
SANDVIK LH115L LOW-PROFILE LOAD HAUL DUMPER The LH115L machines are cost-efficient and durable and have been developed and optimised for local mining conditions

Unctad report calls for ‘new New Deal’ policy to address inequalities

14th September 2017 The global economy remains unbalanced in ways that are not only exclusionary, but also destabilising, posing substantial dangers for global peace and stability, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (Unctad’s) 2017 Trade and Development report titled ‘Beyond... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Unctad senior economist Dr Diana Barrowclough

Metso showcases ongoing commitment to servicing South African mining sector

13th September 2017 This year marks 60 years since global engineering and technology corporation Metso's factory in Vereeniging was established. The factory became part of the Metso group in 1970 and has played "a crucial role" not only in the South African, but also the African mining industry. →

Pan African’s tailings retreatment project set to boost Mpumalanga economy

8th September 2017 Government, trade unions and traditional leadership have heaped praise on South African precious metals miner Pan African Resources for the development of its R1.7-billion Elikhulu tailings retreatment plant (TRP) project, located at the company’s Evander gold mine, in Mpumalanga. Speaking at the... →

Pan African CEO Cobus Loots, Mpumalanga Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Eric Kholwane and Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) director-general Advocate Thabo Mokoena

De Beers’ marine mining unit assessing feasibility of digital transformation

8th September 2017 Diamond company De Beers’ marine mining division is currently running a pilot project to assess the feasibility of implementing digital transformation and thereby ensuring optimal operational excellence in the business unit and potentially throughout the rest of the group’s operations. De Beers... →

JJ VAN DER MERWE De Beers Marine Mining is seeking to ensure interoperability between different machines, devices, sensors and people to ensure clarity of communication

Krugerrand dealers no longer required to be members of association

8th September 2017 The Competition Commission and precious metal smelting and refining complex Rand Refinery have agreed that dealers of Krugerrands no longer have to be members of the South African Association of Numismatic Dealers (SAAND). The agreement follows an investigation by the commission into allegations... →

Photo by South African Mint
TERMS OF AGREEMENT In terms of the agreement, Rand Refinery has undertaken to remove all clauses, in relation to the requirement, from its application forms as well as its website

Assore posts record headline earnings

8th September 2017 Mining investment holding company Assore achieved a 199% increase in headline earnings to R5.2-billion for the financial year to June 30, compared with R1.7-billion in the previous year. Attributable earnings amounted to R5-billion, which was an improvement of 226% from 2016, which was also a... →

Photo by Assore
CHARLES WALTER Iron-ore and manganese ore prices have reflected improved global economic conditions

Sandvik unveils new R15m local production facility, launches new LHD line

5th September 2017 Mining equipment and services provider Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology on Tuesday officially opened its new R15-million production unit in Boksburg. The opening of the new 1 500 m2 facility, which has ten production bays, coincided with the launch of the 5 t Sandvik LH115L low-profile load... →

Photo by Duane Daws
The new 5 t, Sandvik LH115L low-profile load haul dumper on display

Fatalities serve to remind industry of necessity to achieve zero harm – DMR

1st September 2017 The recent spike in fatalities at South African mines, with the most recent occurring at Harmony Gold’s Kusasalethu mine, near Carletonville, should serve as a timely reminder to the mining industry that a significant step change in health and safety practices is needed to ensure the goal of zero... →

Photo by Creamer Media
Department of Mineral Resources chief inspector of mines Mthokozisi Zondi

Company showcasing opportunities that exist for local manufacturers

1st September 2017 South African amenities manufacturing company The Bespoke Amenities Company (TBAC) is striving to be an example of what is possible, if local companies are willing to invest in local manufacturing capabilities, states TBAC MD Bruce Turner. The company was registered in 2012 and started trading in... →

Photo by Duane Daws
FINDING A GOOD MIX The company wants to create as many jobs as possible by using labour intensive processes with automated applications kept to a minimum

Council for Geoscience appoints new CEO

1st September 2017 The Council for Geoscience (CGS) has appointed Mosa Mabuza as its new CEO. The position was previously held by Simon Sikhosana until his retirement in November 2016. Mabuza was subsequently seconded to the CGS by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to act as its interim CEO until the... →

Photo by Duane Daws
MOSA MABUZA Mabuza is a qualified geologist with extensive exploration experience in multiple regional jurisdictions

Metso invests €1m in factories to improve production, safety levels

1st September 2017 The capacity of diversified engineering group Metso’s Tampere factories, in Finland will be increased and occupational safety improved with the new production line for Lokotrack mobile crushing plants. The company says that the investment of about €1-million will significantly shorten the... →

Photo by Metso
JUHA ERKKILÄ The renovations at Metso’s Tampere factories will also improve the safety of personnel and visitors to the facilities

SA coal sector ‘rapidly falling behind’ in safety practices

1st September 2017 The South African coal mining industry continues to push back on safe practices, states Australian mining-refuge chamber manufacturer MineArc Systems. The company says that although there is plenty of talk and “self-congratulation” on evidence within the coal industry with regards to safety, the... →

REGULATORY SHORTFALLS? South Africa has ‘an outdated and inadequate regulation’ in Chapter 16 of the Mining Act that requires just a single airline from the surface for the supply of breathable air

London joins global Young Mining Professionals network

1st September 2017 The Young Mining Professionals (YMP) has launched its latest chapter in London, in the UK and aims to leverage the UK’s location as a “global hub for mining and finance” to provide opportunities for young people in the country’s mining sector and abroad. YPM UK founder Catriona Beadel says that... →

Photo by YMP UK
CATRIONA BEADEL Young Mining Professionals London was established independently at the beginning of 2017 and has hosted two successful events

Radebe calls for acceleration in achieving 2030 Agenda for SDGs, support from private sector

31st August 2017 Countries worldwide are facing many substantial challenges at this critical juncture in history. Therefore, there is a vital need to ensure accelerated inclusive growth to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which were adopted by... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration Jeff Radebe

Krugerrand dealers no longer required to be members of SAAND

30th August 2017 The Competition Commission and precious metal smelting and refining complex Rand Refinery have agreed that dealers of Krugerrands no longer have to be members of the South African Association of Numismatic Dealers (SAAND). The agreement follows an investigation by the commission into allegations... →

Photo by Duane Daws
In terms of the agreement, Rand Refinery has undertaken to remove all clauses, in relation to the requirement, from its application forms as well as its website

Assore posts record headline earnings of R5.2bn as commodity prices rebound

30th August 2017 Mining investment holding company Assore achieved a 199% increase in headline earnings to R5.2-billion for the financial year to June 30, compared with R1.7-billion in the previous year. Attributable earnings amounted to R5-billion, which was an improvement of 226% from 2016, which was also a... →

Photo by Assore
Assore CEO Charles Walters

Commodity price improvement drives Glencore’s earnings

25th August 2017 Diversified mining and marketing company Glencore said “extensive efforts” to reposition its balance sheet and propel the company’s industrial asset portfolio improvements over the last two years were reflected in its strong interim financial performance. The group last week published its... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ALL SMILES Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg says the first half of this year had the ‘best growth momentum’ in the global economy in recent years

Hotel group moves to integrate bamboo products into facilities

25th August 2017 Bamboo producer and products supplier EcoPlanet Bamboo and hotel group Mantis Collection have signed a memorandum of understanding which could have “far-reaching benefits for the environment and the global movement towards sustainable tourism”, says EcoPlanet Bamboo CEO and co-founder Troy... →

Photo by EcoPlanet Bamboo
AIR QUALITY IMPROVER EcoPlanet Bamboo will initially supply Mantis with for use across the group’s hotel rooms to improve the quality of indoor air

$70m already spent at $134m DRC tin project

25th August 2017 Tin exploration and development company Alphamin Resources is nearing completion of the boxcut at its 9 900 t/y Bisie tin project, in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alphamin CEO Boris Kamstra tells Mining Weekly that local earthworks contractor Kongo River, which is... →

Photo by Alphamin Resources
BISIE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Alphamin has focused this year on completing Bisie’s preparatory infrastructure for the site and advancing the underground mine development

Forum welcomes adoption of mercury convention

25th August 2017 The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Metals, Minerals and Sustainable Development (IGF) has welcomed the “successful adoption” of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which came into force on August 16. “The convention is a crucially important global treaty aimed at protecting human health and... →

Photo by Human Rights Watch
HARMFUL SUBSTANCE Exposure to mercury can have serious health impacts including irreversible brain damage

2017 to be best year for Krugerrand sales since 1980s, says Rand Refiney

25th August 2017 Increased demand for gold has supported sales of the gold bullion Krugerrands and this year is predicted to yield the highest sales since the 1980s, with an expected 15% to 20% increase on the 1.1-million ounces of the coins sold in 2016. This is according to precious metal smelting and refining... →

Photo by Duane Daws
REVIVED APPEAL The resurgence of demand for the Krugerrand returned it to being the world’s best selling new gold coin in 2016

Central African Republic, South Africa ink mineral development MoU

25th August 2017 A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Central African Republic (CAR) and South Africa has been entered into based on “friendship and common interests” to cooperate on mineral and upstream petroleum development. CAR Minister of Mines, Energy and Hydrology Leopold Mboli-Fatrane earlier... →

Photo by Duane Daws
MOSEBENZI ZWANE The Minister has signed a cooperation agreement on mineral and upstream petroleum development with the Central African Republic

Explorer overcomes funding crunch, targeting first gold pour at Mali project by year-end

18th August 2017 It is common knowledge that securing investment for exploration projects, particularly for junior operators, has been “extremely challenging”, owing to the current tepid global economic climate and low commodity prices, emerging gold miner Hummingbird business development head Robert Monro tells... →

Bentley Systems releases update for AutoPIPE Connect edition

18th August 2017 Global infrastructure software manufacturer Bentley Systems has released the most recent update of its AutoPIPE Connect edition, which supports ASME B31J piping code document calculations. AutoPIPE Connect edition provides engineers with a comprehensive and advanced software application for pipe... →

Photo by Bentley Systems
MAINTAINING EFFICIENT WORKFLOWS The addition increases the accuracy of the stress intensification factors for tees based on the work done with FEA 2012 and newer ASME B31.1 and B31.3 codes

Billions in investment to propel Zambia’s Mopani mine into costs ‘premier league’

18th August 2017 “Like a sports team, Mopani copper mine, in Kitwe, Zambia is near the bottom of the league and needs to improve its ranking to avoid relegation or closure,” says diversified mining major Glencore’s Mopani copper mine CEO Johan Jansen, using a football analogy to explain where the company is in... →

LOFTY AMBITIONS Through parent company Glencore’s commitment and financial support the mine’s management team wants to turn Mopani into a world-class mining company by 2023

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