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

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

18th August 2017 It is common knowledge that raising 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... →

DRC mining code’s shortcomings limiting sector’s contribution to fiscus – senator

18th August 2017 The mining industry and the production of copper and cobalt in particular is of vital importance to the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, political, social and legislative stability is critical to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the sector, says DRC Senator... →

Photo by Council on Foreign Relations
WORRYING TIMES Substantial challenges exist for companies that want to do business in the DRC owing to security concerns and general concerns regarding corruption

Firms joining forces to raise $500m for mining projects, particularly in Africa

18th August 2017 Mining investment advisory company MX Mining Capital Advisors and law firm Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa are collaborating to assist in raising about $500-million in finance for mining projects worldwide and for Africa based ones in particularly. MX Mining is focused on raising capital and... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PRECISION PLANNING The way a project is structured is critical to ensuring whether or not it receives the needed finance

University receives R15m shot in the arm from Sibanye

18th August 2017 Diversified miner Sibanye has partnered with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to integrate mining education with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The company will inject R15-million into the university’s mining engineering faculty over the next three years. The company will transfer the money... →

Photo by University of Johannesburg
FUNDING THE FUTURE Neal Froneman; Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Saurabh and Dr Hennie Grobler at the handing over the first of three R5-million cheques to the University of Johannesburg

Krugerrand demand resurgence anticipated to result in record sales

16th 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
Gold bullion Krugerrands in the palm of your hand

Bisie boxcut nears completion, first tin concentrates in 2019

15th 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 Online that local earthworks contractor Kongo River, which is... →

Photo by Alphamin Resources
To date, about $70-million had been invested in the project, with a further $134-million in capital still required

Canada to host tantalum, niobium symposium in October

11th August 2017 The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Centre (T.I.C.) will host its fifty-eighth general assembly and seventh technical symposium from October, 15 to 18 in Vancouver, Canada. The special early bird booking rate for members and applicants closes on August 18 with the final booking deadline... →

Photo by Tantalum-Niobium International Study Centre
SECTORAL INSIGHTS The conference will be of interest to industry stakeholders who are involved or interested in the global tantalum and/or niobium markets

Think-tank hands over title deeds to residents of Western Cape town

11th August 2017 Think tank the Free Market Foundation’s (FMF’s) Khaya Lam land reform project last month handed over the latest batch of title deeds to residents in the town of Grabouw, in the Western Cape, thereby taking the project’s total title deed handover tally to 1 360. Khaya Lam project manager Perry... →

Photo by Free Market Foundation
NEW TITLE DEED HOLDERS Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille and business person Christo Wiese presenting titles deeds to residents in Western Cape

Union concerned about planned job cuts, wants Zwane sacked

11th August 2017 The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Monday called for the resignation of Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, citing a complete breakdown in relations. Speaking at a press briefing to discuss recent announcements by AngloGold Ashanti and Bokoni Platinum Mine that they will be... →

VOICING CONCERNS Leadership of National Union of Mineworkers expresses unhappiness over possible substantial retrenchments in South African mining sector

Nedbank debt-financing African mining projects to the tune of $7bn

11th August 2017 Investment banking services provider Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) is providing the African mining industry with about $7-billion in debt financing products and says it remains open for business opportunities across the continent. Nedbank CIB mining finance principal Paul Miller... →

STRICT CRITERIA Mining companies’ forecast cash flows need to be supported by scientific economic analysis that complies to a regulated standard

Sibanye’s R15m investment aims to unlock benefits of 4th industrial revolution for mining

10th August 2017 Diversified miner Sibanye has partnered with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to integrate mining education with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The company will inject R15-million into the university’s mining engineering faculty over the next three years. The company will transfer the money... →

Photo by University of Johannesburg
Karen Coetzee, Neal Froneman; Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, Saurabh and Dr Hennie Grobler at the handing over the first of three R5-million cheques to the university

Efforts to reposition balance sheet, price improvements lift Glencore’s H1 earnings

10th 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 on Thursday published its... →

Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg

Hudbay returns to Q2 profit

4th August 2017 Canadian precious metals and base metals miner Hudbay Minerals achieved a net profit of $25.6-million and earnings a share of $0.11 for the three months ended June 30, compared with a net loss of $5.7-million and a loss a share of $0.02 in the second quarter of 2016. For the quarter, operating... →

Photo by Hudbay Minerals
Lalor zinc, gold and coper mine, in Manitoba, Canada

Conflicting Perceptions

4th August 2017 There exists a clear sense of optimism in Zambia’s government circles about the future of the mining industry, particularly regarding the stability of the regulatory and fiscal regime, a stronger copper price and increased production, which the government projects will reach 850 000 in 2017 from... →

Photo by AME Trade
NOT ON SAME PAGE Government’s optimism is not entirely shared by the industry owing to challenges around issues such as power, skills, bureaucratic delays and foresight concerns

Zambian copper mines urged to ‘grasp the opportunity’ as price enjoys strongest, most sustained rally

4th August 2017 With the copper price hovering at around $6 000/t, the red metal is enjoying its strongest and most sustained price rally since the depths of the global commodity slump in January 2015, when it was languishing at around $4 300/t owing to slower Chinese demand, notes the Zambia Chamber of Mines... →

BREATHING NEW LIFE With copper prices currently up about 40% from previous lows, copper mining companies are restarting stalled operations and even considering expansion

New booklet outlines measures to turn mine enviro hazards into jobs generator

4th August 2017 Environmental watchdog Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE) has proposed the establishment of a pilot project to address the waste and pollution legacy of mining in the Witwatersrand basin, with a clear linkage between the potential for revenue generation through materials reclamation and... →

Photo by Duane Daws
MARIETTE LIEFFERINK The project would be in the position to supply jobs to 100 people, who would be responsible for the rehabilitation of Tweelopiespruit and surrounding areas

New association aims to support emerging truck operators

4th August 2017 The newly launched Emerging Truckers Association of South Africa (Tasa) aims to assist in meaningfully transforming the local truck and freight industry, with a long-term view of ensuring work for women and black truck owners and operators. This is according to Tasa convener Mary Phadi, who was... →

Photo by Duane Daws
MARY PHADI Tasa aims to mitigate the plight and ‘exploitation’ of emerging cargo carriers who are at the mercy of larger players in the sector

Despite decline, platinum supply continues to exceed demand

4th August 2017 Research conducted by New York-based research and consulting firm CPM Group for its Platinum Group Metals Yearbook 2017 concludes that the platinum market remained in a surplus during 2016. Newly refined platinum supply exceeded fabrication demand by 197 000 oz in 2016. The report states that... →

Photo by ORRA
LOSING LUSTRE? Platinum demand has been suffering a variety of headwinds brought on by changing consumer demand trends in the automotive and jewellery markets

New report highlights Tahoe Resources’ sustainability efforts

1st August 2017 Canadian miner Tahoe Resources recorded no fatalities during 2016 and reduced hand-related injuries by more than 75% in both Peru and Guatemala by implementing a hand-safety programme, according the the company’s 2016 sustainability report, which provides comprehensive information about the... →

Photo by Tahoe Resources
Tahoe strengthened it social and environmental management with the addition of an environmental affairs director and a sustainability director

Turquoise Hill sees reduced profits, advances Oyu Tolgoi underground works

1st August 2017 Rio Tinto subsidiary Turquoise Hill Resources has recorded a lower net income attributable to shareholders of $23.8-million in the quarter ended June 30, compared with $29.8-million during the corresponding quarter in 2016. In a trading statement released on Monday, the company attributed its... →

Photo by Turquoise Hill
Rio Tinto operates the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine, in Mongolia which is 66% owned by its Turquoise Hill arm and 34% owned by the Mongolian government

NUM calls for Zwane’s resignation, concerned by large number of retrenchments

31st July 2017 The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Monday called for the resignation of Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, citing a complete breakdown in relations. Speaking at a press briefing to discuss recent announcements by AngloGold Ashanti and Bokoni Platinum Mine that they will be... →

Leadership of National Union of Mineworkers expresses unhappiness over possible substantial retrenchments in South African mining sector

Platinum industry redoubling marketing efforts in the midst of oversupply

28th July 2017 Marketing is immensely important for the platinum sector, which is battling a pervasive weak price environment, with the metal trading at about $925/oz, compared with the all-time high of $2 270/oz in 2008, and an oversupplied market. Marketing of the metal’s various uses has only increased in... →

Bamboo a possible answer to asbestos remediation challenges – Mintek

28th July 2017 Bamboo may be suitable as potential cover to remediate asbestos related mine waste in semi-arid regions of South Africa, states South African State-owned mineral and metallurgical innovation company Mintek mineral economics and strategic unit manager Godfrey Mothapo. He was speaking at the Fossil... →

GODFREY MOTHAPO Since 2010, Mintek has rehabilitated about 500 ha of former asbestos mine land

Platinum industry redoubling marketing efforts in the midst of oversupply

28th July 2017 Marketing is immensely important for the platinum sector, which is battling a pervasive weak price environment, trading at about $925/oz, compared with the all time high of $2 270/oz, in 2008 and an oversupplied market. Owing to, marketing of the metals various uses has only increased in... →

Photo by ORRA
POWER OF MARKETING Through marketing efforts, consumer demand for platinum jewellery is currently the second-largest demand source after automotive and generates more than 2.5-million ounces a year in retail sales

Digital adoption vital for future mining success – EY

28th July 2017 As productivity remains the number one operational risk in the mining sector, future digital transformation in the mining and metals sector will be a critical enabler to addressing the industry’s productivity and margin challenges, states professional services firm EY. EY Africa advisory mining... →

Photo by Duane Daws
WIM HOOGEDEURE Through adequate use of digital, focused on productivity across the entire end-to-end operation, mining companies can better manage variability and improve productivity

New association launched to support emerging truck operators

21st July 2017 The newly launched Emerging Truckers Association of South Africa (Tasa) aims to assist in meaningfully transforming the local truck and freight industry, with a long-term view of ensuring work for women and black truck owners and operators. This is according to Tasa convener Mary Phadi, who was... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Emerging Truckers Association of South Africa convener Mary Phadi

Zwane meets with Black Business Council to discuss Mining Charter

21st July 2017 Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane on Friday met with Black Business Council (BBC) president Dr Danisa Baloyi, and her executives, to discuss the mining legislative framework and “related issues which have been in the public domain recently”, said the Department of Mineral Resources... →

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane

Buffalo Coal in push to slash debt and improve safety and operational efficiency

21st July 2017 South African bituminous and anthracite coal miner Buffalo Coal is determined to repay all its debt and continue to improve safety standards, while improving overall operating capability to ensure its operations become optimally efficient, says interim CEO Rowan Karstel, who was speaking to... →

Zululand Anthracite Colliery unveils new 50 t/h wash plant

21st July 2017 Investment company Menar Holding’s Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC), near the town of Ulundi commissioned its new wash plant, last month. The new coal processing plant has 50 t/h processing capacity and is expected to wash three-million tons of discard material over the course of the next five... →

Photo by Zululand Anthracite Colliery
ROYAL RIBBON CUTTING King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Zululand Anthracite Colliery MD Vuslat Bayoglu cut the ribbon at the new wash plant

Buffalo Coal in push to slash debt and improve safety and operational efficiency

21st July 2017 South African bituminous and anthracite coal miner Buffalo Coal is determined to repay all its debts and continue to improve safety standards while improving overall operating capacities to ensure its operations become optimally efficient, says interim CEO Rowan Karstel, who was speaking with... →

AVIEMORE ANTHRACITE COLLIERY Buffalo Coal plans to increase its permanent workforce by 120 people by 2020 after the completion of a new Aviemore adit

Geophysical techniques touted as ideal for alluvial diamond exploration

21st July 2017 Ground geophysical surveys have been carried out by the Council for Geoscience (CGS) on a farm that hosts an alluvial diamond mining operation near Schweizer-Reneke, in the North West. The North West is host to what were previously known as the Southwestern Transvaal diamond fields. The surveys... →

Photo by Steyn Diamante
IN SEARCH OF ALLUVIALS The surveys was intended to assess the effectiveness of geophysical techniques for alluvial diamond exploration

Zim lithium, tantalum prospect returns ‘excellent’ test results

21st July 2017 Diversified exploration and mining company Premier African Minerals reported “excellent results” from the initial metallurgical testwork study, which was completed by German materials testing and analysis company Dorfner Anzaplan on its wholly-owned Zulu lithium and tantalum project, in Zimbabwe... →

LITHIUM LIKING The best flotation testwork on spodumene pegmatite achieved an overall lithium recovery of 81.8% and a concentrate containing 6.5% lithium oxide

Social media fuelling illicit diamond trade in Central African Republic – report

21st July 2017 A new undercover investigation by international watchdog organisation Global Witness has uncovered how diamond smugglers are making use of social media platforms as they seek to get diamonds linked to the ongoing violent conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) out of the country and into... →

Photo by Global Witness
CONFLICT MINERALS It is critical that the trade in CAR’s natural resources be given a prominent role in efforts to find peace, as they have played a role in fuelling the conflict itself

Universal eyeing 3Mt coal output this year

21st July 2017 ASX-listed coal miner Universal Coal anticipates that its Kangala and New Clydesdale Colliery (NCC) mines, in Mpumalanga, will deliver an estimated three-million tons of coal in the 2017 financial year, ended June 30. Kangala, near Delmas, produced an estimated 2.4-million tons and NCC, near... →

Photo by Duane Daws
UPPING OUTPUT Kangala, produced an estimated 2.4-million tons and NCC, produced 540 000 t of coal. Combined, the two mines delivered a 47% year-on-year production increase

Liberia makes progress in reporting stakes despite Ebola, Mali also improving

14th July 2017 Liberia has undergone its first Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) validation in terms of the EITI standard and has demonstrated “meaningful progress” despite a disruption bought about by the Ebola epidemic. The EITI is a global reporting standard aimed at promoting open and... →

Photo by EITI
EDDIE RICH Liberia’s pioneering implementation of the EITI has had a direct impact on the development of the EITI standard

Mining companies urged to make better use of digital technology

14th July 2017 Struggling with commodity prices, declining ore grade and operational challenges, South African miners have no choice but to focus on creating operational excellence to buffer against declining margins, says research and consultancy firm the International Data Corporation (IDC). IDC worldwide... →

Photo by SAP
INTERGRATING SYSTEMS Creating operations that are interconnected digitally and built on processes enabled by data to deliver responsive and agile operations is of ‘critical importance’

Sephaku lifts volumes in highly competitive cement market

14th July 2017 JSE-listed minerals exploration, development and investment company Sephaku Holdings’ (SepHold’s) net profit increased by 12.8% year-on-year to to R68.1-million for the year ended March 31, despite its revenue having decreased to R839.9-million on the back of lower prices and reduced demand in... →

Photo by Duane Daws
LELAU MOHUBA Sephaku Holdings’mixed concrete subsidiary Métier recorded a 7.3% increase in net profit to R67.4- million, despite revenue having declined by 3.9%

Guinea to host alumina-bauxite symposium in September

14th July 2017 The International Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Society (IBAAS), in association with geological services provider Camen Resources, will host the sixth edition of the International Bauxite-Alumina Symposium on September 21 and 22 in Conakry, Guinea. The conference will be held in Africa for the... →

Photo by International Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Society
AFRICAN FIRST The International Bauxite-Alumina Symposium will be hosted in Guinea, making it the first African country to do so

Initiatives launched to probe unexploited potential of diamond-bearing gravel deposits, other minerals

14th July 2017 The South African mining sector is currently facing a decline and in an attempt to stimulate and support renewed mining activities, the Council for Geoscience (CGS) has launched a number of projects funded by the Department of Energy (DoE) aimed at investigating the unexploited potential of... →

Photo by Steyn Diamante
DIAMOND FOCUS One of the Council for Geoscience project aims is to investigate the mining potential of diamondiferous gravel deposits in the North West and Northern Cape provinces

AngloGold initiates arbitration proceedings over new Tanzania legislation

13th July 2017 Concerned about newly enacted legislation in Tanzania, gold mining major AngloGold Ashanti is seeking a “constructive dialogue” with the Tanzania government to gain assurance that its operations will not be affected by newly enacted legal and fiscal changes to the country’s mining legal regime.... →

Photo by AngloGold Ashanti
Geita gold mine, in Tanzania

Digital innovation, while necessary, comes with risks – Deloitte

13th July 2017 While global competition has necessitated technological and digital innovation across all industries, there is legitimate concern globally that innovation could threaten job creation, particularly in traditionally labour-intensive sectors such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture, according... →

Panellists in discussion during Singularity South Africa’s Insider Insight Session

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