Mia Breytenbach

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Mia Breytenbach

Mia Breytenbach is Deputy Editor: Features for Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Zest WEG Group achieves Level 2 BBBEE status

1st September 2017 Motor and controls manufacturer WEG subsidiary Zest WEG Group has taken steps to create a broader-based and more sustainable ownership foundation to ensure its compliance with the new Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Codes of Good Practice, which has seen the group achieve a Level 2... →

Studies point to favourable outlook for vanadium redox flow battery

1st September 2017 There is favourable demand for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), particularly in the utility and offgrid, as well as minigrid, markets, with demand to peak from 2025 to 2030. This is according to recently concluded market studies, commissioned by Aim-listed Bushveld Minerals’ energy... →

Photo by Duane Daws
FORTUNE MOJAPELO There is no longer any doubt about the growth of energy storage globally to gigawatts of annual capacity and billions of dollars in market opportunity

Servest acquires stake in ICT services company

1st September 2017 International facilities management provider Servest has partnered with investment company Bottega InvestCo in the acquisition of integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services company Getronics. The transaction, which is supported by specialist banking and asset management... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ENABLING TRANSACTION The transaction, will enable Servest to provide a seamless facility management and mobile technology offering for its growing client base

Study urges South Africa to find energy storage niche

1st September 2017 With energy storage considered to be the “new wave” in the energy sector and increasingly becoming a reality, South Africa needs to prepare itself if it wishes to take advantage of the energy storage growth opportunities within the energy storage stationary value chain and the mobility value... →

Despite high upfront costs, technology investments yield long-term savings – BMI

1st September 2017 With metals and mining companies increasingly investing in technology that will help reduce their carbon footprints, owing to the global drive to lower carbon emissions, meaningful efforts to improve environmental standards in the extractive industries require significant upfront costs, according... →

LONG-TERM BENEFIT BMI expexts long-term cost savings to benefit companies that are ahead of the curve when it comes to prioritising green strategies

Caterpillar inaugurates new Joburg parts distribution centre

31st August 2017 Caterpillar has officially inaugurated its new parts distribution facility, near Johannesburg, Gauteng. The 60 000 m2 facility consolidated two smaller parts distribution sites – Linbro Park and Isando – and offers several advantages, including enabling the company to work more efficiently, while... →

Poultry industry challenges, drought negatively impact on RCL Foods’ FY17 profit

30th August 2017 The widely reported challenges facing the local poultry industry and the performance of JSE-listed RCL Foods’ chicken business unit decimated the company’s profits in the financial year ended June 30, with the company reporting a 0.8% decrease in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and... →

Bloomberg

Water department proposes up to 14.6% increase in raw water tariffs for 2018/19

25th August 2017 The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has proposed water tariffs for the 2018/19 financial year, with a proposed increase of up to 14.6% throughout the spectrum of raw water users. The DWS proposed the increase at its final national raw water consultation, held in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, on... →

SKA Africa partner countries to collaborate on radio astronomy

25th August 2017 Following the conclusion of the fourth Ministerial meeting of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Africa partner countries in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, members of the nine countries, represented by their Science and Technology Ministers and Deputy Ministers, signed a memorandum of understanding to... →

AfDB’s sustainable energy fund to support PV project in Lesotho

25th August 2017 The African Development Bank- (AfDB-) managed Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (Sefa) has approved a $695 500 grant to NEO I SPV, a subsidiary of independent power producer OnePower Lesotho, to support the preparation of a bankable business case for the development of the winning project of the... →

Photo by Bloomberg
WINNING PROJECT The 20 MW solar photovoltaic project is expected to become the first utility-scale solar PV project in Lesotho

Ghana procurement agency appoints SA-linked supply chain specialist

25th August 2017 The University of South Africa (Unisa) Graduate School of Business Leadership’s (SBL’s) first-ever professor extraordinaire for supply and value chain management in Africa Professor Douglas Boateng has been appointed independent chairperson of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) by Ghana... →

DOUGLAS BOATENG Procurement strategies are increasingly becoming influential in informing and ensuring successful industrialisation

Gamsberg project to retore Vedanta’s zinc output to 300 000 t/y from mid-2018

25th August 2017 Diversified miner Vedanta Resources subsidiary Zinc International has committed more than 80% of the $400-million capital expenditure (capex) for the first phase of the Gamsberg zinc project, in the Northern Cape. The first phase of the project is expected to have a mine life of 13 years,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PROGRESSING WELL More than 25-million tonnes of the estimated 65-million to 70-million tonnes of waste rock have been excavated at the Gamsberg project

Mining contractor activity progressing at Moz gold project

25th August 2017 The mining contractor activity at Aim-listed Xtract Resources’ Manica concession area, in Mozambique, is progressing “favourably”, with initial mining of the alluvial gold deposits expected to start at the end of this month, the company reports. Xtract’s Mozambique subsidiary Explorator concluded... →

Photo by Shutterstock
ALLUVIAL MINING Mining contractors Omnia Mining and Moz Gold and Sino Minerals Investment Company will exploit the alluvial gold deposits

Despite high upfront costs, technology investments reap long-term savings – BMI

24th August 2017 With metals and mining companies increasingly investing in technology that will help reduce their carbon footprints, owing to the global drive to lower carbon emissions, meaningful efforts to improve environmental standards in the extractive industries require significant upfront costs, according... →

South32 sees upswing in South African, Mozambique aluminium production

24th August 2017 Diversified miner South32 reported solid performances across its aluminium supply chain for the financial year ended June 30, with record production from Mozal Aluminium, in Mozambique, and near-record production at the Hillside aluminium smelter, in South Africa. “Our aluminium smelters and... →

Photo by Bloomberg
South32 CEO Graham Kerr

Still much uncertainty as LPG stakeholders grapple with market inquiry findings

18th August 2017 In the findings and recommendations of the first-ever market inquiry into the local liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry, the Competition Commission urges public and private organisations to improve performance in the sector, yet much uncertainty remains in the wake of the report’s publication.... →

Wind body aims to use mentoring scheme to support gender transformation

18th August 2017 The South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea) has launched a programme to connect leading women in the energy sector with senior students at South African universities and young professionals currently entering the energy sector. The WindAc Africa Mentoring Programme seeks to promote the... →

GROWING ENERGY The WindAc Africa Mentoring Programme moves to specifically grow future energy leaders within the wind sector

Still much uncertainty as LPG stakeholders grapple with market inquiry findings

18th August 2017 In the findings and recommendations of the first-ever market inquiry into the local liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry, the Competition Commission urges public and private organisations to improve performance in the sector, yet much uncertainty remains in the wake of the report’s publication.... →

MARKET STRUCTURE Five refineries produce 80% of the of yearly supply of 350 000 t LPG in South Africa while four wholesalers account for more than 90% of the market

Lonmin outlines measures to remain sustainable amid adverse economic conditions

18th August 2017 Despite “pleasing” third-quarter production results, which showed an improved mining performance, reduced unit costs and increased net cash in July, platinum mining major Lonmin remains concerned by the persistent adverse macroeconomic conditions and the inflationary cost pressures confronting... →

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS Lonmin will implement measures to ensure that operations generate sufficient cash to support a sustainable business

Women still not participating ‘extensively’ in mining sector – IFC

18th August 2017 Although mining companies are moving in the right direction with regard to women’s participation, women are still not participating extensively, meaning that effectively 50% of the population remains excluded, says International Finance Corporation (IFC) mining principal investment officer Robin... →

DIVERSIFICATION GOALS Goal establishment in terms of gender diversification is key, with systems that should be in place to ensure goals are met

Study urges South Africa to find energy-storage niche

17th August 2017 With energy storage considered to be the “new wave” in the energy sector and increasingly becoming a reality, South Africa needs to prepare itself if it wishes to take advantage of the energy storage growth opportunities within the energy storage stationary value chain and the mobility value... →

Photo by Bloomberg
Tesla powerpacks and inverters at the Southern California Edison Company's Mira Loma energy storage system facility in California, in the US.

Mining contractors progressing work at Xtract’s Mozambique gold project, alluvial mining to start soon

16th August 2017 The mining contractor activity at Aim-listed Xtract Resources’ Manica concession area, in Mozambique, is progressing “favourably”, with initial mining of the alluvial gold deposits expected to start at the end of this month, the company reported on Wednesday. Xtract’s Mozambique subsidiary... →

Bushveld Energy, IDC studies indicate favourable vanadium battery, electrolyte demand

16th August 2017 There is favourable demand for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), particularly in the utility and offgrid, as well as minigrid markets, with demand to peak in 2025 to 2030. This is according to recently concluded market studies, commissioned by Aim-listed Bushveld Minerals’ energy subsidiary... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Bushveld Minerals CEO Fortune Mojapelo

AfDB’s sustainable energy fund to support first utility-scale solar PV project in Lesotho

14th August 2017 The African Development Bank- (AfDB-) managed Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (Sefa) has approved a $695 500 grant to NEO I SPV, a subsidiary of independent power producer OnePower Lesotho, to support the preparation of a bankable business case for the development of the winning project of the... →

Unisa SBL professor appointed Ghana PPA chairperson, to aid in supply chain management

14th August 2017 The University of South Africa (Unisa) Graduate School of Business Leadership’s (SBL’s) first-ever professor extraordinaire for supply and value chain management in Africa Professor Douglas Boateng has been appointed independent chairperson of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) by Ghana... →

University of South Africa Graduate School of Business Leadership professor extraordinaire for supply and value chain management in Africa Professor Douglas Boateng

Vedanta commits majority of Gamsberg capex, progresses waste stripping

11th August 2017 Diversified miner Vedanta Resources’ Zinc International subsidiary has committed more than 80% of the $400-million capital expenditure for the first phase of the Gamsberg zinc project, in the Northern Cape. The first phase of the Gasmberg project is expected to have a mine life of 13 years,... →

Survey identifies protecting market share as one of top priorities for South African organisations

11th August 2017 Protecting market share, strengthening customer relationships and driving efficiencies are key priorities for South African organisations, according to survey findings presented at the Experian 2017 Innovation Summit in Johannesburg last month. While South African businesses are gearing up for... →

SIMON RUSSELL Creating a presence that separates businesses from the pack is critical for improving competitiveness

BMG to distribute Eaton’s conveyor solutions across sub-Saharan Africa

11th August 2017 Power management solutions provider Eaton has signed a distribution partnership agreement with technical solutions provider and engineering consumables and components distributor Bearing Man Group (BMG), whereby BMG will be responsible for the distribution of Eaton’s range of conveyor solutions... →

TERMS OF AGREEMENT BMG will distribute Eaton’s conveyor safety switches with all corresponding accessories to provide complete conveyor solutions

Fund invests into African rail operator

11th August 2017 The Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund 2 (PAIDF2) has concluded an investment into Sheltam Mauritius, which is the parent company of the South African locomotive and rail operator Sheltam Group. This investment was made through a share subscription for 30% of Sheltam for an undisclosed sum. →

RAIL POTENTIAL Sheltam will soon officially launch initiatives aimed at adding significant capacity to the company’s ambition of being a significant rail operator on the continent of Africa

Gamsberg zinc project on course for first production in mid-2018

11th August 2017 Diversified miner Vedanta Resources' Gamsberg zinc project, in the Northern Cape, remains on track for first production in mid-2018. Prestart activities and waste stripping at the project have progressed well, with the completion of the north access ramp – a critical milestone and part of the... →

ON TRACK Vedanta has excavated more than 22.5-million tonnes of waste rock while orders for the integrated process plant, water and power and mining activities have been placed

40% BEE stake mulled for Venetia mine employee transporters

11th August 2017 Diamond miner De Beers has announced the launch of a major empowerment deal regarding the transportation of employees to and from its operations at the Venetia diamond mine, in Limpopo. In a high-impact, local procurement and empowerment initiative, Venetia mine, in partnership with VM Diamond... →

HIGH-IMPACT INITIATIVE De Beers’ empowerment deal centres on the transportation of employees to and from its operations at the Venetia diamond mine

Aurecon appoints MD for Infrastructure, subject matter expertise to contribute to global portfolio

7th August 2017 Global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Aurecon has appointed Ben Stapleton as MD of Infrastructure. “The appointment reflects Aurecon’s commitment to providing user-focused, innovative solutions to government and private sector clients as they tackle current and future infrastructure... →

Aurecon Infrastructure MD Ben Stapleton

Lonmin to sell excess processing capacity, implement other measures to ensure sustainability

7th August 2017 Despite “pleasing” third-quarter production results, which showed an improved mining performance, reduced unit costs and increased net cash in July, platinum mining major Lonmin remains concerned by the persistent adverse macroeconomic conditions, as well as the inflationary cost pressures... →

Lonmin CEO and COO Ben Magara

Zwane expresses concern over proposed mining retrenchments

4th August 2017 The South African government is concerned about the various retrenchment announcements issued by mining companies in recent weeks, says Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane. “We continue to urge all stakeholders to be more responsible in how these planned retrenchments are announced, as... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane

Richmont’s Island Gold drives strong quarterly gold production, performance

4th August 2017 Small-scale gold producer Richmont Mines has reported a strong operating and financial performance for the second quarter ending June 30, driven by solid results from its flagship Island Gold mine, in Ontario. The company produced 31 249 oz of gold and sold 35 040 oz in the quarter, with 26 110... →

Richmont Mines Island Gold mine, Ontario, Canada

Women representation increases from ‘extreme minority’ to 13%-plus of SA’s mining workforce

4th August 2017 The local mining industry has made significant strides in executing trans- formation and promoting gender diversity in terms of women representation, with the number of women having increased from an “extreme minority” to exceeding 10% across different levels. According to the Chamber of Mines... →

New approaches key to surmounting water infrastructure challenges

4th August 2017 Infrastructure modernisation, consumer education and data analytics will be key tools to overcome the challenges posed by ageing water infrastructure. This is according to engineering, procurement and construction services provider Black & Veatch’s 2017 global ‘Strategic Directions Water... →

Photo by Duane Daws
IMPEDING THE SYSTEM The development and operation of sustainable, smart water systems are hampered by supply management challenges and fiscal and broader economic constraints

Legal and policy certainty required if gas economy is to be realised

4th August 2017 Key factors that will influence the establishment of a gas economy in South Africa include the passing of the amended Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and greater clarity regarding the expected and stated imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), says South African Oil and... →

Photo by Reuters
INDUSTRIAL ROLEMODEL Liquefied petroleum gas industry could play a strategic role in the establishment of a gas economy as key lessons can be learnt from this industry

Women representation increases from ‘extreme minority’ to 13%-plus of SA’s mining workforce

4th August 2017 The local mining industry has made significant strides in executing transformation and promoting gender diversity in terms of women representation, with the number of women having increased from an “extreme minority” to exceeding 10% across different levels. According to the Chamber of Mines... →

Nokeng breaks ground at Gauteng’s new R1.7bn fluorspar mine

3rd August 2017 Nokeng Fluorspar Mine has broken ground at the site of its R1.7-billion fluorspar mine, near Rust de Winter, in Gauteng. This is the first new fluorspar mine to be built in Gauteng in 12 years, Sepfluor chairperson Dr Lelau Mohuba noted at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, while Sepfluor... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Dr Lelau Mohuba, Rebone Nkambule and Johan Brits

Moves to fast-track regulation could ignite energy efficiency sector

28th July 2017 As businesses move to become more self-reliant and decrease their exposure to electricity price volatility, government is also moving ahead with policy support for energy efficiency initiatives in homes, business and industry, says Pan-African law firm Bowmans public law and regulatory head and... →

Photo by Bloomberg
EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE A range of initiatives in the energy sector that promote energy efficiency include an income tax incentive for those installing renewable-energy generation

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