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

Global mining-sector resurgence predicted

24th February 2017 Given that the global economy is expected to grow by 3.4% this year and 3.5% in 2018, the health of global macroeconomics is good, which bodes well for a resurgence in the global mining industry during the course of this year. This is according to Standard Bank mining and metals research head Tim... →

Zambia dumps copper concentrate import tariff

24th February 2017 The Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) has welcomed the removal of 7.5% import duty on copper concentrates following a recent statement by Finance Minister Felix Mutati. This was preceded by months of mining companies voicing concern about the impact that the imposition of the duty would have on the... →

CONCENTRATE CONSTERNATION Zambia’s concentrate production does not meet processing capacity as some of its smelters are in ramp up phase

Uranium prices ‘are turning the corner’ – Canadian developer

24th February 2017 Despite the uranium prices remaining weak, Canadian mineral resources company GoviEx Uranium CEO Daniel Major believes that they are turning the corner and is optimistic about more price improvements. Speaking to Mining Weekly on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, last week,... →

DANIEL MAJOR Recently the US and a number of European have indicated their intention to introduce new and/or bolster their existing nuclear energy supply

Hefty H1 losses paint depressed picture for Implats

23rd February 2017 Platinum miner Impala Platinum (Implats) has recorded a gross loss of R318-million for the six months to December 31, a significant increase on the loss of R40-million recorded in the six months to December 31, 2015. The group posted a headline loss of R508-million, compared with headline... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Impala Platinum acting CEO Gerhard Potgieter

De Beers lifts FY16 underlying Ebitda by 42%

21st February 2017 Higher revenues contributed to a 42% improvement year-on-year in diamond miner De Beers’ underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) to $1.4-billion in 2016. A 30% increase in revenue to $6.1-billion was driven by stronger rough diamond demand, which led to... →

De Beers results benefited from cost-saving programmes, portfolio changes and the impact of favourable exchange rates as unit costs decreased by 19%

Anglo targets further $1bn in cost, volume improvements in 2017

21st February 2017 Diversified miner Anglo American is this year seeking an additional $1-billion in incremental net cost and volume improvements, while also aiming to return to an investment-grade credit rating and resume dividend payments. The group has already identified 75% of these targeted net cost and volume... →

Anglo American is aiming to have capital expenditure maintained at $2.5-billion and stay-in-business capital increased to $1.2-billion in 2017

Mokonyane gives thumbs-up as Eastern Basin plant treats 94 Mℓ/d of AMD

17th February 2017 Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has lauded the successes achieved at the Eastern Basin acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment plant, in Springs, in Gauteng. The R1-billion plant, which started operations in June 2016, was completed under the instruction of State-owned water management... →

Temporary power solutions touted as cost-effective option for mines

17th February 2017 The global mining industry is enduring a period of great uncertainty. In the face of extreme market volatility, stagnant commodity prices, weak demand for products and suppressed levels of economic growth in established markets, many mining companies worldwide are striving to remain buoyant,... →

MAJID ZAHID Power generation and supply is a part of mines operations that could make significant adjustments to their capital expenditure

Streamlined, transparent system key to unlocking Africa’s mineral resources value – AU

17th February 2017 It is vitally important that African mining industry stakeholders start initiating dialogue towards building a more well governed and progressive minerals sector that will contribute to the continental vision of resource led industrial development guided by the Agenda 2063, urged outgoing African... →

FATIMA HARAM-ACYL The AU’s Agenda 2063 ‘clearly and specifically’ calls for coordinated, coherent and harmonised approaches in harnessing Africa’s mineral resources

Trump’s shadow loomed large at Mining Indaba as potential FDI positives predicted

17th February 2017 The uncertainties surrounding geo-economic trends including Brexit, Donald Trump wining the US elections and increasing efforts by China to dominate the global economy may not bode well for global political stability. However, Africa’s mining industry could well see favourable spin-offs from... →

TRUMP FACTOR While still only the early days of the Trump administration, it has to date resulted in a ‘tumultuous’ period in global economic activity

Analyst bemoans beneficiation tardiness, warns South Africa could lose out

10th February 2017 The process of beneficiation of minerals in South Africa and the dialogue around it has been taking place for years, however, platinum beneficiation has been taking place at a “snail’s pace”, states local independent research organisation Mapungubwe Institute (Mistra) researcher Zamanzima... →

Photo by Duane Daws
FUEL CELL POWERED FORK LIFT Fuel cell technology is a ‘glaring’ way in which an increase in demand for platinum can be realised

GM, Honda in JV to manufacture hydrogen fuel cell systems

10th February 2017 US multinational corporation General Motors (GM) and Japanese multinational corporation Honda last week announced the establishment of the automotive industry's first manufacturing joint venture (JV) to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from... →

JOINING HANDS Honda’s Toshiaki Mikoshiba and GM’s Mark Reuss showcase their jointly developed next generation fuel cell stack system

A ‘lean, mean’ structure and less burdensome laws key to successful mining of Middle Orange River diamond deposits

10th February 2017 The Middle Orange River (MOR) alluvial diamond deposits between Hopetown, Douglas and Prieska, along with deposits along the Riet and Vaal rivers, in the Northern Cape, represent three unique sinks or repositories of high-quality gem diamonds, says independent diamond consultant Dr John Bristow.... →

Photo by Steyn Diamante
SECRET TO SUCCESS Niche mining operations, focused on quality, high interest gravel extraction and processing are needed to successfully exploit the Middle Orange River diamond deposits

Temporary power solutions touted as cost-effective option for mines

9th February 2017 The global mining industry is enduring a period of great uncertainty. In the face of extreme market volatility, stagnant commodity prices, weak demand and suppressed levels of economic growth in established markets, many mining companies are striving to remain buoyant, says temporary power... →

Altaaqa Global chief commercial officer Majid Zahid

Parties recommit to AMV Compact, Mbeki praises initiative’s aims

9th February 2017 Delegates at a policy dialogue forum during the 2017 Investing in African Mining Indaba heard strong re-endorsements from public and private sector speakers for the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) Compact. The AMV Compact was launched at last year’s Mining Indaba, where it received early support from... →

Collaboration, inclusiveness among key themes at 2017 Mining Indaba

9th February 2017 There are signs of hope for recovery in some commodities, owing to recent price improvement, which has lent a more upbeat tone to this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, in Cape Town. However, South Africa has some “sobering lessons” for African countries, which have yet to fully launch... →

SRK Consulting partner and principal consultant Andrew van Zyl

Global uncertainties to drive FDI in Africa’s mining sector

9th February 2017 The uncertainties surrounding geo-economic trends, including Brexit, Donald Trump’s election as US President and increasing efforts by China to dominate the global economy, may not bode well for global political stability but could present opportunities for Africa, says global law firm Baker... →

Streamlined, transparent system needed to unlock Africa’s mineral resources value – AU

8th February 2017 It is vitally important that African mining industry stakeholders start initiating dialogue towards building a more well governed and progressive minerals sector that will contribute to the continental vision of resource-led industrial development guided by Agenda 2063, outgoing African Union... →

African Union Commission trade and industry commissioner Fatima Haram Acyl

Satellite platform to increase bandwidth efficiency by up to 50% for mines in remote areas

8th February 2017 Pan-African telecommunications group Liquid Telecom has deployed its first Mx-DMA satellite link to a mining company in Africa, the company announced during a presentation at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, held in Cape Town this week. Liquid Telecom satellite and very small aperture... →

Locally developed pelletising technology set for commercial roll-out

8th February 2017 Engineering company CoalTech has successfully established a 10 000 t/m coal pelletising and curing plant, in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. Having initially launched its pelletising technology at the 2016 Investing in African Mining Indaba, the company announced to delegates at this year’s Mining Indaba... →

Master Drilling readies for international roll-out of new horizontal raiseboring technology

7th February 2017 JSE-listed drilling services provider Master Drilling announced at the Investing in African Mining Indaba on Tuesday that its horizontal raiseboring (HRB) technology is ready for international roll-out after a successful pilot test at the Cullinan diamond mine, in Gauteng. Master Drilling CEO... →

Forevermark brand expanding customer base globally

7th February 2017 The response to the Forevermark diamond brand has been “just great” in the past three years, which is, to a significant degree, attributable to the brand’s promise of authenticity, quality, uniqueness, integrity and being ethically sourced, states De Beers' Forevermark brand ambassador at Caratco... →

Technology advancement improves project efficiencies, says WorleyParsons

7th February 2017 As engineering company WorleyParsons’ global centre of excellence for mining, WorleyParsons RSA expends a substantial amount of energy and resources on developing advanced solutions for its customers that will increase accuracy and efficiency while reducing risk. The project delivery and... →

Babcock to launch new equipment, says customers upbeat about 2017

7th February 2017 Engineering support services company Babcock will, during the course of this year, launch new “ground-breaking construction equipment”. “Babcock is renowned and respected for delivering high-production machinery that is also fuel efficient. Therefore, this year, we are adding the Volvo A60H, the... →

Randgold proposes 52% dividend-payout increase as FY16 profits rise 38%

6th February 2017 Africa-focused Randgold Resources has increased production for the sixth consecutive year in 2016, while reducing total cash cost per ounce, and remains upbeat about its future prospects despite global uncertainties. Speaking to Mining Weekly Online on the sidelines of the Investing in African... →

Randgold Resources CEO Dr Mark Bristow

Junior coal terminal raising capacity, Transnet forges ahead with Waterberg programme

6th February 2017 RBT-Grindrod Terminals is ramping up its coal export capacity to 3.6-million tons of coal. RBT-Grindrod, a joint venture between Grindrod and RBT Resources, offers a fully mechanised, brownfield port solution, at Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, which is entirely separate from the existing... →

Pakistan could provide expanded coal export opportunities for South African mines

6th February 2017 Pakistan is planning to increase its coal-fired power station fleet to alleviate electricity constraints, and is eyeing South African coal as a potential supplier to meet its growing coal requirements. Pakistan National Electric Power Regulatory Authority deputy director Salman Rehman, told... →

Domestic coal sales becoming more important than export market – Prevost

6th February 2017 South Africa’s coal exports are dwindling to the point where it will become a minimal part of the market, says XMP Consulting senior coal analyst Xavier Prevost. Speaking at IHS Markit’s 2017 South African Coal Export Conference, in Cape Town, last week, he said that, in 2016, South Africa... →

Despite subdued uranium prices, GoviEx remains upbeat about industry’s prospects

6th February 2017 Although uranium prices remain weak, Canadian mineral resources company GoviEx Uranium CEO Daniel Major believes they are turning the corner. Speaking to Mining Weekly Online on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, on Monday, Major acknowledged that the past few years had been... →

GoviEx Uranium CEO Daniel Major

While coal remains important, its future is uncertain – Prevost

3rd February 2017 Although the world still needs coal, particularly for power generation, it is an unloved commodity that is facing a myriad of challenges from different forces, says XMP Consulting senior coal analyst Xavier Prevost. Speaking at IHS Markit’s 2017 South African Coal Export Conference, in Cape Town,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Xavier Prevost

Eskom not solely focused on short-term contracts, says exec

3rd February 2017 Eskom fuel sourcing acting GM Ayanda Nteta has rebuffed claims that the power utility’s procurement policies are centred on short-term contracts, or spot market deals. Speaking at the IHS Markit 2017 South African Coal Export Conference, in Cape Town, on Thursday, she stated that Eskom took a... →

Digital transformation now a top priority for mines worldwide – analyst

3rd February 2017 There is a growing recognition among mining companies globally that the adoption of new technologies will play a vital role in how their operations function in future, states research and consultancy firm the International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia and Pacific energy and worldwide mining... →

INCREASED SIGNIFICANCE Over the past three years, between 30% and 40% of mining companies worldwide have increased the amount they spent on information technology

Survey reveals improved reporting by mining companies

3rd February 2017 The mining industry has continued to face significant uncertainty, volatility and pressure to contain costs over the past three years. This unpredictable business environment has given rise to a number of reporting trends geared towards providing stakeholders and users of mining companies’... →

KPMG 2016 MINING REPORTING SURVEY The survey focused on estimates and judgments, nongenerally accepted accounting principles measures, risks, valuation and other reporting trends

Brexit to impact on UK mining sector, R&D to bear the brunt

3rd February 2017 Following a referendum held in June 2016, in which a small majority of British voters declared that they were in favour of leaving the European Union (EU), the UK government has indicated that it intends in the coming months to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which is the... →

SHINING LIGHT Wolf Minerals’ Drakelands tungsten and tin mine is one of only two mines outside of China with a production capacity of greater than 3 000 t/y of tungsten concentrate

Anglo American increases Q4 output in most segments, but copper down year-on-year

3rd February 2017 Diversified miner Anglo American achieved higher output for most of its products in the fourth quarter ended December 31, but copper production fell by 19% year-on-year. The lower copper production, which decreased to 146 600 t, was mainly the result of lower grades and the impact of adverse... →

IMPROVED OUTPUTS Nickel production increased by 4% year-on-year to 10 900 t, following the successful ramp-up of the Barro Alto mine, in Brazil, to nameplate capacity in the third quarter

Lonmin maintaining FY17 guidance despite weaker Generation 2 shafts production

3rd February 2017 Platinum producer Lonmin is disappointed by first-quarter production figures at its Generation 2 shafts; however, with the initiative of deploying additional stoping and vamping crews and the expected platinum ounces from the smelter clean-up project, it is maintaining its sales guidance for the... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MARIKANA MINE, NORTH WEST Lonmin’s Marikana mining operations, in the North West, including Pandora, produced 2.3-million tonnes for the three months to December 31

Merafe improves production, cuts debt levels

3rd February 2017 JSE-listed Merafe Resources’ attributable ferrochrome production from the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture for the year ended December 31, increased by 4% to 107 t, compared with the 101 t produced in 2015. Merafe said in statement last week that it expects to report basic earnings a share of... →

Photo by Duane Daws
INCREASED VALUE Merafe Resources expects to report basic earnings a share of between 20c and 23.5c for the full year, compared with the 13.7c recorded in the prior year

Mining Indaba remains pivotal to Africa

3rd February 2017 The mineral resources sector remains “critically important” to the African continent, which is why the Investing in African Mining Indaba has consistently been regarded as an event of “paramount significance”, says Mining Indaba MD Alex Grose. This is also a key motivation for the at least 24... →

Junior mining sector must be supported; coal to remain key to S Africa's energy needs – DMR

2nd February 2017 Junior mining companies cannot perpetually remain as junior miners, they must be supported by the majors and other industry stakeholders to assist them in their growth journey, says Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) mineral policy and promotion deputy director-general Joel Raphela. He was... →

Bank upbeat about mining sector in 2017, predicts steady commodity price uptick

30th January 2017 Given that the global economy is expected to grow by 3.4% this year and 3.5% in 2018, the health of global macroeconomics is good, which bodes well for a resurgence in the global mining industry during the course of this year. This is according to Standard Bank mining and metals research head Tim... →

Photo by Duane Daws
Standard Bank’s Sandra du Toit and Tim Clark

Mining Indaba remains pivotal to Africa

27th January 2017 The mineral resources sector remains “critically important” to the African continent, which is why the Investing in African Mining Indaba has consistently been regarded as an event of “paramount significance”, says Mining Indaba MD Alex Grose. This is also a key motivation for the at least 24... →

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