Mia Breytenbach

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Mia Breytenbach

Mia Breytenbach is Deputy Editor: Features for Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

New version of breathalyser used at mines, industrial sites reduces chances of cheating

16th June 2017 To further improve the security of testing and reduce “cheating”, or circumvention of breathalyser tests, alcohol detection technology and services provider Alco-Safe is developing a new version of its ALControl breathalyser unit for application at mine and industrial sites. “The new unit,... →

Sula starts Phase 3 drilling at Sierre Leone gold project

13th June 2017 Multicommodity exploration and development company Sula Iron & Gold has started Phase 3 drilling at the Sanama Hill and Southern Target deposits at its flagship Ferensola gold project, in Sierra Leone. Following an initial 1 500 m programme carried out in 2015 and the recently completed 3 800 m... →

Switzerland to expand innovation partnerships in South Africa

9th June 2017 Following the successful collaboration between Switzerland and South Africa in the innovation space, which spans nearly ten years, Switzerland aims to expand and intensify the Swiss-South Africa collaboration, says Swiss Ambassador to South Africa Helene Budliger. “Innovation is key for creating... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MINDSET ENCOURAGEMENT There is opportunity for small and medium enterprises and corporates to create an innovation mindset and encourage innovation in all departments

SA retail Reit to actively pursue opportunity in Spain

9th June 2017 JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Vukile is actively evaluating opportunities in Spain to diversify its earnings stream and enhance its high-quality portfolio. During the company’s results presentation in Johannesburg last month, CEO Laurence Rapp noted that Vukile had a R1.5-billion... →

ACQUISITION ADDITION Vukile Property Fund acquired a 25% stake in the Springs Mall, in Gauteng, which opened in March

Prefeasibility work progresses at Botswana copper/silver project

9th June 2017 Aim-listed Metal Tiger has progressed prefeasibility work at the T3 copper project in Botswana, which it holds in joint venture (JV) with ASX-listed Mod Resources. Key highlights in the work’s progress include the T3 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that was expected to be lodged, which should... →

Photo by Bloomberg
STUDY RESULT According to a scoping study released in December 2016, T3’s average production rate is expected to be 21 800 t/y of copper and 665 000 oz/y a of silver

Stenprop pursues UK prospects; mulls Reit status, LSE listing

8th June 2017 Following the acquisition of a portfolio of 25 multilet industrial (MLI) properties in the UK earlier this week, JSE-listed property investment company Stenprop is considering the merits of a conversion to real estate investment trust status, as well as a possible listing on the LSE. The company... →

Industrialisation, infrastructure development to accelerate economic growth – Gama

5th June 2017 Industrialisation and the provision of infrastructure will accelerate Africa’s economic growth, says State-owned logistics provider Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama. Speaking at the International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) Conference promotion breakfast, in Johannesburg, on Monday, he highlighted... →

Heavy-haul industry urged to embrace supply-chain approach

2nd June 2017 The “ultimate innovation” for the heavy haul industry is to adapt and broaden its view to encompass the entire supply chain if it is to secure a sustainable future, says State-owned railways utility Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) executive Brian Monakali. He suggests that such a transformation is... →

Photo by Duane Daws
INDUSTRY OVERHAUL Tansformation of the heavy haul industry is key in countries, such as South Africa, where a minority of the country’s rail-friendly freight is transported by rail

US agency awards grant to SA IPP for Free State solar study

2nd June 2017 The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a grant to Johannesburg-based independent power developer Pele Green Energy. The grant will fund a feasibility study to assess the viability of a 75 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, in the Free State. US Consul General of Cape Town... →

Photo by Bloomberg
NECESSARY ANALYSIS The grant funds a feasibility study to assess the viability of a 75 MW solar photovoltaic power plant, in the Free State

Norilsk’s $271m suit against Botswana over stalled sale provisionally set down for hearing this month

2nd June 2017 Russian miner Norilsk Nickel, which intends to sue the Botswana government to recover $271-million in damages and other legal costs from a stalled sale, says a date for the court hearing has been set provisionally for the middle of June. “We are waiting for this process to be concluded. We... →

ONGOING OPERATION Despite the ligitation, the Nkomati mine in South Africa continues to maintain viable levels of production

Enviro permitting processes for Western Cape uranium project advancing

2nd June 2017 Uranium project developer Tasman RSA Mines says that draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management plan (EMP) reports for the company’s mining right applications Ryst Kuil and Quaggasfontein, which form part of the Karoo uranium mining project, in the Western Cape, will... →

PROJECT PROSPECTS Uranium developer Tasman RSA Mines’ mining right applications include Ryst Kuil Quaggasfontein in the Western Cape and Kareepoort in the Eastern Cape

Despite glorious past, mineral processing innovation faces uncertain future

26th May 2017 While the mining industry does not yet seem to be in a crisis regarding innovation in mineral processing, it certainly seems to be on a downward trajectory, says former Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre director and emeritus professor Tim Napier-Munn, noting that, with innovation being... →

Gold miner to expand exploration activities in Burkina Faso

26th May 2017 TSX-listed gold miner Roxgold expects its exploration activities to increase this year to support the company’s organic growth strategy, with an approved exploration budget of $8-million. Roxgold noted in a statement that a further round of drilling, totalling about 11 000 m, would be undertaken... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MINERAL INTERCEPT Drilling at the Bagassi South deposit, located near Roxgold’s flagship underground gold mine at the 55 zone, returned a large number of high-grade intercepts

Work-based experience for graduate interns

26th May 2017 Technology ecosystem company Resolution Circle has welcomed 115 South African graduates to its graduate internship programme, which aims to develop them into high-quality, employable individuals that can excel in South Africa’s economy. Resolution Circle, an ‘idea-to-barcode’ ecosystem that... →

GAINING EXPERIENCE Resolution Circle’s internship will provide the 115 participants with practical skills in decision making and client services

Property developer to unveil rental model at Boksburg development

26th May 2017 Residential property developer Balwin Properties will soon announce details of the rental model that the group will use in Boksburg and Linbro Park, in Gauteng, and in Pretoria. Balwin Properties CEO Stephen Brookes noted during the developer’s results presentation in Johannesburg earlier this... →

PLEASING PERFORMANCE Balwin Properties’ The Polo Fields, which was launched in February, reached more than 300 presales

New tube-bending machine launched at MTA 2017

26th May 2017 In collaboration with international tube-bending technology specialist BLM Group, cutting consumable and capital equipment supplier First Cut launched the latest version of the E-TURN32 tube-bending machine at trade exhibition Machine Tools Africa 2017, held in Johannesburg, earlier this month.... →

NEW VERSION The BLM E-TURN32 tube-bending machine is available locally from First Cut

Local company progresses plans for nickel beneficiation plant

26th May 2017 Beneficiator Thakadu Battery Materials has taken significant steps towards progressing its high-purity battery-grade nickel sulphate plant project, which is expected to produce up to 25 000 t/y of high-purity nickel sulphate from South Africa-focused platinum producer Lonmin’s crude nickel... →

MATERIAL PROVISION Thakadu will beneficiate the crude nickel sulphate stream and produce high-purity, battery-grade nickel sulphate at its purification plant

Despite glorious past, mineral processing innovation faces uncertain future

26th May 2017 While the mining industry does not yet seem to be in a crisis regarding innovation in minerals processing, it certainly seems to be on a downward trajectory, says former Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) director and emeritus professor Tim Napier-Munn, noting that, with... →

NONNEGOTIABLE ENDEAVOUR There is an obligation and opportunity for the industry to be more creative in innovating in minerals processing and to do so more efficiently

Vukile to actively pursue opportunity in Spain, sees through ‘momentous’ year

24th May 2017 JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Vukile, which on Wednesday posted a 7.1% year-on-year increase in its dividend to 156.75c a share for the year ended March 31, is actively evaluating opportunities in Spain to diversify its earnings stream and enhance its high-quality portfolio. CEO... →

Vukile Property Fund CEO Laurence Rapp

Southern Palace outlines vision for radically transformed M&R infrastructure unit

19th May 2017 The newly black-owned construction company conceived from a R314-million sale agreement between engineering and construction group Murray & Roberts (M&R) and black-empowered Southern Palace Group aims to build on its 115-year heritage to become a “leading, Tier 1, infrastructure player in South... →

South Africa remains largest FDI hub in Africa, report shows

19th May 2017 South Africa remains the leading foreign direct investment (FDI) destination in Africa, with a 6.9% increase in FDI projects in 2016, according to financial services advisory firm EY’s latest ‘Africa Attractiveness’ report, published earlier this month. The report provides an analysis of FDI... →

Photo by Duane Daws
LEADING DESTINATION South Africa had an 6.9% increase in foreign direct investment projects in 2016, according to financial services advisory firm EY’s latest ‘Africa Attractiveness’ report

Southern Palace outlines vision for radically transformed M&R infrastructure unit

19th May 2017 The newly black-owned construction company, conceived from a R314-million sale agreement between engineering and construction group Murray & Roberts (M&R) and black-empowered Southern Palace Group, aims to build on its 115-year heritage to become a “leading, tier one, infrastructure player in... →

Photo by Duane Daws
NEW REPRESENTATION Murray & Roberts Infrastructure & Buildings and Southern Palace’s transaction represents a new ownership, as well as a renewed portfolio and industry role

Jubilee Platinum’s Hernic project to reach design capacity of 45 000 t/m by next month

19th May 2017 Dual-listed mine-to-metals company Jubilee Platinum’s Hernic project, in the western Bushveld in South Africa, continues to successfully ramp up its production and is expected to reach full design capacity of 45 000 t/m of feed material by next month. The project produced its first commercial... →

Photo by Duane Daws
LEON COETZER Our new business development is advancing at an encouraging pace

Thakadu progresses nickel beneficiation plant plans

16th May 2017 Beneficiator Thakadu Battery Materials has taken significant steps forward in its high-purity battery-grade nickel sulphate plant project, which is expected to produce up to 25 000 t/y of high-purity nickel sulphate from South Africa-focused platinum producer Lonmin’s crude nickel sulphate... →

Balwin delivers solid year-end results, sustains property demand

15th May 2017 Residential property developer Balwin Properties has achieved a solid financial performance in the year ended February 28, with headline earnings a share and earnings a share up by 7% to 141c. The group’s profit for the period improved by 18% year-on-year to R661-million, while revenue rose 30%... →

Balwin CEO Stephen Brookes

Eastern Cape sets sights on becoming Africa’s leading fuel bunkering centre

12th May 2017 Following the successful introduction of a deep-sea bunkering service off the coast of Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape, the province has set itself the target of being the leading bunkering stopover in Africa, states Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Mlibo... →

Photo by Duane Daws
TARGETING OPPORTUNITIES The Eastern Cape province is targeting liquid fuels, bunkering services and biofuels, gas-to-power generation and a commercial and industrial gas industry

High-level support for innovative agrosolar greenhouse concept

12th May 2017 The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has pledged its support for the SUNfarming Food & Energy project run by North-West University (NWU), in Potchefstroom, in the North West province, which promotes the growing of and provides an opportunity to grow affordable and... →

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Minister Senzeni Zokwana and NWU Faculty of Engineering Prof LJ Grobler survey the SUNfarming Food & Energy project

De Beers in push for carbon-neutral mining at its operations

12th May 2017 Diamond miner De Beers Group is leading a research project that aims to deliver carbon-neutral mining at some of its operations in as few as five years’ time. The company’s scientists, in close collaboration with a team of internationally renowned scientists, are investigating the potential to... →

Photo by Bloomberg
CARBONATION PROSPECT Kimberlite has been found to offer suitable properties for storing carbon through mineral carbonation technologies

Jubilee’s new business development advances

9th May 2017 Dual-listed Jubilee Platinum’s Hernic project continues to successfully ramp up its production and is expected to reach full design capacity of 45 000 t/m of feed material by June. The project produced its first commercial platinum concentrate in March. →

Photo by Duane Daws
Jubilee Platinum CEO Leon Coetzer

Roxgold to expand exploration activities in Burkina Faso to support growth strategy

9th May 2017 TSX-listed Roxgold expects its exploration activities to increase this year to support the company’s organic growth strategy, with an approved exploration budget of $8-million. Roxgold noted in a statement that a further round of drilling, totalling about 11 000 m, will be undertaken in the... →

EIB provides €95m support for East African entrepreneurs

5th May 2017 The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two new credit lines for East-Africa for €95-million, or about Kshs(Kenyan Shilings)10.45-billion, to be made available through financial institutions Equity Bank and HFC Limited to support smaller local projects in Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic... →

Photo by Bloomberg
RUNNING SUPPORT In the past seven years, the European Investment Bank has provided €321-million, or Kshs 35-billion, in credit lines for Kenyan businesses

Largest private IPP in Ghana on course for 2017 completion

5th May 2017 Ghanaian independent power producer Cenpower Generation Company’s Kpone Independent Power Plant (KIPP), which is expected to become a critical baseload component in meeting Ghana’s growing electricity demand, is expected to be commissioned before the end of 2017. Cenpower Generation Company’s... →

Photo by Cenpower Generation Company
BASELOAD COMPONENT The Kpone Independent Power Plant is a combined-cycle gas turbine power plant with a planned capacity of 340 MW and a multiple fuel operating capability

Portable power and solar solutions manufacturer to launch in SA

5th May 2017 US-based portable power and solar manufacturer Goal Zero will launch its product range in South Africa through local multichannel distributor Wintec Solutions this month. Goal Zero has been developing a line of sustainable portable power solutions and lighting accessories since 2010, with its... →

Photo by Goal Zero
PORTABLE POWER Goal Zero’s product range includes the Boulder 100 solar panel and Yeti 400 generator

New Development Bank invited to join Africa’s power push

5th May 2017 African Development Bank Group (AfDB) president Akinwumi Adesina has invited the New Development Bank (NDB) to support Light up and power Africa – the first of five top priorities of AfDB’s continental transformation agenda. Speaking at the second annual meeting of the NDB, in New Delhi, last... →

Photo by Bloomberg
CONNECTION AIM The African Development Bank’s New Deal on Energy for Africa advocates the ultimate objective of achieving universal access to electricity within ten years

Australian company develops solution that detects deep-buried metal

5th May 2017 Australia-based sensor technologies and software provider Gap Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) has developed the UltraTEM technology, which can detect deep buried metal in magnetite stockpiles. Gap EOD specialises in the detection of explosive ordnance and other near-surface targets that... →

STOCKPILE SIFTING The UltraTEM system can distinguish closely spaced individual targets, provides accurate estimates of object position and depth

Tanzania gold mine on course to start commercial underground production in Q2

5th May 2017 East Africa-focused gold producer, developer and explorer Shanta Gold reports that underground production at its New Luika gold mine in Tanzania remains on track to reach commercial production during the second quarter of this year. The development also remains within budget. →

De Beers leads research project to deliver carbon-neutral mining at its operations

4th May 2017 Diamond miner De Beers Group is leading a groundbreaking research project that aims to deliver carbon-neutral mining at some of its operations in as few as five years. The company’s scientists, in close collaboration with a team of internationally renowned scientists, are investigating the... →

South Africa remains largest FDI hub in Africa – report

3rd May 2017 South Africa remains the leading foreign direct investment (FDI) destination in Africa, with a 6.9% increase in FDI projects in 2016, according to financial services advisory firm EY’s latest ‘Africa Attractiveness’ report, published on Wednesday. The report provides an analysis of FDI investment... →

CNH Industrial launches local youth training programme

28th April 2017 Capital goods company CNH Industrial launched the new TechPro2 2017 programme in Ennerdale, Johannesburg, last month. TechPro2 is a technical training programme for young people, with the aim of preparing highly qualified personnel to be placed in the automotive industry. The joint initiative is... →

LOCAL SUPPORT TechPro2, a technical training programme for young people, aims to prepare highly qualified personnel to be placed in the automotive industry

AfDB approves $253m for Uganda–Kenya connecting road upgrades

28th April 2017 The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $253-million in loans to the governments of Kenya and Uganda for the upgrading of a 118 km road section connecting the two countries and construction of the 32km Eldoret town bypass, in Kenya. Kenya will receive $147.3-million and Uganda... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SPEEDY ACCESS Upgrading of the road will reduce the travel time from Kapchorwa to Suam, in Uganda, from 4 hrs to 1.5 hrs and from Suam to Kitale, in Kenya, from 1.5 hrs to 45 min

Côte d’Ivoire gold project on track to start production in March 2018 quarter

28th April 2017 Development of dual-listed gold miner Perseus Mining’s Sissingué gold mine, in Côte d’Ivoire, is on schedule and was 42% complete by the end of last month. The project, which remains on track to produce first gold in the March 2018 quarter, is also on budget, with Perseus having spent $12-million... →

POSITIVE PRODUCTION Perseus Mining’s Edikan gold mine, in Ghana remains on track to achieve its production guidance of 90 000 oz to 110 000 oz for the six months to June 30

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