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Manganese mining, local processing and green hydrogen make headlines

Published: 24 May 24

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer unpacks the importance of South Africa locally processing its manganese ore, discusses private investment company Menar's plans to grow its manganese mining and processing operations in South Africa and Gabon and provides an update on Hive Hydrogen's efforts to secure solar energy for its R105-billion green hydrogen and green ammonia project in the Eastern Cape.

Eskom seeks to reserve grid capacity for publicly procured IPP projects

Published: 24 May 24

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses Eskom's application to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, seeking permission to preserve and reserve grid capacity for publicly procured IPP projects, as well as the implications should permission be granted.

Australian natural gas industry seeks policy repairs to boost investment

Published: 24 May 24

Australia's natural gas industry executives are seeking more measures to restore an investment environment they say has been damaged by a series of state interventions to boost domestic supply and curb soaring energy prices. While most executives at the Australian Energy Producers Conference in Perth were broadly in favour of the Australia Future Gas strategy unveiled by the government this month, they called for immediate action and improvements to the policy to avoid new gas supply shortfalls.

Equinox marks first gold pour at Greenstone mine

Published: 24 May 24

Canadian miner Equinox Gold has successfully poured its first gold at the newly built Greenstone mine, in Ontario. The inaugural gold pour occurred on schedule, with the recovery circuit yielding 1 800 oz of gold. Equinox reports that all equipment functioned as expected during the process.

Hecla appoints interim CEO as Baker resigns

Published: 24 May 24

Silver producer Hecla Mining on Thursday announced the appointment of Catherine Boggs as interim president and CEO with immediate effect, succeeding Phillips Baker, who is stepping down after 23 years at the company. Boggs, who is currently chairperson, will be assisted in management the affairs of Hecla by a committee comprising senior CFO VP Russell Lawlar, VP of operations Carlos Aguilar and senior VP – chief administrative officer Mike Clary.

Large Anglo shareholders are backing miner’s stance on BHP talks

Published: 24 May 24

Several of Anglo American’s big shareholders have said they support the company’s efforts to persuade BHP Group to change the structure of its takeover proposal or compensate for the risks it presents, before accepting any offer. BHP has one week to convince its target of the value of its $49-billion acquisition plan, after Anglo announced on Wednesday it had rebuffed a third bid and agreed to extend a regulatory deadline. With the clock reset, discussions will center around BHP’s insistence that Anglo spin off majority stakes in South African platinum and iron ore units before the takeover can proceed.

A cardboard cut out of the design of a modular building with a hand hovering over it

Wood pushed as viable construction material

Published: 24 May 24

Engineered wood has emerged as a viable alternative to concrete and steel in the construction industry, owing to its low-carbon footprint and technical performance as a structural material, says tertiary education institution University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Graduate School of Technology Management senior lecturer Dr Schalk Grobbelaar. However, the adoption of this solution in the industry is still notably low, he says.

BMW 7 Series clinches 2024 Car of the Year title

Published: 24 May 24

The luxurious BMW 7 Series has been awarded the 2024 South African Car of the Year (COTY) title. In a competition run by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), the the Suzuki Fronx secured second place, with the BMW M2 claiming the bronze medal.

Auto shipments to foreign markets hit new high, but shift to electric vehicles sees drop in catalytic converter numbers

Published: 24 May 24

Despite a tough domestic economy undermining a recovery in new-vehicle sales to prepandemic levels, record vehicle exports in 2023 ensured that the South African automotive sector still managed to outperform the rest of the manufacturing sector, says Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council chief trade and research officer Dr Norman Lamprecht. The value of vehicles and automotive components exported from South Africa last year increased by R43.5-billion, or 19.1%, from the R227.3-billion recorded in 2022, to a record R270.8-billion – taking it to 14.7% of total South African exports.

A microscope view of a lichen spore which is a complex life form comprising a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms; a fungus and an algae

Algae offers new carbon emissions solution

Published: 24 May 24

Based on the concept that algae are a carbon-capture powerhouse, Austin, Texas biotech company Reactive Surfaces has invested over $2-million in the research and development of an algae-infused paint and surface area treatment, to not only capture but also sequester carbon emissions. Lichen is a complex life form which comprises a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms - a fungus and an algae.