Research Channel | Advanced Search - Research Channel Africa

Back All

Global mining community places Western Australia on notice

Published: 16 May 24

The release of the yearly Fraser Institute Survey shows that Western Australia’s stranglehold as one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the world for mining, is not to be taken for granted. The latest results show a declining trend in Western Australia in recent years, dropping from fourth in 2021, tenth in 2022, to seventeenth in 2023 on the ‘policy perception index’ (PPI).

Satellite image of the Jagersfontein tailings dam disaster

Mashatile says Jagersfontein house rebuilding project is advancing

Published: 16 May 24

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured the National Council of Provinces that the Jagersfontein house rebuilding project is well under way. This project follows the collapse of a tailings dam wall at the Jagersfontein diamond mine, in the Free State, on September 11, 2022, resulting in a mud slide which damaged infrastructure and homes in the vicinity.

Higher Education & Training DDG Zukile Mvalo

PGM-boosted green hydrogen backed by resolute South African govt's commitment

Published: 16 May 24

The production of green hydrogen, which is most effectively generated when catalysed by platinum group metals (PGMs), has profound economic and social implications, including job creation, skills development, and the fostering of new industries along a multifaceted mining, manufacturing and agricultural value chain. Encouragingly, the South African government representatives at this week’s Green Hydrogen Roundtable at the Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) head office in Sandton, were able to report that Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande has identified the skills needed for the hydrogen economy and is taking all-embracing steps to accelerate green hydrogen know-how.

ANC walks political tightrope over coal plant shutdowns

Published: 16 May 24

In a ward where South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) won handily in local elections three years ago, party campaign worker Poppy Vilakazi has been getting a decidedly frosty reception lately. "Mostly they are angry," she told Reuters, speaking in Komati, a village in the shadow of a shuttered power plant in Mpumalanga province, an ANC stronghold in the country's coal belt.

Saskatchewan retains crown as Canada’s top-rated mining jurisdiction – survey

Published: 16 May 24

Saskatchewan has reaffirmed its status as the leading mining investment destination in Canada and among the top three globally, according to the latest findings from the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies. Released this week, the survey placed Utah and Nevada as the two top jurisdictions globally.

Large igneous phosphate resource in Norway could redefine EU critical minerals supply chain

Published: 16 May 24

Norwegian mining and exploration company Norge Mineraler chairperson John Vergopoulos says the discovery of a large igneous phosphate deposit sets the company apart as a key supplier of raw critical materials for the European Union’s (EU’s) energy transition. Norge has identified a geological system of 3.4-billion tonnes of Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant resources in Norway, confirmed by consulting firm SRK. The company is also sitting on a significant vanadium resource, as well as titanium.

Rio Tinto ‘not afraid’ of M&A, says Stausholm

Published: 16 May 24

Amid heightened discussions surrounding mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the mining sector, Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm has reaffirmed the company’s readiness to pursue such ventures. However, he underscored the necessity for a carefully considered approach. Addressing queries regarding the company’s stance on M&A at this week’s Bank of America global metals, mining and steel conference, in Miami, Stausholm asserted, “We are not afraid of M&A.” However, he highlighted that Rio Tinto’s growth strategy was not contingent solely upon M&A activities. Instead, he accentuated the robustness of the group’s organic growth options and its enhanced project execution capabilities.

Congo demands international embargo on Rwandan mineral exports

Published: 16 May 24

The Democratic Republic of Congo called for an international embargo of metal exports from neighboring Rwanda, whose government it accuses of using rebel groups to steal its natural resources. All mining products from Rwanda should be considered “blood minerals,” because their sale allegedly supports conflict in eastern Congo, Mines Minister Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi said in a May 8 statement released on Tuesday. “All stakeholders, including end consumers of mining products,” should commit to a responsible supply chain, and “an embargo be decreed against Rwanda,” she said.

Court dismisses objection to Whitehaven’s Narrabri expansion

Published: 16 May 24

A full bench of the federal Court has dismissed an objection raised by community organisation Environment Council of Central Queensland (ECCQ) against Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri Stage 3 extension project. The dismissal of ECCQ’s application places the ball in the court of Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, who is tasked with making a final determination regarding the extension of operational life of Narrabri, in New South Wales, until 2044.

Labyrinth retains deposit as sale of Canadian gold project falls through

Published: 16 May 24

ASX-listed Labyrinth Resources has announced the termination of the sale and purchase agreement for its namesake gold project in Canada. The termination comes as a result of the buyer, Gold Projects WA, reportedly failing to fulfill its obligations. The termination would take effect on Friday and Labyrinth said it would retain the nonrefundable A$255 000 deposit.