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Bankan gold project, Guinea – update

Published: 10 May 24

Predictive Discovery has announced a A$50-million raising to advance the project.

New dewatering pumps enhance mine water management

Published: 10 May 24

Although effective pump systems for water drainage are available on the market, the high sediment load of up to 5%, varying acidity value of mine water and the considerable energy consumption of dewatering pumps continue to pose a challenge to Australian plant manufacturer Murray Engineering. To address its heavy-duty requirements, the company has enlisted NEMO SY progressing cavity pumps, from German supplier NETZSCH Pumpen and Systeme, for their dewatering systems.

An image of World Wide Industrial and Systems Engineers MD Muhammad Ali

Virtual training key to cost-effective skills development

Published: 10 May 24

The mining industry is increasingly turning to virtual reality (VR) training to equip employees with essential skills in a simulated environment that mimics real-life conditions while reducing risks, reports consultancy firm World Wide Industrial and Systems Engineers MD Muhammad Ali. VR training simulates physical environments, such as underground or at height, providing a realistic experience that helps workers understand various safety hazards and operational tasks more effectively.

An image of mining consultants at a site

Hosted learnerships allow for collaborative skills development

Published: 10 May 24

Hosted learnerships play a crucial role in addressing the skills gap in the mining sector, particularly in areas with high unemployment rates, by upskilling local talent, providing additional workforce and offering employment opportunities outside the sector, says training services provider Training Force MD Daniel Orelowitz. While skills development is essential in various industries, businesses may not have the capacity, availability or ability to take on learners to meet their obligations. Conversely, other businesses may have available roles, but not necessarily sufficient funding to take on learners, he adds.

Consultancy concludes water project

Published: 10 May 24

Multidisciplinary consulting firm SRK Consulting recently completed a project involving mine water, in West Africa, which started with characterising the key aquifers at the mine. Thereafter, SRK developed a dewatering system based on site testing and numerical modelling, followed by a water balance flowsheet for the client, says SRK principal hydrogeologist Ismail Mahomed.

An image of trainees at Menar's Gugulethu operation

Diversified miner focuses on community upskilling

Published: 10 May 24

Johannesburg-headquartered diversified resources investment company Menar’s subsidiaries are prioritising youth empowerment through providing skills training, learnerships, internships and bursaries aimed at communities located close to its various operations. “Education’s unmistakable power is showcased when real lives are transformed, leaving a long-lasting impact for host communities,” Menar says.

Tarrawonga mine, Australia

Published: 10 May 24

A coal mine about 16 km north-east of Boggabri, in Australia.

Botswana vows to protect interests in potential BHP-Anglo deal

Published: 09 May 24

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi vowed to protect the country’s interests, including its 15% stake in diamond giant De Beers, should BHP Group acquire Anglo American. Anglo, which rejected a BHP proposal valuing the mining company at about $39 billion, owns the other 85% of De Beers. Under the proposed deal, BHP — once a major diamond producer itself — said that De Beers would be put on a strategic review. Anglo, the only major miner with a big diamond business, has already been reviewing the future of units including De Beers.

Johnson Matthey forecasts lower palladium, rhodium deficits, but larger platinum deficit

Published: 09 May 24

Chemicals and sustainable technologies provider Johnson Matthey says the palladium and rhodium markets are likely to record smaller deficits this year, while platinum is likely to record a deficit of 600 000 oz on the back of lower primary supplies. It states in its latest yearly ‘PGM Market Report’ that an anticipated recovery in primary and secondary platinum group metal (PGM) production fell short of expectations in 2023.

Manuka raises cash to bring Mt Boppy into production

Published: 09 May 24

Exploration and development company Manuka Resources has announced an A$8-million capital raise that it plans to use to bring the Mt Boppy gold mine into production this year. The capital will be used to establish an onsite processing facility to recover gold from oxidised ore. First gold production is forecast for the fourth quarter.