Community trusts are vital to ensuring that local people benefit meaningfully from shared equity. Delving into the critical questions every community trust should ask.
20 Transport & Earthmoving Equipment
Unpacking the Department of Transport’s ambitious agenda to transform rail, roads and ports in SA, and how this will help enable trade, boost regional integration and improve livelihoods.
26 Safety, Health & Environment
Turning mine waste from a problem into a solution. By working smarter with what we already have, we can meet SA’s growing infrastructure needs, while improving the environment.
28 Projects in SADC
With a growing demand for uranium, thanks to the energy transition, Bannerman Energy is preparing to begin mining the metal at Etango in Namibia.
40 Gold
With so much current geoeconomic uncertainty, we look at the state of the gold industry, both locally and internationally.
NEWS IN NUMBERS
20 R94m: Allocated to roads by DoT
28 8 million tonnes: Planned Etango production
REGULARS
4 Out of Africa
COVER STORY: PAGE 8
NSDV Law suggests that renewable power, which has been reported to be 30% to 50% cheaper than Eskom’s tari s, o ers mines not only cost predictability, but also a hedge against future supply uncertainty.
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Community trusts are driving a more inclusive future, while environmental initiatives focus on repurposing mining waste for construction. Meanwhile, the Department of Transport is planning a four-year transformation of South Africa’s rail, road and port operations.
Rodney Weidemann
or decades, the mining sector has recognised the need to invest in the development of its host communities, both from a regulatory perspective, and in recognition of the historical inequities that continue to create socioeconomic challenges in communities across South Africa.
In the mining industry, community trusts are one tool among many that are used to create shared value. Such trusts hold the community’s equity share in a local company, such as a renewable energy plant or mining operation, in trust. Its role is to ensure that the benefits flowing from this shareholding reach a broad base of the community’s households.
In this issue, we will look into the crucial role played by community trusts in our industry sector, and how such trusts endeavour to achieve economic inclusivity, develop infrastructure, and build generational wealth to alleviate poverty in mininga ected areas.
construction materials, such as bricks and cement, depend on energy-intensive quarrying that damages the natural environment – these two industries can work together to improve the environment.
Much thought is being given to how tailings sand can directly replace natural sand in concrete or asphalt. Coarse tailings can serve as fine aggregate in concrete, while finer tailings can be compacted or converted for use as a road sub-base.
EDITOR
Rodney Weidemann
Tel: 062 447 7803
Email: rodneyw@samining.co.za
ART DIRECTOR
Shailendra Bhagwandin
Tel: 011 280 5946
Email: bhagwandinsh@arena.africa
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Ilonka Moolman
Tel: 011 280 3120
On the subject of roads, a highlight of this issue is the deep dive into the Department of Transport’s (DoT) ambitious agenda to transform freight transport in South Africa – with the aim of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving road safety.
Speaking of local communities, mine tailings remain a serious environmental problem for those who live in the area, with no widely e ective solution yet implemented at a meaningful scale. However, we consider how – given that the bulk of
We all know that an optimally functioning transport system is a cornerstone for achieving our national objectives of inclusive economic growth, social development, and building a capable state. In this regard we look at the clear targets and plans by the DoT to transform, over the next four years, SA’s rail, road and port operations.
Moving further afield, we take a look at a SADC project designed to meet the growing demand for uranium – the Etango uranium project in Namibia, which is one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium assets, and is currently progressing towards production.
Unlike uranium, gold has held monetary significance since the dawn of civilisation – chiefly because of its nature as a precious metal that can serve as an alternative to money. We consider how, in times of uncertainty like now, gold is increasingly important as a safe haven asset and a reserve currency.
We also look at how compliance challenges and equipment failure lead to costly downtime, but how new thermal imaging cameras and cutting-edge drones are among the innovations that can help prevent this. Similarly, with mines facing increasingly extreme weather events, we consider how the implementation of a comprehensive dewatering strategy is more critical than ever.
Finally, in our cover story, we look at how renewable power, which has been reported to be 30% to 50% cheaper than Eskom’s tari s, o ers mines not only cost predictability, but also a hedge against future supply uncertainty.
Email: moolmani@samining.co.za
Tshepo Monyamane
Tel: 011 280 3110
Email: tshepom@samining.co.za
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Neesha Klaaste
Tel: 011 280 5063
Email: neeshak@sahomeowner.co.za
DIGITAL EDITOR
Stacey Visser
Email: vissers@businessmediamags.co.za
SUB-EDITOR
Andrea Bryce
BUSINESS MANAGER
Lodewyk van der Walt
Email: lodewykv@picasso.co.za
CONTENT MANAGER
Raina Julies
Email: rainaj@picasso.co.za
GENERAL MANAGER MAGAZINES
Jocelyne Bayer
SWITCHBOARD
Tel: 011 280 3000
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Neesha Klaaste
Tel: 011 280 5063
Email: neeshak@sahomeowner.co.za
PRINTING
CTP Printers, Cape Town
GUIDING STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN NAMIBIA’S ENERGY FUTURE
With Namibia set to start oil production by 2029, the country is witnessing a surge in global investments across its exploration and production landscape. As international investors navigate Namibia’s evolving energy and mining industries, the newly launched Alvenco Advisory will support companies as they expand their presence across the Southern African country.
As a strategic advisory firm, Alvenco is committed to shaping investments that are profitable, inclusive and sustainable. The company will work closely with government stakeholders and global companies, aligning closely with the country’s energy goals. It will do so by o ering policy and regulatory support, strong alignment with national priorities, local stakeholder engagement and environmental, social and governance focus, as well as strategies for shared value and long-term returns.
Namibia’s energy transformation comes not only from its oil and gas industry but its bold steps into green hydrogen. The country seeks to reach green hydrogen volumes of between 10 million and 15 million tonnes a year by 2050, and is working closely with global partners to achieve this goal. Alvenco Advisory stands ready to support these companies as they navigate policy, national priorities and local stakeholder engagement.
Furthermore, the organisation – while driving inclusive and sustainable projects – will not only support global investors in Namibia, but ensure their investments unlock tangible opportunities for the people of Namibia.
AFRICA SCALES UP MINERAL MAPPING TO ATTRACT EXPLORATION INVESTMENT
Across Africa, mineral-rich nations are intensifying nationwide geological surveys to gain a deeper understanding of their mineral resources. These initiatives aim to attract new investment in exploration and production, bolstering the continent’s role in the global supply of transition and Fourth Industrial Revolution metals.
In June, Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development reported that its high-resolution airborne geophysical survey had covered 22% of the country’s land area, with plans to reach 70% by December 2025. Similarly, Tanzania is pursuing a national mapping programme with a strong focus on critical minerals.
In Liberia, it was announced that the country’s national survey had identified significant deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s ongoing mapping e orts have revealed geological similarities with the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo – the continent’s leading copper producer and the world’s largest supplier of cobalt. Even in Eswatini, preliminary findings from its 2024 survey indicate promising deposits of lithium, tantalum, and so earth minerals.
SIM SENEGAL WEST AFRICA’S LARGEST MINING EVENT RETURNS
The eighth edition of the Senegal International Mining (SIM) conference and expo is set to take place at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf and the Centre des Expositions a Diamniadio, Dakar, from 4-6 November this year.
Organised by Senegal’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, in association with AME Trade, SIM Senegal is a biannual mining event that has established itself as one of the largest mining events in Africa.
It is the only event supported by the Senegalese government that is dedicated to expanding the country’s mining sector. Accordingly, the main theme for this year’s conference is “Mineral Resources: a Lever for Economic Sovereignty”.
Additionally, SIM Senegal 2025 will have several new features in place for this latest expo. These include:
■ Mining Recruitment Expo: This will help to create an opportunity for young professionals and students to meet the needs of mining, oil, and service companies.
■ Mining Explorer Showcase: Designed to allow the holders of mining exploration permits, semi-mechanised mining licences, or small-scale mining permits – with a market capitalisation of up to $30-million – to also showcase their companies.
The second International Congress on Geodiversity, Geo-heritage, Geo-tourism, Geo-education, Geoparks and Sustainable Development Goals (5G & SDGs) will promote and raise awareness of the importance of geo-heritage as a lever for sustainable development.
Your Strategic Partner for a Sustainable Mining Future
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Engineered for the Complete Water Cycle
From high-performance dewatering to advanced water treatment and reuse, our solutions are built for the harsh realities of your site. We collaborate with you to engineer tailored systems that address the entire mining water cycle, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring you meet critical environmental compliance standards, from source to discharge.
A Commitment Proven by Results
Our dedication to sustainability is more than a promise; it’s the core of our business strategy. We empower our partners to achieve their environmental goals while driving long-term value and operational success. Our ambitious targets and proven impact are detailed in our latest Sustainability Report, showcasing a clear commitment to a watersecure future.
MCSA RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT’S CHROME INDUSTRY SUPPORT MEASURES
The Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) supports beneficiation, but opposes policy interventions that risk harming the primary mining sector, associated jobs and economic growth.
In response to Cabinet approving three interventions for the chrome and ferrochrome industry, to arrest the decline in South Africa’s smelting capacity to produce the key ingredient in stainless steel manufacturing,the Minerals Council, which represents 90% of South Africa’s mineral production by value, said it was disappointed that there was no consultation on these proposed interventions.
It said this would have ensured alignment that would deliver the goals South Africa desperately needed, in terms of economic growth, job creation and a sustainable mining and processing sector.
But it welcomed Cabinet’s announcement on preferential electricity tari s for ferrochrome smelters to address one of the key factors that has rendered South Africa’s ferrochrome industry uncompetitive, as well as the use of special economic zones to give the industry tax breaks. However, it said details remained lacking, requiring extensive consultations with the government to understand these proposals and which industries would benefit.
To the extent that it prevented illegal exports of chrome, the MCSA welcomed the proposal to require all chrome exporters to obtain permits from the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa. However, it opposed suggestions that such a system be expanded or used to impose export quotas or restrictions on legally mined chrome.
A particular concern in the Cabinet statement, it said, was the approval of the concept of an export tax on chrome concentrate. “Chrome mining has been one of the bestperforming subsectors of the South African mining sector, and for this reason, export taxes have not been implemented to date and there remains no reason why export taxes would support increased beneficiation in South Africa now,” it said.
PUMP UP PRODUCTION WITH SMART BATTERY TECHNOLOGY
Energy is a key performance driver for busy warehouses and work sites. When industrial equipment batteries experience downtime or require high maintenance, it quietly erodes productivity and profitability. Lithium-ion batteries have thus emerged as game-changers for warehousing, logistics and mining operations throughout South Africa.
Imtiaz Mahomed Ally, national GM of Industrial Power, says the company calculates the di erence between using leadacid versus lithium-ion batteries for its customers. Generally, this results in an estimated 25% to 30% energy saving for lithium-ion batteries due to their higher energy e iciency rating.
“Not only do lithium-ion batteries make greater financial and productivity sense; they support cleaner, more sustainable operations. Zero emissions translate into safer work environments for operators and employees, as well as toxicity-free surroundings for customers, especially those in sensitive industries such as food processing and pharmaceuticals,” says Ally.
VANADIUM OUTLOOK IMPROVES AS BATTERY DEMAND GAINS GROUND
As battery deployment accelerates to meet global decarbonisation goals, vanadium demand is set to grow, driven by its role in long-duration energy storage, particularly in vanadium flow batteries.
Terry Perles, TTP Squared president, notes that the vanadium market has begun to tighten, driven by reduced steel slag recovery in China and the loss of output from a South African producer.
“With a potential supply shortfall by 2029, the vanadium market has an opportunity to grow by unlocking existing and new sources of production to meet surging demand, driven mainly by growth in battery energy storage.”
Vanitec, a company that promotes the use of vanadiumbearing materials, says the fastest-growing application for vanadium is in grid-scale energy storage, specifically vanadium flow batteries (VFBs). These systems use vanadiumbased electrolytes to store electricity safely and e iciently, making them ideal for supporting renewable power.
Once a niche battery energy storage solution, says Vanitec, VFBs are now emerging as a major energy storage contender and are thus driving increased demand for vanadium.
THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TURNING POINT
Renewable power, reported to be 30% to 50% cheaper than Eskom’s tariffs, offers mines not only cost predictability, but also a hedge against future supply uncertainty.
By Rodney Weidemann
The mining sector has been forced to confront energy insecurity head-on, with load curtailment and escalating fossil fuel costs threatening production continuity. In response, many companies are moving beyond short-term survival tactics and are beginning to embed renewable energy into their long-term strategies.
In fact, we are increasingly seeing mines adopting hybrid solutions that combine grid supply with self-generation from solar or wind, complemented by storage technologies to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
According to Lili Nupen, a director and co-founder at NSDV, energy performance is no longer a technical a erthought – it is a board-level concern, with predictable costs and minimal downtime valued just as highly as production volumes.
Despite this growing focus on renewable energy, the thing that is clear is that coal is going nowhere. South Africa’s mining minister has included coal as a critical mineral in the country’s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, illustrating that there is clear tension between advancing renewable energy capacity in SA and leveraging o our significant coal resources, which are still
strategic to South Africa’s electricity supply.
“The nation’s mining sector is at a turning point. While the grid remains generally available, Eskom’s intermittent reliability poses a risk to consistent production. When power cuts occur, they can be costly and disruptive, making energy resilience a strategic priority for the mining industry,” she says.
“In NSDV’s view, renewable power, which has been reported to be 30% to 50% cheaper than Eskom’s tari s, o ers mines not only cost predictability, but also a hedge against future supply uncertainty.”
At the same time, she notes, pressures are mounting globally. Internationally, mechanisms such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment and investor-driven environmental, social and governance (ESG) mandates mean that lower-carbon operations are increasingly essential to retain market access.
“Against this backdrop, we are seeing mines move quickly towards renewable self-generation, taking advantage of Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 (ERA), which now permits projects of up to 100MW to operate without a generation licence,” says Nupen.
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
The benefits of renewable energy go beyond simply lowering electricity bills, she suggests, pointing out that by generating their own power, mines can lock in energy costs for years, giving them financial predictability that makes longterm planning far more certain. On-site renewable projects also reduce the risk of production losses caused by outages.
“From an ESG perspective, they o er quick wins on indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 2 emissions), helping mines strengthen access to capital and global markets. Perhaps most importantly, these projects can create real, visible value for surrounding communities, through jobs, skills development and infrastructure – helping to build and maintain a strong ‘social licence to operate’.
“The journey towards renewable selfgeneration is not without its challenges. NSDV has noticed that two of the biggest hurdles are curtailment risks and regulatory delays. Even when projects are ready to connect, long queues and the possibility of limited grid access can slow timelines, and create uncertainty for production and financial planning.”
We are increasingly seeing mines adopting hybrid solutions that combine grid supply with self-generation from solar or wind, with storage technologies to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
– Nupen
“
From a regulatory perspective, says Nupen, regulatory approvals, from environmental authorisations to water-use licences (if required) and section 53 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 consents, o en take longer than expected, with delays that can a ect both commercial certainty and the timing of financial close.
“The legal framework for renewable energy projects is broad and can be complex. Projects need to comply with licensing or registration requirements under the ERA, and follow grid codes and secure interconnection agreements,” she says.
“Environmental compliance is equally demanding, o en involving environmental impact assessments, water and land use authorisations, biodiversity and heritage approvals, and even aviation clearances for tall structures, such as wind turbines. Occupational health and safety legislation also applies throughout both construction and operation.”
She is quick to indicate that the consequences of non-compliance can be serious, ranging from directives to halt operations and monetary fines, to suspensions as well as terminated agreements – or even criminal liability in severe cases.
“For mines and developers, staying on top of regulatory requirements isn’t just best practice, it is essential for keeping projects on track.”
HOW NSDV CAN ASSIST
NSDV occupies a unique position at the intersection of mining, energy, construction and environmental law, says Nupen, noting that this gives it a 360-degree view of every project, from start to finish.
“This allows us to bridge the gap between technical realities on the ground and the complex regulatory frameworks that govern them, ensuring that projects are not just feasible, but truly set up for success,” she says.
“For mining companies, NSDV goes beyond traditional legal advice: we design commercial structures that integrate renewable energy projects seamlessly into operations; negotiate power purchase agreements that are commercially robust; and make sure all authorisations – from environmental authorisations to land and social and labour commitments – are secured in a way that can withstand scrutiny and regulatory review.”
For renewable developers, NSDV will guide them through the o en-complex terrain of land rights, permitting and interconnection approvals, while also helping structure contracts that are bankable, and preparing projects for financing, partnerships or sale.
“Our real strength is our people-overpaper approach. We are problem-solvers, strategists and hands-on partners who work shoulder to shoulder with clients, to make complex energy and mining projects succeed,” says Nupen.
“Our multidisciplinary teams combine expertise across mining, energy, environmental and construction law, to deliver seamless, end-to-end solutions. For example, our environmental and permitting specialists (both legal and technical) clear the path with authorisations, servitudes and meaningful community engagement.
“Our regulatory experts, meanwhile, ensure projects meet energy and grid compliance requirements and navigate the intersection between energy projects and mineral rights.”
Lastly, she says NSDV’s commercial lawyers and construction attorneys dra and negotiate bankable power purchase agreements and engineering, procurement and construction contracts that stand up to scrutiny. If disputes do arise, she says, the company’s dedicated resolution team protects project continuity.
NSDV occupies a unique position at the intersection of mining, energy and environmental law, allowing us to bridge the gap between technical realities on the ground and the complex regulatory frameworks that govern them.
LOOKING AHEAD
“The coming years are likely to be defined by the scaling-up of storage technologies, which are fast becoming a standard component of hybrid systems. Grid reform will continue to unlock opportunities, with greater transparency in connection processes.”
As standard contracts and clearer risksharing models emerge, continues Nupen, projects will be easier to implement, more flexible and more appealing to investors. Mines are likely to start by focusing on generating their own embedded power, before expanding to multi-site energy portfolios.
“Perhaps the most important takeaway is that success depends on early, integrated planning and engagement with experts in the field, who understand such projects from a holistic perspective.
“Equally critical is meaningful engagement, not just with local communities, but also with other mineral right holders whose operations may be a ected, and with regulators to ensure all approvals and requirements are addressed early. Ultimately, transparent communication and genuine partnerships lay the foundation for trust and sustainable, long-term operations,” she says.
NSDV
ISTRATEGIES TO SECURE A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRANSITION
While the challenges for mines around the energy transition are numerous, a range of strategies are available to help mines overcome these difficulties, and secure a sustainable future.
n my previous column, I spoke of how mines face numerous challenges relating to the energy transition, including regulatory uncertainty, a ordable finance, and the potential for job losses – all of which create obstacles to a just transition. In part two, we look at the strategies mines can adopt to secure a sustainable future.
It goes without saying that many mining companies are investing in on-site renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, to reduce reliance on Eskom and curtail carbon emissions. As of 2022, mining companies had announced plans to develop over 4.5GW of embedded renewable capacity.
By Dr Andries van der Linde PHD, UH, UK. Technical Director at Harvard Green Energy
These projects can provide stable power, lower long-term energy costs, and enhance energy security. For example, Gold Fields’ South Deep mine has developed a 40MW solar plant, supplying about 20% of the mine’s annual energy needs and reducing CO2 emissions by around 110 000 tonnes per year.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) allow mining companies to purchase power directly from independent renewable energy producers, or energy traders, bypassing Eskom’s unreliable supply and gaining price certainty over the medium to long term. However, they are still at the mercy of grid instability. Nonetheless, in 2023, the total capacity of PPAs in the mining sector exceeded 1GW, a sharp increase from previous years. Reducing energy consumption through process optimisation, equipment upgrades, and digitalisation can lower both emissions and costs. Industry estimates indicate that e iciency improvements could reduce mining sector energy consumption by as much as 20% over the next decade.
To overcome capital barriers, mining companies can pursue blended finance options, access green bonds, or form partnerships with development finance institutions. In 2021, South Africa’s green bond market grew to R10-billion, with a significant portion allocated to energy transition projects.
By working with policymakers and industry bodies, mining firms can help shape a stable regulatory environment, one that encourages renewable development and streamlines permitting processes, thereby ensuring that a Just Energy Transition (JET) places people at the centre. Mining companies should invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives for workers, support local entrepreneurs, and contribute to community diversification projects to mitigate the social impacts of the transition.
For example, the Presidential Climate Commission estimates that up to 300 000 new jobs could be created in South Africa’s renewables sector by 2050, o ering a path for those a ected by decarbonisation.
OVERCOMING INTERMITTENCY ISSUES
Large-scale battery storage and hybrid microgrids can overcome intermittency challenges and ensure reliable supply. South Africa is targeting 1 440MW of new energy storage capacity by 2030, to support renewable integration. Adopting water-e icient technologies, recycling, and integrated resource planning can help address water scarcity concerns, while minimising the environmental footprint of both mining
and renewable energy operations.
The South African government’s role is critical in enabling a successful energy transition in mining. This includes:
■ Establishing clear, long-term policies that incentivise renewable investment and provide certainty for investors.
■ Accelerating permitting and approvals for renewable energy projects.
■ Providing support for just transition initiatives, such as job retraining, social protection, and regional development funds.
■ Prioritising grid upgrades and expanding transmission infrastructure to accommodate decentralised renewables.
■ Encouraging local manufacturing of renewable energy components to stimulate job creation and economic diversification.
SEVERAL SOUTH AFRICAN MINES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO PIONEER THE TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY:
■ Gold Fields: The solar project at South Deep mine, operational since 2022, supplies over 20% of the mine’s annual energy needs and reduces emissions by about 110 000 tonnes per year.
■ Anglo American: The company’s hydrogen-powered haul trucks and renewables procurement strategies demonstrate the potential for innovative, low-carbon solutions – Anglo has invested in 620MW of renewables across its South African operations as of 2023.
■ Exxaro Resources: As one of the country’s largest coal miners, Exxaro has committed to transforming its portfolio towards renewables, investing in over 2GW of wind and solar projects and supporting regional transition.
THOUGH THE CHALLENGES ARE SIGNIFICANT, THE ENERGY TRANSITION OFFERS TRANSFORMATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S MINING INDUSTRY:
■ Enhanced competitiveness in global markets, as carbon pricing and climate regulations tighten.
■ Improved energy security and cost stability, through diversified supply.
■ Social and economic revitalisation for mining communities through new skills and jobs in green sectors.
■ Environmental stewardship and contribution to global climate goals.
The energy transition in South Africa’s mining sector is neither simple nor straightforward. It requires bold leadership, sustained investment, and a collaborative approach between government, industry, labour, and communities.
By embracing innovation, prioritising people, and forging strategic partnerships, the mining sector can not only overcome the challenges of decarbonisation, but also unlock a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for all South Africans. The journey is complex, but the rewards – economic, environmental, and social – will be profound and enduring.
The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect SA Mining’s editorial policy.
CREATING SHARED VALUE THROUGH COMMUNITY TRUSTS
In the mining industry, a community trust is established to benefi t communities affected by mining operations, to ensure that they share in the wealth generated by the mine’s activities.
By Rodney Weidemann
For decades, the mining sector has recognised the need to invest in the development of its host communities, both from a regulatory perspective, and in recognition of the historical inequities that continue to create socioeconomic challenges in communities across South Africa. In the mining industry, community trusts are one tool among many that are used to create shared value.
A community trust holds the community’s equity share in a local company, such as a renewable energy plant or mining operation, in trust. Its role is to ensure that the benefits flowing from this shareholding reach a broad base of the community’s households.
According to Nel de Jager, director for Corporate and Commercial Law at NSDV, South Africa’s mining sector has a long history of exploitation. Therefore community trusts play a crucial role in the mining industry, by endeavouring to achieve economic inclusivity, develop infrastructure, and build generational wealth to alleviate poverty in mining-a ected areas.
“Community trusts exist to, among other things, provide socioeconomic development and quality of life to their beneficiaries. The objectives of community trusts are to partner with companies operating within communities and draw resources from projects, for the purposes of using those resources for, inter alia, skills development through training programmes; education development through building of schools
and provision of bursaries; infrastructure development through many building programmes; and economic development through investment in local companies.”
In the mining sector, she says, a mining community trust is established to benefit communities a ected by mining operations. Its aim is to ensure that these communities “share in the wealth generated by mining activities, especially in historically disadvantaged areas”.
Mining community trusts in South Africa are vehicles for empowerment, development and inclusion in the mining economy, as they are created to meet the legislated requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and the Mining Charter, which require mining companies to contribute to local economic development, says De Jager.
COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE
“It is absolutely vital for community trusts to adopt the correct governance and operating model to foster good governance and e iciency, and to curb mismanagement of funds, corruption, and erosion of trust within the communities. Accountability, transparency and strong governance are critical to the success and sustainability of community trusts,” she says.
Graeme Wilkinson, senior social investment specialist at Tshikululu Social Investments, notes that compliance requirements depend on how community trusts are registered.
“The term ‘community trust’ can actually refer to various structures. For example, not all ‘community trusts’ are broad-based ownership schemes, although many are. Some are registered as trusts, while others operate as non-profit companies,” he says.
“From a compliance and governance perspective, community trusts and similar entities must consider regulations like the Protection of Personal Information Act and the Financial Intelligence Centre Act. Compliance is a challenging area, and we always recommend seeking professional advice tailored to the specific situation.”
Wilkinson suggests that good governance is especially critical in the case of community trusts, which exist to benefit thousands of community members. The credibility of a community trust relies in part on its own ability to demonstrate good governance and be accountable to its stakeholders.
“Strong governance that builds accountability and trust is essential for these trusts to deliver on their mandate. This requires creating strong governance structures right from the beginning, and developing a trust deed that includes mechanisms of accountability.
“Choosing an operating model, meanwhile, is very much dependent on the trust’s specific circumstances. We recommend seeking professional guidance during these key early stages of the life of a community trust, to make sure that it has strong foundations that will support robust governance and operations.”
Community trusts exist to, among other things, provide socioeconomic development and quality of life to their beneficiaries. – De Jager “ “
IMPACTS AND EXIT PLANS
There is no single right way for an entity of this nature to operate, he continues, and how it operates may change over time. Each of these models has benefits and drawbacks, and the choice of a model depends on factors such as the trust’s budget, the nature of the relationship with the founder company (the benefactor), and where the trust falls on the social investor spectrum. Structure follows strategy – the purpose of the trust must determine the ultimate choice of operating model.
“A robust process of stakeholder engagement is necessary to understand the beneficiaries’ needs, assets and priorities. Structured consultations and collaboration with local stakeholders and reputable partners build strong relationships. These then foster mutual trust, create shared ownership of local initiatives, and establish the trust as a reliable local partner in the community’s development.”
In terms of impact, he says, “our 2022 benchmarking study found that the most e ective community trusts had a clear strategy that aligned with the trust’s core purpose for existence. These trusts maintained a focus on long-term impact and sustainability, and so their activities were not determined based on individual funding applications or donations, but were rather guided by a clear, impact-driven strategy”.
Siviwe ka Maqutywa, associate in Corporate and Commercial Law at NSDV,
points out that to ensure the work of the community trusts is impact-focused, there should be consultations in the communities to understand their needs and a clear strategy must be developed on how priority areas will be addressed with the resources from the community trusts. There should also be metrics to measure resource distribution, to understand whether the resources are being used e ectively and impactfully.
“It is critical to determine the exit plans for the community trust, to ensure continuity and sustainability of community projects. An exit plan would further ensure that there are strategies to develop independent and self-funding avenues. The exit plan provides a roadmap for the entire lifespan of the trust from beginning to conclusion. It aligns expectations, protects beneficiaries and ensures legal compliance, which ultimately ensures the long-term success of the trust,” he says.
“Community trusts are a powerful and necessary tool to ensure that the country’s laws relating to transformation and inclusivity are implemented. They further ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably and sustainably with communities a ected by the mine’s activities.”
Wilkinson notes that there are those trusts that intend to exist in perpetuity to create benefit to communities beyond life of mine – these trusts need to start planning early to make sound investments, to build up
IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL INVESTORS
Social investors pursue di erent types of social investment to generate both a financial return and a positive social or environmental impact. However, suggests NSDV, they will o en accept lower financial returns or take on higher risk if the social impact is significant.
Social investors are also o en focused on the long-term goals and are generally patient with capital by supporting initiatives that take time to mature.
an endowment that will provide them with ongoing income, even when mine dividends are no longer coming in.
“They may need to seek out other donor funding as well, and building those relationships and developing the trust needed should start as soon as possible. Tshikululu has found that a detailed trust deed and well-structured relationship between the trust and the founder company are central to good governance. A strong trust deed sets up a trust for success, by outlining what it can and cannot do and how any governance concerns will be handled,” he says.
DRIVING SOUTH AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CRITICAL MINERALS
South Africa is one of only a handful of mineral-producing countries to adopt a critical minerals strategy. However, the country tends to excel at policy development, but struggles with consistent and effective execution.
Critical minerals” is a phrase that now punctuates every mining conference keynote, investor deck and cabinet communiqué. Like similar catchphrases, including “ESG”, “sustainable development” and “strategic minerals”, it is fast becoming the industry’s newest shorthand for urgency and promise.
Yet, unlike other acronyms and slogans in the mining industry, critical minerals are not an innovation of linguists or lobbyists. South Africa has long been a global supplier of minerals such as platinum, manganese, vanadium and chrome ore, to name a few, thanks to a rich natural abundance of these minerals. Today, these minerals are defined as “critical” under a single masthead: the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, 2025.
In the context of the African mining sector, explains Otsile Matlou, COO at ENS, South Africa must be commended for being one of only a handful of mineral-producing countries to adopt a critical minerals strategy.
“Africa desperately needs to redefine its relationship with its minerals, to move beyond colonial-era patterns of extraction and exporting raw, unrefined minerals to countries that have built their economies on
the back of African resources,” he says.
“South Africa tends to excel at policy development, but struggles with consistent and e ective execution. So, as much as the critical minerals strategy is welcomed, its real achievement will come from its substance, not its existence.”
Dig into it and the sheen of novelty dulls quickly. The critical minerals strategy inventories 21 minerals, ranks them by “criticality”, and recites familiar aspirations – regional integration, local processing and beneficiation – without outlining the timelines or implementation plans and budget lines that turn wish lists into strategy.
“A strategy, by definition, provides direction: it tells you what to do first, what to defer and how to achieve it. The critical minerals strategy does none of that.”
In truth, the critical minerals strategy is not an isolated document. It plugs into several layers of policy and regulatory framework. These include the National Development Plan (2030), which identifies mining as a growth engine if infrastructure, skills, and governance bottlenecks are addressed. It also includes the Industrial Policy & Strategy Review (2024) which emphasises localisation, green reindustrialisation and masterplans, and
the EV White Paper (2023) which deals with downstream sectoral demands and a move towards a green economy. Lastly, it includes the recently published Dra Mineral Resources Development Bill, 2025.
“Unfortunately, the critical mineral strategy is not embedded in a modern mineral policy framework that twins with an industrial policy designed to leverage South Africa’s strengths. Worse still, the critical minerals strategy is not supported by enabling legislation,” adds Matlou.
POLICY, LAW AND STRATEGY – THE MISSING SPINE
A thriving mining industry rests on a three-tier spine, according to Denise van Heerden, Candidate Legal Practitioner for Natural Resources and Environment at ENS. These tiers are: an overarching policy that articulates national intent; legislation that operationalises that intent; and a strategy that converts statutory possibility into measurable outcomes.
“As mentioned, the strategy identifies 21 critical minerals, grouped by criticality, with platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, iron ore, coal, and chrome deemed highly critical. Its nine pillars span the full value chain: geoscience, value addition, R&D
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The strategy fails to address that mere recognition of criticality does not lower logistics costs, nor does it reform the electricity tari s or provide real incentives for the producers and processors of these minerals.
– Denise van Heerden “ “
and innovation, skills, infrastructure and energy security, fiscal instruments, regulatory harmonisation, ESG and circular economy, and regional integration,” she says.
“Concrete interventions include tari relief for ferro-alloys, potential trade measures on chrome ore, development of dedicated rail corridors, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mitigation for ferrochrome, and localisation of EV and battery production.”
The most striking feature of the critical minerals strategy is its lack of novelty. The global importance of manganese, chrome and PGMs is uncontested, but simply labelling them “critical” in 2025 means little, without a shi in how the state treats them.
“Does platinum now enjoy priority rail slots? Will manganese explorers receive flow-through share benefits? Will the state find funding solutions for coal mining or incentivise coal miners who face reducing funding and investor appetite?” she asks.
“The strategy fails to address that mere recognition of criticality does not lower logistics costs, nor does it reform the electricity tari s or provide real incentives for the producers and processors of these minerals. In the absence of concrete incentives, clear plans and programmes by the state, the label risks becoming just another buzzword.”
THE WAY FORWARD – POLICY FIRST, THEN LAW, THEN STRATEGY
South Africa’s immense mineral endowment and the post-pandemic green technology surge presents real opportunity, adds Matlou. But opportunity is not destiny. The country needs a revised mineral policy, not with cosmetic amendment but with a full policy overhaul anchored in three questions:
1. Which mineral-based value chains can South Africa competitively own end-to-end?
2. What industrial capabilities must be built to secure those chains?
3. How will the country fund, regulate and monitor that build-out?
Several elements of the critical minerals strategy are robust from an economic policy perspective:
• End-to-end design: the plan recognises that value lies beyond ore extraction and seeks to link mining with downstream industries and export opportunities.
• Clear mineral list: publishing a prioritised list of 21 minerals creates a common framework for investors and planners.
• Alignment with downstream policies: ties to the EV and hydrogen agendas creates demand-pull for beneficiation.
• Realism about constraints: the strategy explicitly acknowledges electricity, rail, and port constraints and proposes remedies.
• Complementary reforms: power and logistics reforms, if executed, could unlock competitiveness in processing industries.
Despite these strengths, the critical minerals strategy faces important shortcomings:
• Over-breadth: covering 21 minerals spreads resources too thin.
• Vague incentives: fiscal tools, R&D hubs, and funds are outlined, but without quantified commitments, timelines, or governance clarity.
• Dependency on unfinished reforms: the success of beneficiation depends heavily on power, logistics, and a functioning cadastre – all still under development.
• Continuing regulatory uncertainty: the recently published Mineral Resources Development Bill fails to create a legislative framework for critical minerals, and contains provisions that have been contentious since the first amendment of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act in 2008.
• Trade vulnerabilities: limited strategy for navigating the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, rules-of-origin, and preferential trade agreements risks locking SA out of fast-growing clean-tech supply chains.
“From an updated policy must flow a streamlined statute that balances national imperatives and investor-friendly incentives that align permitting, beneficiation, ESG and local content instruments under one transparent umbrella,” he notes.
“Only then can a real critical minerals strategy with sequenced milestones and accountable agencies make sense. A real strategy would prioritise catalytic infrastructure (such as rail to ports, electricity to smelters), and deploy concessional finance for pilot refining facilities. It would also foster strong research partnerships with universities and the Council for Geoscience, to extend exploration beyond familiar brownfields.”
The term “critical minerals” is not merely a buzzword. Critical minerals are the steel, fuel, chips and batteries of tomorrow’s economy. Treating “criticality” as a branding
• Weak accountability: the implementation matrix mentioned in the critical minerals strategy is absent from the public version, obscuring deliverables and accountability.
exercise, without any action, risks repeating history where the country will watch the next super-cycle from the same sideline where it watched the last – exporting unrefined ore while importing unemployment.
“The choice is stark: retrofit the policy for a carbon-constrained world, simplify legal machinery and cra a strategy with teeth, or continue producing glossy documents that catalogue problems without solving them.
“In the age of buzzwords, clarity is radical. A modern mineral policy that confronts logistics paralysis, power insecurity and institutional dri is the surest way to turn geological fortune into broad-based prosperity. Until then, South Africa’s critical minerals strategy remains what it is – a wellintentioned brochure, waiting in vain for the machinery of the state to make it real,” says Matlou.
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UNPACKING THE DoT’s AMBITIOUS TRANSPORT TRANSFORMATION
The DoT has an ambitious transport plan to modernise road, rail and port infrastructure, among other aspects. SA Mining takes a deep dive into what this means.
By Rodney Weidemann
The Department of Transport (DoT) has announced an ambitious agenda to transform freight transport in South Africa – with the aim of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving road safety.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy outlined the plan at the recent 43rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference and Exhibition (SATC) in Pretoria.
She noted that an optimally functioning transport system “is a cornerstone for achieving our national objectives of inclusive economic growth, social development, and building a capable state”.
In this regard, she outlined clear targets that would guide the Department of Transport’s work over the next four years, to transform rail, road and port operations.
“The first target is to ensure that by 2029, 250 million tonnes of freight are carried annually on the Transnet network, strengthening the backbone of South Africa’s logistics. The second focuses on improving port e iciency to achieve the international benchmark of 30 gross crane movements per hour, when loading and unloading ships. We need to achieve this standard to remain globally competitive,” she says.
Jason Smit, construction advisory and disputes partner at law firm Pinsent Masons South Africa, explains that Africa cannot
trade, grow or connect at scale, without addressing the broken links in its transport infrastructure. From outdated rail networks to congested ports and deteriorating roadways, the continent’s logistics backbone is under immense strain. But within that strain lies an opportunity for renewal, and with it, the potential to unlock enormous economic value.
“Reviving transportation is about enabling trade, boosting regional integration, improving livelihoods, and laying the groundwork for inclusive growth. What is required is strategic, future-proof investment across three key areas: rail, roads, and ports,” he says.
“Decades of underinvestment have le many rail networks fragmented, outdated, or completely non-functional. Outmoded infrastructure, incompatible gauges between countries, and poor maintenance have rendered key rail corridors unreliable or commercially unviable.”
Nonetheless, he feels that rail could be the key to unlocking Africa’s intra-continental trade, particularly in terms of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area. Achieving this, though, demands regulatory harmonisation, cross-border cooperation, and legal frameworks that clarify ownership, concession models, and long-term operational agreements.
THE MULTIMODAL QUESTION
According to Warwick Lord, CEO of the Cato Ridge Inland Port and chairperson of the Multimodal Inland Port Association, the most significant benefit that should come from this is the creation of a truly multimodal logistics system, which is the hallmark of every advanced economy.
“A revitalised freight rail network, integrated with strategically located inland hubs, allows for the seamless transfer of cargo between modes. The benefit isn’t just about moving containers from Point A to Point B; it’s about creating nodes of economic activity. At Cato Ridge, for example, this means cargo can be railed from the port, deconsolidated, stored, and undergo light manufacturing or valueadded services, before its final distribution by truck,” he says.
“This ‘hub-and-spoke’ model creates thousands of jobs – not just in transport, but in warehousing, processing, and assembly, fundamentally deepening our industrial base. It transforms logistics from a mere cost centre into an economic enabler.”
Gavin Kelly, CEO at the Road Freight Association, believes that for too long, the deterioration of South Africa’s rail infrastructure has placed an unsustainable burden on its road network, leading to
IMPROVING PORT OPERATION
Improvement at the ports must start with governance, suggests Oliver Roper, CEO of Portfutures Africa, adding that we need to establish a truly independent National Ports Authority, separate from the cargohandling operations of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT).
“The first target is to ensure that by 2029, 250 million tonnes of freight are carried annually on the Transnet network, strengthening the backbone of South Africa’s logistics. – Creecy “
increased logistics costs, significant road damage, and heightened safety risks.
“Rail is fundamentally more e icient for moving bulk commodities and high-volume freight over long distances. By shi ing this cargo from road to rail, we can drastically reduce the cost of logistics for key sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. This, in turn, makes our exports more competitive on the global stage and lowers the cost of goods for domestic consumers,” he says.
“Rail transport is also inherently more environmentally friendly than road transport, producing significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions per tonne-kilometre. A modal shi to rail is one of the most impactful steps we can take to meet our national climate change commitments and build a greener economy.”
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Creecy also acknowledges public concerns relating to South Africa’s roads, noting that the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) had taken over 3 099km of provincial roads at the request of premiers, and had reprioritised funding to ensure these roads were maintained.
However, she cautions that SANRAL cannot take on further upgrades without overburdening its budget. “Our priority is to ensure provinces and municipalities spend their existing road budgets e ectively,” she says.
To strengthen oversight, Creecy announced that R94-million had been allocated to provide technical support to provincial road departments. She also revealed a new memorandum of understanding with the South African Local Government Association to monitor spending on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant.
“Some 17% of this grant is intended for road and bridge maintenance, yet too o en it is either used for other purposes, or returned to the National Treasury unspent,” she points out.
Pinsent Masons’s Smit suggests that while rail is ideal for bulk and long-distance freight, roads remain the lifeblood of Africa’s internal transport system. Despite this, many national and regional road networks su er from chronic under-maintenance, poor safety standards, and limited capacity.
“We need to understand that this isn’t just a logistics problem, it’s a development issue. Poor roads limit access to education, healthcare, and markets, especially in rural or landlocked areas. Small-scale farmers struggle to get produce to market, informal traders face inflated costs, and vast regions remain economically marginalised.
“Strategic upgrades, particularly along key trade routes such as the North-South Corridor and the Abidjan-Lagos Coastal Highway, have the potential to unlock
“This ‘Landlord’ model – a global best practice – creates a clear separation between the role of the infrastructure owner (the port authority) and the terminal operators. The independent authority can then concession out di erent terminals to private operators, fostering competition within the port. This is the single most e ective way to drive e iciency,” he says.
“A private operator, competing for shipping line contracts, has a powerful incentive to invest in the best technology, be it AI, automation, or new cranes, and to run the most e icient operation possible.”
The shi to private sector participation in rail and ports is thus not just about finding funding, explains Roper, it’s about importing e iciency, expertise, and a commercial mindset.
“For this to work, the government’s role must transform from being an operator to being a smart regulator and facilitator. It must create a policy environment that is stable, transparent, and competitive.
“If South Africa can achieve this, it will not only fix its internal logistics challenges, but will also rightfully position itself as the premier trade and investment gateway for the entire African continent,” he says.
productivity, reduce transport costs, and stimulate cross-border commerce. But success lies not just in new construction – it requires sustainable engineering, performance-based maintenance contracts, and robust legal structuring of public-private partnerships in order to protect the interests of both the state and the private sector across the infrastructure lifecycle,” he says.
PORT PROBLEMS
When it comes to the nation’s ports, Smit explains that these – like ports in other African countries – are the continent’s critical gateways to global trade, noting that most face persistent capacity constraints, outdated customs systems, and limited hinterland integration.
“Improving port infrastructure is about reimagining logistics flow through port automation, digitised customs, integrated terminal management, and stronger intermodal connectivity. These upgrades can reduce turnaround times, improve competitiveness, and boost Africa’s attractiveness as a global supply chain partner,” he says.
Kelly agrees, adding that SA’s ports, particularly Durban and Cape Town, have unfortunately become bottlenecks, rather than enablers of trade. The challenges faced by logistics service providers are severe, crippling and persistent.
“Excessive vessel waiting times, low container handling rates (crane moves per hour), and yard congestion are commonplace. This leads to significant delays and demurrage costs, which are ultimately passed on to the consumer,” he says.
“Ageing and poorly maintained equipment, from cranes to straddle carriers, frequently breaks down, bringing operations to a standstill. Insu icient berth capacity and inadequate landside infrastructure, including road and rail linkages to the port, further exacerbate the problem.”
SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY EXECUTION
According to Kelly, the DoT’s renewed focus on improving this core transport
“Strategic upgrades, particularly along key trade routes such as the NorthSouth Corridor and the AbidjanLagos Coastal Highway, have the potential to unlock productivity, reduce transport costs, and stimulate cross-border commerce. – Smit “
infrastructure is both welcome and long overdue. He feels that the success of these plans will be the single biggest determinant of South Africa’s economic trajectory over the next decade.
“For logistics service providers, a functional rail and port system means a more e icient, reliable, and cost-e ective supply chain. It allows us to o er better service to our clients and helps make South African business more competitive. However, the transition must be managed carefully. We need a clear, phased implementation plan that ensures there is su icient capacity on rail before freight is forced o the road.
“The key to success lies in genuine, transparent, and well-structured collaboration between the public and private sectors. The private sector has the capital, expertise, and operational agility to help turn these plans into reality. The government, in turn, must create a stable and predictable regulatory environment that encourages investment,” he says.
He is, however, confident that if we get this right, the benefits will extend far beyond the transport sector – catalysing economic growth, creating jobs, and securing South Africa’s position as Africa’s logistical hub.
Lord feels the same, inferring that while the DoT’s vision is commendable, its success will be measured by its execution on the ground.
“The focus must be on creating a
synchronised, integrated system, not just on fixing individual components in isolation. Investing in rail without concurrently developing the inland hubs to receive and process that rail volume is a recipe for failure.
“Likewise, modernising the port without fixing the landside evacuation route simply moves the bottleneck a few kilometres inland. A holistic, corridor-based approach, driven by genuine public-private partnership, is the only way forward.”
Smit points out that Africa’s infrastructure gaps are well known, as are many of the solutions. The real di erentiator lies in execution, with urgency. That means political will, investor confidence, public-private cooperation, and strong legal structures that provide certainty and accountability.
“Transport is more than a sector. It enables the movement of goods, people, ideas, and opportunity. It determines whether a student can reach school, whether a factory reaches export markets, and whether a farmer can scale a business.
“This is why we have to get this right. If we do, we won’t just revive Africa’s transport networks; we’ll unlock its full economic potential, delivering a continent that is more connected, competitive, and resilient than ever before,” he says.
MOSHABE TRADING
CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN TRANSPORTATION
With two decades of experience under its belt, Moshabe Trading has built a strong reputation for efficiency, reliability, integrity, and professionalism, earning the trust and loyalty of its clients.
In 2025, Moshabe Trading (Pty) Ltd, a level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) company that is 100% black youth-owned, with a black women majority, celebrates 20 years of exceptional service, growth, and contribution to South Africa’s transportation sector.
Since its establishment in 2005, the company has grown from a regional transport operator into a trusted national partner, steadily expanding its fleet, operational expertise, and capabilities, to serve clients across a wide spectrum of industries including mining, construction, and industrial logistics.
Headquartered in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, and with additional branches in Middelburg, Mogalakwena and Isando, the company has built a strong reputation for e iciency, reliability, integrity, and professionalism. Moshabe provides comprehensive transport solutions, operating a diverse fleet of bakkies, trucks, trailers, and specialised low beds that are capable of handling payloads from one tonne, up to oversized and overweight haulage of 110 tonnes.
The largest loading deck measures 8 000mm in length and 4 400mm in width, allowing the company to transport largescale industrial and mining equipment safely and e iciently. All vehicles are also fully compliant with road safety and permit requirements, ensuring professional and dependable operations across the nation.
Over the past two decades, Moshabe
Trading has earned the trust and loyalty of its clients through customised transportation solutions, competitive pricing, and operational excellence. The company is capable of managing projects of all sizes, from urgent small-load deliveries to the movement of heavy machinery, construction equipment, and specialised industrial cargo.
Its highly skilled team of supply chain and logistics specialists ensures that every delivery is executed with precision, professionalism, and attention to detail, consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Moshabe Trading’s commitment to excellence goes beyond transportation. The company continually invests in modernising its fleet, training personnel, and upgrading operational systems, reflecting its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.
By providing safe, e icient, and reliable transport solutions, Moshabe Trading has played a meaningful role in supporting South Africa’s economic development, creating jobs, empowering suppliers, and building long-term business relationships based on trust, integrity, and mutual success.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Moshabe Trading looks forward to further strengthening its national transportation network, expanding operational capacity, and continuing to provide industry-leading logistics solutions across South Africa. The company aims to leverage its modern fleet, extensive expertise, and skilled workforce to
support increasingly complex and largescale projects, ensuring clients receive tailored, reliable, and cost-e ective transport solutions.
By continually enhancing operational systems and embracing innovative technologies, Moshabe Trading seeks to improve e iciency, safety, and service delivery across all operations, maintaining the high standards that have defined the company for two decades.
Looking ahead, Moshabe Trading will continue investing in workforce development, training logistics specialists, and modernising its fleet with advanced tracking, enhanced safety features, and environmentally responsible solutions. With 20 years of experience, a skilled team, and a commitment to excellence, the company is well prepared to take on projects of any scale, and to continue delivering value to clients, partners, and communities.
SOLVING THE CHALLENGE OF MINE WASTE
The mining sector, struggling with the challenge of dealing with its waste products, can partner with the construction industry, to turn such waste into aggregate, road sub-base, and more.
By Rodney Weidemann
Mine tailings remain a serious environmental problem, with no widely e ective solution yet implemented at a meaningful scale. Moreover, the bulk of construction materials, such as bricks and cement, depend on energyintensive quarrying that damages the natural environment.
From an environmental protection perspective, there is a method by which these two industries can – through close cooperation and strict adherence to South African National Standards (SANS) and other relevant internationally recognised standards – greatly limit their impact on the environment and establish a circular economy that ensures the least earth goes to waste.
According to Roelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC), mine tailings, with the proper processing, can serve as a valuable source of aggregate for construction materials.
“Tailings sand can directly replace natural sand in concrete or asphalt, with a particle size and chemical composition comparable to conventional crushed sand. Coarse tailings can serve as fine aggregate in concrete, while finer tailings can be compacted or converted for use as a road sub-base,” he says.
“When graded and compacted, coarse tailings and waste rock can also be used as structural filler material in embankments, berms, levees, and other earthworks, providing the shear strength and density required for stable highway and rail foundations. Additionally, large, durable waste-rock fragments can be sized for riprap or gabion stone, o ering e ective
erosion protection for riverbanks, bridge abutments, and coastal revetments, in place of quarried armour rock.”
STRUCTURED PARTNERSHIP
Letisha van den Berg, a director at the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA), notes that suitable tailings can be turned into construction aggregates, provided that three critical gates are passed.
“Firstly, there must be technical compliance to grading, strength/ durability, deleterious limits, etc. through engineered processing, which might include dewatering, crushing, classification, blending and – where needed – lime stabilisation. Secondly, its environmental safety must be proven by risk-based characterisation and leach testing,” she says.
“Lastly, there needs to be a clear profit case a er QA/QC and logistics. The result is converting closure liability into a saleable product, while reducing dust/run-o risk and long-haul emissions – provided that products meet end-use specifications and are released under a rigorous quality plan.
“This industrial symbiosis leads to predictable tailings specs, predictable o take, shorter hauls, reduced extraction of virgin quarry reserves, and a platform for low-carbon products. Ultimately, this alignment turns ‘waste management’ into a supply chain, with joint innovation between mine and industry, in terms of product and mix designs.”
The GIC suggests that because rock from mines has already been broken and ground, using it for construction material partly avoids or limits the fuel-hungry
crushing, blasting, and long-haul trucking that normally accompanies fresh quarrying.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
“Every tonne of tailings that takes the place of virgin aggregate leaves another hillside intact and saves on thousands of litres of diesel – savings that multiply across housing estates, road upgrades, and water networks,” he says.
“Finally, fewer truckloads tipped onto a dump means slower waste dam expansion, lower risk of structural failure, and less toxic dust dri ing across to neighbouring settlements. As volumes decline, vast tracts of land once quarantined for perpetual storage can be reformed, top-soiled, and re-seeded – possibly restoring habitats over decades, instead of centuries.”
ASPASA adds that the benefits include monetising residues, while also reducing long-term rehabilitation and stewardship liabilities.
“In addition, the strategy diversifies revenue, smooths cash flow cycles, and leverages installed plant and equipment. Partners enjoy stable and local supply in areas where traditional quarries or volumes are constrained, as well as sustainable and attractive delivered cost via shorter hauls.”
The GIC’s Van den Berg explains that, combined, the benefits are immeasurable for the health of the environment and prosperity of future generations.
“While it might be di icult to establish the relationships, protocols, regulations, supply chains, and other structures necessary to achieve this goal, the results could be more than worth the e ort for future generations,” he says.
The
THE PURSUIT OF ZERO HARM YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS
festive season is a
critical time for mine safety, which is why Menar has implemented an integrated safety improvement plan that includes campaigns targeting this time of year.
As the critical season approaches, Menar’s initiatives across all its operations have positively contributed to the industry-wide call for zero harm.
“The critical season, also known as the silly season, is a crucial time in the mining industry with regards to health and safety, as most injuries and incidents are reported during this period,” says Menar Group health and safety manager Ricardo van Rooi. He says in South Africa’s mining industry, the critical season is between October and January each year, and coincides with the festive season.
David Mamphitha, CEO of the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC), explains that the festive season comes with many challenges and misguided excitement that can potentially compromise occupational health and safety. He emphasises the need for exceptional care and due diligence in mining operations during this time, because the sector o en records the highest number of fatalities and injuries, many of which can be prevented.
To support the MHSC’s vision of ensuring that every mine employee returns home unharmed each day, Menar has implemented an integrated safety improvement plan that includes silly season
campaigns, including wellness initiatives across all its mining sites. These campaigns have successfully not only aimed for zero harm but also prevented fatalities.
For example, Kangra has maintained an 11-year fatality-free record, successfully reaching its Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate target for 2024. The theme of the mine’s 2024 critical season campaign was “Zero by Choice”.
Additionally, Khanye Colliery in Gauteng has kept a fatality-free record since it started operating six years ago. Van Rooi says such milestones were achieved by continually implementing safety measures, strengthening teamwork, and evaluating the e ectiveness of safety measures in place. He says prioritising training, risk management, and emergency preparedness will also contribute to the collective e ort of achieving zero harm going forward.
“The message from last year’s critical season campaign is still relevant, reminding us to make daily decisions that foster a safe and healthy working environment,” says Van Rooi.
During the campaign, he says, everyone came together behind a worthy cause that speaks to the safeguarding of life itself and promotes zero harm in our operations. Kangra COO John Scobbie encouraged
■ Thermal coal
■ Anthracite
■ Manganese
■ Nickel
■ Ferromanganese
Kangra employees during a health and safety event, which was part of the critical season campaign to support Zero Harm in the workplace.
employees to view safety as a shared responsibility, and to ask for assistance whenever they are in doubt.
The industry’s journey to zero harm is an ongoing e ort, and commitment to safety must remain a top priority all year around. “We can never say we have arrived in terms of safety. It is a continuous and intentional choice we need to make daily as a collective, because our families are waiting for us to arrive home safely,” says Van Rooi.
MENAR’S PORTFOLIO
‘Zero by Choice’ – the theme for Kangra’s critical season campaign to support Zero Harm in the workplace.
BANNERMAN ENERGY PREPARES TO GO NUCLEAR
By Rodney Weidemann
With a growing demand for uranium, thanks to the energy transition, Bannerman Energy is preparing to begin mining the metal at Etango in Namibia.
The Etango Uranium Project in Namibia, which is one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium assets and is located in a well-established uranium mining jurisdiction, is being developed by Bannerman Energy. The project, which is currently progressing towards production, aims to become Namibia’s fourth uraniumproducing operation.
It is located in the Erongo Region of Namibia, approximately 30km southeast of Swakopmund, with first production scheduled for 2027. Bannerman is currently undertaking early works construction activities for Etango-8, in parallel with o take marketing and strategic financing workstreams. Detailed design works for Etango-8 have also now commenced, initially focused on earthworks and civils.
At June’s Junior Mining Indaba, Bannerman Energy CEO Gavin Chamberlain explained to delegates why uranium was such a vital metal in today’s world.
“There is currently a massive deficit in uranium. Global utilities – notably in the US and in China – are increasingly demanding nuclear fuel, and uranium is key to this. Even nations like Germany, which are traditionally anti-nuclear, are changing their strategy in this regard,” he said.
“The just energy transition and decarbonisation e orts are driving demand for uranium, but current production is falling short of meeting this demand. This supply gap is expected to persist, and will likely lead to higher prices in the near future.”
FOCUS ON LOCAL
Chamberlain notes that the project has already obtained all necessary permits, adding that Bannerman also brings to the table both strong technical competency and viability, in that it has tested its technology to the nth degree.
“While our initial plans were for a 20 million-tonne project, we have decided to begin at eight million tonnes, with plans to increase this to 16 million tonnes, should it become viable.
“The decision to lower production levels was driven mainly by the current price of uranium. With a significant anticipated increase in the price over the longer term –driven by increasing demand and scarcity – our strategy is built on the principle of ‘be prepared, be patient’, so we are willing to wait for an improvement in the uranium price before increasing production. We also have the option to extend the life of mine from 15 to 27 years.”
He notes that it is generally quite easy
HEAP LEACHING
In 2015, Bannerman Energy completed construction of the Etango Heap Leach Demonstration Plant, which ran as a pilot plant until 2020. The operation of the plant comprehensively derisked the proposed heap leaching processing method for Etango, allowing optimisation of processing parameters and generating a large database of processing data.
to develop projects in Namibia, with the Etango project situated around 35km from Swakopmund and 45km from Walvis Bay. More crucially, it is accessible by a tar road, as well as rail, making the issue of getting the material to port a simple one.
“We believe local operations should be sta ed with locals, so we have only used Namibian contractors during the project development, and don’t have any expats in the Etango team. In this way, we support local communities, with most families in the region having at least one member working on our project.
“We have also adopted a phased approach to help us manage our cash flow, and also to ensure there is su icient runway to allow us to wait until the market improves. We are well-prepared and all our plans are in place.
“To use a surfing analogy: our board is waxed and we’ve already ridden several small waves – now we are just waiting for the big one to arrive,” says Chamberlain.
Creating a better future through strategic water management
Committed to responsible water stewardship and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term water security.
PREVENTING DOWNTIME
WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Compliance challenges and equipment failure lead to costly downtime. New thermal imaging cameras and cutting-edge drones are among the innovations that can help prevent this.
By Rodney Weidemann
Downtime, whether for safety, compliance or equipment failure reasons, ultimately a ects a mine’s bottom line. It is no surprise, then, to learn that several recent innovations in the market have been designed specifically to reduce this particular challenge.
Heidi Schmidt, global sales manager, Opticom Tech, points out that massive equipment, constant motion, and harsh conditions combine to create an environment ripe for mechanical wear and tear.
“This is where thermal video monitoring comes into play. It is a predictive maintenance solution designed specifically to catch issues early and help avoid expensive downtime and catastrophic failures,” she adds.
“Ruggedised thermal cameras provide monitoring, enabling facilities to prevent downtime, schedule preventive and proactive maintenance, and catch potential fire sources earlier than ever. This is because of the custom temperature alerts – with mines choosing their own thresholds – which also means these cameras can monitor wider areas than other thermal monitoring options, as they don’t have to be focused on a specific small area where heat might occur; they can be deployed to watch an entire area for temperature anomalies.”
Opticom, she continues, works with such facilities to build a video system where all the components – cameras, monitors, networking technologies, vibration mounts and more –work together to help the mine meet its goals for safety, maintenance, operations, and whatever else.
“It’s about helping them to understand what they currently have in place for video monitoring, what challenges they’re having, and where their gaps are. We then help
cra short- and long-term plans for implementing a video monitoring solution that makes sense.”
This technology operates as a proactive alert system, rather than a reactive one that requires someone looking at the feed, she says. “Unlike handheld temperature scanners, which only catch heat anomalies if someone is scanning the right place at the right time, these cameras are persistently monitoring, and the system can alert to issues whether someone is watching the screen or not.”
Thermal video monitoring is a predictive maintenance solution designed specifically to catch issues early and help avoid expensive downtime and catastrophic failures. – Schmidt “ “
FLYING HIGH
Steinmüller Africa’s intelligent engineering services has recently added the Elios 3 drone to its repertoire. These use cutting-edge technology to enhance inspection capabilities and reduce costs for mines, as these cra are able to reach deep areas underground that are not safe for human inspection.
“The drone is designed for inspections in dangerous, cluttered, and confined spaces. It’s a safer, more accurate way to gather information in hazardous areas,” says Steinmüller Africa Group QC/NDT manager Carel van Aswegen.
“The Elios 3 drone can work for long hours, reducing the need to employ people to support 3D mapping and other key tasks. By replacing manual inspection methods in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments, the drone also reduces the risk of injury and associated costs from workplace accidents. This not only protects workers, but also reduces insurance and compliance expenses.”
Van Aswegen explains that it is also able to cut downtime for inspections by up to 50%, through the application of real-time intelligence with the combination of swi , safe, and data-rich inspections. Traditional inspections o en require shutting down sections of a mine, but the Elios 3’s fast and precise data capture means inspections can be done with minimal disruption to operations.
“The drone is packed with advanced technology, including LiDAR scans, visionbased SLAM and modular sensing tools, which deliver live 3D mapping and survey-grade modelling of asset conditions, early detection of structural weaknesses, and actionable maintenance recommendations based on precise measurements.
“Best of all, it requires no access to GPS to function. The advanced FLYAWARE SLAM engine processes the LiDAR data to track the drone’s position in space and detect obstacles in its surroundings. This technology allows the drone to adapt in real time to dynamic environments, such as shi ing mine tunnels or changing obstacles,” he says.
CHURSTON EXPANDS ITS PRODUCT RANGE
Churston, a supplier of feeder breakers, plant feeders, reclaim feeders include complete machines, as well as overhauls/spares/repairs and services.
Formed in 2020 to manufacture and supply parts for underground/surface coal mining and power generation industry, Churston focuses on feeder breakers, plant feeders, reclaim feeders and mineral sizers. The company has recently expanded its product range – at the request of valued customers – into the supply of complete machines, feeder breakers (low/high seam), reclaim feeders, plant feeders, sizers overhauls/ spares/repairs and services.
Based in Boksburg, the company prides itself on producing quality parts that perform to the expectations of customers.
Churston believes it is of paramount importance for the coal mining and power generation industry in South Africa to have access to readily available, locally manufactured, quality products, which will result in huge cost savings, and will create jobs.
FEEDERS AND FEEDER BREAKERS
The company’s constant product development and innovation has ensured that the Churston feeder breaker is now an industry standard. The feeder breaker is traditionally used as an interface between mobile mining machinery and the processing systems. The main function of the feeder breaker is to reduce the product down to a conveyable size and facilitate the smooth transfer of material onto the mine’s conveyor belt system.
In addition to Churston’s standard design feeder breakers, the company also o ers customised designs – in terms of feed rate, end product size, mobility, ancillary machinery and mining conditions – according to the
customer’s specific requirements.
Churston also o ers a range of modular design reclaim feeders, which are ideal for a number of minerals handling applications. These o er clients customisable, economical, and productive solutions for minerals handling applications of all sizes.
Reclaim feeders and feeder breakers are used to reclaim stockpiles and run-of-mine (ROM) mining at a continuous feed rate. These reclaim feeders function as the interface between trucks, front-end loaders, or dozers suppling material, and essentially reclaim material in a controlled process to a conveyor belt, sizer, or other process equipment.
The Churston reclaim feeders are an ideal backup system for stacker and reclaimer systems, and can be used for side-tipping or back-tipping applications, to reduce double handling of material, a move that will also help to lower costs.
PLANT FEEDERS AND PLANT FEEDER BREAKERS
Plant feeders and plant feeder breakers are traditionally used for ROM mining and processing systems. The main function of the plant feeder breaker is to reduce the product down to a conveyable size, and to allow for smooth transfer of material onto the mine’s conveyor belt system.
In addition to Churston’s standard range of plant feeders and feeder breakers, the organisation also o ers customised designs to the customer-specific requirements, in terms of feed rate, product size, and feed bin design.
KEY CUSTOMERS
■ Sasol Mining
■ Thungela
■ Seriti Mining
■ Glencore Coal
■ Eskom
Finally, Churston sizers – developed for primary sizing applications lower than a 1 000tph – are also used at ROM tips and process plants or underground applications. These Churston sizers are constructed to superlative durability, with low maintenance requirements, resulting in cost-e ective operating expenditures.
Feeder and double roll sizer.
Double Roll Sizer.
Churston manufactures premium, fit for purpose Feeding & Sizing solutions for the Mining and Power Generation Industry. We supply Plant Reclaim Feeders /Feeder Breakers, Underground Feeders/ Feeder Breakers, and Underground/ Surface Sizers. In addition, we also cater for all aftermarket spares and repairs with large range of stockholding.
PARTNERSHIPS WILL TRANSFORM AFRICA’S MINING SECTOR
The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba is a pivotal event for mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders looking to capitalise on the vast opportunities in Africa’s mining sector.
The time is opportune for Africa’s mining sector to step up and realise its full potential. With its vast mineral reserves, Africa possesses the resources to power the next phase of development for the continent and the globe. Given robust debate around which minerals will be most important to fuel that development, there is renewed interest in Africa from across the world.
Unlocking this potential requires more than resource extraction – it demands a collective e ort from governments, private sector players, downstream buyers, communities and civil society.
The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI26) theme, “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships”, highlights the transformative power of collaboration in addressing the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
MI26 is a pivotal event for mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders looking to capitalise on the vast opportunities in Africa’s mining sector, and comes at a crucial time for Africa, as it maps the role it will play in the global economy.
Frans Baleni, chairman of the Mining Indaba executive advisory board, explains that this year’s theme aligns with the South African philosophy of ubuntu – a belief in a shared, essential humanism.
“Ubuntu holds that unity is strength; that when we work together, we cra a
better future. This is fundamentally true. By collaborating, we can shape outcomes for the betterment of all stakeholders, and the environment,” he says.
COMMUNITIES AND INNOVATION ARE KEY
One of the most significant shi s in Africa’s mining landscape has been the recognition of the need to involve indigenous and local communities. Historically not prioritised, these groups today have a seat at the table, as stakeholders, beneficiaries and equal partners. This shi is encouraging mining companies to adopt more sustainable and communitycentric approaches.
By fostering mutual respect, transparent dialogue, and inclusive decision-making, mining operations can ensure that local communities benefit from resource development, while preserving cultural heritage and environmental integrity. From skills sharing and job creation, to improving livelihoods and empowering indigenous voices, this new paradigm recognises that mining success must extend beyond production outputs, to include shared prosperity and social equity.
Kwasi Ampofo, BloombergNEF head of mining and metals, highlights the significance of collaboration in this context. He says “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships” means “uniting governments, private sector, communities, and civil society to transform mining, achieving a shared
triumph for Africa’s future”.
Another cornerstone of the 2026 Mining Indaba is innovation. From artificial intelligence-driven exploration to digital-twin technology, the mining sector is embracing disruptive technologies to enhance e iciency, safety, and sustainability, suggests Laura Nicholson, content and communities director for Mining Indaba.
“MI26 is a platform where transformative ideas and collaborations come to life. Our goal is to drive both investment and the kind of innovative technology partnerships that create shared prosperity,” she says.
Disruptive technologies also o er an opportunity to engage Africa’s youth. By investing in skills training and education programmes around advanced mining technologies, the industry can create pathways for young people to lead the sector’s transformation, building a resilient, future-ready workforce.
As the 2026 Mining Indaba approaches, it is clear that the future of African mining lies in partnerships. Whether it is governments harmonising regulations, companies investing in communities, or innovators pushing technological boundaries, collaboration is the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential.
This year’s Indaba o ers participants a golden opportunity to partner with industry stakeholders to unlock possibilities and strengthen the sector.
HANDLING ADVERSE WEATHER EVENTS EFFECTIVELY
Increasingly
extreme weather events create many challenges for mining operations, making the implementation of a comprehensive dewatering strategy more critical
By Rodney Weidemann
Mines in South Africa have always had to plan around seasonal rainfall. The challenge today is the unpredictability – heavy rains arriving outside of normal cycles, o en in volumes well beyond generally accepted averages.
“Mining is a tough business, and mining operations know how to roll with the punches,” says Chetan Mistry, Xylem Africa’s strategy and marketing manager. “But they are battling bigger and more unpredictable storms, which can create many problems on a site, such as dams bursting, tunnels flooding, and water washing away infrastructure such as roads and bridges.”
According to Jacques Pretorius, manager: market area – mining, at KSB Pumps and Valves, extreme weather impacts both openpit and underground mines.
“For surface operations, this means pits flooding faster than systems can cope, causing delays and instability. For underground mines, sudden inflows threaten safety and production, demanding layered pumping capacity and contingency planning well beyond what was once standard,” he says.
“Extreme weather has turned dewatering into more than just a technical function – it’s now a question of resilience, redundancy, and responsibility.”
Peter Telle, CEO at Ultra Control Valves, points out that the challenge is mines are no longer dealing with steady, predictable inflows – but rather sudden, high-volume surges that can last for days.
“Systems designed for ‘normal’ conditions can be overwhelmed in hours. You need
than ever.
resilience and flexibility built in from the start, or you risk flooding and costly downtime,” he says.
REDUCING RISKS
Mines can do more to reduce extreme weather risks, such as adjusting their dewatering strategies, adds Mistry.
“Mines o en have permanent dewatering solutions installed. But these are typically designed for past conditions, not the kind of weather events that happen today.
Extreme weather doesn’t always mean a massive storm. It o en means more frequent storms, which place additional pressure on dewatering systems or create flooding conditions outside of their scope.”
Telle agrees, noting that too o en, the focus is on buying a pump, not designing the whole system. If suction, discharge, pressures, and surge control aren’t engineered together, he explains, you get weak points. Many setups evolve piecemeal, under-budget pressure, and without planning for worst-case events, that’s when things fail.
“We use high-pressure, abrasion-resistant valves like our Valvtron Titan to handle extreme duty. Actuated pump control valves give a so start and stop, protecting pumps and pipes from surges. Nozzle check valves prevent reverse flow, and full surge mitigation – through air valves and surge vessels – keeps the system safe under sudden changes.
“It’s not about selling a box of parts. We start with site visits, listen to the mine’s engineers, and model the hydraulics. Then
we design a full system – right valve for each duty, proper surge control, matched pump controls – and stay involved through commissioning and training so the team can run it reliably.”
KSB’s Pretorius suggests that a comprehensive dewatering solution goes well beyond supplying pumps. It starts with a holistic understanding of the mine’s environment – rainfall patterns and surge factors, mining method, infrastructure constraints, and environmental obligations.
“Only when those variables are understood can the right combination of pumping equipment, control systems, and infrastructure be designed. Delivery then means building a dynamic, adaptable system rather than a static one,” he says.
“At KSB, this includes best-inclass centrifugal pumps in multiple configurations, coupled with mobile skids, pontoons, trailers, and self-priming units. Smart control philosophies and redundancy planning ensure resilience against sudden inflows, while modular layouts give operators the ability to move equipment as collection areas shi or expand.”
Ultimately, says Telle, a comprehensive dewatering solution is crucial for mines to handle adverse weather events.
“With the right solution, you protect your people and your assets, cut unplanned stoppages, and lower your long-term costs. A system built for the mine’s worst conditions won’t just survive the next storm – it’ll keep production moving while others are bailing out,” he says.
DRIVING INNOVATION AND RELIABILITY IN AFRICAN MINING
Through advanced engineering, tailored solutions, and relentless support, Schurco Slurry keeps African mines moving forward.
In Africa’s demanding mining environments, slurry pump performance can make or break operational e iciency.
At Schurco Slurry, slurry pumping isn’t just part of what we do – it’s our sole focus. With over 60 years of combined expertise, we design pumps to thrive where others fail, delivering durability, e iciency, and reliability across the toughest mining conditions.
Schurco Slurry pumps are built using highchrome wear-resistant alloys, heavy-duty casings, and specialised materials such as polyurethane and rubber, ensuring superior wear, abrasion, and impact resistance. This is then combined with optimised hydraulic designs, allowing Schurco pumps to achieve maximum e iciency, while at the same time reducing energy losses and operating costs, and maintaining exceptional performance under extreme loads.
INNOVATION THAT EXTENDS WEAR LIFE
Continuous research and development (R&D) drives our designs. Schurco has advanced metallurgical formulations, introducing nextgeneration high-chrome alloys and enhanced polyurethane components, for superior abrasion resistance.
Re-engineered impeller profiles further help to maximise e iciency and extend wear
life, while improved sealing technologies minimise leakage and protect bearings in highly abrasive applications.
The company has also launched a new range of dirty water pumps, capable of handling slurry with a specific gravity up to 1.05, that is compatible with both electric and diesel drives. This addresses evolving market needs, while improving operational flexibility.
African mining operations o en handle ultra-dense, highly abrasive slurries, requiring robust and adaptable pump solutions. Schurco features thickened casings, oversized bearings, and customisable liners and impellers, designed for solids-rich conditions.
Features like open impellers enhance solids tolerance and reduce clogging, while hardened alloy components in high-wear zones extend lifespan and maintenance intervals – something that is crucial in remote, high-production sites.
A FUTURE DRIVEN BY DIGITAL INNOVATION
At Schurco, we go beyond supplying pumps – we are partners in performance. From onsite audits and root-cause failure analysis to custom performance plans and handson operator training, our services are
AFRICAN MARKET
In June 2021, Schurco Slurry extended its reach into the African market, specialising in supplying heavy-duty slurry pumps and o ering exceptional lead times and competitive prices to customers.
This expansion further solidifies its commitment to providing real-time product support worldwide through 24/7 customer service centres spanning across hemispheres.
tailored to each client’s unique challenges.
Through regional service hubs across Africa, supported by 24/7 technical assistance, we ensure rapid deployment and continuous availability. For remote operations, we preposition critical spares and work closely with local representatives and logistics partners to overcome access challenges.
Beyond our customer-centric focus, Schurco is transforming slurry pump operations with digital twin technology and interactive 3D AR models, enhancing decisionmaking, training, and maintenance planning. These innovations, combined with our continuous improvement process, empower customers to reduce downtime, cut costs, and improve safety.
Our commitment is simple: when our customers succeed, we succeed. Through advanced engineering, tailored solutions, and relentless support, Schurco Slurry continues to deliver quality, reliability, and performance –and keeping African mines moving forward.
ENGINEERING-LED APPROACH TO FLUID CONTROL CHALLENGES
Ultra Control Valves delivers high-performance fluid control solutions for the most demanding waterworks, mining, civil engineering, and heavy industrial applications.
Founded in 2009 by Peter Telle, a respected South African engineer with over four decades of experience, Ultra Control Valves is a specialist valve solutions company with a growing international footprint.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, the company maintains branches in eThekwini (Durban), Cape Town, Klerksdorp, and Scotland, providing advanced engineering solutions across Africa and beyond. Ultra specialises in high-performance fluid control solutions for the most demanding waterworks, mining, civil engineering, irrigation, petrochemical, and heavy industrial applications.
“At Ultra Control Valves, we don’t just sell valves – we partner with our clients to solve their toughest fluid control challenges,” notes Telle. “Our core philosophy is that a valve should not simply survive its duty cycle; it should make an operation more predictable, e icient, and robust.
“This engineering-led approach focuses on delivering solutions with a lower total cost of ownership by reducing a client’s long-term maintenance, mitigating downtime, and enhancing overall system reliability, even in extreme conditions.”
Ultra Control Valves’ product range,
he continues, is strategically focused on delivering maximum performance and longevity in challenging environments, and covers everything from specialised solutions for extreme conditions, to comprehensive dewatering and water management and pump and pipeline protection.
“Beyond product supply, Ultra Control Valves o ers comprehensive engineering services, from initial hydraulic analysis to long-term operational support. We collaborate with global leaders such as ARI and Sentinel to provide the best solutions.
“Our services include system audits and analysis, PRV audits, pressure management policies, and detailed surge and water hammer analysis, to identify and mitigate system vulnerabilities. We also o er design and specification related to air valve sizing, system modelling, and fit-for-purpose valve specification for new and existing projects. Furthermore, we provide installation and support services that encompass installation, commissioning, and long-term maintenance programmes, the latter of which ensures sustained reliability,” he adds.
The company’s engineering-led approach makes it a partner of choice for municipalities, water boards, mining houses, industrial plants, and engineering
SPECIALISED SOLUTIONS
Ultra Control Valves’ product range is strategically focused on delivering maximum performance and longevity in challenging environments. It has solutions for:
■ Extreme conditions
■ Comprehensive Dewatering and water management
■ Pump and pipeline protection
contractors across South Africa and abroad, and Ultra Control Valves is a B-BBEE level 2 contributor.
“With water scarcity and infrastructure pressure a growing concern across Africa, Ultra Control Valves is dedicated to providing solutions that directly contribute to reducing non-revenue water losses, optimising pumping energy use, and ensuring safe, reliable supply,” he says.
THE NEW GOLD RUSH
In times of uncertainty, gold is the go-to metal for investors. With so much current geoeconomic variability, we look at the state of the gold industry, both locally and internationally.
By Rodney Weidemann
Gold has held monetary significance since the dawn of civilisation – chiefly because of its nature as a precious metal that can serve as an alternative to money. Unlike paper money, it cannot be printed and be devalued, or even be weaponised, as we are currently seeing with the US dollar. Gold is now seen as a reserve currency with the central banks of most countries, which are increasing their holdings, further strengthening the price.
According to Itumeleng Phoshoko, general manager at Evander Gold Mines, it is expected that gold will hold steady for the foreseeable future, and major institutions are predicting prices of US$4 000/oz this year.
“This is one of the reasons why I am involved in the gold industry, and this sentiment is shared with my colleagues at Pan African Resources. I do not foresee gold being eclipsed by the green minerals explosion, where the prices are governed by supply and demand, and what the latest fad is at the time. Gold has proven itself over the long term and will remain so in the future,” she says.
“In times of uncertainty, as we are in now, and because of the factors I have mentioned above, gold is increasingly important as a safe haven asset, a reserve currency and
because of this increased level of holdings by many nations’ central banks.”
She believes it is necessary for the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to encourage exploration and foreign investment, by improving access and transparency to mining and prospecting rights. Phoshoko adds that government should also not hinder investment by introducing dra legislation like the Mineral Resources Development Bill that creates future policy uncertainty, which is a deterrent to investment.
“It is for these reasons that South Africa is ranked very unfavourably in the mining investment survey by the Fraser Institute. Sadly in South Africa, even in this commodity boom cycle, mining production is declining due to lack of investment.”
NUMEROUS CHALLENGES
“Illegal mining is perhaps the key local challenge, as this not only a ects legitimate mining operations, but also negatively impacts local communities and development potential, while also robbing the country of tax and royalty revenue.”
Phoshoko notes that illegal miners claim that mines – like Pan African Resources’ Sheba project in Barberton – do not create employment, so they are forced to mine
RECORD GOLD PRICES
According to PwC’s recent Mine 2025: Concentrating on the Future report, while most of the industry grappled with rising costs and tightening margins, record gold prices meant that gold revenues increased by 15%, while gold earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to 32%, as a result of operating leverage. The rising costs and narrowing margins placed pressure on much of the industry, pushing overall EBITDA margins down to 22%, compared to 24% in 2023.
illegally. The challenge, she points out, is that mines cannot employ every individual from the community. That would be unsustainable and unprofitable, as per any other business.
“Gold is a finite resource and mining has to be carefully planned, according to the available development and
GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Gold mining in 2025 shows a mixed outlook, with some companies facing production challenges while others report strong financial performance and strategic advancements, according to the World Gold Council’s 2025 Mid-Year Report.
The report notes that: “Gold prices have surged, reaching record highs, driven by factors like inflation fears and geopolitical uncertainty. However, the industry also faces risks related to trade wars, commodity price volatility, and the need for sustainable practices.
“Trade-related and other geopolitical risks play a large role, not just directly, but by fuelling moves in the dollar, interest rates, and broader market volatility – all of which feed into gold’s appeal as a safe haven. Taken together, these factors have contributed around 16% to gold’s return over the past six months.
In times of uncertainty, as we are in now, gold is increasingly important as a safe haven asset, a reserve currency and because of the increased level of holdings of this metal by many nations’ central banks. – Phoshoko “ “
infrastructure, to ensure long-life and safe operations. However, we do create additional employment opportunities outside of mining, by investing in small enterprise development programmes for local businesses, and establishing farms that employ several hundred people on a seasonal basis.”
She says mining companies are increasingly looking o shore for mining opportunities, where the investor environment is “more friendly”. The focus is on stable jurisdictions, such as Australia and Canada, and excludes many countries in Africa where the security of tenure is not guaranteed or there is large-scale civil war, she says.
She says as the price of gold increases, lower-grade deposits become more feasible to mine – as seen at Pan African’s tailings remining operations at Elikhulu, at Evander, and at the recently commissioned MTR operation. While this requires huge capital
investment, it delivers great benefit in terms of environmental remediation and rehabilitation.
Africa has immense potential in terms of mineral wealth and most of the continent is under-explored, continues Phoshoko. Where there is political will and stability, investments will always follow, and there are great success stories by major mining companies in countries such as the Congo and Egypt. Other countries should follow this lead.
“In closing, I would just like to point out that, while Pan African Resources has longlife gold mining operations in South Africa, the impact of its operations extends much further than mining gold and employment.
“Apart from being the largest employer in some areas, such as Barberton and Evander, we also contribute significantly to local economic development, infrastructure development, and small business development. More crucially, we also
“The second half of the year sits on a seesaw, with geoeconomic uncertainty keeping investors on edge. Inflation data have shown signs of improvement, but concerns remain that conditions could deteriorate quickly. Dollar-related pressures are likely to persist, and questions around the end of US exceptionalism may dominate investor discussions.
“Gold enters the second half of 2025 coming o an exceptionally strong start to the year – up 26% – shaped by a weaker US dollar, persistent geopolitical risk, robust investor demand and continued central bank purchases. While some of these drivers are expected to persist, the path forward remains highly dependent on multiple factors including trade tensions, inflation dynamics, and monetary policy.
“In conclusion, 2025 is a year of both opportunities and challenges for the gold mining industry. While gold prices are high and companies are making strategic moves, the industry also needs to navigate production hurdles, geopolitical uncertainties, and the transition to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.”
contribute to environmental rehabilitation and the eradication of illegal mining, improving community sustainability.
“Ultimately, without the contribution of mining, many areas would become unsustainable, and communities would cease to prosper,” she says.
PRODUCING BETTER DRILL RIG PERFORMANCE
Rotary head slide pads are critical components in reducing machine downtime, and the lost productivity and revenue that goes along with this. Vesconite offers many advantages over bronze.
By Rodney Weidemann
Wear-resistant self-lubricating rotary head slide pads play a crucial role in drill rig performance, providing a smooth sliding surface for the rotary head assembly as it moves up and down during drilling operations. By reducing friction between the moving rotary head and the stationary mast guides, these wear components contribute to greater e iciency, reduced maintenance, and prolonged equipment life.
According to Juan van Wyk, an application engineer at Vesconite Bearings, Vesconite is a highly engineered thermoplastic with exceptional properties, including a significantly lower coe icient of friction, superior wear resistance, high load-bearing capacity, and outstanding dimensional stability. It exhibits negligible water absorption and does not su er from creep under load.
“In contrast, nylon can absorb up to 9% of its weight in water and swell up to 3% linearly, compared to Vesconite’s minimal 0.13% and 0.07%, respectively. This water absorption severely impacts nylon’s mechanical properties – o en reducing its load-bearing strength by nearly 50%. Nylon also has a higher coe icient of friction (0.25-0.40), whereas Vesconite and Vesconite Hilube o er much lower values (0.13-0.18 and 0.08-0.12, respectively),” he explains.
“It is thus easy to see why Vesconite –specifically designed for such environments – is far better suited for high-load, highperformance applications like those
encountered in drill rig environments.”
Since drill rigs operate in extremely harsh and abrasive environments, the vertical movement of the drill head along the mast exposes the slide pads to constant dust and dirt. Van Wyk indicates that Vesconite’s self-lubricating properties enable grease-free operation in cases where manual lubrication is overlooked or neglected. Unlike bronze, which requires continuous lubrication and wears quickly without it, Vesconite maintains its performance without grease, even under dynamic loading conditions.
“The Vesconite material’s self-lubricating properties help overcome this challenge. Wear pads operate e iciently without the need for grease, maintaining a low coe icient of friction and minimal wear – even under dirty, dry, and demanding conditions.
“Furthermore, Vesconite’s dimensional stability ensures excellent compatibility with existing rig components, minimising the need for rework or redesign. This also allows for the design of very small running clearances, which further aids accuracy of drilling and long-term use.”
MAINTAINING DRILLING ACCURACY
Adding to this, Tristen Wintershoven, who is also an application engineer at the organisation, notes that rotary head slide pads are critical components in maintaining machine uptime. Every moment a rig is o line translates to lost productivity and revenue. Using Vesconite wear pads significantly extends the time between replacements, reducing maintenance downtime and
ensuring greater operational e iciency.
“Additionally, maintaining drilling accuracy is essential. The angle of penetration into the ground is influenced by the clearance between the wear pad and guide surfaces. Vesconite’s wear resistance helps maintain optimal clearances for extended periods, even a er thousands of cycles – making it an indispensable solution for high-precision drilling,” he states.
“The ultimate goal is to replace the traditional lubricated bronze wear pads used on drill rigs. A major original equipment manufacturer has reported that their standard bronze pads typically last between 750 and 1 250 operating hours, before requiring replacement.”
He suggests that under identical operating conditions and similar machinery, Vesconite Hilube has demonstrated significantly improved longevity, achieving over 2 100 hours of service life – representing a 70% to 180% improvement.
“The self-lubricating nature of Vesconite pads allows for no-grease operation in the event where there is a lack of manual lubrication. Unlike bronze, which requires continuous lubrication and wears quickly without it, Vesconite maintains its performance without grease – even under dynamic loading.
“In the end, if you want to maximise your drill rig’s uptime by reducing maintenanceassociated downtime, particularly in demanding conditions, choosing Vesconite over bronze is the answer to your wear pads challenges,” says Wintershoven.
SMARTER BLASTING
REACHING THE COPPER LEFT AFTER THE RENEWABLES BOOM
Unlocking tomorrow’s deep-lying copper reserves will depend on precision blasting techniques that can operate safely and effectively under extreme conditions.
Copper is a critical component in solar power systems, electric vehicles, battery storage, and the infrastructure that supports the renewables ecosystem. It’s one of the driving forces behind the accelerating global move to clean energy, and without it, there is no energy transition. Likewise, without ongoing innovation in explosive practices that push boundaries in what mines can achieve, the industry will struggle to go further and deeper in extracting this precious resource as it becomes increasingly di icult to access.
By Johan von Landsberg
Technical Manager at Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA)
Tomorrow’s copper reserves will be found further down in more geologically complex and far less forgiving environments than the shallow, high-grade deposits to which the world has become accustomed. Unlocking them will depend on precision blasting techniques that can operate safely and e ectively under extreme conditions.
From procurement and storage to transport and site-specific consultation, the management of explosives in these high-stakes environments must evolve in line with rising environmental, safety, and production demands.
THE WORLD IS FAST APPROACHING THE ‘COPPER CLIFF’
Expert forecasts place copper on a direct collision course with skyrocketing demand. According to the Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025 report by the International Energy Agency, copper is expected to face a 30% deficit by mid-2030, even if every announced project successfully comes online.
Grades are falling, capital costs are climbing, and discovery rates have slowed substantially. Declining ore grades mean operators must excavate and crush significantly more material to deliver each tonne of metal, raising energy consumption, and forcing concentrators to handle higher volumes of waste. Brownfield expansions o er quick relief, yet even these options carry heavier price tags than in the past.
One major issue lies with the geological complexities and logistical challenges associated with breaking hard rock at depth. The deeper a deposit lies, the tougher the surrounding host rock, the higher the natural ground stress, and the narrower the margin for error.
ADVANCED BLASTING PRACTICES REPRESENT A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
An ideal lower-cost, high-e iciency method for o setting lower grades and the spiralling costs of extracting hard-to-reach copper is to ensure
that every detonation extracts the maximum amount of copper possible while using the least amount of material.
For example, electronic initiation now lets us choreograph each blast with a degree of control unimaginable just a few decades ago. Working closely with explosives partners, copper mines can set up blasts to fire individual holes with micro-precision. In doing so, they can align shock waves to fracture ore cleanly and taper o before reaching the host rock.
The immediate gains include less waste rock that enters the mill, and vibration levels that remain comfortably inside community and regulatory thresholds – something that is increasingly becoming a critical factor in keeping licences to operate secure.
That precision is carried to the loading bench as well. Because modern bulk emulsions arrive as a base matrix and sensitiser, explosives experts can adjust density on demand to mirror the geology. Tougher surfaces call for a denser mix, and fractured zones need a lighter touch that prevents over-break and excess fines (very small fragments created when the rock is broken). One product stream, mixed on-site, trims hazardous-goods mileage and pares back the carbon footprint tied to every kilometre of haulage.
Meanwhile, at depth, long runs of signal wire snag on muck, add hours to cycle times, and raise misfire risk. But by shi ing to wireless detonators, we can strip out that delay and fire complex patterns in a fraction of the set-up time. Less crew exposure at the face and fewer consumables translate directly into lower unit costs – savings that compound with every bench a mine sinks.
Finally, stress-relief pre-conditioning can substantially reduce total material use. Before the main shot, a light energy curtain fractures high-stress zones so the production blast can do its work with fewer kilograms in the hole, making it more cost-e ective to go deeper in search of hard-to-reach copper deposits.
Taken together, these practices, with guidance from an experienced explosives services provider like Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA), e ectively replace the blunt force methods of past decades with scalpel precision. This approach extracts more metal per blast, burns less fuel per tonne, and keeps environmental footprints within a margin that investors and regulators increasingly demand.
For an industry staring down a 30% supply gap by the next decade, this e iciency has become a critical need.
The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect SA Mining’s editorial policy.
CHOOSING MINING APPLICATION SOLUTIONS
Grinding Techniques’ core focus has always been to develop products that can improve manufacturing processes and reduce overall costs to any operation.
The process of mining has changed substantially over time, from the earliest examples of flint and rock being mined by means of fire fracturing, to modern drilling and mechanical extraction processes, leveraging special steels and materials to better handle the stresses involved in the mining process.
Machines and tools that break or wear too quickly can lead to skyrocketing costs – driving the development of these more advanced materials.
A typical commodity that will be encountered in a mining operation includes various grades of stainless steel, all with their application-specific benefits such as corrosion resistance, weldability and formability.
Harder materials, such as those used for wear parts on dragline buckets and wheel loader bucket teeth, will also be seen – each bringing a set of benefits to the table, and at the same time a unique set of challenges to the operator who is to machine and process these materials.
Grinding Techniques’ core focus has always been to develop products that can improve manufacturing processes and reduce overall costs to any operation. What started as a small selection of cutting and grinding products has grown into an extensive catalogue of solutions for all abrasive applications.
Superflex cutting and angle grinding discs are designed to work optimally on a range
of materials. Mining applications present a unique challenge, where hard materials used for wear parts can o en be di icult to cut and grind, as their constituent elements result in materials that are susceptible to heat fracturing, if exposed to too much heat while being machined. The Superflex cutting and angle grinding range is designed to work optimally on a range of substrates.
Some alloys, such as manganese and some austenitic stainless steels, will also start to harden when being machined, thereby causing standard abrasives to be less e ective over time.
Over the years Griding Techniques has developed various products to circumvent this issue, such as the Superflex 230x7.2x22.23 AS30T Heavy Duty angle grinding disc, which is ideal for hard facing and wear parts, as well as the Superflex 230x7x22.23 ZA24R Premium Zirconia Alumina angle grinding disc. The Zirconia Alumina grain provides a substantially cooler and more rapid grind, thereby reducing overall heating.
Every mining operation has an organised chaos of pipes that can be seen running from all parts of the mine – maintenance and fabrication of these pipes call for specialised abrasive products. Within Grinding Techniques’ range, we have designed and developed various cutting discs that make processing these pipes more e icient.
For optimal pipeline cutting, especially where precision is required with minimal
heat build-up, Superflex 230x2.5x22.23 A36V XR cutting discs are specifically designed for applications on high chrome alloy pipes, used for material transfer and boiler tubes. For more demanding applications, there’s the Superflex 230x3.0x22.23 AS30T cutting disc, with a depressed centre, o ering the perfect balance between rapid cutting performance and longevity.
The machining of breaker bars, rock drills and button bits is made possible with the Andor range of grinding wheels. Available in various sizes and abrasive grains to suit the material and application specifics, we manufacture bespoke conventional or super abrasive wheels for your application.
Silicon carbide is a popular grain used for the machining of tungsten carbide buttons and drills, as its high hardness, sharp edge geometry and friability ensure an e ective grind on such hard materials. When it comes to bit grinding, the Andor 350x40x152.4 8C60K8V1 is a popular option.
Super abrasives, such as diamond and cubic boron nitride, have the ability to grind more components per wheel. Available in a range of shapes, sizes and specifications, these wheels can suit almost any precision grinding application.
Safety is our top priority, and Superflex and Andor products are designed and manufactured to international standards. We remain a trusted partner to the mining industry, o ering a full-basket solution, with customisation on request.
SEASONED EXPLOSIVES LEADER JOINS BME
Blasting and metallurgy solutions company BME has appointed Meagan van den Berg as its managing director for Africa, a role that will support blasting operations across the continent (excluding South Africa) as well as the global metallurgy operations.
BME, a member of the Omnia Group, has developed a strong footprint in Africa since its inception in South Africa in 1984 – while also expanding internationally by establishing operations in North America, Indonesia and Australia.
According to BME managing director Ralf Hennecke, the new position will reinforce BME’s strategic growth in Africa, north of SA, and internationally, leveraging the company’s innovation and supply chain security to further enable global scalability.
Van den Berg has 16 years of experience in the mining and explosives industry in Southern Africa, starting her career working as a mining engineer and explosives engineer. She has held management, executive and board positions, and has led diverse and multicultural teams across various countries, fostering collaboration and driving results in highly regulated and dynamic environments.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
MANITOU SOUTHERN AFRICA WELCOMES NEW MD
Manitou Southern Africa, a subsidiary of Manitou Group based in Johannesburg, has announced the appointment of Andrew Maynard to the position of managing director for South Africa.
Maynard has more than 11 years of experience within the Manitou Group, where he has held key leadership roles across sales, a ermarket, and dealer development. Most recently, he served as managing director of Manitou Centre South Africa, where he successfully led commercial operations and oversaw the execution of direct-to-customer business strategies.
Maynard’s background in engineering and project management, combined with his strong commercial acumen, operational oversight, and leadership capabilities, makes him ideally suited to support the ambitious growth targets set for the Southern Africa region.
“It is a privilege to lead Manitou Southern Africa into an exciting new era. We will build on our strong foundation in mining, and our mission is simple: deliver unmatched reliability, maximise machine uptime, and ensure the lowest total cost of ownership for our customers. In every interaction, our exceptional service will set us apart because in this industry, excellence isn’t an option, it’s our standard,” notes Maynard.
The managing director South Africa role requires a strategic focus on commercial performance, mining and agriculture market penetration, and dealer network expansion – all areas where Maynard has demonstrated strong capability. His deep knowledge of the Manitou portfolio, coupled with his operational and compliance management expertise, positions him to ensure the continued success of the business.
TRANSNET SIGNS MAJOR CONTRACT WITH UNITED MANGANESE OF KALAHARI
Transnet and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) have signed a 10-year contract for the transportation of manganese by rail, from UMK’s mine in the Northern Cape to ports for export markets.
UMK is the first major miner to sign the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 agreement. Through the MECA programme, Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to manganese producers in SA for their export volumes. The contract with UMK signifies the company’s confidence in Transnet’s ability to ensure e icient access to global markets.
Transnet Group chief executive Michelle Phillips says: “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence, expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme, in the e iciency and reliability of our services.”
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Ilonka Moolman 011 280 3120
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IN CASE YOU MISSED OUR INTERVIEW!
Business Spotlight – Enaex Africa’s plans to embrace artificial intelligence
Gary Alfonso speaks to CEO of Enaex Africa, Francisco Baudrand, about the company’s plans to embrace artificial intelligence, while also looking into incorporating sustainability within the organisation’s strategic objective. https://youtu.be/2U0RMa_6bko
APPLICATIONS
• Nip Guards improve worker safety around head, tail, and drive pulleys and prevents worker exposure to conveyor pulley nip points and pinch point hazards.
• Easy installation.
• Low maintenance.
• Simple design.
• Operates in all conditions.
• Manufactured according to SABS, CEMA, Australian and PROK mounting standards.
• Unique adjustable guard maintains a constant gap between the conveyor belt and guard, even when the conveyor belt is tensioned.
• Robust construction for longer life.
• Can be installed on bi-directional conveyor belts.
FUTURE-PROOFING MINING
FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS
Actively setting new standards and driving the mining sector towards a more sustainable future
EFFICIENT MINERAL EXTRACTION
SUSTAINABLE EXPLOSIVES INITIATING SYSTEMS AND ELECTRONICS
AECI Mining leads the way in safer, smarter, and sustainable mining.
Our advanced chemicals optimise mineral processing for e ciency and eco-responsibility, while our innovative explosives ensure precision and safety. We’re future-proofing mining, enabling sustainable growth in a changing world.
