MiningWeekly.com Audio Articles

Episodes

• 
  Gold Fields' South Deep aligning mining with education to strengthen job pathways 22.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Gold Fields' South Deep mine has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Sibanye-Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, Mienara, Phahama School of Specialisation and Westcol Technical and Vocational Education and Training College (WTVETC) to support a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the growing gap between skills development and employment opportunities. The collaborative Siyakha Sonke initiative is South Deep mine's contribution to the Gold Fields group legacy programmes portfolio, a collection of long-term social investments designed to create sustainable opportunities and lasting benefits for host communities beyond the life of mining. Its programmes aim to strengthen community resilience, support sustainable development and promote long-term socioeconomic stability in host communities. The initial MoUs bring together mining companies, educational institutions and growth sectors such as renewable energy and manufacturing to help prepare people for employment opportunities in a rapidly changing economy. Additional partnerships are currently being explored and developed. In the West Rand, where mining remains a significant employer, unemployment, particularly among young people, continues to be a critical challenge. Siyakha Sonke, which means "we are building together", is a multi-stakeholder initiative catalysed by Gold Fields' South Deep mine and piloted in the West Rand. The programme seeks to align and strengthen existing efforts across industry, education and other stakeholders to develop a scalable model that improves pathways to employment and supports more resilient local economies over the long term. As technology, innovation and automation reshape industries, the programme aims to help ensure that skills development keeps pace with changing workforce requirements and that communities are better prepared for future opportunities. "The resources we mine are not infinite, and technology is advancing rapidly. We need to close the gap between the skills required today and those needed tomorrow by developing capabilities that are future-ready and transferable across mining and other growth industries," Gold Fields South Africa senior VP Benford Mokoatle explained. No single organisation can solve South Africa's skills and employment challenge. To support greater collaboration, Siyakha Sonke held its first working group meeting in June, bringing together stakeholders to map regional assets, identify collaboration opportunities and develop practical pilot initiatives to strengthen links between education, training and employment. The programme is currently laying the foundation for four key workstreams aimed at aligning skills development with industry demand, identifying transferable skills that support mobility across sectors, strengthening pathways to employment, and fostering collaboration between industry, education institutions, government and other stakeholders. Sibanye-Stillwater executive VP: stakeholder relations Thabisile Phumo pointed out that as the mining industry evolved, the skills required would change. "This partnership gives us an opportunity to identify potential replacement skills and create pathways for employees and communities to transition into successor economies. This is an important element of preparing for the future and strengthening the resilience of communities beyond the life of the mine." The release to Mining Weekly stated that Siyakha Sonke's aim was to strengthen the link between skills development and employment opportunities. The initiative, the release stated, brought together partners from the mining, education, training, government and private sector to help prepare communities for a changing economy and create pathways to future employme...
• 
  At least $100bn of investment for 134 new lithium mines is needed for 2050 demand 22.10.2026 5m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. To meet 2050 lithium demand, the equivalent of 134 new lithium mines will be needed, says supply chain researcher Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. This equates to a new mine every two months for the next 24 years, explains Benchmark Mineral Intelligence lithium product director Dr Cameron Perks. He adds that demand growth between 2040 and 2050 alone will require 44 new lithium mines each producing about 36 000 t/y of lithium carbonate-equivalent (LCE). Benchmark Mineral Intelligence forecasts that global lithium demand will reach about seven-million tonnes of LCE in 2050, with 76% of this driven by electric vehicles (EVs). This is an increase of 4.8-million tonnes from demand of 2.11-million tonnes of LCE in 2026. "Meeting 2050 demand will require more than $100-billion of investment before any contribution from recycling, rising to more than 180 mines in our upside scenario," says Perks. "The biggest challenge is sustaining that investment through price cycles, while competing for capital with AI, defence and the wider energy transition." DEMAND DRIVERS Between 2026 and 2050, lithium demand is forecast to more than triple, with the vast majority of this growth driven by the battery market. Batteries account for 92% of lithium demand in 2026, up from around 70% in 2020. EVs currently account for 55% of lithium demand, and this is forecast to grow to 76% by 2050 as the rapid recent growth in stationary storage moderates. "Lithium demand from stationary storage has grown more than 60% a year for the past two years, but we expect that pace to slow significantly, to around 5% a year to the end of the decade," Perks points out. SOURCES Australia is expected to be the largest producer of mined lithium in 2026, accounting for 29% of mined supply. However, Australia's share of forecast mine supply is set to fall to 20% by 2050, even with large-scale brownfield expansions such as PLS's P2000 factored in for a start around 2030. "Many of Australia's mines will be depleting by 2050. Price volatility has made financiers hesitant, and the regulatory burden is growing. It's not too late, but if Australia doesn't back growth, other regions will take that share," Perks emphasises. In contrast, China's share is set to remain relatively stable at around 25%, supported by continued investment in domestic resources and an emphasis on battery supply chain dominance. North American supply is set to increase from 1.7% of mined supply in 2026 to 13% by 2050, as the region works to meet its own domestic requirements and reduce reliance on China. North America currently accounts for 6% of lithium demand from cell production, which is forecast to increase to 12% by 2050. Europe is similarly targeting domestic and allied supply chain development. The region currently accounts for less than 1% of mined supply, despite accounting for 7% of lithium demand from cell production. By 2050, 5.5% of mined lithium is forecast to come from Europe, which will take 8% of demand. "Europe and North America face their own unique challenges. Many of the largest and most promising projects require novel technology or face environmental and community concerns. These aren't insurmountable, but they create significant delays, and they mean mines built in these regions simply cost more," Perks states. HIGHER CASE This analysis assumes Benchmark's base case. The number of mines could be significantly higher if Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's upside scenario of almost nine-million tonnes LCE of demand is realised, which would be largely driven by EV and energy storage policies worldwide. Perks explains that in the firm's upside case, the equivalent number of mines rises to around 180, which would require well over $150-billion of new investment...
• 
  Incoming Northern Star CEO flags possibility of asset sales 21.10.2026 3m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Australia's Northern Star Resources on Wednesday flagged the potential for asset sales as the miner focuses on delivering its turnaround plan under a new CEO, amid pressure from both activist investor Elliott and suitor Gold Fields. Northern Star reported a 7.2% rise in first-quarter revenue from gold sales, helped by higher average gold sale prices that offset lower volumes from planned shutdowns, but missed market expectations. It, however, kept its full-year guidance intact. The result was the first time CEO Suresh Vadnagra faced investors since he took the helm of Australia's biggest gold miner on October 5. Vadnagra said his first focus was to deliver against company projections as processing at its Kalgoorlie operations ramps up, and flagged that he would assess the company's assets for value including for potential sales. The focus on delivery comes after Elliott in June called for a review and new leadership, citing repeated "operational missteps", including seven outlook misses in four years, and a share price that vastly underperformed its peers. Asked by an analyst on a results call about whether management saw potential value from asset divestment, Vadnagra said: "It's clear that there's an active process by the site team and the planning team to look at each (of our) assets and assess ... the way we're operating those assets, and is there a way for us to unlock further value or improve the resilience?" "Obviously, I'd like to apply my own lens to it as well with time, and it's an area that's high on the agenda." He declined to comment on the A$38.7-billion ($27.16-billion) takeover offer by South Africa's Gold Fields that the miner rejected. Northern Star's management has previously said that the offer was opportunistic. Gold Fields' CEO last week played down market speculation that it would raise its offer for Northern Star. Four Western Australian assets identified by Barrenjoey for potential sale include Jundee, Thunderbox, Carosue Dam, and some of its Kalgoorlie operations. HIGHER PRICES OFFSET LOWER VOLUMES Bullion traded higher during the September quarter, as central bank buying and geopolitical uncertainty helped the gold miner report a higher average realised gold price of A$4 999/oz, compared with A$4 452/oz a year earlier. This made up for the lower volumes owing to planned major shutdowns that hit its three production centres. The miner said quarterly gold sold totaled 364 000 oz, compared with 381 100 oz from a year before. Revenue from gold sales came in at A$1.82-billion for the quarter ended September 30, compared with A$1.70-billion a year earlier. That missed the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of A$1.93-billion.
• 
  Namibia tin producer’s gross profit up fourfold on 80% revenue surge 21.10.2026 3m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Namibia tin producer Andrada Mining on Wednesday, October 21, reported a quadrupled-plus gross profit and an 80% revenue surge. Supporting this high performance in the six months ended August 31 was a 13% increase in tin production and an effective 57% tin price increase to $52 131/t. Revenue of this London Aim-listed Namibia-focused company rose to £20.6-million and gross profit to £8.3-million-plus, with the margin increasing to 40.3%. Compared with a £3-million loss in the comparative period, an after-tax profit of £2.5-million was recorded, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation increasing to £4.5-million. The £4.9-million cash generated from operations in the half-year exceeded financial year 2026's full-year cash generation of £4.7-million, with period-end cash reaching £15.6-million. "These results mark a significant turning point for Andrada, with strong operational performance at Uis translating into a step-change in profitability and cash generation." Andrada CEO Anthony Viljoen pointed out in a media release to Mining Weekly. The site of the opencast hard rock polymetallic Uis tin mine in Namibia's Erongo region, also hosts lithium and tantalum. "We enter the second half of the financial year from a considerably stronger position with a critical minerals platform of three assets or value creators. "We have demonstrated the earnings and cash-generation potential of the business. The priority now is to convert our funded investment programme and strategic partnerships into higher production, measurable project progress and sustainable shareholder value," Viljoen stated in a release to Mining Weekly. The latest high performance has been achieved ahead of its next phase of production increase from fully funded plant upgrades that include the on-schedule ore-sorting circuit installation at Uis. At the same time, two growth opportunities across tin, lithium, tungsten, copper and tantalum are being advanced by Andrada's partnerships with SQM at Lithium Ridge and BWCAM at Brandberg West. The Lithium Ridge project is being advanced under a strategic earn-in partnership with SQM International, the lithium-producing subsidiary of Chilean mining company SQM, while Brandberg West is a tin and tungsten asset being developed in partnership with BWCAM, an affiliate of the private investment firm ACAM LP that entered into a funding agreement with Andrada to develop the Brandberg West copper/tungsten/tin project. "Together with our renewed board, this gives Andrada a clear platform to execute on growth across all three assets," Viljoen explained.
• 
  DRDGOLD production up 10%, operating profit up 42%, free cash inflow R725m 20.10.2026 3m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Gold tailings mining company DRDGOLD has reported a strong start to its 2027 financial year (FY27), with higher gold production, improved yields and stronger operating profit for the quarter ended September 30. Gold production increased despite a 5% reduction in tonnage throughput to 6.2-million tonnes. Revenue increased by 31%, supported by a 14% increase in gold sold and a 14% improvement in the average rand gold price received. "We've had a good start to the financial year, with higher gold production and with the gold price still working in our favour, allowing us to continue to invest in the future of the business," DRDGOLD CEO Niël Pretorius stated in a release to Mining Weekly. DRDGOLD's Vision 2028 capital programme continued to advance, with major infrastructure projects approaching key delivery milestones. Growth capital expenditure decreased by 29% to R555.7-million as certain Vision 2028 projects progressed towards completion, while all-in costs declined by 10% to R1 562 538/kg. By quarter-end, construction of the Regional Tailings Storage Facility at Far West Gold Recoveries (FWGR) was 77% complete, with 99% of the work required for beneficial occupation completed. The timing of occupation remains subject to regulatory approvals and favourable weather conditions. The DP2 Plant expansion to double the monthly plant throughput to 1.2-million tonnes a month, is substantially complete, with commissioning scheduled for October 2026. Construction of the Libanon reclamation station began in September, while Ergo's Daggafontein Tailings Storage Facility was commissioned in July. Group cash operating costs increased by 12% quarter-on-quarter to R1.3-billion, mainly owing to higher reagent and diesel costs, the purchase and processing of higher-grade third-party material and increased labour and other costs at FWGR ahead of commissioning the DP2 Plant expansion and the elution and smelthouse facility. DRDGOLD generated free cash inflow of R725.8-million during the quarter and ended September 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of R2.5-billion, after paying a final dividend of R1-billion for FY26. The JSE–, A2X– and NYSE-listed DRDGOLD remained free of bank debt with the company's strong cash position allowing it to continue to fund its capital programme without taking on debt. The group is also favourably positioned to consider an interim dividend in February next year. DRDGOLD remains on track to achieve its FY27 production guidance of 160 000 oz to 170 000 oz of gold, with cash operating costs expected to remain within guidance of about R1 099 000/kg and all-in sustaining costs at about R1 230 000/kg.
• 
  Copper mines need $332bn new investment to ease shortfall 20.10.2026 2m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Copper mines need about $332-billion of new investment to avert a future supply shock, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates. Without significant capital outlays, the copper market faces a projected supply shortfall of 20-million metric tons by 2050, and is at risk of a painful squeeze that will slow the shift toward electrification, according to a report released Tuesday. The market is expected to slip into deficit by 2028 as demand rises and producers struggle to replace declining output, BNEF analysts said. The shift away from fossil fuels and toward electrifying everything from cars to data centers has made copper by far the most supply-constrained metal covered in BloombergNEF's Transition Metals Outlook report. Demand linked to electrification is projected to spike 89% to 23.3-million tons in 2050, accounting for more than half of total copper consumption. "Electrified transport is the fastest-growing copper application," the analysts wrote. "Electric cars, trucks and buses, whose adoption skyrockets over 2026-2050, require copper in motors, inverters, battery packs, high-voltage wiring and charging." The red metal will also continue to be in demand for construction, industrial production and consumer products, while data centers are just "a drop in the ocean for copper demand." Enough copper may exist underground, but new and expanded mines are not coming online fast enough to offset declining output from existing operations. Without additional investment, total supply could fall 14.5% to 25.7-million tons by 2050, from 30-million tons in 2026. Falling ore grades will raise production costs, while recycling won't be enough to offset lower primary output. Even if the required $332-billion is invested in new mines, the gap is likely to remain open until at least 2043 because a new copper mine takes an average of 17 years to develop. Chile is expected to remain the largest primary producer, although its output is forecast to fall to 4.8-million tons in 2050, from 5.8-million tons in 2026, BNEF estimates. The nation's share of mined supply would nevertheless rise to 28% from 24% as production declines more rapidly elsewhere.
• 
  Sale of South African aluminium assets to Alcoa of US on track, South32 reports 19.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. The sale of South Africa's aluminium value chain assets to Alcoa Corporation of the US remains on track for completion in the June 2027 half-year, Johannesburg-, Sydney- and London-listed South32 reported in its September quarterly on Monday, October 19. In the three months to September 30, aluminium production was largely unchanged as South Africa's Hillside Aluminium in KwaZulu-Natal continued to test nameplate capacity with a quarterly output of 179 000 t. South32's Brazil Aluminium is in ramp-up and as reported in March, South32's Mozal Aluminium is on care and maintenance. As a global producer of materials across the aluminium value chain – taking in mining, refining and producing bauxite, alumina, and aluminium – Alcoa of Pennsylvania was on July 1 described by South32 COO Africa Noel Pillay as being well positioned to operate South Africa's Hillside Aluminium business into the future. This followed the signing by South32 of a binding conditional agreement to sell Hillside to the New York-listed Alcoa for up to $5.6-billion. In addition to the Hillside aluminium smelter and South Africa's idled Bayside smelter, Alcoa, headed by president and CEO William (Bill) F Oplinger, will also acquire South32's interests in Boddington bauxite mine and the Worsley alumina refinery in Australia, as well as the Mineração Rio do Nortebauxite mine and the Alumar alumina refinery and aluminium smelter in Brazil. Meanwhile, on the manganese front, South Africa's manganese output for the quarter was 528 000 wet metric tonnes following South Africa Manganese lifting underground productivity at the Wessels mine in South Africa's manganese-rich Kalahari basin, which is home to 80% of the world's manganese. South32's South Africa Manganese is made up of two manganese mines, the opencast Mamatwan mine, which started operating more than half a century ago, and the underground Wessels mine, which followed a few years later. Wessels has vertical and incline shafts and uses the mechanised bord-and-pillar mining method, while Mamatwan applies the terrace mining method. The two form part of Hotazel Manganese Mines. New South32 CEO Matt Daley spoke of achieving key development milestones for the company's copper and zinc growth projects. Sierra Gorda, the opencast copper mine in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, increased payable copper equivalent production by 11% on higher planned copper grades and paid a record quarterly distribution of $153-million. A fourth grinding line project at Sierra Gorda is expected to increase processing capacity by 25% and further increase the exposure to copper. At Hermosa, in the Patagonia Mountains south-east of Tucson, Arizona, South32 continued construction of underground and surface infrastructure for the Taylor zinc/lead/silver project and completed the federal permitting process. Hermosa also has the zinc-/manganese/silver Clark oxide deposit, the copper/lead/zinc/silver Peake exploration target and the Flux prospect. Hermosa provides the opportunity to leverage the underground mining and processing methods South32 has used at its Cannington operation in Queensland, Australia. Net cash increased by $14-million to $297-million in the quarter and financial year 2027 production guidance remains unchanged, South32 stated in its release to Mining Weekly.
• 
  Fortescue demonstrates effectiveness of world's first arsenic removal tech for copper 19.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Iron-ore major Fortescue has sold more than 40 t of copper concentrate cleaned using its new world-first arsenic removal technology, creating a solution for a complex problem facing the global copper industry. The patented Toowong Process uses a low-temperature, low-pressure hydrometallurgical method to separate arsenic from copper concentrate. Fortescue acquired the technology in 2022 and has been developing and testing it over the last four years at its Brisbane demonstration plant. Across seven campaigns and more than 3 000 hours, the Toowong Process reduced arsenic levels in concentrates to below 0.3%, while also retaining more than 99.9% of the copper. Arsenic has been a major barrier to unlocking new copper resources globally and its removal from copper ores has conventionally relied on roasting, an incredibly energy-intensive process. Roasting generates significant emissions, requires complex infrastructure and produces toxic water-soluble arsenic bearing gas and dust emissions that need to be controlled. The Toowong Process is proving to be an economic alternative, with comparable capital and operating costs, improved output and reduced energy consumption and emissions. The first 40 t of cleaned copper concentrate produced from Fortescue's Brisbane site contained less than 0.25% arsenic, reduced from feedstocks containing up to 7% of the contaminant. This product has now been sold, demonstrating that the Toowong Process can produce marketable, commercially competitive copper concentrate from high-arsenic feedstocks. "Technology and innovation are central to Fortescue's future growth. We look for problems others see as barriers and work out how to solve them. "In the early days of iron-ore, Fortescue challenged the assumption that lower-grade deposits could not be developed competitively. The Toowong Process brings that same mindset to copper," says Fortescue growth and energy CEO Gus Pichot. He adds that this technology has the potential to make high-arsenic deposits more economically viable, addressing major processing challenges and eliminating emissions at the same time. "The world needs more copper to build renewable-energy projects and expand electricity networks and Fortescue's innovations will be key to unlocking the resources that can meet that demand," Pichot states, adding that the company will use this technology as it explores more copper deposits globally and make it available for its peers. Global copper demand is forecast to grow more than 50% by 2050, reaching at least 50-million tonnes a year. Existing clean ore bodies are being depleted to meet that demand, forcing copper producers to explore and develop more complex deposits that can contain higher levels of impurities, including arsenic. Until now, arsenic has made some copper concentrates unmarketable, with smelters unwilling to accept product or imposing costly penalties that reduce value. High arsenic levels can also constrain mine plans if material must be blended, treated or excluded. The Toowong Process has the potential to improve the saleability of copper concentrate - removing arsenic turns otherwise unmarketable concentrate into a product that can be sold. It also allows producers to optimise mine inventories, lower development costs, improve life-of-asset production and reduce environmental impacts. Pichot explains that compared with roasting, the Toowong process uses less energy, generates lower emissions and captures arsenic in a stable, solid product. Fortescue continues, meanwhile, to optimise the Toowong Process and advance its commercial engineering, with a focus on further reducing capital and operating costs. This includes testing concentrate produced from Fortescue's Cañariaco copper project in P...
• 
  $40m for Prieska Copper Zinc Mine development in South Africa’s Northern Cape 19.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. The first copper and zinc production from Uppers at the reviving Prieska Copper Zinc Mine in South Africa's well-endowed Northern Cape is targeted for the end of next year, Orion Minerals reported on Monday, October 19, following the way for this being cleared by financing and offtake agreement finalisation. The $40-million tranche A financing from Glencore is now unconditional and gthe first drawdown is expected by the end of this month, enabling key development contracts, site mobilisation and construction activities to progress. Tranche B financing of $210-million remains conditional, with Orion continuing discussions with funding partners to secure the remaining financial required for the development of the Deeps Mine, also at Prieska. Prieska's first phase will target early production from the shallower, higher-grade Uppers, with dewatering of historical underground workings progressing in parallel and the second phase the more extensive Deeps resource, as dewatering, shaft rehabilitation and infrastructure provision are completed. Exploration will continue alongside development. Five extension targets have been identified at depth and are planned to be evaluated through underground drilling as access improves, providing further potential to expand the resource base and extend mine life. Over the past year, work at Prieska has been focused on operational readiness, detailed engineering and transitioning the project from planning to executable work packages. Torque Africa has been appointed to carry out the drilling programme, which is structured to support geotechnical and final mine design definition ahead of mining, while Enprotec has been selected to deliver the 20 000 t/m Uppers concentrator under a build-own-operate-transfer arrangement. Also enabled by Tranche A funding is a start being made on the construction of an accommodation village. Orion will continue to engage with existing and new funding partners to secure the remaining project financing required to proceed with development of the Deeps In parallel with commencing mobilisation of construction crews and equipment to site. While finalising these agreements has been a lengthy and detailed process, our project and operations teams have used this time productively to advance engineering, finalise development plans, select key contractors and establish the systems and processes required for disciplined project execution. "This puts us in a strong position to commence development activities, with a strong focus on safety, operational readiness, cost control and project governance. "The world continues to require ever increasing volumes of new copper and zinc production to meet crucial energy transition goals and we look forward to bringing this important South African resource into production and delivering long-term benefits for our shareholders, employees and local communities," Orion CEO Tony Lennox stated in a release to Mining Weekly. "We are pleased to assist Orion with financing for it to bring Prieska back to life and become South Africa's next copper producer," Glencore's Toby Spittle added. The Prieska Copper Zinc Mine, located near Copperton, is on a volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, which between 1971 and 1991 produced 430 000 t of copper and a million tons of zinc when previously operated by South Africa's now defunct Anglovaal. In addition to the Prieska Copper Zinc Mine, the Johannesburg- and Sydney-listed Orion is Orion's progressing Okiep Copper Project, which also has a premier historical copper record in a district that produced more than two-million tons of copper over 150 years. At Okiep, drilling results have confirmed ongoing high-grade Flat Mine East copper mineralisation, with intercepts of 7.88 m a...
• 
  Martin Creamer talks about Anglo American, high fuel price and decreasing mining production 16.10.2026 4m

  Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer says Anglo American still sees huge opportunity in South Africa; he discusses Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister Gwede Matashe wanting South Africans to rally to confront the high fuel price; and he unpacks the decrease of mining producti
• 
  Copper 360 intersects mineralisation early at Rietberg 16.10.2026 3m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. JSE-listed Copper 360 advises that the incline at the Rietberg underground mine, in the Northern Cape, has intersected copper sulphide mineralisation about 16 m before reaching the planned 300 Level (300L) elevation. This is earlier than expected from the company's geological model and could represent a new mineralised body, it highlights. Assays from bulk sampling of the intersection have returned representative grades ranging between 0.48% and 1.50% total copper. The intersection was made on October 6, and management immediately followed up with geological mapping and sampling. The mineralisation is hosted in the mafic rocks of the Koperberg Suite, with visible bornite and chalcopyrite. The planned 400 to 300 Level incline has progressed through this intersection, exposing about 6 m of mineralised mafic rocks. To obtain representative samples, two composite samples were collected from the stockpile of the mineralised material. The samples were crushed to –10 mm, homogenised by coning and quartering and subsequently submitted for assay. Samples were assayed at QLS Laboratory (unaccredited) in Springbok for total sulphide copper. No acid-soluble analysis was done since no oxide copper minerals were observed and the intersection is far below the known oxide and transition zones, Copper 360 points out. Quality control samples were included, and all returned results fell within acceptable industry limits. The company explains that the earlier-than-expected intersection may indicate that the mineralisation extends beyond its currently modelled limits, or that a potential "offshoot" was intersected. Some legacy borehole intersections (data) are available in proximity. The company says it will test this through further mapping and face sampling and will update its geological model accordingly. The intersection does not change the company's mine plan. Copper 360 will continue to establish the 300L according to its original layout. "Reaching ore earlier than expected is significant. It tells us the ore zone possibly extends further than our model showed or that another potential mineralised body is present," CEO Gordon Thompson says. "We will continue the investigation and stockpiling this fringe ore while we continue towards the expected higher-grade zone. Our incline development remains on schedule, so this is a positive development. "The bornite and chalcopyrite showing in the sidewalls, now confirmed by the assays, is exactly what we have been working towards," he adds.
• 
  World Bank's Banga sets goal of quintupling critical minerals financing in five years 16.10.2026 2m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. World Bank President Ajay Banga on Friday said the development lender has set a goal of quintupling its critical minerals business in five years, and has identified 20 countries that it can partner with on critical minerals development projects. Banga revealed the new goal in prepared remarks to a plenary session at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok. "In critical minerals, we plan to quintuple our business in five years," Banga said. "This week, we launched our first country compacts with MDB partners—to build local industries and keep more jobs and value at home." The World Bank's new Metals and Minerals implementation plan is targeting $19-billion in critical minerals financing over the fiscal 2026-2030 period, compared with $3.6-billion in the fiscal 2021-2025 period. Critical minerals development is an area where the United States, the World Bank's largest shareholder, has called for the bank to devote more financing resources. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this week that he wanted the bank to play a bigger role in enabling critical minerals mining and processing capacity through project de-risking and finance and investment in enabling infrastructure. He said this includes deep-sea mining projects. Banga did not mention deep-sea mining, but the bank's metals plan calls for a "precautionary approach" to the nascent sector, adding that any engagement and investments must be consistent with applicable bank policies. Banga reviewed the World Bank's overall increases in financing during the 2026 fiscal year that ended on June 30, including mobilizing $112-billion in private capital, a more than threefold increase from the 2022 fiscal year, before he assumed his role. Alongside lending from the World Bank's own balance sheet, this brought the group's total financing to $230-billion for fiscal 2026, he said.
• 
  World’s biggest platinum mine nears decision on underground move 15.10.2026 2m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Valterra Platinum is nearing a decision that's likely to take the world's largest platinum mine underground. Mogalakwena — half way along the road from South Africa's capital Pretoria to the Zimbabwe border — is the company's flagship asset, with more than eight decades of reserves remaining. But as ore grades decline in its open pits and mining the material becomes more expensive, Valterra is exploring deep beneath the surface. That underground project, known as Sandsloot, has been under evaluation for years but finally appears on the cusp of becoming a reality. Valterra plans to begin trial mining later this year and to reach a final investment decision in 2027. "We believe that going underground is the most cost-effective option for us," CFO Sayurie Naidoo said in an interview with Bloomberg Television's Chief Future Officer. The green light for an underground mine at Mogalakwena would be the firm's most significant step forward since being spun off from Anglo American in June 2025. It would unlock millions of ounces of high-grade ore at a time when global production of platinum-group metals is expected to dwindle in the years to come. "We have many, many decades of PGMs available just within our portfolio, so the supply is not a concern," CEO Craig Miller said on the same show. Valterra owns three operations in South Africa, which holds nearly 80% of global reserves of the metals, but the evolution of Mogalakwena would be pivotal for the future of the country's biggest PGM miner by value. That's partly because the project comes as the biggest source of demand for PGMs — devices that curb harmful emissions from gasoline and diesel cars — is under pressure from the rise of electric vehicles. Valterra's leadership remains bullish, saying that forecasts on the uptake of battery EVs have consistently proved to be overoptimistic. "We still feel that PGMs will have a role to play in future mobility," Miller said. He points to the staying power of internal combustion engines, the role played by hybrid cars and – in the longer term – the potential for transport powered by hydrogen. In addition, the artificial intelligence build-out, involving massive investments in data centers and advanced chips, "is an area where we see a lot more potential," Naidoo said.
• 
  Gold Fields' CEO plays down prospect of higher Northern Star offer 15.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. MELBOURNE - Gold Fields' CEO played down speculation that the South African gold producer is going to raise its offer for Northern Star, saying the Australian target first needs to acknowledge that it is open to a merger. Gold Fields has embarked on a long-planned road show in Australia this month, where CEO Mike Fraser is aiming to boost its profile with investors in the country which accounts for about half of its business. It last month lobbed a A$38.7-billion ($27.1-billion) buyout proposal in shares and cash for Perth-based Northern Star, Australia's biggest gold miner, to create the world's second-biggest producer of the yellow metal. But Northern Star, hampered by a run of poor performance, rebuffed that offer, choosing instead its own plans for operational overhaul, pushed by activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Both miners have gold operations in Western Australia, including around the town of Kalgoorlie where Northern Star runs Australia's biggest gold mine, known as the Super Pit. Northern Star said in a statement that its board remained focused on acting in the best interests of shareholders. "This includes engaging with parties on proposals that represent value above what we believe Northern Star can generate as a standalone company. The Gold Fields proposal was not in that category," it said. Fraser said the market expected Gold Fields to make another offer. "But I think before you get into, you know, throwing in new offers, you've got to at least have some reciprocation to say, actually we think there is a pathway (to value) here," Fraser told Reuters. "At the moment, we're not hearing any of that." FRASER SEEKING TO RALLY INVESTORS BEHIND MERGER PLAN Public Investment Corporation — Gold Fields' largest shareholder with a 15% stake — saw the strategic logic of a merger, Fraser said. But he added that the South African State-owned asset manager was concerned about the potential for cost escalation, the delivery of a turnaround plan for Northern Star and the potential for Gold Fields to overpay. PIC had no immediate comment. Meanwhile, Fraser said that, though Australian institutional investors were not overly familiar with Gold Fields' business, after a number of conversations he believed "people buy into the logic of the merger." "What we've heard from investors on both sides is that they see this as being compelling," he said. Gold Fields had also met with Elliott, which has a 6% stake in Northern Star and has previously emphasised its commitment to the gold miner's turnaround. Fraser said Elliott was focused on delivering a short-term outcome, whereas Gold Fields' merger strategy was seeking to "create a story that is actually much more enduring". "They've got an important role, but they're not long-term shareholders," said Fraser. Elliott had no immediate comment. COMBINED COMPANY COULD RERATE, GOLD FIELDS CEO SAYS Gold Fields has said it saw $4-billion to $5-billion in synergies from a tie-up, which come mostly from tax benefits and combining operations in a Western Australian gold hub. Fraser said one overlooked benefit, however, was the prospect that a combined company could rerate. "We absolutely believe that this combined business would be trading at a much higher relative multiple than what we're trading at today," he said. Gold Fields' shares are trading on an enterprise multiple of 3.5 to 4 times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, much cheaper than Northern Star's multiple of 7 to 8 times. Larger peer Agnico Eagle is trading around an 8 times multiple. Fraser said he would walk away if there was no alignment on value creation. "But that's a step away from where we are today," he said.
• 
  IRH, ZCCM-IH reaffirm commitment to Zambian project 14.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Abu Dhabi-based natural resources investment platform International Resources Holding (IRH) and Zambian mining and energy investment holding company ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) have reaffirmed their long-term partnership and shared ambition to advance the development of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM), strengthen its operational performance and deliver lasting benefits for its employees, host communities and Zambia's wider economy. Following constructive discussions, both shareholders reaffirmed their alignment on the priorities ahead and their commitment to working together through the established governance framework to support MCM's next phase of growth. This partnership is backed by IRH's existing $1.1-billion investment commitment towards MCM's operational and development requirements, including equity, shareholder funding and additional operational support. Since IRH became MCM's majority shareholder in 2024, the company says it has made steady progress in rebuilding its operations. Contained copper production increased by 63% between 2023 and 2025, and Mopani continues to target 300 000 t/y of finished copper by 2029. IRH holds a 51% shareholding in Mopani, with ZCCM-IH holding the remaining 49%. IRH points out that more than 99% of the workforce is Zambian, and many families in Kitwe, Mufulira and across the Copperbelt rely on MCM for their livelihoods. Both shareholders have affirmed their commitment to safeguarding jobs and maintaining high standards of health and safety. Beyond the mine, MCM continues to invest in the communities in which it operates, supporting healthcare, agriculture, skills development and local enterprise initiatives that are creating broader opportunities for Zambians, IRH highlights. To date, Mopani has spent over $685-million with over 1 300 Zambian companies across its supply chain. Both shareholders reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and constructive engagement as they work towards their shared objectives for Mopani and Zambia's ambition to increase national copper production to three-million tonnes a year. Beyond MCM, IRH and ZCCM-IH say they are also exploring new opportunities for collaboration in mineral exploration and wider mining operations, with the aim of supporting increased mineral production, attracting investment and unlocking further growth opportunities across Zambia's mining industry. "Our investment in MCM is a long-term commitment to the business and to Zambia. We value the open and constructive dialogue with ZCCM-IH and the engagement of Zambia's leadership. We have a strong partnership with ZCCM-IH and share the same ambition for MCM: to build a stronger, more productive operation that can play an increasingly important role in Zambia's copper industry," says IRH CEO Ali Rashed Alrashdi. "Mopani is more than a mine. For generations, it has sustained jobs, skills and livelihoods in Kitwe, Mufulira and across the Copperbelt. ZCCM-IH and IRH share a long-term commitment to its success, and we will keep working constructively with IRH, through our joint governance framework, to build a stronger, more productive operation. "Our focus is timely delivery that brings higher production, secure jobs, more opportunities for Zambian suppliers and real improvements in surrounding communities, creating lasting value for our shareholders and the Zambian people," says ZCCM-IH chairperson Phesto N. Musonda. The reaffirmed partnership follows recent engagements between IRH, ZCCM-IH and the Zambian leadership, including a meeting in Abu Dhabi between Alrashdi and Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema, at which MCM's development and Zambia's broader copper ambitions were discussed.
• 
  Rio Tinto on track to release $5bn in capital after stronger Q3 iron-ore sales 14.10.2026 2m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Diversified miner Rio Tinto said on Wednesday it was on track to release about $5-billion in capital by the end of 2026, after strong mine performance helped lift third-quarter iron-ore sales from its Pilbara operations above market expectations. The world's largest iron-ore producer sold 85.7-million metric tons of the steel-making commodity from Pilbara in the quarter ended September 30, up 2% from a year earlier and ahead of a Visible Alpha consensus estimate of 84.41-million tons. The miner said it had already released more than $2-billion in capital this year under a $5-billion to $10-billion optimisation programme, which was unveiled at its 2025 Capital Markets Day, and is aimed at supporting higher-return growth projects. Rio shares were volatile in early trade, rising as much as 0.9% before reversing course to trade 0.2% lower at A$160.67 by 00:17 GMT. Copper output was broadly flat at 205 000 tons as a 27% rise at Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine offset lower production at Chile's Escondida and weaker refined copper output from Kennecott in the United States. Rio maintained its 2026 Pilbara iron-ore sales forecast of 323-million to 338-million tons. It has shipped 243.4-million tons so far this year, implying it needs to ship 79.6-million tons in the fourth quarter to reach the lower end of the target range. The fourth quarter is typically Rio's strongest period. In lithium, Rio said full-year production was now expected at the lower end of its 61 000 to 64 000 ton forecast range, citing a slower-than-anticipated ramp-up at its Sal de Vida project in Argentina. Rio's Simandou project in Guinea sold 1.7-million wet metric tons of iron-ore in the first nine months. To meet the lower end of its full-year sales forecast of five-million to ten-million tons, the project will need to sell about 3.3-million tons in the December quarter.
• 
  Regional integration necessary to enable value addition from critical mineral mining across SADC 13.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. As demand for critical minerals continues to grow amid a global energy transition, Southern Africa's abundance of minerals, including copper, cobalt and lithium, offers opportunities to establish industrial linkages across mining, processing, manufacturing and services. The regional challenge, however, is translating mineral endowment into commercially competitive value chains that retain greater value, generate jobs and connect enterprises across member States in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015–2063, Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030, Regional Mining Vision (RMV) and its Action Plan, and the Protocol on Mining provide a policy foundation for this ambition. While the RMV's Action Plan and project prefeasibility work have advanced elements of the agenda, uneven implementation of regional strategies, together with energy, logistics, skills, quality infrastructure, finance and regulatory constraints, continues to limit cross-border investment and beneficiation. According to the SADC Business Council, the ongoing process to amend the SADC Protocol on Mining seeks to strengthen the regional framework and incorporate the RMV and private-sector perspectives. Proposed amendments have undergone regional consultation and validation but are not yet in force. This was discussed by speakers during the SADC Critical Minerals & Regional Value Chains webinar, held on October 13 by the SADC Business Council and Mining Industry Association of Southern Africa (MIASA). The dialogue considered how these instruments can better connect mining with trade and industrial development, and how member States can pursue complementary rather than competing segments of mineral value chains. The webinar participants also discussed practical measures to translate SADC's mineral policy commitments into integrated, investable and market-ready regional value chains. Speaking during the webinar, MIASA executive secretary and SADC Business Council member Vusi Mabena unpacked the role of public-private collaboration in driving value addition and beneficiation in the SADC region. Mabena emphasised the importance of collaboration and fostering integration across the region in order to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the critical mineral boom. "We are talking about beneficiation and value addition – the region is actually [in] the best position and if we are not careful about how we handle this position, we will miss this boom. The region does not have much time left to make sure that all mining jurisdictions leverage on each other to benefit our economies and to grow," he said. Hence, Mabena stressed the urgency of capturing economic benefits through regional cooperation. "We need to leverage on one another to grow the industry," he added. Mabena argued that the private mining sector needed to be supported by governments through legislation and policies that would promote investment in exploration and viable mining projects. He thus highlighted the need to establish policies that encouraged investment in exploration. "Our environments in our individual countries are not encouraging this investment, and it is therefore very important to sit down and reflect as a region on how are we going to review our policies and how are we going to reposition ourselves to make it easy for investors to come into our region." Mabena added that challenges in areas such as infrastructure and insufficient energy availability also needed to be addressed through collaboration between the private sector and government. "The mining industry is ready to engage at an even faster pace than before to make sure that the mineral-based industrialisation le...
• 
  Nel, Rheinmetall partners to decentralise renewable fuel production in Norway 13.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Norwegian industrial gas company Nel and German defence contractor and integrated technology group Rheinmetall have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore joint opportunities in decentralised renewable fuel production. The collaboration will combine Nel's electrolyser technology for renewable hydrogen production with Rheinmetall's Giga PtX concept and systems-integration expertise to assess scalable, modular solutions for the localised production of low-carbon synthetic fuels for defence and critical infrastructure applications. For the Giga PtX project, Rheinmetall has been seeking and announcing strategic tie-ups with local champions for specific markets. Building on this great progress, Rheinmetall is expanding its strong partner network with Nel for the Norwegian market. The parties will explore the deployment of decentralised synthetic fuel production based on renewable hydrogen produced through electrolysis, enabling the production of synthetic fuels that can substitute conventional fuels without requiring changes to end-use applications. By producing fuels closer to where they are needed, it can reduce reliance on centralised production and long, vulnerable supply chains. Additionally, by deploying modular fuel production nearer to demand centres, the collaboration aims to strengthen energy security and preparedness through a more decentralised fuel supply system. In a period of heightened geopolitical tension, secure access to fuels is becoming an increasingly important part of national preparedness, Nel states, explaining that many countries remain dependent on imported fuels or refined products supplied through long, centralised logistics chains. Under the MoU, Nel and Rheinmetall will jointly assess technical and commercial feasibility, including potential sites, infrastructure requirements, renewable power access, sustainable carbon sources and priority use cases. The cooperation may include pilot projects to validate modular concepts and demonstrate the viability of decentralised fuel ecosystems. "Producing fuels closer to where they are consumed can reduce exposure to disruption and strengthen national and regional energy security. This challenge is particularly evident in Norway. With only one oil refinery in operation, the country exports significant volumes of crude oil to Europe for refining before refined products are transported back for domestic use. In times of disruption, this can leave parts of the fuel supply chain dependent on infrastructure beyond national control," the company says. "Countries that depend on long and vulnerable fuel supply chains face increasing uncertainty. We believe renewable hydrogen can play an important role in enabling more resilient fuel systems while reducing emissions," emphasises Nel CFO Kjell Christian Bjørnsen. "Through this collaboration with Rheinmetall, we are exploring how our technology can be integrated into new value chains for synthetic fuels." Rheinmetall brings extensive industrial expertise in defence, advanced systems engineering and infrastructure development, and sees strong potential in next-generation fuel ecosystems. "The transformation of energy systems requires new partnerships across industries. By working with Nel, we are exploring decentralised synthetic fuel solutions that can support both civilian and defence-related needs. We see localised synthetic fuel production, enabled by electrolysis, as an important element in strengthening energy security and future fuel supply chains," comments Rheinmetall hydrogen programme head Shena Britzen. For Rheinmetall, Norway represents a natural starting point given its strong renewable power base, industrial capabilities, and ongoing development of carbon captu...
• 
  Blackouts hit Indian factories as coal crunch feeds into economy 12.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Indian factories, smelters and households are being hit by blackouts and rising energy costs as the impact of plunging coal stockpiles at the country's power stations ripples through the economy. The weakest monsoon since 2015 has curbed hydropower output, while hotter-than-normal weather has buoyed demand for air conditioning and farm irrigation. That's seen coal-fired power stations, which supply about two-thirds of India's electricity, rapidly burn through their inventories. Smaller factories, farmers and households are facing power cuts as demand outweighs supply on the grid. Meanwhile, large industrial customers - in metals smelting, chemicals and paper — can't get enough fuel to produce electricity themselves due to State-owned miner Coal India prioritizing deliveries to grid-connected generators. Small steel mills in the central state of Chhattisgarh are facing outages of 10 to 12 hours a day, forcing plants to reduce output, said Manish Dhuppad, general secretary at the Chhattisgarh Mini Steel Plant Association. Mills require an "uninterrupted supply of power," he said. "Say we have hot metal inside the furnace and just before we are able to take it out, the power supply goes. By the time it comes back, the material has solidified and we need to melt it again." The power shortage highlights the increasing role that extreme weather is having on India's economy, with the weak monsoon driven by a record El Niño. It also shows how the country's continued reliance on fossil fuels is limiting its ability to respond to a changing climate. Feedstock supplies at almost half of India's coal-fired plants had fallen to less than a quarter of required levels as of Oct. 10, according to the power ministry. A late burst of monsoon rainfall last month in coal-mining regions in the east of the country exacerbated the shortages, crimping production and also hampering rail transport of the fuel. In the northern state of Punjab, homes and industries are enduring lengthy blackouts. Badish Jindal, who runs a steel wire plant in Ludhiana, an industrial city in the state, said frequent power cuts of three to four hours had resulted in higher energy costs, as his factory needed to shift to expensive back-up generators. "The power cuts are unscheduled," he said. "That makes it difficult to plan our operations and deliveries and affects product quality. The sudden stoppage and restart of machines as the power supply goes and comes back also raises the risks of accidents." The country's electricity grid has faced an average shortfall of nearly 4 GW a day in the first 10 days of October, data from Grid Controller of India show. That's enough to power about two-million rural Indian households, according to Bloomberg calculations. The policy to favor grid-connected power stations has left companies that generate their own coal-fired electricity at a major disadvantage, said Rajiv Agarwal, secretary general of the Indian Captive Power Producers Association, which represents the big industrial users. They are having to pay high prices at Coal India auctions, and buy expensive power from the grid, he said. The firms are also having to wait months for rail transport, so those with limited operating capital are being forced to cut output, he said. Average premiums at Coal India spot sales in September jumped to 94% over the base price, compared with a 59% difference in August. Two of the company's subsidiaries — Northern Coalfields and South Eastern Coalfields — charged more than a 200% premium at auctions last month, data from the miner show. Coal India didn't immediately reply to a request for comment. For those getting their power from the grid, bills have gone up in most Indian states over the past few years. That's ...
• 
  S Africa remains premier mining jurisdiction, says Anglo which is investing R11bn 12.10.2026 4m

  This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. South Africa remains one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions, Anglo American has spelt out emphatically, amid itself investing R11.2-billlion in the ultra-high dense media separation iron-ore project at Sishen, in South Africa's Northern Cape. "We have other investments in terms of innovation and technology. We've made commitments in terms of exploration investment in South Africa, and despite the challenges, despite the volatility, despite the uncertainty, the opportunity remains huge for us," Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad commented during last week's discussion with Joburg Indaba chairperson Bernard Swanepoel. "Whilst South Africa's mineral endowment remains one of the greatest strengths of South Africa, attracting investment increasingly depends on broader conditions that support competitiveness and project development," Wanblad explained. Anglo is part of the Business for South Africa platform developed in terms of the Government-Business Partnership for Growth and Jobs, which is setting up conditions to allow South Africa to grow economically and to provide long-term and sustainable jobs for South Africa's people. Wanblad expressed delight that the Government-Business Partnership's advance into phase three had embedded mining as a fundamental pillar of identifiable growth within South Africa, "and that's hugely exciting for all of us". The partnership is targeting 3% growth and the creation of a million jobs by 2030. Wanblad pointed out that the "unparalleled mining expertise" of South Africans was evidenced by the large number of South Africans in senior mining roles the world over. Within South Africa itself, he said, were world-class engineering capabilities, sophisticated financial markets and well-established institutions, which provided a solid foundation for what should be one of the world's most globally competitive mining sectors. But three key areas had to be accelerated to turn this into investable and executable project development. "The first of these areas is that we have to continue to address administrative complexity that just too often delays investments or creates unpredictability as far as investors are concerned. "These need an efficient and harmonised regulatory environment and this is not only permitting that I'm talking about. A crucial part of this is the successful implementation of our long-awaited modern cadastral system, which should improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence and the combination of those should unlock exploration and therefore unlock project development, which is clearly the genesis of every new mine," Wanblad explained. Secondly, South Africa must continue to build on its "hugely encouraging and measurably good progress" in rail and logistics reform, and create highly reliable freight and port systems. "We have made superb progress there, but undeniably still some ways to go," Wanblad pointed out. The third area was strengthening South Africa's energy security, where nobody would suggest that South Africa had not made phenomenal progress. To this effort, Anglo's Envusa energy partnership with EDF Power Solutions contributes 520 MW of renewable energy that has been connected – and there is more to come, Wanblad reported. In addition, South Africa's removal from the grey list and South Africa's improved sovereign credit ratings had helped to strengthen investor confidence and investment appeal. "The next challenge that I think we really do have to get our heads around is this issue of security, safety, corruption, et cetera. I know that's one of the benchmark pillars of this partnership with government, and we are certainly very encouraged by all of this progress, but it's going to take an enormous amount of effort and sig...