Underground mining at Anglo Platinum’s Mogalakwena targeted to start end 2024

Underground mining at Anglo Platinum’s Mogalakwena targeted to start end 2024: The first potential underground mining at Anglo American Platinum’s opencast Mogalakwena platinum group metals (PGM) mine in Limpopo is targeted to start towards the end of 2024 and build up slowly to a full underground unit by the end of the decade. “We’re nearing the end of phase one of the decline development, which will start to give us the access to the underground drilling,” Anglo Platinum CEO Natascha Viljoen disclosed in response to Mining Weekly during an investor day media call.

Gold demand to continue benefitting from high inflation in 2023

Gold demand to continue benefitting from high inflation in 2023: The interplay between inflation and central bank intervention will be key in determining the outlook for gold in 2023, says World Gold Council (WGC) in its latest ‘Gold Outlook’ report. The council says that, with the global economy having been hit by various shocks over the past year, central banks have stepped up their aggressive fight against inflation.

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Implats issues RFI for renewable energy to be wheeled to its South African sites

Implats issues RFI for renewable energy to be wheeled to its South African sites: Platinum group metals miner Impala Platinum (Implats) has issued a request for information (RFI) to buy an unspecified volume of electricity, through wheeling from renewable energy sources, for its South African operations. Implats, whose electricity consumption accounts for 74% of its total energy consumption and almost 10% of its operating costs, has ambitions to secure 30% of the electricity for its new projects from renewable sources by 2030.

Sparkling Venetia underground diamond project heading for first production in 2023

Sparkling Venetia underground diamond project heading for first production in 2023: A visit by Mining Weekly to the Venetia Underground Project (VUP) on November 14 provided far-reaching insight into this major diamond development that is scheduled to achieve occupational readiness and first production next year. “Hopefully, the first part of the year, all going well. We had a setback recently with some of our visa approval processes, which has caused some challenges, but we’ll overcome them,' VUP project director Allan Rodel assured.

Green hydrogen truck trials going well – Anglo

Green hydrogen truck trials going well – Anglo: The 500 t world-first haulage truck powered by green hydrogen last week underwent fully loaded trialling that included tipping into the crusher at Anglo American Platinum's Mogalakwena platinum group metals mine in Limpopo. “The trials all went well,” Anglo American group technical director Tony O’Neill told this week’s second 2022 sustainability performance presentation, covered by Mining Weekly.

China becoming fuel cell electric vehicle leader, World Platinum research indicates

China becoming fuel cell electric vehicle leader, World Platinum research indicates: In what is a major plus for platinum demand and consequently South Africa’s local mining economy, China is poised to become a leading market for platinum-using fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which provide the zero-emission mobility that the world so desperately needs to combat rampant climate change. In addition, China’s plans to boost climate friendly green hydrogen generation are also supportive of FCEV penetration.

Hydrogen gaining traction globally

Hydrogen gaining traction globally: Notable progress is being made in the global hydrogen industry of late, owing to several conducive factors coming into play at the same time and this presents opportunities for different sectors to capitalise on. This was noted by global pure-play sustainability consultancy ERM partner Dr David Hart, during a discussion on hydrogen and fuel cells, hosted by finance institution Nedbank on October 14.

AngloGold targets 30% emissions reduction by 2030

AngloGold targets 30% emissions reduction by 2030: Gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti on Wednesday released a carbon emissions reduction target that aims to achieve a 30% absolute reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 through a combination of renewable energy projects, fleet electrification and lower-emission power sources. The Johannesburg- and New York-listed company, which has reduced its absolute GHG emissions by more than two-thirds since 2007, is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

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Platinum group metals demand lift from hydrogen momentum creating excitement

Platinum group metals demand lift from hydrogen momentum creating excitement: As a platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Impala Platinum is excited about the opportunity of hydrogen as a potential new demand source, says Impala Platinum executive new commodities Seten Naidoo. “The exciting component for us is actually the green hydrogen,” says Naidoo, who was speaking as a panel member at this week’s Hydrogen Economy Discussion.

Major platinum mining company planning 520 MW renewable generation

Major platinum mining company planning 520 MW renewable generation: Platinum group metals mining and marketing company Implats is planning to introduce 520 MW of renewable power as part of an ambition to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 and become carbon neutral in 2050. The current carbon generation of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company is about 3.3-million tons of carbon a year, which it aims to reduce to 2.2-million tons, a saving of 1.1-million tons.

China gives platinum major boost with launch of PGMs centre in Shanghai

China gives platinum major boost with launch of PGMs centre in Shanghai: In what is a major boost for platinum group metals (PGMs), a new trade and technology centre dedicated to the growth of the PGMs market is being established in China, already the single largest consumer of PGMs, accounting for more than 25%  of total demand. Anglo American, Honeywell and the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) were among close to 70 organisations that signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Lin-Gang Group and other related parties in support of the Platinum and Precious Metals Centre or PPMC, which is being established in the Lin-Gang Special Area of Shanghai. The Lin-Gang Group is a state-owned developer of industrial parks.

BVian's ACTIVE Stock and Share Trading Ideas: Forward Looking Ideas.

BVian's ACTIVE Stock and Share Trading Ideas: Forward Looking Ideas.:   Resource Stocks climbed quite nicely as the word recovered from the Covid scourge.How ever the Ukraine war did not cause much slow down in...

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Platinum could see at least 400 000 oz/y of demand from green hydrogen sector

Platinum could see at least 400 000 oz/y of demand from green hydrogen sector: The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) finds in its Platinum Perspectives August 2022 research that platinum’s role in enabling the achievement of global decarbonisation targets could be highly significant, given its use in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers. In turn, PEM electrolysers, when powered with renewable energy, generates green hydrogen. The WPIC explains that zero-emissions green hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be used in a range of applications to replace fossil fuels.

President’s new energy plan opens way for Glencore Alloys to target bigger power projects

President’s new energy plan opens way for Glencore Alloys to target bigger power projects: Glencore Alloys head Japie Fullard has hailed the new energy plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa as opening the way for the company to target bigger power projects. “I must say that the President’s energy presentation is definitely something that is appealing to us,” said Fullard, who welcomed the removal of the 100 MW cap, as well as clarity around the ‘wheeling’ of renewable energy back on to the grid.

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Electricity reforms to spur ‘boom in private fixed investment’

Electricity reforms to spur ‘boom in private fixed investment’: Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele says the reforms under way in the electricity sector – including the removal of the 100 MW licensing threshold for distributed generation projects and the expedited procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage – will “supercharge our efforts to modernise and transform the electricity sector”. “Most importantly, these changes will create the conditions for a boom in private fixed investment in the coming years, which will lift our economic growth overall,” Gungubele said during the release of Operation Vulindlela’s latest progress update.

Europe leads even though sun, wind, storage, green electron/molecule energy is tailor made for South Africa

Europe leads even though sun, wind, storage, green electron/molecule energy is tailor made for South Africa: This week the European Commission approved €5.4-billion of public support by 15 member states for a hydrogen technology value chain taking in hydrogen generation technology, fuel cells technology, storage technology and end-user technology. The week before, Shell started building Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen plant – Holland Hydrogen I – which will be Europe’s largest green hydrogen plant once operational in 2025, with the ‘I’ indicative of more to come.

Look out for the platinum coin toss at Wimbledon

Look out for the platinum coin toss at Wimbledon: In the year of the Queen of England’s platinum jubilee, the coins to be used in the Wimbledon ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles finals coin toss this weekend will be made of platinum for the first time in the championships’ history. As Mining Weekly reported earlier this year, the coins are being presented to the championships by the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) the members of which are  South Africa's Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum, Northam Platinum, Royal Bafokeng Platinum, Sedibelo Platinum and Tharisa.

Giant new power plants undermine South Africa’s emissions pledge

Giant new power plants undermine South Africa’s emissions pledge: In the rolling hills of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, hundreds of builders, welders and engineers are putting the final touches to a gigantic new power station that’s set to burn as much as 15-million tons of coal a year until it is eventually shuttered in 2073. The 4 800 MW dry-cooled Kusile plant and the almost identical Medupi facility, which was completed last year, will be key to meeting demand for energy in a country that’s been plagued by rolling blackouts since 2008. Environmentalists however caution that their continued operation will be a major impediment to South Africa meeting its commitment to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions on a net basis by 2050.

European fund for critical minerals projects to launch next year

European fund for critical minerals projects to launch next year: A European fund to invest in critical minerals needed for a transition to zero carbon emissions is seeking billions of euros of public and private money for a launch early next year, an official working with an EU initiative on the project said. Europe and the United States have been scrambling in recent years to restart domestic production of rare earths, lithium and other raw materials used in electric vehicles (EVs) and to wean themselves from dependence on China.

Future metals beneficiation bonus on way for already hugely endowed Northern Cape

See June 2022 page updates in rght hand colum

Future metals beneficiation bonus on way for already hugely endowed Northern Cape: Modern technology and global decarbonisation demand is positioning South Africa’s already incredibly well-endowed Northern Cape with big beneficiation bonanza potential, in addition to being a green minerals, green metals and green energy haven. Rapidly developing clean beneficiation technology coupled with unprecedented demand growth for battery metal salts and specialist powders – precursor battery products –– are giving support to potential on-site production of added value products that attract significant price premiums as beneficiated products.

Minerals Council re-elects VPs, Mantashe chastises harsh critics of the State

Minerals Council re-elects VPs, Mantashe chastises harsh critics of the State: The Minerals Council South Africa has re-elected Kumba Iron Ore CEO Themba Mkhwanazi, Harmony Gold CEO Peter Steenkamp and Northam Platinum CEO Paul Dunne to serve as VPs for another year. The council hosted its 132nd annual general meeting (AGM) on May 25, reporting that mineral export sales totalled R841-billion in 2021.

Grindrod and partners create new export route for Botswana coal

Grindrod and partners create new export route for Botswana coal: Grindrod’s Matola terminal at the Port of Maputo says it has welcomed its second coal train from Botswana. The terminal also managed to successfully discharge the 50 wagons using the terminal’s tipplers. The first train arrived at the port in April, marking a milestone for Grindrod’s Mozambican drybulk terminal.

Anglo American launches much anticipated hydrogen-powered zero-emission haul truck

Anglo American launches much anticipated hydrogen-powered zero-emission haul truck: Diversified miner Anglo American on May 6 launched a prototype of its first self-developed zero-emission hydrogen-powered mine haul truck, which was developed as part of its Future Smart Mining strategy. The 2 MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck, which is stationed at the Mogalakwena platinum mine, in Limpopo, in South Africa, is currently the world's largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck. It is capable of carrying a 290 t payload and generates more power than its diesel predecessor.

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Page updates  6/5/2022   1. My spec resource update and  2Mining Holding and Resources

13/05/2022  no3 and no4 Platinum and gold

Miners gather amid surging demand for critical minerals and fiercely rising ESG demands

Miners gather amid surging demand for critical minerals and fiercely rising ESG demands: Amid the global transition to renewable energies and the effects of strong commodity prices and supply crunches, there is a scramble to ensure security of supply of critical and battery minerals in Africa. These factors heighten the importance of African mining and the role of the Investing in African Mining Indaba – to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from May 9 to 12 – states Indaba organiser Hyve Group head of content Tom Quinn.

Bokoni platinum mine is large, high-grade opportunity, says African Rainbow Minerals

Bokoni platinum mine is large, high-grade opportunity, says African Rainbow Minerals: The Bokoni platinum group metals (PGM) mine being acquired for R3.5-billion by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) hosts South Africa’s second largest PGM resource, with ready-built mining and processing plant infrastructure on site. Bokoni provides greater exposure to palladium and is close to ARM’s Modikwa and Two Rivers PGM mines. It lifts the JSE-listed company’s combined PGMs resource base by 135% to 266-million ounces of four-element (4E) PGMs.

Green hydrogen production a key part of Sasol’s net-zero strategy

Page 1 and page 2 are updated see right hand column 11/4/2022, pages 3 and 4 updated16/4/2022

My specialist updates page 18/4/2022

Green hydrogen production a key part of Sasol’s net-zero strategy: Energy and chemicals company Sasol senior sustainability manager Viran Pillay has reiterated that the group already has the technology to produce green hydrogen, which will form a key part of its strategy to transitioning from being the second-largest greenhouse-gas emitter in South Africa to net-zero by 2050. Speaking at the 2022 PGMs Industry Day, in Johannesburg, on April 6, Pillay said Sasol had full logistics trains in place to support the production of green hydrogen.

Coal is not dead, Prevost insists

Coal is not dead, Prevost insists: Coal consulting firm XMP Consulting senior coal analyst Xavier Prevost has stressed that coal is not “dead” and that South Africa’s coal resources remain abundant and can provide low-emitting, cost-effective, reliable and sustainable power well into the future with the correct technology. He called for renewed investment into coal owing to its continued critical role in energy production.

Green hydrogen energy supply to local communities envisaged by Anglo

Green hydrogen energy supply to local communities envisaged by Anglo: The green hydrogen footprint being developed by Anglo American could be extended to provide low-cost and efficient energy to local communities. Anglo, which is advancing towards using green hydrogen to replace diesel in the huge haul truck it is building at Anglo American Platinum’s Mogalakwena mine in Limpopo, has presented a well-received strategy of spreading its hydrogen footprint in support of local people.

Platinum surplus forecast to reduce significantly

SEE    Updates in right hand side column as folows:-
1.14/3/2022 our specialist list 

2. 15/3/2022 mining houses and holdings

3. 17/3/2022 Platinum

4. 20/3/2022 Gold

Platinum surplus forecast to reduce significantly: The platinum surplus in 2021 is forecast to reduce by 47% in 2022 as Covid-related and operational disruptions gradually settle, the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) states in its Platinum Quarterly. Covering the fourth quarter of 2021, along with a full year review of 2021 and revised forecast for 2022, the WPIC's Platinum Quarterly states that Covid--related factors and operational disruptions played out particularly during the second half of 2021, having a huge impact on both the supply of and demand for platinum. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.)

Glencore clinches marketing relationship with US metals business

Glencore clinches marketing relationship with US metals business: Diversified mining and marketing company Glencore has entered a strategic global marketing relationship with United States Strategic Metals, formerly Missouri Cobalt. Involved is a long-term offtake agreement for 100% of the US company’s products, which include cobalt and nickel sulphates, lithium products and copper cathode.

UPDATE PAGES IN RIGHT HAND SIDE COLUMN.

NUMBER 1- 14/2/2022,  NO.2- 14/2/2022 NO 3. 18/2/2022 4. 18/2/2022

Small cap updated

Large cap  updated

Chinese lithium prices rise on tight supply, other markets follow suit – Fastmarkets

Chinese lithium prices rise on tight supply, other markets follow suit – Fastmarkets: Cross-commodity price reporting agency Fastmarkets reports that Chinese lithium prices are rising as a result of constrained supply, with Chinese lithium consumers topping up their inventories and scrambling for available spot units in the past two weeks before logistics in China start to come to a halt ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday. While the period over January 31 to February 6 is designated as a public holiday this year, it is common for Chinese workers to take time off beyond just the official days, the firm notes.

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Lithium market to remain constrained, Fitch Solutions forecasts

Lithium market to remain constrained, Fitch Solutions forecasts: Despite strong production growth in the years to come, Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research expects the global lithium market to remain tight in the coming years as the green transition accelerates, boosting demand for batteries spanning from electric vehicles (EVs) to utility-scale batteries. The unit also expects the market to record increasingly large deficits to 2030. 

The answer is of course hydrogen FUEL CELLS using Platinum