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

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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

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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

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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.