In recent times, the global copper market has been undergoing a significant shift, marked by the emergence of a supply-demand imbalance that has led to what experts are terming an “age of extremely large deficits.” This development has far-reaching implications for various industries and economies around the world, given copper’s indispensable role as a foundational…
Opal: Opal has been a mystery for centuries. No two opals look alike. The word “opal” was derived from a Greek word opallos, meaning ‘to see changes of color’. Opal is derived as a precious gemstone which is formed from non-crystalline silica gel. It consists of 6 to 10 per cent water and small silica…
South Africa has been hit by an investment strike, as the country’s largest mining employer, Anglo American, announced that it plans to reduce its investment in the country. The announcement comes as the country continues to grapple with economic issues, including a recession and a high unemployment rate. Anglo American said that it plans to…
Deep seabed mining focuses on recovering critical minerals from the ocean floor. These resources—such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements—are essential for many modern technologies, including defense systems, batteries, smartphones, and medical devices. Because these minerals are used across so many industries, securing steady access to them is increasingly seen as an…
South African miner Sibanye-Stillwater has extended its reach into Australia with the acquisition of a 19.9% stake in Australian zinc miner, Votorantim Metais Zincar SA. The acquisition was made through a subsidiary, Sibanye-Stillwater Australia, and is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and expand its presence in the global zinc market. Votorantim…
South African energy company Seriti Resources has announced plans to build the largest wind farm in the country to power its coal mines. The project, which is expected to cost around R1.8 billion (US$120 million), will involve the construction of up to 200 turbines and is expected to generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity….
Europe’s Green Deal is a comprehensive and ambitious plan aimed at transforming the continent into a climate-neutral and sustainable society by 2050. At the core of this initiative is a shift towards renewable energy, electric mobility, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the path to achieving these goals faces a significant roadblock –…
In recent months, China has seen a rise in coal mine accidents as the country pushes for higher production. The increase in accidents comes as the country ramps up coal production and consumption in order to meet its energy needs. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, and it is estimated that…
Botswana Diamonds, a diamond exploration and project development company, has announced that it has started diamond mining operations in South Africa. The company is exploring for diamonds in the country’s Northern Cape Province, which is renowned for its diamond deposits. Botswana Diamonds has already acquired a number of diamond-bearing properties in the region and is…
Gold prices rose on Thursday after the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest inflation report. The report showed that consumer prices rose more than expected in January, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing by 0.4% compared to the previous month. The increase was driven by a jump in energy prices, which rose…