The Mining Wrap

Asure Resources will reopen its Mpumalanga coal Mining operation after eight years of inactivity. The restart adds new thermal coal supply to South Africa’s domestic and export markets. The mine sits in one of the country’s main coal-producing regions and returns an inactive operation to production.

South African venture builder Savant has opened applications for the fourth cohort of its Build Programme, offering funding of up to €80,000 and investor-readiness support to African deep-tech and hardware startups. While not mining-exclusive, the programme targets climate-tech, resource-efficiency, industrial technology, and engineering ventures that could serve mining and critical minerals industries. Savant works with founders developing science and engineering-based businesses, helping them prepare products for commercial markets and investment.

Bonikro Mine Life Extended to 2036

Operators at the Bonikro mine in Côte d’Ivoire have extended its life to 2036, providing greater certainty around future gold production. Located in central Côte d’Ivoire, Bonikro has produced gold for more than a decade. The revised mine plan follows continued resource development at the operation.

Kobada Gold Project Remains on Schedule

Construction progress at Mali’s Kobada Gold Project remains on schedule, with the company targeting first gold production in Q3 2027. The project continues to advance development activities as it works toward that milestone. Located in southern Mali, Kobada is expected to become a significant new source of gold production once operations begin.

Copper 360 CFO Resigns

Ferdinand Nel has resigned as CFO and executive director of South African copper producer Copper 360, with effect from June 8. The leadership change comes as the company expands production activities in the Northern Cape. Copper 360 continues to revive historic copper assets in the Okiep mining district.

Mining Technology and Automation

Tharisa Deploys Adaptive Wireless Mining Network

Tharisa Minerals launched Africa’s first adaptive RADWIN wireless network at its open-pit mine in partnership with Datacentrix. The mobile tower system moves as mining activities shift across the pit, maintaining connectivity for equipment, sensors, and operational systems. The network will support telemetry systems, equipment monitoring, operational communications, and video feeds across the mine.

Ivanhoe and Weir Advance Energy-Efficient Processing

Weir Group secured a contract to supply its ENDURON High-Pressure Grinding Roll technology for Phase 2 of Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef project in South Africa. HPGR systems generally use less energy than conventional grinding equipment and can improve processing performance. Ivanhoe’s Platreef project contains significant platinum-group metals, nickel, copper, and gold resources.

SANY and Epiroc Partner on Intelligent Mining

SANY Heavy Industry and Epiroc announced a partnership focused on automation, equipment technology, and lower-emission mining operations. The companies plan to combine SANY’s mining equipment with Epiroc’s automation and digital mining technologies.

SKF Introduces New Lubrication Technologies

SKF South Africa expanded its mining reliability portfolio with advanced lubrication and condition-monitoring technologies. The systems help operators track equipment health, reduce unexpected failures, and improve maintenance planning.

Bell Equipment Targets Smaller Mining Operations

South African manufacturer Bell Equipment expanded promotion of its B45E 4×4 articulated dump truck and specialised off-road water tanker range. Bell developed the equipment for smaller mines, quarries, and contractors that require off-road hauling and water-management capabilities.

Epiroc Acquires Eventspec

Swedish mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc agreed to acquire Johannesburg-based aftermarket specialist Eventspec. Eventspec supplies replacement parts and maintenance services for mining equipment operating across Southern Africa. The acquisition expands Epiroc’s service and replacement-parts business in the region.

Critical Minerals and Battery Materials

Manganese Metal Company Completes Battery Materials Plant

Manganese Metal Company completed construction of its high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate facility in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Battery manufacturers use the material in lithium-ion battery production. The new plant allows the company to produce a manganese product used in battery manufacturing.

Exxaro Expands Manganese Portfolio

Exxaro completed its acquisition of manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OM Holdings. The transaction increases the company’s exposure to manganese, a mineral used in steel production and battery technologies.

Policy and Industry

Junior Mining Indaba Highlights Regulatory Certainty

Mining executives and investors at recent Mining Indaba discussions called for faster permitting processes, consistent mining regulations, and clearer critical minerals policies. Speakers argued that investors are more likely to commit long-term capital when regulatory requirements remain predictable throughout a project’s life cycle.

Kobada Gold Project Remains on Schedule

Construction progress at Mali’s Kobada Gold Project remains on schedule, with the company targeting first gold production in Q3 2027. The project continues to advance development activities as it works toward that milestone. Located in southern Mali, Kobada is expected to become a significant new source of gold production once operations begin. The open-pit mine is one of several gold developments currently under construction in West Africa, a region that continues to attract investment in new mining projects.

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