South Africa is planning to invest R15 billion in a new rare metals processing facility, according to a report in the newspaper Business Report.

The project, which is expected to take four years to complete, would create 43,000 direct and 86,000 indirect jobs. Staff needed to work at the facility would number around 7,000, the report said.

After years of planning, design and construction, Singapore’s sophisticated new driverless Circle Line metro system is ramping up to full operation. Khoo Hean Siang, executive vice president at multi-modal transport company SMRT, explains to Gay Sutton how the knowledge and experience gained from operating and maintaining the majority of Singapore’s rail systems is benefiting rail projects across Asia.

Vopak Horizon has been a major contributor to the development of Fujairah, a major regional oil hub. CEO Walter Moone talks to Gay Sutton about the latest phases of expansion.

Since the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in 1938, the country’s economy has grown exponentially, along with its hydrocarbon infrastructure. Over the last two decades, Yanbu Steel has become the country’s largest indigenous fabricator of specialist structures.

The African nation of Botswana is a shining example of how a country can use its natural resources wisely to reverse its fortunes, as Alan Swaby learns.

Dampier Port Authority is on the threshold of a major expansion programme. Gay Sutton finds out from port development manager Dr Rochelle Macdonald how Australia’s second largest bulk export port is preparing to satisfy the export needs of the rapidly growing oil & gas and mining sectors.

Andre van Niekerk, managing director of plant hire group Masshire, talks to Jayne Alverca about the unique benefits he believes the company offers to its growing network of franchisees.

Sales of Toyota’s famous Prius hybrids have hit the one million mark in the United States, the car maker announced today.

The Prius has been the biggest-selling hybrid in the US since it was first launched 11 years ago.

Worldwide Prius sales topped two million in October last year; with Toyota hybrid sales globally hitting three million last month.

Drinks maker Diageo has made a bid for the Ethiopian state-owned brewery Meta Abo, according to a report in Kenya’s Business Daily newspaper.

The move could jeopardize East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL)’s plans to enter the Ethiopian market, the paper said. London, UK-based Diageo holds a 50.03 per cent stake in EABL.

Diageo is planning to expand its footprint throughout East Africa, and has so far used EABL as its vehicle in the region.

Diageo’s rivals Heineken and SABMiller are also said to have made bids to acquire Meta Abo.

Proxa Pty’s Aqua Mobile range offers flexible solutions to fit the needs of all its clients. Jane Bordenave talks to Elspeth Grahn about this exciting product.

Founded 25 years ago, Johannesburg-based Proxa is a leading provider of specialist water solutions for industrial and mining applications. It offers a wide range of products, from tailored permanent installations to mobile solutions—including the innovative Aqua Mobile range.