Mining and Exploration

Coal has a much bigger role to play in South Africa’s future than simply meeting the country’s energy requirements. Selim Kaymak, executive director of Sumo Coal, talks to Jayne Flannery.

Coal is fundamental to the South African economy. It is the main energy source for domestic use and a rapidly growing export revenue stream in response to demand from energy hungry nations like India and China, as well as South Africa’s neighbours in the region.

Toronto-based Barrick Gold, the world’s largest gold miner, is building up its copper portfolio with an agreement to acquire copper producer Equinox Minerals.

Equinox has two primary assets, the Lumwana mine in Zambia (100 per cent owned) and the Jabal Sayid development project in Saudi Arabia (70 per cent owned, but Equinox is in the process of acquiring the remaining 30 per cent).

Express Integrated Technologies, a US-based manufacturer of heat transfer and combustion engineering equipment for the energy exploration industry, has today opened a Canadian office in Calgary, Alberta.

A new company, Express Integrated Technologies Canada, Ltd, has been created to provide technical expertise, aftermarket support and business development personnel to support the ongoing oil sands recovery projects using EIT's once through steam generators (OTSGs).

Gold Fields has agreed to buy an 18.9 per cent stake in the Tarkwa and Damang gold mines in Ghana from IAMGOLD Corporation for $667 million.

The acquisition will increase Gold Fields’ interest in both mines from 71.1 per cent to 90 per cent. The remaining 10 stake is held by the government of Ghana.

In 2008, things looked very uncertain for mining company Weatherly Plc. However, as CEO Rod Webster tells Jane Bordenave, overcoming a crisis has led to even greater opportunities.

Weatherly Plc is a British-based copper mining company working primarily in Namibia. It has two mining projects currently in operation—Otjihase and Matchless—both located in central Namibia; and a further two in the north of the country expected to come into production within the next three or four years.

When the Canadian/Australian minerals company Equinox Minerals Limited ventured into Saudi Arabia, it knew little about the region. Just a few months on it’s becoming clear that it made the right decision, though, as Robert Rigo, vice president of project development, told John O’Hanlon.

Having pioneered modern mining in Oman, the government-owned Oman Mining Company (OMCO) is on the threshold of developing a lucrative new copper resource. Ali Waily talks to Gay Sutton about fast tracking the project and protecting the aquifers in an area where water is precious.

Sekoko Resources wants to extend its reach from exploration and development to supporting South Africa’s energy independence by harnessing the resources it can recover with emerging power generation technology. Jayne Alverca reports.

Aquarius Platinum has announced the acquisition of platinum group metal (PGM) mineral rights through its purchase of South Africa-based Afarak Platinum.

Under the terms of the deal, worth $109.7 million, Aquarius will hold a 74 per cent interest in Afarak. The remaining 26 per cent is held by empowerment company Watervale, which is controlled by Savannah Resources, a major shareholder in Aquarius.

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.