Africa

Aquarius Platinum is to buy the mineral rights to the southern part of Northam Platinum’s Booysendal project for R1.2 billion, it has been announced.

The mineral rights comprise several farms underlain by the UG2 and Merensky reef horizons, collectively called Booysendal South. Aquarius, which will acquire the platinum group metals and associated base metals mineral rights, said that after geological losses, the rights would increase its current resource base by approximately 24 per cent.

London-based Kalahari Minerals has said it remains confident that its relations with Namibia’s government and its investment in the country will continue, despite proposed changes that could see all mining and mineral exploration permits issued to the state-owned mining company, Epangelo.

The proposed changes, outlined by Namibian Mines and Energy minister Isak Katali, are being considered to ensure Namibian citizens receive more benefit from the country’s mineral wealth. Namibia is the world’s fourth-largest producer of uranium.

Dorian Wrigley, COO of mining investment company Village Main Reef, talks to Jayne Flannery about the importance of innovation versus tradition in the company’s strategic approach to its asset portfolio.

Thirty years on, futurologists’ predictions about working in a paperless office are far from reality; but as Jeff Daniels learns, it’s not for the want of trying.

Swaziland is a peaceful but poor country, battling against great problems—but there are some bright spots, as Jeff Daniel discovers.

Swaziland is one of those African countries you never hear about, largely because since being dragged into the Boer War between South Africa and Britain 100 years ago, the country has existed peacefully under its odd mix of democratic monarchy.

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.

Prince Chintimbwe talks to Gay Sutton about the National Airports Corporation Limited of Zambia’s strategy to upgrade, expand and improve the nation’s four most important airports and create a gateway to the country that will leave a lasting impression.

The achievements of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) over the past decade have transformed Port Louis Harbour into a world class shipping facility. Jayne Alverca reports.

As April draws to a close, the world’s major oil companies are coming out with their first quarter results for 2011, with ConocoPhillips, BP, EXXON and Shell all reporting this week.

Reporting yesterday, the third largest US oil company ConocoPhillips reported a 43 per cent year-on-year rise in quarterly earnings to $3 billion, but said it was disappointed not to have achieved its production and refining targets.