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Africa Mining Market
Tru-Trac Appoints Brec Ltd. As Master Distributor For…Tru-Trac, a global leader in conveyor belt alignment solutions, has appointed BREC Ltd. as its exclusive master distributor in the United Kingdom. This partnership will provide UK-based industries with direct access to Tru-Trac’s advanced belt tracking solutions, supported by local expertise and service.
Since 1995, Tru-Trac has been a pioneer in conveyor belt alignment technology offering patented solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime and lower maintenance costs. Its products are widely used in mining and bulk material handling industries to address belt misalignment challenges effectively.
Jonathan Rogoff, CEO of Tru-Trac, emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration: “BREC Ltd’s extensive industry expertise and customer-centric approach align with our commitment to delivering innovative and reliable conveyor solutions worldwide.”
With decades of experience in the conveyor sector, BREC Ltd. is well-positioned to support Tru-Trac’s expansion in the UK. Steve Perruzza of BREC Ltd. highlighted the significance of the alliance: “Partnering with Tru-Trac allows us to bring world class belt tracking solutions to the UK market, enhancing reliability and performance for our customers.”
To ensure broad market coverage and efficient service, BREC Ltd. will collaborate with a network of exclusive partners across the UK. A UK-based warehouse will facilitate faster deliveries, manufacturer-backed installation support and ongoing maintenance assistance.
Tru-Trac has installed more belt trackers globally than any other company, offering a product range of over 1,000 variations tailored to diverse operational needs. Its solutions provide a lower total cost of ownership through extended product lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements.
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Feb 17, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Sandvik Rock Processing Introduces Remote Monitoring Service In…At a time when quarries and mines seek to optimise their operations and ensure continuous improvement, remote monitoring of crushing data is becoming a crucial element of day-to-day procedures. To meet this growing need, Sandvik Rock Processing is piloting its Remote Monitoring Service (RMS) in Africa.
Crushing operations in Africa can look forward to a new set of digital services following Sandvik Rock Processing’s announcement at Electra Mining Africa 2024 that it is piloting its RMS, a digital system that allows for monitoring of crushing processes remotely.
“RMS is the latest addition to our suite of existing digital technologies. It complements our ever evolving Automation and Connectivity System (ACS) and SAM by Sandvik cloud-based digital assistant,” explains Nils-Peter Ahlqvist, Sales Support Manager Africa & Latin America – Crushing Division at Sandvik Rock Processing. “RMS translates vast amounts of data acquired from Sandvik crushers into actionable recommendations, reducing operating costs and boosting productivity and sustainability.”
RMS utilises a data-driven study of abnormal behaviour in terms of both crusher performance and health to generate tangible remedial action informed by data. In essence, it provides real-time data that allows customers to anticipate problems before they occur, thus avoiding surprises.
In addition, the machine visibility RMS provides allows for the replacement of wearing parts before they wear out. Collected data over a period of time will provides insights into parts that are replaced frequently, allowing customers to keep these in stock at all times and avoid unnecessary downtime.
With RMS, mines and quarries can expect increased efficiency within their operations. Continuous analysis of real-time data round-the-clock helps operations get the most out of their equipment, minimising downtime and maximising uptime. Higher uptime translates into higher machine utilisation which, in turn, reduces cost-per-hour.
“In addition, the data gathered on crusher performance makes optimisation easier with the ultimate goal of enhancing business performance. The alerts, available 24/7, also help reduce high wearing of crusher components, which is detrimental to material consistency and has negative cost implications,” says Ahlqvist.
Keeping machines running in optimal condition translates into reduced energy consumption which not only results in cost effective operations, but also allows customers to reduce their environmental impact.
“Energy efficiency and sustainability have over the years become a key part of business decisions for mining companies, especially on the back of growing pressure for the industry to improve its sustainability performance. With RMS, we are bringing yet another set of advanced digital services to help the industry increase efficiency while reducing carbon emissions,” concludes Ahlqvist.mining
Feb 17, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Powering Sustainable Mining Operations In AfricaAfrican mining operations face unique energy challenges. Remote locations, unreliable grid connections, and the need for a consistent power supply have led to many companies relying heavily on diesel generators. The continent possesses some of the largest shares in global mineral reserves used to produce sustainable technologies – 92% platinum, 56% cobalt, and 54% manganese – and the continent is grappling with limited infrastructure, growing energy demand, and investment challenges. When it comes to energy, it is expected that energy demand in Africa could reach 30% higher levels by 2040 emphasising the need for mining to invest in solutions that mitigate and meet this demand.
The sector is now at a crossroads, caught between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility as it faces growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining productivity. Companies within this industry are paying attention to alternative solutions that will allow them to prioritise sustainability while deftly navigating the complexities of environmental responsibility and the cost of volatile fuel prices.
There is an urgent need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions – and natural gas is increasingly gaining traction as it offers mining operations a practical pathway to reducing emissions while maintaining operational reliability. When natural gas is combusted, it emits about half as much carbon dioxide as coal, 30% less than oil, and has fewer pollutants per unit of energy delivered. It provides an immediate opportunity for mining companies across Africa to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the high power output they require for energy-intensive operations.
Africa is in a superb position to not just meet the continent’s energy demands, but those of the world. There are currently more than 70 crude and natural gas projects starting in 2025 with a predicted output of 2.3 million barrels a day – a total of 9.6 billion cubic feet per day in global gas production. A significant innovation enabling gas adoption in African mining is also changing the narrative – the virtual pipeline. Using cryogenic tank containers designed to transport LNG at -162°C, mining operations can now access natural gas regardless of their proximity to traditional pipeline infrastructure. This technology reduces the gas volume to approximately 1/600th of its gaseous state and makes transport of the gas both practical and economic, particularly for remote mining sites or sites in areas with limited infrastructure.
The transition to gas in mining delivers numerous benefits. It lowers the emission profile and supports ESG commitments, reduces operational costs through fuel efficiency, enhances energy security through reliable supply chains, improves air quality for mining communities, and is easily integrated with renewable energy solutions.
Africa’s mining sector is at a crossroads and, as the industry grapples with mounting pressure to drive operational efficiency within the boundaries of sustainability, natural gas is emerging as a compelling solution. Johan Helberg, Head of Sales, Africa, Aggreko
The adoption of natural gas infrastructure in mining operations is also a strategic investment in the future of African mining. By establishing reliable gas power solutions, companies can create a foundation for sustainable growth that attracts international investment. The predictability of gas pricing compared to diesel, combined with its lower environmental impact, presents a compelling case for investors who increasingly prioritise ESG considerations in their portfolios. Mining companies able to embrace gas power solutions today aren’t just reducing their environmental impact, they’re positioning themselves for longevity and sustainability in a market that’s starting to mark its investments by ESG metrics.
As the mining sector in Africa continues to invest in solutions that optimise operations and reduce costs, natural gas represents more than just a transition fuel. It can potentially play a far greater role in supporting the integration of renewable energy sources while providing reliable baseload power and becoming an essential component in supporting the industry’s energy demands. Aggreko’s gas fleet runs on eco-friendly gas fuel, and has low exhaust emissions and a low noise level. With an electrical efficiency that surpasses open-cycle industrial gas turbines by a notable margin, they can help mining companies lower their overall total cost of energy and meet the most stringent environmental regulations.mining
Feb 17, 2025
Africa Mining Market
The New Era Of Pump Wear TechnologyThe efficient operation of slurry pumps in the mining industry is critical and pump wear technology is playing an increasingly significant role in monitoring and maintaining pump performance.
An innovative solution that is making waves in the industry is the KSB GIW® SLYsight technology. This advanced slurry pump wear monitoring technology is changing the way pump wear is detected and managed and is leading to improved pump performance with longer equipment lifespans.
According to KSB Pumps and Valves’ Market Area Manager for Mining, Jacques Pretorius, the transportation of abrasive and corrosive mixtures in mining operations is the task of slurry pumps. The nature of this duty inevitably results in wearing of sacrificial components. It is crucial for slurry pump users to manage the results of this wear in relation to maintaining optimum pump efficiency. Although traditional methods of monitoring and managing pump wear through manual inspections and scheduled maintenance are common, they come with limitations such as time and resource expenditure.
“Additionally, such approaches are reactive, meaning wear is often only identified after it has impacted pump efficiency leading to higher maintenance costs and potential downtime. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a more advanced solutions that can offer precise and timely insights into the wear status of slurry pumps, enabling a more proactive approach to maintenance.
“KSB GIW® SLYsight utilises custom sensors, in strategic locations, to measure the actual wear rate of a slurry pump’s parts including the internal clearance between the suction liner and the impeller – also known as the “nose gap.” The data collected by the sensors as the pump runs is shared through periodic reports.
“This enhanced monitoring system delivers data during nose gap adjustments that not only contributes to the pump’s maximum wear life but also enables operators to make an efficient and safe adjustment while the pump is operating,” says Jacques.
He adds that integrating KSB GIW® SLYsight technology can prevent unforeseen shutdowns and streamline operations. At the same time, the technology helps avoid premature replacement of sacrificial components before they reach their maximum service life. By implementing this system, slurry pump maintenance planning becomes more straightforward, eliminating uncertainty. The greatest advantage is its ability to supply maintenance teams with data that was once inaccessible. This technology enhances the understanding and management of pumping equipment wear by providing visual data reports and monitoring capabilities.
By comparing KSB GIW® SLYsight technology to traditional wear monitoring practices it becomes clear that the field of pump maintenance is shifting. The limitations of periodic inspections and human intervention including subjective interpretation and variations in precision are intrinsic to traditional methodologies. Although these approaches served their purpose, they often lead to strategies that only address wear once it has already impacted pump performance.
KSB GIW® SLYsight by comparison employs real-time monitoring of wear and introduces an objective lens that enhances accuracy and eliminates guesswork. This technology enables much more informed decision-making that can pre-emptively counter potential wear and tear issues before they escalate. By freeing up resources and allocating time and manpower more efficiently, the new system is clear improvement over traditional manual inspections.mining
Feb 13, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Key Energy Supply Challenges Impacting Businesses In 2025South African businesses face several challenges related to the supply of energy that powers their operations. Kyle Durham, Sustainability Head FNB Commercial, explores key challenges unpacked in FNB’s sustainable energy white paper, and ways in which businesses can unlock the solutions needed to overcome them.
South African electricity prices have significantly increased over the past three decades, compared with inflation over the same period.
This challenge, coupled with energy uncertainty remains a critical concern for South African businesses. Although loadshedding has lessened as from Q2 2024, there is no guarantee that it will not return. And, even in the continued absence of loadshedding, local power outages remain common especially in remote, rural, and poorer communities. There is also a persistent chance of ‘normal’ interruptions to grid supply – caused by extreme weather, infrastructural damage, theft, and other factors.
South Africa’s power quality is deteriorating. Voltage, frequency and waveform variations, power surges, brownouts and electrical line noise can damage connected equipment and decrease its longevity, leading to system inefficiencies or shutdowns. This power quality varies widely across South Africa. This has resulted in many businesses, such as agricultural operations, experiencing the lowest quality power.
Because electricity in South Africa is typically generated through a mixture of coal and diesel, this significantly contributes to nearly half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The contribution of electricity to the emissions profile of South African businesses is increasingly being monitored by regulators and international companies. Carbon-intensive sources of power can mean the difference between a contract or tender being refused and initiatives such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mean that punitive levies could potentially be applied to South African exports that use this power as an input.
These challenges are answered by innovating to meet the energy needs of the present without compromising the resources and energy supply of the future. South Africa could significantly reduce its carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and improve the reliability of energy supply by adopting renewable energy. Businesses can play an important role here – and succeed in not only maximising their own profits but also helping to grow the country’s economy. Businesses can get more information on the trends, challenges and opportunities facing South African businesses through FNB’s sustainable energy white paper.
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Feb 13, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Leadership Changes At Komatsu Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd.Komatsu Africa Holdings (KAfH) announced leadership changes that will take effect on 1st April 2025.
After a long and illustrious career in Komatsu, President and Managing Director Mike Blom has been appointed as Chairman of the company. Blom joined Komatsu in 1981 and has served as Managing Director of Komatsu since 2008. In 2020, he was appointed as President and Managing Director of KAfH and as a Global Executive Officer of Komatsu Limited, Japan.
Succeeding him as Managing Director of Komatsu Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd., is Wicus Burger. Wicus was previously the Managing Director of Komatsu Namibia and has been working for
Komatsu North America for the past 5 years. He has gained valuable knowledge and experience during this time and will add great value to the business in Southern Africa.
Yusuke Shimazaki has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of Komatsu Africa Holdings, effective 1st April 2025. He will play a key role in the transition of the senior leadership roles.
Shimazaki has been with KAfH for 3 years in the role of Director, Corporate Strategy and Business Development, and has extensive experience in Komatsu’s mining division in various countries. He looks forward to continuing to work with our customers and supporting our efforts to bring value to our customers in our region.
Reflecting on the transition, Blom said: “Leading Komatsu Africa Holdings has been an incredible journey. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident that Wicus and Yusuke will steer the company toward further growth and success. The transition process will not have any impact on our customers and our leadership teams will continue to meet the needs of our customers and our business”
“Fostering trust and achieving our common purpose will continue to be at the core of our organization as we build on the strong foundations in place. I look forward to working with our teams, customers, and communities in Southern Africa to make a lasting, positive contribution,” said Burger.
These changes are in line with Komatsu’s plans to continue to grow and develop to provide customers with solutions for an ever-changing environment and create value together.mining
Feb 13, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Futurecoal Launches Southern Africa ChapterFutureCoal launched the Southern Africa Chapter, with Seriti Resources Group Chief Executive Officer Mike Teke serving as its inaugural Chairman.
The “Chapter” comprises the top four African coal nations: South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. These nations collectively hold 150 billion tonnes of coal reserves, placing them among the world’s top coal-rich regions.
The regional initiative will build upon FutureCoal’s global advocacy efforts, which champion sustainable transformation across the entire coal value chain. It will unite industry leaders, governments, and international partners to ensure consistent and clear policies and strategies which enhance the responsible and sustainable use of coal in critical sectors such as power, heavy industry, critical minerals, and hydrogen.
“Launching the inaugural FutureCoal Chapter in Southern Africa, is a testament to our unwavering commitment and leadership in uniting the value chain and reshaping coal’s future regionally and internationally,” stated Mike Teke.
The Chapter, which already comprises 13 inaugural members from across the region, is underpinned by FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS). The SCS roadmap emphasises innovation and technologies that modernise the value chain to achieve mutually beneficial economic and environmental outcomes that serve both national and global ambitions.
Mike Teke added “We now have a chance to follow the beat of our drum. We are nations blessed with a valuable resource, and we will be stronger together. I am calling on more of my peers across coal enterprises to publicly join this alliance that leads a pragmatic and realistic discussion on coal’s inclusion.
“If we are to truly support our communities and foster their prosperity, we must recognise that the responsibility lies with us to drive this transformation so that we can achieve the best for our nations and our continent.”
Despite coal’s crucial role in modern life and its contribution to poverty alleviation, many remain unaware of these facts and lack an understanding of how biased policies that exclude coal can leave a nation more vulnerable or falling behind.
Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, highlighted, “FutureCoal’s SCS roadmap serves as the foundation to reverse this trend by facilitating responsible policy and investment decisions that support modernisation and transformation. The Chapter members, led by Chairman Mike Teke, are commendable for their proactive approach. Our shared goal is prosperity for all. This isn’t about choosing one path over another; it’s about empowering regions to chart their own course and fostering their responsible growth.”
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Feb 13, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Namibia And De Beers To Appoint Team For…The Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed that the sales agreement between the Namibian government and De Beers will end on 16th May 2026.
The ministry spokesperson, Ten Hasheela, said that an internal review process has started.
“The negotiating team is, however, in the process to be appointed,” spokesperson Ten Hasheela said.
Asked whether Namibia will seek a larger stake in the next agreement beyond the current 15%, Hasheela said the ministry cannot speculate on the outcome.
According to her, the team will review the current agreement and propose key issues for negotiation.
“Our intention is to ensure that the outcome will serve the best interests of both parties and stakeholders,” said Hasheela.
Last week, the De Beers Group confirmed that the sales agreement between De Beers and the Government of the Republic of Namibia is valid until May 2026.
“However, at this stage we are not in a position to comment on the negotiations process or the associated timeline,” De Beers said.
The government of Botswana and De Beers Group announced the successful conclusion of negotiations focused on establishing a new sales agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production, as well as extending Debswana’s mining licences beyond 2029. This development is in alignment with the heads of terms agreed on 30 September 2023.
Following the issuance of new mining licences by the appropriate regulatory authorities in Botswana and final governance approvals, both parties said they look forward to signing and executing the relevant agreements. Until the execution of these new agreements, the terms of the existing agreements will continue to remain in effect.
Debmarine Namibia, a joint venture between De Beers and Namibia, produced 1 859 000 carats in 2023. For the 2023 production year, Debmarine Namibia carried out diamond recovery in an area amounting to 20.8 km² against the original budget of 24.04 km² and 2.014 m carats, respectively.
On the other hand, Namdeb, which is a land-based operation, produced 467 608 carats in 2023. Despite the softening demand and lower prices for diamonds registered in 2023, Namdeb recorded a remarkable production performance, which increased by 13.5% in 2023.
The high production was due to increased mining capacity a successful ramp-up of operations, and improved asset reliability through the acquisition of new machinery and equipment.
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Feb 13, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Bluewater To Sell Apex International EnergyPrivate equity is playing an increasingly pivotal role in Africa’s energy sector, driving growth and innovation in the continent’s oil and gas markets. This week, specialist energy private equity firm Bluewater announced the sale of Apex International Energy, transformed under its stewardship into a leading player in Egypt’s energy market, to a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed United Energy Group. The transaction underscores the full-cycle nature of private equity investing and its potential to unlock value in Africa’s resource-rich markets.
Bluewater, which invested in Apex in 2018 as part of its second fund, saw the opportunity to develop the Houston-based company into a significant contributor to Egypt’s oil and gas industry. Under Bluewater’s stewardship, Apex grew from a small, independent exploration and production company into a top-ten producer in Egypt. Over the course of six years, Apex expanded its portfolio to include interests in eight concessions, with production averaging over 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024.
This transformation was driven by strategic acquisitions, new discoveries and a laser focus on operational excellence. Key milestones included the 2021 oil discovery in the Southeast Meleiha concession, which saw first production later that year. In 2023, Apex expanded its footprint with the acquisition of six concessions in Egypt’s Western Desert from Italian energy giant Eni, as well as began first gas production. These strategic moves not only boosted Apex’s production levels, but also reinforced its position as a key contributor to Egypt’s energy security.
For Bluewater, this growth was a result of carefully managed investments that allowed Apex to capitalize on Egypt’s favorable energy market while navigating the complexities of local regulations and political landscapes. By taking a hands-on approach to governance and working closely with Apex’s leadership team, Bluewater was able to foster a culture of growth and innovation that delivered tangible results.
The sale exemplifies how private equity firms complete the full investment cycle, starting with identifying a promising asset, nurturing its growth and ultimately realizing value through a sale or exit strategy. In this case, the sale to United Energy Group positions Apex for continued growth and expansion under new ownership, while providing Bluewater with a profitable return on its investment. This model of buying, growing and exiting is at the heart of private equity’s role in driving value creation and economic development in emerging markets like Africa.
The transaction also underscores the increasing confidence that private equity investors are placing in Africa’s energy sector. Despite challenges like fluctuating commodity prices and complex regulatory environments, the energy sector in countries like Egypt offers substantial growth opportunities. For private equity firms, the continent’s untapped reserves, coupled with a growing demand for energy, make it an attractive destination for long-term investments.
Looking to the future, the role of private equity in African oil and gas is expected to grow further. The upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris will serve as a key platform for private equity firms to explore investment opportunities in Africa’s growing energy sector, where strategic partnerships and capital infusion are driving innovation and growth. In particular, firms that focus on full-cycle investment strategies, such as Bluewater’s approach with Apex – are well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. They can bring capital, technical expertise and a deep understanding of local markets, enabling them to navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in Africa’s energy sector.mining
Feb 13, 2025
Africa Mining Market
Andrada Mining Secures Us$2.5 Million Loan To Expand Tin Processing Plant At Uis MineAndrada Mining Ltd. has secured a US$2.5 million loan from its largest shareholder, The Orange Trust, to fund the construction of a new tin processing plant at its Uis mine in Namibia.
The new plant will operate independently from the existing facility, allowing Andrada to expand production without disrupting current operations.
The additional plant will process up to 100 tonnes of tin ore per hour, significantly increasing output.
Andrada expects this expansion to enhance cash flow by extracting value from existing stockpiles and new high-grade ore sources.
Discussions are ongoing with regional tin miners in Namibia’s Erongo region to secure additional ore supply.
CEO Anthony Viljoen said the investment reflects confidence in Namibia’s tin resources and growing global demand.
Andrada’s long-term strategy involves scaling up operations while expanding tantalum and lithium production at its primary plant.
“We anticipate a surge in tin demand over the year which, when combined with Andrada’s entrenched position in the global tin supply chain, creates a unique competitive advantage for the company,” said Viljoen.
“The additional plant provides a modular pathway to scale up operations within our existing mining footprint as we evaluate new pits and validate historical resources.
“Importantly, the new plant will operate independently, ensuring there is no disruption to current mining activities or to the ongoing expansion aimed at boosting tantalum and lithium revenues at our primary plant.”
The six-month loan has no interest payments but includes a US$50,000 monthly facility fee, totalling US$300,000 over the term.
The new processing plant itself will serve as security for the loan.
Andrada will repay the full US$2.5 million principal at the end of the term, alongside a US$100,000 cumulative facility fee in the third month.
The company sees this funding as the fastest and most flexible way to accelerate its tin expansion strategy, ensuring it can increase production quickly while maintaining financial stability.
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Feb 12, 2025Africa Mining Market
Vedanta Discusses Konkola Copper Mines Stake Sale With Global InvestorsBillionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Resources has initiated discussions with a group of global investors to sell a significant minority stake in Zambia’s Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), which it recently regained control of.
Potential investors include Glencore plc, one of the world’s largest globally diversified natural resource companies. Notably, in May last year, Glencore lent US$250 million to Vedanta Resources (VRL), the holding company of the Vedanta Group. The loan was pledged against a 4.4% stake in Vedanta Ltd., the India-listed subsidiary of VRL. An email request to Glencore seeking a response remained unanswered until press time.
The move comes as the mining conglomerate seeks to raise funds to ramp up production at one of the world’s largest high-grade copper deposits.
With copper content exceeding 2.4%, KCM is considered among the richest sources of high-grade copper globally. The mine also holds substantial cobalt reserves and resources, positioning it as a potential top-five cobalt producer worldwide. Vedanta aims to significantly boost production at the site, with plans to increase copper and cobalt output as it looks to tap into the growing demand for these metals, driven by the global energy transition and the rise of electric vehicles.
Konkola Copper Mines has reserves and resources of 16 million tonnes of contained copper. The mine also has cobalt reserves and resources amounting to 412,000 tonnes, reinforcing its potential to be one of the top five cobalt producers globally.
Vedanta lost control of KCM in 2019 when the Zambian government placed the mine into provisional liquidation, citing allegations that the company misrepresented its expansion plans and failed to meet tax obligations. The dispute led to a protracted legal battle, culminating in a settlement between Vedanta and the Zambian authorities in 2023. The agreement restored Vedanta’s ownership, paving the way for its renewed efforts to revive operations at the copper mine.
The development comes as India’s biggest conglomerates ramp up their stakes in the copper sector, positioning themselves to capitalize on its critical role in infrastructure development, renewable energy, and the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Companies like Vedanta, Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco, and the Adani Group are spearheading this copper rush, investing heavily in domestic refining capacities.
India has very limited copper ore reserves, accounting for about 0.31% of the world’s total. Hindustan Copper holds around two-fifths of the copper ore reserves and resources in the country, according to its FY24 annual report. As the sole copper mining company in India, Hindustan Copper wields significant leverage over refiners.
The ongoing discussions with global investors are expected to help secure the capital required to enhance production capabilities at KCM. Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, has been working to improve its investment climate for mining companies.
“Vedanta Resources continues to evaluate a range of financing options, including additional internal accruals, debt instruments, and equity options to continue investing in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and its operations so that it reaches its optimum production rate within the shortest period of time. This is part of our standard operating procedure. We are pleased to share that we are delighted with the progress we have made to date,” said a spokesperson for Vedanta Group.
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Feb 12, 2025Africa Mining Market
Andrada Mining Secures Us$2.5 Million Loan To Expand…Andrada Mining Ltd. has secured a US$2.5 million loan from its largest shareholder, The Orange Trust, to fund the construction of a new tin processing plant at its Uis mine in Namibia.
The new plant will operate independently from the existing facility, allowing Andrada to expand production without disrupting current operations.
The additional plant will process up to 100 tonnes of tin ore per hour, significantly increasing output.
Andrada expects this expansion to enhance cash flow by extracting value from existing stockpiles and new high-grade ore sources.
Discussions are ongoing with regional tin miners in Namibia’s Erongo region to secure additional ore supply.
CEO Anthony Viljoen said the investment reflects confidence in Namibia’s tin resources and growing global demand.
Andrada’s long-term strategy involves scaling up operations while expanding tantalum and lithium production at its primary plant.
“We anticipate a surge in tin demand over the year which, when combined with Andrada’s entrenched position in the global tin supply chain, creates a unique competitive advantage for the company,” said Viljoen.
“The additional plant provides a modular pathway to scale up operations within our existing mining footprint as we evaluate new pits and validate historical resources.
“Importantly, the new plant will operate independently, ensuring there is no disruption to current mining activities or to the ongoing expansion aimed at boosting tantalum and lithium revenues at our primary plant.”
The six-month loan has no interest payments but includes a US$50,000 monthly facility fee, totalling US$300,000 over the term.
The new processing plant itself will serve as security for the loan.
Andrada will repay the full US$2.5 million principal at the end of the term, alongside a US$100,000 cumulative facility fee in the third month.
The company sees this funding as the fastest and most flexible way to accelerate its tin expansion strategy, ensuring it can increase production quickly while maintaining financial stability.
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Feb 12, 2025