SA gold output ticking upwards

by I-Net Bridge | 02-SEP-10 | 0 comments

The Chamber of Mines says South Africa’s gold production increased by 12.6% in the second quarter of 2010 to 49 444.5 kilograms when compared to the 43 927.8 kilograms produced in the first quarter. Read >

SA to launch new mining charter on Wednesday

by Reuters | 29-JUN-10 | 15 comments

South Africa will launch a new mining charter on Wednesday to increase black ownership in the sector after the previous agreement failed to do so, the department of Mineral Resources says. Read >

Eskom makes provision for strike

by Dewald van Rensburg | 28-JUN-10 | 0 comments

Power utility Eskom says that it has contingency plans in place, should it face strike action, but unions say they are reluctant to take the striking option. Read >

Russia mulls SA anti-dumping duty

by I-Net Bridge | 23-JUN-10 | 0 comments

Russia has proposed slapping anti-dumping duties on imported nickel-containing steels from China, South Korea, Brazil and South Africa. Read >

Eskom transmission unbundling debate rages

by Jan de Lange | 21-JUN-10 | 1 comments

Serious consideration is being given to the possibility of unbundling Eskom's transmission network and making it part of the future independent systems operator. Read >

An important milestone approaches

by Brendan Ryan | 18-JUN-10 | 0 comments

End-June is when key black economic empowerment issues in South Africa’s mining sector are supposed to be resolved – the most critical being concerns in funding the deals. Read >

We're ready for strike - Eskom

by I-Net Bridge | 15-JUN-10 | 3 comments

Power utility Eskom says it is ready should its 16,000 workers decide to go on a strike over wages. Read >

Electricity transmission unbundled from Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 14-JUN-10 | 1 comments

A new electricity proposal which has independent transmission unbundled from Eskom at its heart will come into being in three months and be approved by cabinet by September. Read >

Eskom price info 'will scare investors'

by Jan de Lange | 10-JUN-10 | 2 comments

Eskom is refusing to disclose the prices that BHP Billiton pays for electricity, saying that it will scare off future investors. Read >

Firms face electricity fines

by Jan de Lange | 08-JUN-10 | 0 comments

The South African government is negotiating new power saving targets with various industries and it warned companies that do not reduce consumption will be punished. Read >

Mozal spelt 'disaster' for Eskom

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 03-JUN-10 | 2 comments

Eskom's financial results would have been catastrophic had the power utility not managed to persuade BHP Billiton to renegotiate the Mozal aluminium smelter contract. Read >

South African gold output falls hard

by Allan Seccombe | 02-JUN-10 | 2 comments

The news from South Africa's gold sector remains grim. Gold output has fallen again in the first quarter of the year as an inexorable slide in production continues. Read >

Transnet, state at odds over R750bn plan

by Sapa | 01-JUN-10 | 1 comments

Transnet and the transport department have come in for sharp words from MPs for not having a shared vision for on the future of country's rail and road infrastructure. Read >

SAfrica's Malema seeks mine nationalisation in 2012

by Reuters | 27-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Julius Malema, the outspoken youth leader of South Africa's ruling ANC, said nationalisation of mines was being discussed by the party's top decision-making organ and could be adopted as policy in 2012. Read >

'Mining sector useless at BEE'

by Troye Lund | 26-MAY-10 | 3 comments

The head of South Africa's junior mining federation, Samda president Bridgette Radebe, slams the "fruitless" implementation of black economic empowerment in the mining sector. Read >

State miner precursor to nationalisation - Malema

by Troye Lund | 26-MAY-10 | 3 comments

A state owned mining company has to be created as a precursor to nationalising the country's mines and mineral wealth, Julius Malema, the leader of the ruling party's youth wing, tells parliament. Read >

'Eskom won't face fines'

by Sake24 | 26-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Eskom will probably not face financial penalties as part of the renegotiation of punitive contracts with aluminium smelters, says government. Read >

SA gets private power

by Jan de Lange | 24-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Eskom has concluded its first agreements to get electricity from private power providers. Read >

SA needs $6.4bn for mine rehabilitation

by Reuters | 21-MAY-10 | 1 comments

South Africa needs $6.4bn to rehabilitate 6,000 defunct mines. Read >

SA state miner mired in more controversy

by Brendan Ryan | 21-MAY-10 | 6 comments

South Africa's state mining firm targets another environmentally sensitive area for exploration, the latest in a string of controversial decisions. Is it being taken on a merry dance? Read >

Violence marks start of SA transport strike

by Reuters | 10-MAY-10 | 1 comments

Violence marks the start of a transport strike to demand higher wages for workers in bulk rail transport and ports. Read >

Zero consolidation prospects in SA - Cutifani

by Allan Seccombe | 07-MAY-10 | 0 comments

AngloGold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifani definitively rules out any consolidation of operating gold mines in South Africa but is in talks about swapping unused land with other players. Read >

AngloGold predicts a weak second quarter

by Allan Seccombe | 07-MAY-10 | 1 comments

AngloGold Ashanti cuts its hedge book by 350,000 oz and predicts a second weak quarter of production, but it maintains its full-year target of between 4.5 million and 4.7 million oz. Read >

Six workers die on SA mines

by Reuters | 06-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Six workers die on South African mines this week. Read >

SA's top gold miners to report a tough quarter

by Reuters | 04-MAY-10 | 1 comments

The earnings of South Africa's top three gold miners are predicted to drop sharply in the first quarter because of lower production and higher costs that will barely be offset by a slightly higher gold price. Read >

Mine firms may have to "facilitate" BEE deals

by Allan Seccombe | 30-APR-10 | 4 comments

UPDATED - Minimum levels of facilitation may be set for mining companies in South Africa to financially assist black partners in empowerment deals after the general failure to create wealth in the first wave of transactions. Read >

SA 'richest' country in the world

by Sake24 | 28-APR-10 | 8 comments

South Africa has the biggest mineral reserves of any country, according to research by the American banking group Citigroup. Read >

SA must source power outside Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 26-APR-10 | 4 comments

Electricity utility Eskom lacks the capacity to grow and other suppliers of power have to be found otherwise South Africa cannot grow, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

Tougher empowerment enforcement in SA

by Allan Seccombe | 22-APR-10 | 13 comments

South Africa will crack down on mining firms not racially transforming their businesses as the government advances its involvement in the sector and tries to position the industry for growth. Read >

Anglo turnaround strategy bears fruit

by Allan Seccombe | 22-APR-10 | 0 comments

Anglo American puts out a set of quarterly production numbers that are better than two of its peers, showing the painful turnaround strategy is starting to pay off. Read >

Eskom admits BHP smelters caused losses

by Jan de Lange | 21-APR-10 | 0 comments

The losses incurred by South African power utility Eskom with its contracts with BHP Billiton ran deeper than just accounting losses on derivatives. Contracts for the South African aluminium smelters are still a way off. Read >

Eskom, BHP reach power deal

by Sapa & Miningmx reporter | 20-APR-10 | 1 comments

Eskom reaches an in-principle deal with BHP Billiton to end a favourable long-term tariff agreement, but efforts to do the same with Anglo American are proving tougher. Read >

Strike threat to SA ports, rail

by Reuters | 20-APR-10 | 0 comments

Failed wage talks could cripple South African port and rail infrastructure, warns a transport union. Read >

SA slides in global mining rankings

by Dewald van Rensburg | 20-APR-10 | 1 comments

A global survey shows South Africa is fast becoming one of the least popular destinations for mining investment. Read >

Platmin bolsters its war chest by $250m

by Allan Seccombe | 19-APR-10 | 0 comments

Platmin bolsters its war chest with $250m as its consolidation plans take shape in the South African platinum sector. Read >

Govt may help Eskom's Kusile

by Troye Lund | 16-APR-10 | 0 comments

Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan says the state will step in should Eskom's next project Kusile show signs of struggle owing to a lack of funds. Read >

Eskom may be split up

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 16-APR-10 | 0 comments

Eskom is considering privatising some of its assets and a major shake-up of its labour force, according to a Finweek report. Read >

Another SA power shortfall in 2018

by Reuters | 15-APR-10 | 0 comments

South Africa faces another electricity shortfall in 2018 despite Eskom's build programme to double capacity over the next 15 years. Read >

Concerns about SA mining standards

by Sapa | 14-APR-10 | 0 comments

Companies not adhering to basic safety standards is one of the biggest problems in South African mining, says DuPont after 24 people are killed so far this year. Read >

SA mining potential crippled, solutions sought

by Allan Seccombe | 13-APR-10 | 4 comments

South Africa's mining sector forfeited billions of rands because of a host of problems that have been identified which, if resolved, could add another 100,000 jobs to the industry and bump up output. Read >

New turmoil over ANC's power deal

by James Brent-Styan | 13-APR-10 | 1 comments

The head of the ANC's controversial investment arm has denied that its stake in Hitachi Power Africa will be sold, despite the party's reassurances. Read >

World Bank to cut ANC out of loan

by James-Brent Styan | 07-APR-10 | 1 comments

The World Bank will ensure that no money goes to projects that Hitachi - in which the ANC holds a stake - is involved in, if it approves Eskom's loan request. Read >

Another offer made for SA Coal

by Marc Hasenfuss | 01-APR-10 | 0 comments

A Bombay-listed firm puts in a bit for SA Coal Mining Holdings, but the board prefers the offer from Shanduka, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

Changes pending for SA mining laws

by Allan Seccombe | 31-MAR-10 | 3 comments

The first of a tough round of talks about the health of the South African mining sector ends ahead of changes to the mining charter and a raft of amendments to legislation early next year to make the industry more competitive. Read >

Wescoal to buy SACMH

by Marc Hasenfuss | 29-MAR-10 | 1 comments

Is this the first of a series of deals to consolidate the junior coal segment, asks Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

SA mining gears up for major talks

by Allan Seccombe | 29-MAR-10 | 1 comments

South Africa's mines minister concedes the sector took its eye off the ball and missed the last commodities boom. The sector is meeting this week to make sure that doesn't happen again. Read >

State mine eyes Mpumalanga area

by Elise Tempelhoff | 26-MAR-10 | 2 comments

The state-controlled mining company has shifted its sights from the Cape winelands to the sensitive Chrissiesmeer conservation region. Read >

Wescoal's mining venture is buoyant

by Marc Hasenfuss | 24-MAR-10 | 1 comments

Wescoal moves onto the JSE main board, with production on track and an Eskom contract in tow, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

MPs want details on Eskom deals

by Troye Lund | 19-MAR-10 | 1 comments

The government is "concerned" about Eskom's confidential electricity tariff agreements with large industrial groups, says Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan. Read >

Pallinghurst steps up its game

by Miningmx | 18-MAR-10 | 0 comments

The MiningMX team delves deeper into the improved results of Gem Diamond and looks at Pallinghurst Resources’ scope for growth. Time:21:17 Read >

Pallinghurst maps aggressive growth plans

by Allan Seccombe | 17-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Consolidation is the name of the game for Pallinghurst as it seeks to carve a meaningful role for itself in platinum and iron ore. It has aggressive growth plans around manganese and gemstones too. Read >

Julius Malema linked to R250m mine deal

by Miningmx reporter | 14-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Politically-linked individuals are in a deal at ASA Metals, which is majority owned by China's Sinosteel. It is reported Julius Malema, who demands nationalisation of mines, is trying to divert attention away from the controversial deal. Read >

South Africa slips to 4 in gold rankings

by Allan Seccombe | 12-MAR-10 | 5 comments

South African gold output falls nearly six percent in 2009 to 205 tonnes, leaving it in fourth place in global stakes. Read >

Chromex plots growth after tough year

by Allan Seccombe | 05-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Chromex, a junior chromite producer, is in talks to raise the funds needed to double the capacity at its Stellite plant and boost recoveries after a subdued year for the firm. Read >

SA power crunch expected in 2011

by Reuters | 05-MAR-10 | 0 comments

South Africa will meet its power requirements for the World Cup, but further ahead the situation is much tighter, Eskom's acting CEO says. Read >

IPP framework in place - Hogan

by Sapa | 01-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Power utility Eskom may sign cogeneration agreements with outside producers before the end of March, says Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan Read >

The implications of Eskom's tariff hike

by Miningmx | 25-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Dick Kruger from the Chamber of Mines talks about Eskom's electricity tariff hike and the implications for the mining sector. Des Kilalea from RBC Capital Markets shares his thoughts on Anglo American and De Beers. Read >

Eskom 'got what it needed'

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 24-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Energy regulator Nersa says it granted Eskom the tariff increase that was needed, not just what the power utility wanted. Read >

Eskom secures a 24.8% hike

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 24-FEB-10 | 1 comments

Eskom is granted permission to hike power rates by 24.8% this year, well below the 35% the power utility asked for. Read >

Nationalisation is a non-issue - Zuma

by Jean-Marie de Waal | 24-FEB-10 | 1 comments

Nationalisation seems to be an issue that troubles Julius Malema alone, says President Jacob Zuma. Read >

D-Day for SA power hike

by Jan de Lange and Jean-Marie de Waal | 24-FEB-10 | 0 comments

South Africa is bracing itself for one of the most painful economic measures for the past 20 years - the multi-year electricity tariff decision by the energy authorities. Read >

Polluted mine water under scrutiny

by Allan Seccombe | 22-FEB-10 | 5 comments

South Africa to set up a private-public partnership entity to treat polluted mine water, conceding the matter must be dealt with urgently. There's a private company that must be an obvious choice. Read >

Petra upbeat on diamond market

by Allan Seccombe | 22-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Petra Diamonds says the diamond market has turned around. It has posted an interim profit and intends tripling production to three million carats by 2019. Read >

Anglo battle-scarred by tough 2009

by Allan Seccombe | 19-FEB-10 | 2 comments

Anglo American is battered by a tough 2009, withholding its dividend over to 2010, laying off more than 23,000 people and seeing a hefty cost jump at one of its key growth projects. Read >

Independent power by end-2010

by Troye Lund | 12-FEB-10 | 1 comments

South Africa's government vows the policies needed to allow independent power producers to contribute to the national grid will be in place by the end of 2010. Read >

State mines 'not unique'

by Dewald van Rensburg | 09-FEB-10 | 3 comments

It is almost a foregone conclusion that SA will establish a state-controlled mining company - but it's not the only country to have such a plan. Read >

Nationalisation? Not in my life time

by Miningmx | 09-FEB-10 | 0 comments

The Miningmx team reflects on the week long Mining Indaba and the launch of the 2010 edition of Rainmakers and Potstirrers. Time: 12:23 Read >

SA govt eyes shares in private miners

by Allan Seccombe | 02-FEB-10 | 5 comments

South Africa's cabinet is dicussing plans for the state to buy shares in the country's listed and private companies operating in minerals it considers strategic. Read >

It's time to address the nationalisation of SA mines

by Allan Seccombe | 01-FEB-10 | 1 comments

The unsettling calls for nationalisation of South Africa's mines rings out at a time when mining leaders gather in Cape Town. What will the government do at the event to assure investors their projects are safe? Read >

Time runs out for SA reactor

by Francois Williams | 29-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The future of South Africa's pebble-bed nuclear reactor technology is hanging by a thread as government funding dries up. Read >

Platinum, palladium ETF holdings soar

by Reuters | 25-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Holdings of platinum and palladium in a new US ETF rise strongly. Read >

Chamber's proposal gives an "almost bearable" alternative - Dick Kruger, CoM

by | 25-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The Chamber of Mines offers a solution to Eskom's funding conundrum, giving the mining industry a solution that would be "almost bearable", says the chamber's Dick Kruger. Read >

Eskom to fight Maroga lawsuit

by Miningmx reporter | 25-JAN-10 | 2 comments

Eskom says it will oppose the R85m lawsuit filed against it by ousted CEO Jacob Maroga. Read >

Weak ferrochrome prices batter Merafe profits

by Allan Seccombe | 25-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Merafe Resources shares are battered by a profit warning stemming from low ferrochrome prices and a strong rand. Read >

Power sector needs a revamp

by Jan de Lange | 25-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The size of the electricity industry mess has become much clearer during the countrywide hearings held by the National Energy Regulator, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

'No hope for Eskom Kusile plan'

by Jan de Lange | 22-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Experts say Eskom won't find a private partner for the Kusile power station - a precondition for reducing its tariff hikes. Read >

Govt garage sale to fund Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 21-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The sale of some Eskom assets like power stations is one of the means government is considering to find alternative revenue sources to tariff increases. Read >

Workers held "hostage" at Two Rivers - NUM

by I-Net Bridge | 20-JAN-10 | 1 comments

NUM says workers are being held hostage at Two Rivers. Read >

Drastic steps needed to reach safety target

by I-Net Bridge | 20-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Huge challenges for South African mines to reach zero fatalities by 2013. Read >

What lies in store for 2010

by | 20-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The MiningMx team discusses what's expected for 2010, with a special focus on government legislation and Eskom's power problems. Time: 21:49 Read >

Medupi to be ready 'on time'

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 18-JAN-10 | 1 comments

Eskom has said it is on schedule with the construction of the Medupi power station in Limpopo, but is facing a year's delay at the Kusile plant in Mpumalanga. Read >

Pricey power 'may court collapse'

by Nicole Rego | 15-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The South African economy could shed half a million jobs if Eskom's proposed tariff hikes go ahead, according to the country's main chambers of business. Read >

Eskom 'needs urgent surgery'

by James-Brent Styan | 12-JAN-10 | 1 comments

Eskom executives have been defending the utility's steep tariff hike proposal, saying that the economy won't survive without it. Read >

Platinum in spotlight after U.S. ETF launch

by Reuters | 11-JAN-10 | 0 comments

An American platinum-backed ETF may help stabilise the price of the metal, which is expected to rise this year. An upswing in the economic cycle is seen lifting car demand. Read >

Eskom loses power monopoly

by James-Brent Styan | 04-DEC-09 | 1 comments

The South African government has opened the door for independent power producers by announcing a new national resource plan. Read >

S.African power problems loom

by James-Brent Styan | 02-DEC-09 | 1 comments

South Africans can expect renewed power supply problems from 2011, Eskom has warned. Read >

New power station much pricier

by James-Brent Styan | 01-DEC-09 | 1 comments

The cost of a new Eskom power station has apparently climbed by R100bn in three years. Read >

Eskom lowers tariff request

by Reuters | 01-DEC-09 | 0 comments

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa says power utility Eskom has lowered its request for an increase in tariffs. Read >

Eskom may revise tariff proposal

by Allan Seccombe | 30-NOV-09 | 1 comments

South African power utility Eskom prepares to revise down its tariff hike proposal after its initial suggestion of an annual 45% over three years provoked howls of dismay from across all sectors. Read >

Eskom wants IPP deals: Hogan

by I-Net Bridge | 24-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Eskom wants to buy electricity from independent power producers but is held up by energy department snags, says Private Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan. Read >

S.African state's nuclear decision urgent

by James-Brent Styan | 23-NOV-09 | 0 comments

South Africa will be unable to build a new nuclear power station unless government signs guarantees for its funding. Read >

Eskom and the mining industry

by Brendan Ryan | 20-NOV-09 | 0 comments

It would be tragic if South African misses out on the next commodities boom because of Eskom, where a board room battle has damaged investor sentiment. Read >

Eskom puts Kusile contracts on hold

by Sapa | 19-NOV-09 | 1 comments

South African energy utility Eskom puts contracts on hold at its Kusile power station because of revenue uncertainty. Read >

SA 'running out of gold'

by Dewald van Rensburg | 19-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Some 95% of SA's gold deposits have already been depleted, says a researcher. Read >

Eskom after Maroga, Godsell

by Jan de Lange | 17-NOV-09 | 3 comments

Enormous challenges await the new bosses of Eskom, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

SA's glory days in gold at an end

by I-Net Bridge | 17-NOV-09 | 1 comments

The glory days of South African gold mining appear to have arrived finally at an ignominious end. Read >

Godsell gone for good from Eskom

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 16-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Bobby Godsell, the former Eskom chairperson, has confirmed there is no chance of him resuming his duties at the strife-torn electricity utility. Read >

We want Godsell at Eskom - Hogan

by Reuters | 13-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Barbara Hogan, minister of public enterprises, wants Bobby Godsell to reconsider his resignation as chairman for troubled power utility Eskom. Read >

SA September mining output tumbles

by Sapa | 12-NOV-09 | 0 comments

South African mining production falls in September. Read >

Maroga definitely out - Eskom board

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 12-NOV-09 | 1 comments

Eskom hopes to appoint a new CEO within three months after the board confirms Jacob Maroga is no longer in that position, bringing an end to a bitter leaderhip struggle at the power utility. Read >

High noon for Eskom

by Miningmx reporter | 12-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Eskom is to lift the veil of secrecy over the acrimony of the last seven days in which its top execs have quit the company. Read >

No energy for future smelters - Davies

by I-Net Bridge | 11-NOV-09 | 0 comments

There is no spare power for energy-hungry projects in the future, says Rob Davies. Read >

Eskom: Principle vs power

by Jan de Lange | 10-NOV-09 | 4 comments

What lies at the heart of Bobby Godsell's departure from Eskom and the spat around whether Jacob Maroga stay on as CEO? Jan de Lange takes a look. Read >

SA, Zimbabwe deal 'imminent'

by Jana Marais | 10-NOV-09 | 0 comments

The long-awaited investment protection deal between South Africa and Zimbabwe will be concluded this month, but it probably won't include a land agreement. Read >

SA mines minister lashes companies

by Allan Seccombe | 03-NOV-09 | 10 comments

South Africa's mines minister Susan Shabangu flays the mining industry ahead of talks on a review of the Mining Charter, the roadmap to transform the sector and empower black South Africans. Read >

Eskom failed to fill key posts

by Sapa | 02-NOV-09 | 1 comments

A confidential Eskom report shows a vacancy rate of 50% in key posts during the load-shedding crisis, South African opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, says. Read >

Eskom concerns foreign investors

by Jana Marais | 02-NOV-09 | 1 comments

The availability and cost of electricity supply, skills and transport infrastructure cause the greatest concern when persuading investors to invest in South Africa. Read >

SA power prices concern Anglo

by Allan Seccombe | 28-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Anglo American will take a couple of years to dispose of some $6bn worth of non-core assets and it will engage Eskom around the cost of power which is of concern to one of South Africa's biggest companies. Read >

Malema madness

by Jan de Lange | 26-OCT-09 | 3 comments

Why are "black diamonds" hanging on to Julius Malema's every word, asks Jan de Lange. Read >

Uproar over 'radical rand plan'

by Pieter du Toit and Jean-Marie de Waal | 23-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Government representatives have reacted strongly to reports, attributed to a senior official, that the rand may be 'frozen' to help job creation. Read >

SA ferrochrome industry seeks export curbs

by Reuters | 21-OCT-09 | 1 comments

South Africa's ferrochrome industry seeks export curbs Read >

Currencies, Asia demand to lift Europe coal prices

by Reuters | 21-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Coal prices are likely to rise as the follow gains in the 'coal currencies". Read >

The ANC must make call on nationalisation

by Sapa | 20-OCT-09 | 9 comments

The ANC must make up its mind on the nationalisation of mines in time for its 2012 conference, says youth leader Julius Malema, who envisages a 60% government ownership of mines. Read >

Third of SA's roads 'dying'

by Troye Lund | 20-OCT-09 | 0 comments

More than 4 000 km of SA's roads have a lifespan left of less than five years, the minister of transport warns. Read >

Norilsk profit down 84 pct

by Reuters | 19-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Profit at Norilsk Nickel, the largest supplier of nickel and palladium, fell sharply in the interim period because of low metal prices. Read >

Eskom wants 45pct/year hike

by Brendan Ryan and Allan Seccombe | 13-OCT-09 | 4 comments

South African power utility Eskom wants three price hikes of 45% per year for the next three years. Read >

Zuma silent on 'communist plot'

by Mathatha Tsedu | 11-OCT-09 | 0 comments

President Jacob Zuma's silence as the SACP attempts to force a socialist state is ominous, writes Mathatha Tsedu. Read >

Mboweni dismisses nationalisation talk

by Reuters | 11-OCT-09 | 0 comments

South African Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni scotched talk of nationalisation of the country's mines after the topic was again raised by a firebrand politician this week. Read >

JOGMEC inks S.Africa platinum deal

by Reuters | 09-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Japan's JOGMEC inks another South African platinum deal. Read >

NewGold to be offered in Botswana

by Reuters | 09-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Absa Capital plans to roll out its gold-backed ETF NewGold in Botswana in early 2010 to test investor appetite as it expands into Africa. Read >

SA mining output tumbles in August

by I-Net Bridge | 08-OCT-09 | 0 comments

South African mining production for August fell by 11.5% year-on-year, with non-gold minerals making heavy weather of it. Read >

Gold's last hurrah?

by Allan Seccombe | 07-OCT-09 | 5 comments

The small interest rate hike in Australia could be an indication that the worst is over for the global economy, but it holds a downside threat for the gold price. Read >

More than 100 illegal mines in SA

by Troye Lund | 29-SEP-09 | 1 comments

An estimated 104 mines in South Africa are operating illegally because they don't have the required water licences, parliament has heard. Read >

Anglo warns of market uncertainty

by Allan Seccombe | 28-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll warns of near-term commodity market uncertainty and gives the Australian government a tough message about the future of that country's coal industry. Read >

Gold forges higher

by Reuters | 16-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Gold shoots up $10/oz to reach its highest price since March 2008, coming in sight of all-time highs. Read >

SA to revisit smelter power contracts

by Reuters | 15-SEP-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's government wants to renegotiate long-term power supply agreements with smelters, particularly BHP Billiton, which runs aluminium smelters in the country. Read >

Eskom CEO 'paid his worth'

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 14-SEP-09 | 3 comments

Eskom's board has rewarded CEO Jacob Maroga with a 26.7% salary increase, considerably more than the 10.5% the rest of the power utility's workforce received. Read >

Exxaro suspends SA refinery ops after blast

by Reuters | 11-SEP-09 | 1 comments

Exxaro has suspended operations at its Zincor refinery east of Johannesburg after an explosion on Thursday morning killed three workers and injured 12 others. Read >

SA gold output continues to tumble

by Allan Seccombe | 08-SEP-09 | 1 comments

South African gold production continues its inexorable downward slide, falling nearly 10% year-on-year from already stressed levels in 2008. Miners are missing the booming dollar gold price. Read >

SA rand at 13-mth high vs dollar

by Reuters | 08-SEP-09 | 0 comments

The South African rand moved to a 13-month high against the dollar, not a great development for the country's exporters like gold and platinum firms. Read >

Platinum -- a hotbed of unrest

by Jan de Lange | 07-SEP-09 | 0 comments

The reason why violent uprising is a recurring event in the platinum sector has its roots in the departure of the NUM's Archie Palane, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

Nationalisation talk refuses to die

by Allan Seccombe | 03-SEP-09 | 12 comments

The question of the nationalisation of South African mines refuses to go away, with a state official now saying the option must be retained in case the proposed state-owned mining company fails. Read >

SA state mine firm to secure energy minerals

by Brendan Ryan | 03-SEP-09 | 3 comments

South Africa says its proposed state mining company is designed to ensure security in the supply of coal and uranium. Read >

Eskom 'has to double prices'

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 26-AUG-09 | 1 comments

While Eskom is expected to announce a huge financial loss on Thursday, an expert said the power utility must at least double its electricity prices to remain viable. Read >

What will mining be like under Zuma?

by Jan de Lange | 24-AUG-09 | 1 comments

Calls for a state-owned company would appear to be symptomatic of the new mood in South Africa’s new government, with more emphasis on leftist policies. But what’s the reality? Read >

All is not lost - Nogxina

by David McKay | 23-AUG-09 | 2 comments

The empowerment process in South Africa’s mining sector has taken a turn for the worse with the introduction of the Codes of Good Practice. Industry has reacted hotly. Read >

SA sustains coal exports

by Reuters | 20-AUG-09 | 0 comments

South Africa exported around 5.45 million tonnes of thermal coal in July, little changed from 5.54 in June, bringing the year-to-date total to 33.45 million, coal industry sources said. Read >

SA gold production falls 12%

by I-Net Bridge | 13-AUG-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's gold production in June 2009 was 12.2% lower than in June last year, while the country's total mining production for June fell 7.3% year on year. Read >

ANC shuts out Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 13-AUG-09 | 0 comments

Eskom will be excluded from the process of establishing private power producers, the ruling ANC has decided. Read >

Major Eskom projects on hold

by Sapa | 12-AUG-09 | 1 comments

Eskom mothballs five projects worth more than R54bn, raising the threat of a future power crisis. Read >

SA urgently needs a coal strategy

by James-Brent Styan | 11-AUG-09 | 0 comments

The Mpumalanga coal fields, long the base for South African electricity generation, will not be able to supply Eskom's power plants for the rest of the useful lives. Read >

SA power strike threat hits platinum

by Reuters | 06-AUG-09 | 0 comments

A strike threat at South African power utility Eskom has driven up platinum and palladium prices and pushed the rand to a three-week low. Read >

Strong rand to hit SA gold miners' profits

by Reuters | 30-JUL-09 | 1 comments

The strong rand will offset higher production and metal prices in the latest set of quarterly results from South African gold producers. Read >

SA gold wage deal within reach

by Ines Schumacher | 27-JUL-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's gold and coal mining sectors may wrap up two-year wage talks with trade unions on Tuesday after a "favourable" offer. Read >

Anglo strategy to trump results

by Reuters | 27-JUL-09 | 1 comments

Anglo American's fall in interim earnings will be overshadowned by its efforts to show it does not need to merge with Xstrata. Read >

Unions declare Eskom dispute

by Reuters | 16-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Trade union Solidarity says unions declare wage dispute with Eskom. Read >

Union declares dispute at BHP company

by Sapa | 13-JUL-09 | 0 comments

South African trade union Solidarity declares a dispute at BHP Billiton's Manganese Metal Company over wages. Read >

Zuma: Don't worry about mines

by André le Roux | 13-JUL-09 | 2 comments

South African president Jacob Zuma has dismissed calls from the ruling party's allies to nationalise mines. Read >

SA's power credibility suffers

by Francois Williams | 13-JUL-09 | 1 comments

Repeated setbacks experienced by independent power producers in SA have dented the country's global reputation. Read >

Anglo must merge

by Jan de Lange | 13-JUL-09 | 0 comments

But a marriage between Anglo American and Xstrata does not seem the appropriate solution, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

Anglo compiles SA list for chairman

by Reuters | 09-JUL-09 | 3 comments

Anglo American has reportedly drawn up a list of black South African candidates who it is considering to take the chairman reins from Mark Moody-Stuart. Read >

SA mines minister says no nationalisation

by Reuters | 08-JUL-09 | 5 comments

South African mineral resources minister Susan Shabangu says the country will not nationalise its mines and she talks of the Xstrata proposal to merge with Anglo American. Read >

SA cannot afford mine nationalisation

by Jean-Marie de Waal | 08-JUL-09 | 6 comments

The South African Chamber of Mines hits back at calls by the ANC Youth League and Cosatu to nationalise the country's mines. Read >

Mine union lukewarm on nationalisation call

by Sapa | 07-JUL-09 | 1 comments

Calls for South Africa's mines to be nationalised have received lukewarm support from the National Union of Mineworkers. Read >

What is the future for SA mines?

by Allan Seccombe | 03-JUL-09 | 5 comments

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's president, must tell the mining industry what is the government's policy on mines amid a spate of calls from ruling party allies for nationalisation. Read >

Labour, Eskom to load 10% on Pt costs

by David McKay | 03-JUL-09 | 0 comments

There’s some alarm that the rand is hurting mining stocks such as the platinum firms Anglo Platinum and Impala. But there are other cost troubles in the pipeline. Read >

Insurers barred from SA rehab funds

by Allan Seccombe | 02-JUL-09 | 4 comments

Funding of South African mining rehabilation obligations becomes a little more difficult and some junior firms are not happy. Read >

A 'no' for SA mine nationalisation call

by Reuters | 02-JUL-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's ruling African National Congress dismisses mine-nationalisation rhetoric from its youth wing. Read >

Heed Numsa, Tito

by Jan de Lange | 22-JUN-09 | 0 comments

The Reserve Bank chief ignores labour union Numsa's concerns at his peril, says Jan de Lange. Read >

BEE codes no worry yet - Carroll

by David McKay | 17-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Cynthia Carroll said the South African mining industry was not at a stage yet that it needed to worry about a controversial new document outlining new strictures on BEE in the industry. Read >

Union wants big Implats pay hike

by Allan Seccombe | 09-JUN-09 | 2 comments

The National Union of Mineworkers is demanding a 20% pay increase from Impala Platinum compared to a 15% demand from the gold and coal producers. Read >

SA gold industry to recover in 2011

by Miningmx reporter | 09-JUN-09 | 0 comments

The South African gold mining industry will continue declining up to 2010 as the cost of deep-level mining takes its toll on companies' balance sheets. Read >

SA gold sector destroys value - fund

by Allan Seccombe | 29-MAY-09 | 11 comments

A boutique investment fund's managers lay out their reasons for avoiding South African gold shares, arguing the sector has destroyed value. They reckon the gold price should trade around $800/oz. Read >

SA plunges into recession

by Greta Steyn & Ines Schumacher | 26-MAY-09 | 3 comments

Mining and manufacturing were the two hardest hit sectors as data shows South Africa deep in recession. Economists reckon the first quarter may be the worst in the cycle. Read >

SA gold ETF to break $1bn level

by Ines Schumacher | 26-MAY-09 | 2 comments

South African gold-backed exchange-traded fund provider NewGold is poised to raise its gold holdings to more than $1bn for the first time as investors pile into the metal. Read >