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Articles by Constance Sithole
Can South Africa regain economic momentum in 2027?
As 2026 draws to a close, South Africa finds itself facing another challenging year, with economic pressures continuing to weigh on both the country and its mining sector. Rising fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, sluggish economic growth and infrastructure challenges continue to put pressure on the country’s economic prospects. Looking ahead to 2027, the focus will be on whether South Africa can regain economic momentum and make meaningful progress on its reform agenda.
#WeeklyWrap: Reserve shifts, copper cuts and growth plans
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more industry insights This week’s mining news was dominated by gold’s role in global reserves, a revised copper outlook at Kamoa-Kakula and renewed calls for investment and collaboration across Africa. From big producers’ quarterly results to projects moving forward and mining policy changes, the sector experienced a mix of operational challenges and growth opportunities.
Central banks turn to gold as geopolitical risks reshape reserves
Central banks are buying more gold as they reassess gold’s role in the international financial system amid geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns and reserve diversification. Central banks have been buying an average of 1,000 tonnes of gold each year over the past four years, double the average recorded in the previous 10 years, the World Gold Council (WGC) says.
Mthenjane calls for collaboration to unlock Africa’s mineral wealth
South Africa is targeting at least R50 billion in mining investment by February 2028, with Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane calling for greater collaboration between the mining, infrastructure and industrialisation sectors to help achieve the goal.
Mantashe’s diamond task team must deliver, not just talk
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is moving to address the challenges facing the producers of South Africa’s diamond industry which requires urgent and practical intervention. In a written parliamentary response, Mantashe said a task team had been established to look at initiatives and measures to address the challenges confronting South Africa’s diamond producers. The task team also comprises representatives of diamond producers and the Minerals Council.
Joburg Indaba: Geopolitics weighs on mining, but SA can compete
Attending the Joburg Indaba 2026 proved that the mining industry has the minds, experience and potential to drive South Africa’s next phase of growth. What stood out to me was not only the calibre of people in the room but also the willingness to look beyond the challenges that have dominated the industry for years and focus on the opportunities ahead. The conversations were a reminder that while mining faces real obstacles, the country has the expertise and mineral wealth to do far more.
Weekly wrap: Mining’s push for resilience and innovation
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more news industry Insights This week in mining, the industry examined the challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s mining industry, from operational resilience and sustainable development to technology, safety and the future of mineral processing.
Transnet corridor puts South Africa’s manganese ambitions to the test
When you think about it, South Africa does not have a manganese problem. It has a mine-to-market problem. The country has substantial manganese deposits, most of them concentrated in the Northern Cape, but those resources mean little if the ore cannot be transported efficiently to export markets.
Ivanhoe Mines: Building skills, livelihoods and resilience beyond mining
From early learning and technical training to enterprise development and women’s advancement, Ivanhoe Mines is using skills development to strengthen communities and employees, thereby seeking to build a legacy beyond the life of mine. JASMINE ABRAHAMS, vice president, sustainability at Ivanhoe Mines, and LIZAAN PELSER, sustainability officer, tell CONSTANCE SITHOLE how these initiatives are creating lasting opportunities.
Inside the webinar: Technology reshapes mining’s zero-harm drive
Technology is becoming an increasingly important tool in the mining industry’s drive towards zero harm, with artificial intelligence, drones, collision avoidance systems, remote monitoring and wearable devices helping companies identify risks earlier and remove workers from hazardous environments.
Finsch closure: Is South Africa’s mining industry dying slowly?
Mine closures and retrenchments are becoming an increasingly painful reality in South Africa. But beyond the numbers is a much bigger question: what happens to the communities and families that depend on these mines for their survival? The situation at Finsch Diamond Mine in the Northern Cape has brought that question into sharp focus.
Mintek puts women at the centre of mining transformation
Mintek is using its technical expertise, partnerships and networking platforms to help women move beyond participation in mining and into leadership, enterprise ownership and decision-making. The minerals research and development organisation brought together women mining professionals, entrepreneurs, government representatives and industry stakeholders at a Women in Minerals networking event focused on turning transformation discussions into practical opportunities.
Mechanised vs conventional mining: Which gets you hired faster?
If you were starting a career in mining today, where would you look for a job: a conventional mine where people still do much of the work manually, or a highly mechanised operation filled with automated equipment, digital systems and remote-controlled machines? The obvious answer might be the mechanised mine. But it is not quite that simple.
Oil relief in sight as Iraq seeks routes beyond Hormuz
Iraq is strengthening crude-export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions heighten concerns over global oil supply security, with a 750 000-barrel-a-day capacity agreement through Türkiye and plans for a new pipeline through Syria putting Mediterranean export routes back in focus.
Women succeed through strength, not difference, says Prof Falcon
Women are succeeding in mining not because they are different from men, but because they have developed the skills and capabilities the industry increasingly needs, Professor Rosemary Falcon said during her keynote address at the third annual Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) Symposium.
Inside the webinar: Zimbabwe must unlock critical minerals value chain
Industry experts urged Zimbabwe to capitalise on surging global demand for critical minerals by building a competitive downstream industry or risk missing out on greater economic value during a Mining Review Africa (MRA) and Zimbabwe Mining Week webinar.
Mine water emerges as one of mining’s greatest environmental challenges
For more than a century, South Africa’s mining industry has relied on dewatering to access valuable ore bodies deep underground. By pumping water out of underground mines to keep them dry, mining companies have safely extracted billions of rand worth of gold, coal and other minerals. While the practice has supported economic growth for generations, its long-term environmental consequences are becoming increasingly apparent.
Sibanye-Stillwater calls for GBV to become a core mining safety priority
Gender-based violence (GBV) should be treated as a fundamental workplace safety issue rather than a standalone social initiative, according to Sibanye-Stillwater Regional Head for Women in Mining Fatima Collins, who says the mining industry must expand its definition of safety to create truly inclusive workplaces.
#TheWeekThatWas: Mining sector balances growth, responsibility & energy security
This week in mining, the spotlight remained firmly on the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s mining sector. From responsible artisanal mining initiatives to major project developments and energy security, the industry continues to evolve as companies balance growth with sustainability.
Fuel fraud is not a victimless crime – It is economic sabotage
South Africa’s fuel sector is facing a growing threat that extends far beyond fluctuating pump prices. While motorists and businesses continue to wrestle with the impact of global oil market volatility, a far more damaging problem is unfolding closer to home: fuel price manipulation and the widespread adulteration of diesel.
#TheWeekThatWas: Expansion projects & partnerships lead mining headlines
Mining investment, operational improvements and regional collaboration dominated headlines across Africa’s mining sector this week, reflecting an industry focused on growth and long-term value creation. A key highlight was the successful conclusion of WAMPEX 2026 in Ghana, which brought together mining executives, investors, technology providers and policymakers from across West Africa.
Exclusive: Cost pressures deepen across global mining industry
Mining companies are coming under increasing pressure from rising operational costs, with fuel prices, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions driving inflation across key regions, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Join our WhatsApp channel for more news updates According to the World Bank, energy and fuel costs remain a major contributor to overall mining expenditure, with price volatility continuing to impact production margins and project viability.
DRC signs major deal to supply copper to the US
The Democratic Republic of Congo is sharply increasing copper exports to the United States, marking a decisive shift in global minerals trade and signalling a move to rebalance its long-standing reliance on Chinese buyers. State-owned miner Gécamines is at the centre of the strategy, committing to supply 100,000 tonnes of copper from early 2026 as part of a broader plan to ramp up exports to 500,000 tonnes annually, a fivefold increase on previous levels.
Mining Indaba 2026: A defining year for African industrial growth
What if 2026 is remembered as the year Africa moved from talking about potential to confidently shaping its place in the global mineral value chain? That sense of direction was unmistakable at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba. Conversations moved beyond extraction volumes and commodity cycles toward partnerships, competitiveness and the practical steps required to translate mineral wealth into industrial development.
Chrome producers unite as soaring electricity undermines smelters
South Africa’s chrome and ferrochrome industry is sending a clear message: the country’s competitiveness centers far more on electricity reform than on new trade barriers. The latest statement from the Minerals Council and the Ferro Alloy Producers Association (FAPA) reflects a sector growing impatient with policy proposals that miss the real issue.
SA’s new mining bill: A fresh start or familiar struggle?
When the Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDB) was published for public comment in May 2025 by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), it was presented as a modern solution to South Africa’s mining-sector challenges. The Bill promises to streamline licensing, promote local beneficiation and formalise artisanal mining , all while aligning with the government’s newly approved Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy.
Joburg Indaba opens with focus on markets, supply chains, and mining’s future
The 2025 Joburg Indaba opened today, bringing together mining leaders, policymakers, and analysts to unpack the sector’s biggest challenges and opportunities — from volatile commodity markets to critical minerals and South Africa’s position in global supply chains. Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Richard Stewart reflected on current uncertainty in the platinum group metals (PGMs) market, noting that investor sentiment appears to be driving short-term fundamentals.
Multotec: Advancing DEI through culture and collaboration
MULTOTEC is reshaping its company culture by placing diversity, equity & inclusion [DEI] at the core of its operations. CONSTANCE SITHOLE speaks to JANINE JAMES, organisational development and learning manager, about how the company is fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment that mirrors the evolving mining industry.
Why South Africa must guard its cobalt future with smart export rules
South Africa is sitting on a mineral inheritance worth trillions, yet the question is not whether the country has enough resources, but how it chooses to use them. The Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy South Africa, published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, makes one point clear: if South Africa continues shipping out raw ore with little local processing, it risks repeating the mistakes of the past and missing its chance to lead in the battery economy.
Lobito corridor opens faster mineral trade
The development of the Lobito Corridor is being hailed as a game-changer for the global supply of critical minerals, offering the mining industry a faster, cheaper, and cleaner route to market. This was the key takeaway from the Lobito Webinar held on September 18 by Mining Review Africa, where industry leaders emphasised how the corridor will unlock access to cobalt, copper, and zinc from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, while reducing transport bottlenecks.
South Africa’s mining sector: Slow growth in a fast-moving world
By the numbers, South Africa’s mining sector is growing. But the question is, fast enough to matter? According to the latest Minerals Council South Africa economic report, the mining production figures for June 2025 paint a mixed picture. Yes, there was a 0.2% month-on-month rise, with platinum group metals, coal, and manganese posting gains. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates Quarter-on-quarter output was up 3.9%, recovering from a bruising start to the year.
Women’s Month: Celebrating women leading change in mining
As August marks Women’s Month, the mining industry proudly celebrates the growing influence and achievements of women leaders who are reshaping this traditionally male-dominated sector. Across the globe, these trailblazing women are driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, proving that mining’s future is brighter with diversity at its core. Here are some of the top women in mining: 1.
Raksha Naidoo: Leading change in the mining industry
RAKSHA NAIDOO is a trailblazer in mining, serving as CEO of The Particle Group and Chair of Woman in Mining South Africa (WiMSA). She’s creating pathways for women to lead and succeed, encouraging them to find their voice and take up space in the sector. Compiled by CONSTANCE SITHOLE. Transformative leadership in mining Naidoo stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in the mining industry. For years, mining has been a male-dominated field, slow to embrace gender diversity.
Mining drives jobs but leaves gaps in rural development
South Africa’s mining sector contributed over R200 billion to the economy in 2024 and created thousands of jobs in rural communities, yet social and economic benefits remain uneven as mine closures, poor consultation and limited local development continue to spark tension. According to the Minerals Council South Africa, mining companies invested nearly R965 million in enterprise development last year, supporting over 2,600 small businesses and creating more than 19,000 jobs in remote regions.
Can South Africa's PGM industry be saved?
South Africa’s platinum group metals (PGMs) sector is facing one of its toughest periods in recent history. According to Statistics South Africa, mining production dropped by 7.7% year-on-year in April 2025 — a continuation of the downward trend that began in late 2024. Behind the numbers are real people and communities feeling the pressure. Rising production costs, aging mine infrastructure, and frequent equipment breakdowns are slowing operations.
Mining needs youth. Youth need jobs
In South Africa, June is recognised as Youth Month, a time to celebrate young people and reflect on the challenges they face. One of the most pressing issues facing young South Africans is youth unemployment, which remains a critical and deeply unfair challenge, particularly in the mining industry. The industry is losing jobs while simultaneously in need of fresh talent.
The 2025 Junior Indaba: Mining and conservation can coexist
Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Geoscience, Mosa Mabuza, said South Africa’s junior mining industry faces critical challenges that require urgent attention—including inconsistent geological data, legislative hurdles, and the need to balance environmental conservation with mineral exploration.
Junior Indaba 2025: Mining and conservation can coexist
Mosa Mabuza, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Council for Geoscience, said South Africa’s junior mining industry faces critical challenges that require urgent attention—including inconsistent geological data, legislative hurdles and the need to balance environmental conservation with mineral exploration.
A lifeline for BUMI: Transforming Lives in the DRC
For twenty years, VUKA Group has been a prominent name in the African mining industry, renowned for its expertise in connecting businesses and organisations across Africa by facilitating access to key contacts. However, beyond its professional accomplishments, VUKA Group has also made a significant humanitarian impact and acts as a beacon of hope. CONSTANCE SITHOLE reports.
Mining in decline: Is South Africa’s economy at risk?
Is the decline in South Africa’s mining employment just a matter of shifting numbers, or is it a grave warning to our economy? Once a cornerstone of the nation’s economic strength, the mining sector is now confronted by an employment crisis that affects all corners of society. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2025 by Statistics South Africa paints an alarming picture: the mining industry had its lowest employment level, with 35,000 fewer jobs.
ERG deploys autonomous trucks, AI tech in Kazakhstan to drive mining innovation
Global metals and mining company Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) is implementing AI technologies at its operations in Kazakhstan, including autonomous dump trucks and an advanced Manufacturing Execution System, as part of its continuing digital transformation. The company is the first in Kazakhstan to deploy driverless vehicles for mining operations.
Police summit highlights crime decline, but parents still fear for children’s safety
While recent crime statistics show encouraging declines, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for urgent ethical reforms within the South African Police Service (SAPS) to restore public trust. “We must instill a culture of honesty and integrity in the police, while prosecuting those guilty of corruption,” he stated at the 2025 Policing Summit, which took place yesterday at Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni.
Karo Project to unlock multi-generational PGM growth
Tharisa Mine is charting a bold path forward in the platinum group metals (PGM) sector, as it looks to double its PGM production over the next three to five years. The company’s major growth will be driven by its flagship Karo Platinum project in Zimbabwe, which is set to play a pivotal role in its strategic expansion.
DBM 2025: Positioning the DRC as Africa’s premier battery metals hub
The DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum (DBM) is the premier gathering for stakeholders involved in the African battery metals industry. Participants include producers of cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, graphite, manganese, rare earths, and 3T, as well as battery manufacturers, traders, endusers and NGOs. CONSTANCE SITHOLE reports.
Building trust in mining through media & community
Mining is central to modern society, providing raw materials for building, technology, and everything in between, so building trust in mining through media and society is fundamental to the industry’s future. Fast-paced challenges also transpire, such as environmental degradation and a need to be socially conscious and thrive, but economic growth must be balanced with sustainable measures. This is where effective communication and collaboration in mining come in.
Top 5 Copper mines in the world and their economic impact
Copper is a vital mineral that powers modern industries worldwide, from electricity and infrastructure to renewable energy and healthcare. Its superior conductivity makes it highly necessary in electrical wiring and electronic devices, while its strength enables construction and plumbing. In the transition toward green energy, copper is essential in solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Beyond industry, it contributes to economic growth, job creation, and even human health.
The Land Expropriation Bill: A recipe for legal chaos
The recent signing of the Land Expropriation Bill into law has sent shockwaves through the mining industry, and for good reason. The result is a minefield of legal uncertainty that could cripple mining operations throughout the country. For example, if the community laid claim to land on which a mine had been in operation for many years, legal battles could take several years and leave the mine in limbo.
DRC Mining Week: Celebrating 20 years as a catalyst for transformation
DRC Mining Week (DMW) is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. From its humble beginnings, this event has transformed into a cornerstone of the Congolese mining sector, drawing attention to the country’s pivotal role in the global mining landscape. CONSTANCE SITHOLE reports.
Top 10 underground mines in the world
Underground mining continues to be a fundamental pillar of the global mining sector, with various mines establishing standards in depth, production, and technological advancements. Here’s an overview of ten of the most significant underground mines around the globe: El Teniente Mine (Chile) El Teniente Mine, located in the Andes of Chile, holds the title of the largest underground copper mine in the world.
Beyond the celebration: The reality for matriculants
The long-awaited results finally arrived, and celebrations erupted in all corners of South Africa as matriculants received their results. Tears of joy gave way to warm hugs and laughter as students, teachers, and parents basked in the glory of a year of hard work. But beneath these celebrations lies a sober reality: the ongoing challenge of youth unemployment in the nation. The class of 2024 achieved an impressive feat by obtaining an 87.3% pass rate, compared to last year’s 82.9%.
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