To strengthen its production capabilities and optimize resource efficiency, Nyrstar has implemented a significant technical enhancement at its Hobart site in Tasmania. A newly installed membrane filter press now supports the solid-liquid separation stage within the established Roast-Leach-Electrowinning (RLE) zinc production process — a critical step that directly affects yield, process stability, and occupational safety.

Solid-liquid separation in the RLE process

The RLE process is a standard hydrometallurgical method in zinc production. Following roasting, the zinc concentrate undergoes leaching with sulfuric acid, producing a slurry that contains both dissolved zinc and solid residues. Efficient separation of these components is essential: inadequate filtration can reduce metal recovery, compromise product quality, and introduce operational inefficiencies further downstream.

Recognizing these challenges, Nyrstar sought to improve the consistency and efficiency of this process step, particularly in light of planned capacity increases at the Hobart facility. A robust and high-performing filtration system was required—one that could reliably manage larger throughputs while maintaining low residual moisture and high filtrate clarity.

Expansion at Weir’s Alrode manufacturing facility south of Johannesburg will build production capacity for its vibrating screen ranges launched last year.

According to JD Singleton, Weir’s Comminution Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the positive market response to the company’s ENDURON® Elite and ENDURON® Orbital screen ranges has required the investment in expansion.

“This strategic investment at Alrode will make this plant a major player in global screen production,” says Singleton. “It is also an important step in our journey over the past six years to develop large format ENDURON® Elite range of screens for the mining market.”

Economy boost

Bridget Ledwaba, Weir’s Managing Director for Africa, says the expansion of the Alrode plant also shows Weir’s confidence in South Africa and its potential, and the company’s commitment to the country’s industrialisation. She emphasises that the investment will be good for job creation in the local economy and will benefit the fiscus through the value it will add to the general economy.

In a milestone achievement for South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Concor has taken full control of the Balance of Plant (BoP) scope on the TotalEnergies Renewables De Aar 2 South Wind Energy Facility in the Northern Cape. This marks the first time the company is delivering a fully wrapped BoP contract under its own direct engineering and construction management. Not only is Concor the main contractor for the 25 turbine project spread across five farms near Philipstown, but it is also responsible for both the Civil BoP (CBoP) and Electrical BoP (EBoP) – from design and engineering through to execution including the Eskom Distribution self-build scope. This comprehensive self-perform approach represents a bold departure from traditional contracting models and signals Concor’s evolution into a truly turnkey BoP provider.

“With over 13 years of experience in renewable energy infrastructure, more than 10 wind farms successfully completed since 2012 and a further six wind farms currently in various phases of construction, Concor is no stranger to the demands of this sector,” says Stephan Venter, Contract Director at Concor. “But this project sets a new benchmark. By taking full ownership of both the engineering and construction elements, we are reducing interfaces, improving accountability and de-risking the process for our clients.”

This strategic shift positions Concor at the forefront of renewable project delivery in South Africa, offering clients a streamlined single-source BoP solution that enhances coordination and ensures delivery certainty.

The 5,473 hectare facility is on a fast track programme, with early works launched in November 2024 and completion expected by Q3 of 2026. The company’s scope includes 54 km of gravel road infrastructure, starting with the realignment and upgrading of 15 km of the existing Kranskop district road to accommodate heavy turbine components. Additionally, 41 km of new internal access roads are being constructed, supported by extensive blasting and cut-and-fill earthworks to adapt to the local terrain.

A new digital platform developed at the Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) within the Wits Mining Institute is offering a practical solution to one of the mining sector’s most persistent challenges: building trust with the communities located near mining operations.

The platform, known as the Intelligent Community Dialogue Agent (ICDA), is being developed in collaboration with local and international partners as part of the MASTERMINE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.

According to Dr. Ahsan Mahboob, Head of DigiMine and principal investigator on the ICDA project, many of the most pressing challenges facing the mining industry today are not technical or operational, but social. “The most complex challenges facing mining companies today are no longer technical or geological, but social, particularly in how they manage their impact on local communities and the surrounding environment,” said Dr. Mahboob.

He explained that while many mining companies recognise the importance of responsible community engagement, there is often a gap between intention and effective action. The ICDA aims to close that gap by enabling structured, two-way communication and transparent, responsive interaction. “Addressing these tensions requires more than outreach. It demands consistent, transparent, and reciprocal engagement. Communities must feel that their concerns are not only heard but responded to with clarity and urgency,” he said.

We have strengthened our global presence with the addition of a state-of-the-art facility in Wolfenbüttel, Germany.”

AECI Mining is exhibiting at the 13th EFEE World Conference on Explosives and Blasting at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre. Delegates can visit the AECI Mining team at Stand 50, where they will showcase their latest innovations and engage with industry peers and partners.

At the centre of this year’s showcase is a significant milestone in the company’s global journey: the commissioning of a new emulsifier and coatings manufacturing facility in Wolfenbüttel, Germany. For the first time, AECI is producing emulsifiers and coatings in Europe. This strategic shift enables the business to better serve its international customer base with increased proximity, reliability, and responsiveness.

Previously, emulsifier and coatings production was centralised at AECI’s flagship Umbogintwini (Umbog) plant in South Africa, with products exported worldwide. The addition of the Wolfenbüttel site marks a significant expansion of AECI Mining’s global footprint, strengthening its ability to meet customer needs across Europe and beyond.

Orion Minerals has taken a major step toward reviving its flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine in South Africa after signing a non-binding term sheet with Glencore for up to US$250 million in financing and concentrate offtake.

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The agreement, announced on September 17, will see Glencore provide between US$200 million and US$250 million through two tranches. The first, worth US$40 million, is earmarked for construction and startup of the near-surface “Uppers” deposit.

A second tranche of up to US$210 million will support the deeper-level “Deeps” development, with up to US$50 million available for early works.

In exchange, Glencore will secure offtake rights to 100% of copper and zinc concentrates from the Deeps for ten years, and 100% of bulk concentrates from the Uppers for five years, under competitive market terms.

Orion CEO Tony Lennox described the deal as a “watershed moment” that positions the company to transition from developer to producer. “Tranche A enables the Company to move swiftly into first production and first cash flow from mining of the Uppers,” he said, adding that early drawdown of Tranche B would ensure smooth progression to full-scale operations at the Deeps.

Glencore’s Toby Spittle, from its copper marketing division, said the company had been following Prieska’s progress closely. “We look forward to playing our part in financing the mine’s development and subsequent marketing of the concentrates,” he said.

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The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), an early backer of Prieska, also welcomed the move. Acting divisional executive Rian Coetzee said the project would deliver significant job creation in the Northern Cape and contribute to regional socio-economic growth.

Located in South Africa’s mineral-rich Northern Cape, Prieska ranks among the world’s top 30 volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, with historical output exceeding 430,000 tonnes of copper and one million tonnes of zinc.

Orion is targeting first production from the Uppers in late 2026 or early 2027, with plans to ramp up to more than 30,000 tonnes of copper and 65,000 tonnes of zinc annually when both Uppers and Deeps are in steady-state production

Africa’s mining sector has seen a flurry of activity this week, ranging from major financing agreements to leadership changes and exploration progress across the continent.

Orion Minerals has advanced plans to revive its flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine in South Africa, signing a non-binding term sheet with Glencore for up to US$250 million in financing and concentrate offtake. The move marks a significant step in bringing the historic operation back into production.

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In Angola, Pensana Plc announced the appointment of Karen Brown as Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 October 2025. She succeeds Rocky Smith, who will remain involved in a consulting role as part of the team developing the Longonjo Project.

Exploration momentum is also picking up. Altona Rare Earths has begun its resource drilling programme at the Monte Muambe Project in Mozambique, with the first hole, MM111, underway.

Meanwhile, Rome Resources reported encouraging assay results at its Mont Agoma prospect in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, confirming significant tin, zinc and copper mineralisation.

South Africa’s Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) confirmed it has received the first tranche of funding from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to construct Phase 1 of its Metallurgical Implementation project. The mine is recognised as one of the world’s highest-grade rare earth and thorium deposits.

In Namibia, Andrada Mining Limited reported a strong operational performance for the quarter ended 31 August 2025 (Q2 FY2026), highlighted by record tin production and continued progress across its growth initiatives.

Rounding out the updates, West Wits Mining Limited has raised A$17.5 million through a placement to institutional and professional investors, with the funds earmarked to accelerate development of the Qala Shallows project.

Coal may be dirty, outdated and under attack from climate activists across the globe, but in Africa it remains the cornerstone of electricity supply, jobs and private fortunes; and behind closed doors, a more subdued story is being told: coal has produced billionaires.

Yet, the public face of the discussion remains centred on Eskom’s loadshedding and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, and the strong drive for renewable energy.

Coal’s enduring significance in Africa extends beyond its role in electricity generation, encompassing substantial economic and social impacts. Despite global pushes for cleaner energy alternatives, coal continues to be a cornerstone of many African economies, providing not only power but also employment opportunities and generating considerable private wealth. This persistence highlights the complex challenges faced by countries attempting to balance environmental concerns with economic development and energy security.

The coal industry’s influence in Africa is particularly evident in the creation of a class of ultra-wealthy individuals who have capitalised on the resource’s abundance and demand. These coal magnates represent a diverse group including seasoned politicians leveraging their connections, foreign investors bringing capital and expertise, and local entrepreneurs who have risen to prominence. Their wealth manifests in various forms: from ostentatious displays of luxury to more subtle yet powerful boardroom influence.

These aren’t always the names you’ll find on Forbes’ African rich list. While some stealthily operate the levers behind boardroom doors, others show off their wealth through philanthropy. Their capacity to turn tonnes of coal into billions of rand and so impact Africa’s energy future is what binds them together.

Cyril Ramaphosa – Phembani Mining Group

When South Africa’s president talks about “energy reform” and “transition”, few mention that he himself once had skin in the coal game. But make no mistake: Cyril Ramaphosa’s fortune has deep roots in mining, particularly coal.

Through his involvement with Shanduka Group, which later merged into Phembani Group, Ramaphosa managed investments in coal resources that supplied Eskom and other entities. Phembani evolved into a significant entity, expanding into the petroleum and infrastructure sectors, yet coal remained a central focus.

Currently, as president, Ramaphosa is unable to directly manage these businesses, but his background in the industry complicates the climate change discourse. Critics contend that his previous connections to coal enterprises hinder his ability to appear impartial in discussions about reducing carbon emissions. This situation highlights the deep connections between politics and mining wealth in South Africa.