A global decline in lithium battery pack prices, as recently announced by BloombergNEF, could make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable in emerging markets like South Africa. Despite struggling to attract investment from battery mega factories, South Africa is poised for a significant shift towards clean mobility. With over 13 million internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles…
Australia’s Syrah Resources saw its stock plummet by approximately 30% on Thursday after the company declared a force majeure at its Balama graphite mine due to escalating civil unrest in Mozambique following contested election results. Syrah Resources stands out as the largest graphite producer outside of China, offering one of the few non-Chinese sources of…
President-elect Donald Trump has announced a plan to expedite federal permits for energy projects and other construction initiatives exceeding $1 billion. This promise, made via a post on his Truth Social platform, includes assurances that any entity investing this amount in the United States will receive “fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but not limited…
A groundbreaking study by Meridian Economics reveals that battery energy storage can be a game-changer for South African businesses, unlocking significant cost savings and a more sustainable energy future. This report, published on the first week of December 2024, highlights the financial viability of investing in behind-the-meter batteries, emphasising their potential to reduce energy costs…
Meeting Africa’s escalating energy demands necessitates a significant increase in investment in clean energy projects, alongside urgent measures to overcome financial obstacles, according to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report, titled Clean Energy Investment for Development in Africa, emphasises the immediate investment priorities and financing strategies essential to transform these…
Following its recent acquisition of a 10% stake in Vale’s copper and nickel division, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is advancing discussions to secure a significant investment in Zambian copper mines. Manara Minerals, a joint venture between PIF and the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), is negotiating to acquire a 15-20% equity stake in…
Rio Tinto confirmed the death of a contracting company employee at the SimFer port site in Guinea, with the global multinational extending condolences and support to those affected after the incident on the Simandou project in Morebaya, Guinea, on Saturday. In a statement released Monday, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Our deepest condolences…
The recent departure of Floyd Shivambu, a key figure in the establishment and policy narrative of the EFF, has ignited a flurry of analysis. Regrettably, most of the analysis glossed over the nuanced dimensions of his political perspective. Rather than delving deeper, some observers have opted to draw parallels between Shivambu and party president Julius…
The global manganese market is set to experience significant growth, driven by China’s reviving construction sector and supply disruptions following Tropical Cyclone Megan’s damage to South32’s GEMCO mine in Australia. Modor Intelligence reports that the global manganese market is expected to reach US$29.83 billion by 2028, up from US$24.45 billion in 2021. This is a…
Mercedes-Benz has announced a ground-breaking battery recycling facility in Kuppenheim, Germany, pioneering a closed-loop circular economy with a remarkable 96% recovery rate, according to the company in a statement released on Monday. With an annual capacity of 2,500 tonnes, the plant will recover materials to produce over 50,000 battery modules, significantly reducing waste and promoting…
