While Gwede Mantashe’s “backtracking” offers temporary relief, the mining sector eyes his 2027 departure. Uncertainty reigns, prompting industry to strategise for post-Mantashe policy permanence. ESG Frontiers Mining Policy Lead Lloyd Nedohe reviews. The last couple of weeks truly belonged to South Africa’s Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe. It felt like a triple whammy…
From Mozambique Coal Catastrophe to De Beers Bid: Michael O’Keeffe’s Controversial Comeback in the Diamond Sector. Opinion by Lloyd Nedohe Following the recent successful demerger and listing of its platinum business, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), in London and Johannesburg, Anglo American has now sharpened its focus on the sale of its diamond unit, De Beers….
Last week, Anglo American’s platinum operations officially began trading as Valterra Platinum on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) under the ticker ‘VAL’, marking a pivotal moment in the mining giant’s strategic overhaul. The move, followed by a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) , closely mirrors a similar portfolio simplification undertaken by fellow…
In a significant move aimed at boosting its economy and adding value to its natural resources, Gabon has announced a ban on the export of raw manganese ore, effective January 1, 2029. The decision, spearheaded by President Brice Oligui Nguema’s government, is a cornerstone of the nation’s broader strategy to industrialise and reduce its reliance…
Rio Tinto is on the hunt for a new CEO, yet again. Following a recent CEO announcement by a peer company, South32, Rio Tinto has confirmed that current CEO Jakob Stausholm will depart later this year once a successor is appointed. This latest leadership change, coming amidst a period of strategic realignment and heightened investor…
The call for a concerted fight against porous borders and a coordinated battle against rampant criminality in South Africa was articulated at the highest levels of bilateral relations with the USA last night, as the world watched on live television broadcasts that have become the hallmark of President Trump’s administration. With multiple stakeholders finally conceding…
Despite its successful political transition, South Africa’s digital journey is marked by stagnation, a contradiction highlighted by Gugu Lourie’s recent Techfinancials report. The article highlights SITA’s operational challenges and the growing trend of frustrated government departments bypassing the state’s shared IT procurement framework in favour of direct sourcing from private IT services, often from suppliers…
The world’s biggest asset manager announced last week Thursday it will leave the $60-trillion 0Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI), the latest Wall Street firm to depart an environmentally focused investor group under pressure from Republican politicians and, chiefly, from the return of Donald Trump to the White House. BlackRock, which manages some $11.5 trillion,…
The new year has begun on a bleak note for employees of ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa), as the steel major announced its decision to wind down its long steel business on the first Monday of 2025. This move threatens the livelihoods of approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, with many…
In a landmark move towards sustainable transportation, South Africa has officially enacted a 150% tax incentive for the production of electric and hydrogen vehicles. Signed into law on January 3, 2025, the legislation is expected to unlock approximately $27 billion in investments, significantly boosting the country’s nascent electric vehicle (EV) industry. The ambitious initiative aims…
