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…
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…
Despite a decade of expansion in production and exploration, metal supply remains inadequate to meet soaring demand, BNEF’s Transition Metals Outlook 2024 reports. This supply crunch poses a risk towards the adoption of clean energy technologies. The report highlights that critical energy transition metals, including aluminium, copper, and lithium, may experience supply deficits within this…
Rio Tinto has officially confirmed its approach to Arcadium Lithium regarding a potential acquisition of the company. This announcement follows recent market speculation about the takeover. In a statement, the world’s second-largest mining firm stated that “The approach is non-binding and there is no certainty that any transaction will be agreed to or will proceed”. However, Arcadium,…
In May 2024, just weeks before the pivotal elections that led to the establishment of the Government of National Unity, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the achievements of South Africa’s automotive sector in his weekly column. He noted that the industry celebrated a significant milestone with the production of its six millionth vehicle, alongside reaching an…
Riding on the success of South Africa’s GNU and the tailwinds of his successful mission to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) that the new wave of energy transition minerals, referred to as critical minerals, will not be allowed to take the colonial patterns where raw ore was exported…
South Africa’s Pivot to China: A Defining Feature of President Ramaphosa’s Legacy There is growing consensus amongst political economy observers that China-South Africa relations could define President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic legacy. Building on the massively successful state visit ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Ramaphosa’s delegations crafted multiple bilateral trade agreements with…
As you sip on a delightfully crisp Chardonnay this summer, you might find yourself wondering if the South African wine industry has finally traded in its outdated practices for a more equitable and sustainable approach—like swapping out a rusty old corkscrew for a shiny new one! Or even wonder if the dop system has finally…
After a sluggish start to the year, South Africa’s economy has finally shown signs of life. The latest GDP figures from Statistics SA reveal a 0.4% growth in the second quarter of 2024, meeting economists’ expectations and hinting at a broader recovery. The spark behind this uptick? A combination of improved electricity supply, increased consumer…
