In the news

Platinum and gold mines in South Africa, which together make up the world’s biggest precious metals industry, are gearing up to try and minimise a local outbreak of the coronavirus that could disrupt operations where hundreds of thousands of people work in close proximity. Read More

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe on Tuesday met with the leadership of the Minerals Council in Johannesburg, to receive an update on the plans that have been put in place for the sector to adequately respond to the current Covid-19 pandemic. Read More

As the coronavirus outbreak rattles the global economy and disrupts supply chains, companies in nearly every industry are confronting the risks of depending on China and other countries for production and customers. Read More

Mining production in South Africa during January recorded its largest monthly increase in two years rising 7.5% year-on-year, albeit from a downwardly revised 0.1% in December, said BusinessLive which cited Stats SA numbers. Read More

With gold prices surging to seven-year highs, it is seemingly a good time to be in the industry. In South Africa, however, the recovery has coincided with, and is being tainted by, a surge in so-called ‘gold raids’, characterised by heavily armed intruders targeting mining companies and smelt houses, holding staff hostage and making off with concentrate and smelted gold. Read More

The launch of the Big Five platinum coin series, aimed at boosting investment demand for platinum, is testament to the wonderful marketing effort of leading members of the South African mining industry, said Implats CEO Nico Muller said on Wednesday. Read More

The government is to make good on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promise that applications for water-use licences will be processed in 90 days. The undertaking was made during the president’s state of the nation address in February. Read More

A long-awaited platinum coin from SA will go on sale in coming weeks, ending years of pushing from the country’s mining companies for the legal-tender coin to supplement demand for the metal. Read More

Prestige Bullion, a joint venture between the South African Mint and precious metals smelter Rand Refinery, will produce a new range of platinum coins, suited to retail investors, this year. Read More

The Minerals Council of South Africa says miners are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases. Read More