Sibanye advances carbon neutrality with first utility-scale renewable energy project

In its first power purchase agreement, platinum group metals, green metals and gold producer Sibanye-Stillwater has achieved financial close for an 89 MW wind energy project. Under the terms of the... 

Limited nature of Electricity Minister’s new powers confirmed by Presidency

The Presidency insists that the transfer of responsibility for Section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act to Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa “provides the Minister with a... 

Construction phase of Menar’s new R600m colliery project is in full swing

The construction phase of the new Gugulethu Colliery is in full swing. “We’ve started working on the box cut with the anticipation that first coal will be extracted sometime around July/August this... 

President transfers limited powers to procure new electricity generation from Mantashe to Ramokgopa

Following more than two months of uncertainty and reported Cabinet infighting, President Cyril Ramaphosa has transferred Ministerial powers relating to the procurement of new electricity generation... 

Fields emerging that need the catalysis platinum group metals can provide

A wide range of industries, which require considerable production volumes that platinum group metals (PGMs) can help to provide, are being developed and ramped up, such as in the production of... 

Mining council zeroing in on aluminium, copper, silicon, steel in accelerating circular economy

In setting up to accelerate a global circular economy, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) will be focusing on the value chains of wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels and... 

Eskom to implement Stage 5 loadshedding from 16:00

Power utility Eskom has announced that it will implement Stage 5 loadshedding in the evenings until further notice. Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 and Stage 4... 

Diamond investment in South Africa gains ‘forever’ tag as De Beers opens airport sparkler

Like a diamond itself, diamond investment in South Africa is having a ‘forever’ tag pinned on its back as the world’s largest diamond company by value speaks glowingly of its $2-billion investment... 

Despite low risk of blackout, Eskom’s restoration protocols should be paired with larger country plan

Amid rising public anxiety over the prospect of a blackout, a former senior Eskom executive has added his voice to those highlighting the low probability of such an eventuality. However, he also... 

Enviro department evaluating EIAs for renewables projects with a combined capacity of 9 789 MW

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy reports that the department’s environmental impact assessment section is currently processing applications for renewable-energy... 

Stage 5 loadshedding to be implemented from 16:00

Power utility Eskom will implement Stage 5 loadshedding from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Friday. Thereafter, various stages of loadshedding will be implemented over the weekend. Breakdowns... 

Makwana hints at possible legal action against De Ruyter

Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana has indicated that the current board is preparing a possible legal case against former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter for what he describes as “transgressions” arising... 

Eskom warns of Stage 8 loadshedding this winter but insists risk of blackout is low

Eskom has indicated that Stage 8 loadshedding – representing 16 hours of cuts in a 32-hour cycle – is possible this winter if coal plant breakdowns breach 18 000 MW and demand rises in sync with... 

Gordhan refutes claim that he prompted De Ruyter’s private Eskom investigation

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan tore strips off former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter during his appearance before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on Wednesday,... 

Huge projected platinum deficit points to supply need beyond mining and recycling

The platinum deficit prediction for this year is up 77% to close to a million ounces. This year’s platinum deficit is projected to be a record 983 000 oz amid consistently growing industrial demand... 

Climate commission recommends grid PPPs to speed up just energy transition

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) is recommending that alternative investment models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), be explored to expand and strengthen South Africa’s... 

Powerships likely to feature in five-year Eskom emergency procurement

The prospect of South Africa procuring electricity from powerships docked either in South Africa or in a neighbouring country has increased, with the Eskom board having approved three emergency... 

Ramaphosa denies JETP ‘incoherence’ or being forced to transition from coal

President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied that there is any incoherence in his Cabinet regarding the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with developed countries that have agreed to extend... 

Lack of action by law enforcement agencies prompted private Eskom investigation – Makgoba

Former Eskom interim chairperson Professor Malegapuru Makgoba believes there would have been no reason for former CEO André de Ruyter to pursue a privately funded intelligence investigation of... 

First renewable energy for platinum group metals expected before year-end, says Auctus

An outline of the short-term and medium-term renewable energy plans of South Africa’s large platinum group metals (PGM) mining companies is provided in the latest Auctus Metal Portfolios report, a... 

Mantashe says release of ‘IRP 2023’ for comment is imminent

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe reports that an updated version of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity will be released imminently for public consideration.... 

Emerging miners highlight impact of energy, logistics constraints on economic growth

The South African economy is limited to 1.5% potential growth a year because there is no productivity growth. National productivity has declined for five years consecutively, highlighting the... 

Treasury says technical assessment of coal stations to be completed by July

The National Treasury has confirmed that the once-off independent review of Eskom’s 14 coal fired power stations is under way and should be concluded by July. The review was announced by Finance... 

Rampant corruption at Eskom drags down South Africa

On a late Thursday afternoon last November, in the midst of rolling blackouts implemented by South Africa’s state-owned electricity company, a contractor at a power station in the eastern... 

Gauteng gold mine being blown away by wind’s potential as Reef electricity source

Although Gauteng dwellers have tended to dismiss wind as a renewable energy provider from this region, some are now being blown away by the gusts that puff across our far-stretching gold reef. “I...