Chris Aitchison’s Post

The Board of Debswana, the 50:50 diamond mining joint venture between De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, today announced it had approved investment for the next key development phase of the Jwaneng underground project, paving the way for the world’s most valuable diamond mine to transition from open pit to underground operations. The ~$1 billion investment in this phase of works, known as the Exploration Access Development Phase, will contribute to the development of essential infrastructure to support forthcoming stages of the project.   Our CEO and Debswana Deputy Board Chairman, Al Cook, said: "Jwaneng stands proudly as the world’s greatest diamond mine. It is a central pillar of both the Botswana economy and the De Beers Group business. The global supply of natural diamonds is falling, so moving forward with the Jwaneng Underground Project creates new value for investors, brings new technology to the country, creates new skills for our workforce and provides new gems for customers around the world. This investment is aligned with our strategy to prioritise investments in the highest quality projects. We are proud to work in partnership with the Botswana Government in creating a bright future for Debswana.”   Pending relevant future Debswana Board approvals, the Jwaneng underground project will ensure a long-term future for the mine while creating new jobs in Botswana and ensuring Debswana continues to make a significant contribution to Botswana's economy.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2Mww9F8 #DeBeers #diamonds #Jwaneng #Debswana

There is still hope for mineral exploration in some of the most remote parts of our country! Papua New Guinea still has more than sufficient to offer to our mineral explorers. #Minerals #Copper #Cu #Gold #Au #MineralExploration

The option of having a copper smelter-refinery in Papua New Guinea, especially at Vanimo, Wewak, Madang or Lae, needs to be considered seriously. Apart from those in China, Japan, South Korea and elsewhere, the closest one we have is Glencore-operated copper smelter-refinery facility at Townsville in North Queensland, Australia. OK Tedi closes in 2050. Wafi-Golpu and Frieda River are now in permitting stage. Yandera and Panguna are two major projects that will produce copper soon (in 10-20 years). Other copper-bearing mineral systems such as Nong River, Tifalmin, Mt Bini, Kili Teke, Kokofimpa (Bilimoia Area), Ipi River and April River (Niksek), amongst others, may be progressed with time to development . #Copper_Smelter #Copper_Refinery #Copper_Cathode_Plates #Ok_Tedi #Wafi_Golpu #Frieda_River #Yandera #Panguna #Nong_River #Tifalmin #Mt_Bini #Kili_Teke #Bilimoia_Area

Key takeaways for the FT article : - World's biggest #mining project to begin after 27 years: Rio Tinto's $20bn Simandou iron ore project in Guinea is finally set to start after numerous setbacks and scandals. - Complex partnership: The project involves #RioTinto, the Guinean government, and several Chinese companies. - High-grade ore for decarbonization: The #iron ore's high quality makes it ideal for low-carbon steelmaking technologies like direct reduced iron. - Potential to help China #decarbonize: The project could significantly reduce #carbonemissions in China's #steelindustry, the world's largest. - First ore expected in 2025: Construction has begun, with first ore shipments planned for 2025 and full production by 2028. - Political uncertainty: Guinea is currently under military rule, but Rio Tinto remains confident due to its long history in the country. Business opportunities: - Infrastructure development: Construction of the railway and port presents opportunities for engineering and logistics companies. - Investment in Guinea: The project could attract further investment in Guinea's infrastructure and economy. Scrutiny for ESG compliance: - Environmental impact: The project's environmental impact, including #deforestation and #biodiversity loss, needs careful monitoring and mitigation. - Social impact: The project's impact on #localcommunities, including resettlement and labor practices, requires close scrutiny and responsible management. - Corruption prevention: Robust anti-corruption measures are necessary to ensure transparency and #ethicalconduct throughout the project. - Human rights: Respect for human rights, including #laborrights and community rights, must be upheld throughout the project's lifecycle. https://lnkd.in/gjQzuDg9

The Board of Debswana, the 50:50 diamond mining joint venture between De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, today announced it had approved investment for the next key development phase of the Jwaneng underground project, paving the way for the world’s most valuable diamond mine to transition from open pit to underground operations. The ~$1 billion investment in this phase of works, known as the Exploration Access Development Phase, will contribute to the development of essential infrastructure to support forthcoming stages of the project.   Our CEO and Debswana Deputy Board Chairman, Al Cook, said: "Jwaneng stands proudly as the world’s greatest diamond mine. It is a central pillar of both the Botswana economy and the De Beers Group business. The global supply of natural diamonds is falling, so moving forward with the Jwaneng Underground Project creates new value for investors, brings new technology to the country, creates new skills for our workforce and provides new gems for customers around the world. This investment is aligned with our strategy to prioritise investments in the highest quality projects. We are proud to work in partnership with the Botswana Government in creating a bright future for Debswana.”   Pending relevant future Debswana Board approvals, the Jwaneng underground project will ensure a long-term future for the mine while creating new jobs in Botswana and ensuring Debswana continues to make a significant contribution to Botswana's economy.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2Mww9F8 #DeBeers #diamonds #Jwaneng #Debswana

TAKRAF Group has published an article for Dry Bulk. Click here to give it a read: https://bit.ly/4cs54pR    Their latest article, ‘Customised Stacking and Reclaiming Solutions for Optimal Efficiency,’ featured showcases how they are addressing the complex challenges of the industry.   Highlighted Projects:   • Mining Marvels: From a massive 1993 tph radial stacker for a platinum project in South Africa to a robust stockyard system for Rio Tinto’s Simandou project in Guinea, TAKRAF’s solutions are engineered for efficiency and scalability. • Port Innovations: TAKRAF has replaced crucial port handling equipment in Australia and Mexico with their state-of-the-art stackers and reclaimers, proving their ability to enhance operational capacity and efficiency. • Powerful Contributions: Their work in the power sector includes supplying major equipment for projects in Bangladesh and Japan, including advanced portable reclaimers that improve safety and operational efficiency.   Read it in full here: https://bit.ly/4cs54pR    #TAKRAF #DryBulkMagazine #BulkHandling #Stacking #PortHandling

Kazakhstan and the United States Strengthen Collaboration in Energy and Mining. Kanat Sharlapayev, Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction, visited the United States to expand partnerships with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and key players in energy, geology, and mining. The ministry’s press service reported this on Feb. 29. During his engagements, Minister Sharlapayev met with DFC Deputy CEO Nisha Biswal to discuss economic advancement and bilateral trade, highlighting a 12% increase in U.S. companies in Kazakhstan. They discussed initiatives such as the KazAzot fertilizer plant, electric vehicle charging stations, and the development of pivotal infrastructure projects like the container hub at the Aktau port and a transport and logistics hub in the West Kazakhstan Region. Biswal expressed interest in further collaboration, affirming the DFC's commitment to projects in Kazakhstan. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e2zHej7d #KazakhstanUSA #EnergyCooperation #MiningPartnerships #InfrastructureDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #DFCInvestments #BilateralTrade #RareEarthMetals #LogisticsHub #GlobalPartnerships #KIOGE

via StockHound Black Canyon Limited has recently made a significant announcement regarding its Balfour Manganese Field (BMF). #BCA has completed two JORC 2012 Exploration Target Estimates (ETE) for the Pickering and Balfour East prospects. These estimates reveal a total of ETE estimated between 160 and 215 million tonnes, at 11 to 12% manganese content. This discovery places the BMF among the few substantial deposits outside of Africa, situated in a mining-friendly region like Western Australia. The ETE is an addition to the Global Mineral Resources already identified across BMF projects, totalling 314 million tonnes at 10.5% #manganese, containing 33.1 million tonnes of manganese. Learn more: https://loom.ly/aLR2dMA #BlackCanyon #ASX

🚨𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭🚨 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 #MARU is pleased to announce that through its wholly owned Kenyan subsidiary, Muchai Mining Kenya Limited, it has signed a binding Terms Sheet to acquire 80% shareholding in Agarwal Metals and Ores Limited (AMO) 2️⃣ AMO, a Kenyan incorporated mineral processing company. AMO is the registered owner of the Kilifi Manganese Processing Plant (the "Kilifi Plant") located approximately 60 km from the Port of Mombasa in the Tezo Area, Kilifi County in Kenya and benefits from good infrastructure 3️⃣ The 80% majority interest acquisition in AMO is in line with #MARU's expansion and growth plans in East Africa which are focused on the acquisition and investment in advanced, near term production, cash generating, #BatteryMetals mining and mineral processing opportunities 4️⃣The Kilifi Plant was constructed in February 2023, it's located on 1.31 ha of freehold land and is a fully operational and permitted mineral processing plant capable of beneficiating approximately 10,000 tonnes per month of #manganese ores 5️⃣ The facility comprise a conventional manganese processing plant that includes a vibrating feeder, tommel scrubber, belt conveyor, jig separator, vibrating screen, pumps, fine jaw crusher, magnetic separator and run-of-mine and product stockpiling areas. 6️⃣ The Company is seeking to acquire existing nearby manganese mining operations and mineral rights to secure the long-term supply of manganese ore that will be the feed source to the Kilifi Plant READ RNS📃➡ https://lnkd.in/d6yRW-rb #MARU #Mining #BatteryMetals #Sustainability #AfricaInvestments #Kenya #Tanzania #SouthAfrica #Lithium #Copper #Graphite #Manganese #cobalt

The world’s BIGGEST mining project, a $20bn iron ore, rail and port development to start in AFRICA this year - what you should know: The world’s biggest #mining project, a $20bn #ironore, #rail and #port development in #Guinea 🇬🇳, is expected to start this year after a 27-year wait beset by setbacks, scandals and several false dawns. UK-listed #RioTinto first secured an exploration licence in the Simandou mountains in south-eastern Guinea, 550km from the coastal capital, in 1997. Since then the country of 13mn people has had two #coups d’état, four heads of state and three presidential elections. In that time, Rio Tinto has had six chief executives, lost half the licence, fought drawn-out court battles with several corporate rivals, settled #corruption allegations with US authorities and even sought to exit the project completely, only for the sale to fall through. Finally, in 2024, once Rio Tinto’s state-owned Chinese partners receive the last approval from #Beijing, the Anglo-Australian miner intends to fire the starting gun on the most complex project in its history. “There is nothing else out there of this scale and size,” Rio Tinto’s Bold Baatar told the Financial Times in a recent interview. Although he is officially head of the #copper business, for the past seven years Baatar has been the executive responsible for hauling the project’s complex commercial agreements over the line. Too expensive for any single miner to develop alone, the project is now a #partnership between Rio Tinto, the Guinean government and at least seven other companies, including five from #China. Rio Tinto will build one iron ore mine — known as the Simfer project — in partnership with a #consortium led by the world’s largest aluminium producer, Chinalco. A second mine — known as the WCS project — will be built by Baowu, the world’s biggest steel producer, in partnership with a consortium led by #Singapore-based Winning International Group. At the same time, the parties will co-finance the construction of a 552km railway that will curve through Guinea’s mountainous interior to the sea and the development of a deepwater port on its Atlantic coast. Continue reading.. https://lnkd.in/e3r-Qesz #TransformingAfrica #TheAfricaWeWant #AfCFTA #BrandAfrica #AU #GDP #Investment #Africa #AfricaMeansBusiness #ThisIsAfrica #Diaspora #IT #OneAfrica #AUC #TransAfricanHighway #SMEs #CreatingOneAfricanMarket #Invest #Tariffs #TheAfCFTAEffect #AfricaRising #FDI #IntraAfricanTrade #Agenda2063 #Partnerships #AfCFTATV #WB #BuildBackBetter #InvestInAfrica #AfricanUnity #IMF #WTO #AfDB #TradeNotAid #AfCFTATrading #TravelToAfrica #CFTA #SAATM #TradeInAfrica #TradeUnderAfCFTA #JoinAfCFTA #AfricaOnTheMove #Infrastructure #Tourism #VisitAfrica #MadeInAfrica #AfCFTASecretariat #PanAfricanism #Investors #PAPSS #ZLECAF #AfricanSolutionsToAfricanProblems #Growth #BetterAfricaBetterWorld #StrongerTogether #UnitedUnderAfCFTA #AfCFTA2024 #AfricaYesWeCAN