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It is said that if you don’t know where you come from you will struggle to find out where you are going. Today the Electrical Contracting/Engineering industry stands on the shoulders of giants in the industry. Straton Electrical acknowledges these famous men and women that contributed to our industry to make it what it is …
The African Development Bank's (www.AfDB.org) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) (https://apo-opa.co/4exYmAh) has expanded its African Cities Program to cover six new cities across the continent. The expansion, approved by the Fund's 13th Oversight Committee, will help bolster urban development and address critical challenges faced by rapidly growing African cities.
The newly included cities are:
The Bank launched the UMDF in 2019 in response to growing demand from countries and cities for urban development support. It receives contributions from the Nordic Development Fund and the governments of Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency.
The Fund provides financial and technical assistance to national and local governments for improving governance, planning, and to prepare investments in sustainable urban development for more climate resilient, resilient, liveable and productive cities, underpinning national socio-economic development and poverty reduction.
UMDF will provide funding for each of the six cities over several months, including a detailed analysis of the strengths and vulnerabilities, especially regarding economic, social, climate, and gender issues. The goal is to identify transformative infrastructure projects that can attract public and private sector investments.
The committee also reviewed the Fund's progress and approved its 2024 work program, allocating over $4.7 million to identify and develop urban infrastructure projects and bring them to maturity.
Mike Salawou, Director of the African Development Bank's Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, committed to strengthening the Fund's operational effectiveness and capacity to mobilize more funding and partnerships for greater impact.
“The question of urban development is at the heart of the Bank's new ten-year strategy for 2024-2033, of which the Urban and Municipal Development Fund is a strategic implementation mechanism,” he emphasized. The Bank ten-year strategy 2024-2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3L73NIF) includes data and research from publications (https://apo-opa.co/3XEbJbS) financed by the Fund and its partners.
It is hoped that the Fund will act as a catalyst in boosting access of African municipalities to public and private finance, a priority defined by the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, at the Africa Investment Forum (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) 2023 Market Days in Morocco.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Nababeep, Northern Cape: Copper 360’s School of Mining, launched last year September, has set its sights on developing a broad-based mining skills pipeline while simultaneously developing and growing its offering to existing employees, the community, and students. The first cohorts of students have completed their training in various areas, including surface geology, mineral resource management, …
The Department of Mineral Resources will visit Concordia in July to assess the mine’s compliance with dust mitigation and other issues
A memorable stay, whether at a hotel, lodge, mining camp, or home, is often defined by the comfort and quality of the bedding and bath essentials provided. From pillow sets to collection towels, every detail contributes to the overall experience. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of pillow sets, duvets and pillows, …
Alleged illegal mining kingpin to appear in court
An alleged illicit mining kingpin is expected to appear in the Apel Magistrate’s Court in due course after being arrested with two others in Atok, Limpopo, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, a swift response by a multidisciplinary team, including units from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the National Intervention Unit under Operation Vala Umgodi, resulted in the apprehension of a notorious illicit mining kingpin in the Atok area along the R37 road, within the Apel policing precinct,” said the police.
In a statement on Friday, the police said the team intercepted illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest of three individuals aged between 31 and 45 at the scene.
“Among the apprehended suspects was a Congolese foreign national believed to be the mastermind behind illegal mining operations in and around the Atok region,” said the SAPS in a statement on Friday.
A white and blue Scania horse and trailer truck loaded with chrome, TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe), a maroon Toyota Yaris, and a white Ford Ranger were seized during the operation. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 13:56
Whether you’re managing a hotel, a lodge, a mining camp, or simply outfitting your home with the best, the quality of your bedding plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort and satisfaction. From bed wraps to duvet cover sets, every detail counts in creating an exceptional sleep environment. In this blog, we will explore the …
The global market for platinum group metals (PGMs) – which include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium – will record a 4.47% increase between now and 2029, according to market research firm Mordor Intelligence. In part, market growth will come from growing demand for PGMs in green technologies, including hydrogen energy technologies, in turn generating opportunities across Africa's mining and hydrogen value chains.
The Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit, taking place on November 6-7 in Cape Town, will unpack the nexus between PGMs and green hydrogen and their evolving role within the African and global energy transition. The continent is home to the world's largest PGM reserves, with South Africa alone possessing over 80% of global resources and Zimbabwe also holding substantial reserves. These metals play a vital role in fuel cell technology, enabling the production of electricity from hydrogen and oxygen. As African countries – including Namibia, South Africa, Mauritania and Egypt – intensify their green hydrogen activities, long-term PGM demand is expected to grow substantially, powering a wide range of applications from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to stationary power generation to industrial processes.
Africa's Green Hydrogen Potential
The African continent holds substantial potential for green hydrogen production given its abundance of co-located renewable resources. According to the European Investment Bank, Africa has the potential to produce 50 million tons of green hydrogen per annum by 2035, which could help meet power, transportation and industrial energy needs, decarbonize heavy-polluting industries, as well as be used for global export.
Namibia represents a pioneer of green hydrogen on the continent, having secured billions in investment for green hydrogen projects from various investors, including the USAID, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Japanese investment firm ITOCHU. Green energy firm Hyphen Hydrogen Energy is implementing a $10-billion project, with the capacity to produce 350,000 metric tons per year using 7 GW of renewable energy and 3 GW of hydrogen electrolyzers. Last May, Belgian port operator Antwerp Bruges partnered with the Namibian Ports Authority to develop a EUR 250-million hydrogen and ammonia storage facility at Walvis Bay Port to facilitate the transport of hydrogen to regional and global markets.
Realizing the potential of green hydrogen to drive regional energy security, South African tourism, trade and investment agency Wesgro signed an agreement last month with the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, Namibia's Environmental Investment Fund and infrastructure company Gasunie and Climate Fund Managers. The agreement paves the way for the parties to assess the feasibility of developing a green hydrogen corridor connecting the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa with Lüderitz in Namibia.
Furthermore, green energy companies Hive Energy UK and Genesis Eco-Energy are developing a R105 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project in the Coega Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The project will add 14,400 MW of electricity to the grid and produce 900,000 tons of green ammonia for export to global markets, increasing the country's export revenue. South Africa has also established a $1-billion fund in partnership with the Netherlands, aimed at accelerating the deployment of green hydrogen projects to feed growing demand in Europe.
Private and public sector entities in South Africa are demonstrating the potential for synergy between PGMs and green hydrogen, specifically in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Last October, mining firm Anglo American entered into a partnership with automotive firm BMW South Africa and international energy firm Sasol to develop South Africa's PGMs and green hydrogen value chains. Anglo American will provide PGMs used in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, while Sasol will provide the green hydrogen and BMW the vehicles.
As global demand for green hydrogen rises due to carbon emission reduction policies and growing energy needs, a parallel surge in PGMs demand is also anticipated. Given that Africa is home to the overwhelming majority of these critical minerals, CMA 2024 will explore the latest policies, projects and developments ensuring that the continent capitalizes on green hydrogen as a key growth driver.
Organized by Energy Capital & Power, CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year's edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent's raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Youth Affected by Mining United in Action cycled the “Toxic Tour” to various mining companies’ offices in Johannesburg
New dispensation needed to improve water and sanitation service provision
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says a new dispensation is needed in the water and sanitation sector to certify proper water management and propel the country to greater heights that will realise water security for future generations.
Mchunu was speaking at the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Conference, currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban.
The three-day WISA Conference has brought together over 1 500 academics, professionals, industry experts and law makers in the water and sanitation fields to discuss key issues and challenges in the water sector.
The 2024 conference, held in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water, aims to discuss and come up with sustainable solutions to the challenges within the water sector.
Mchunu said the current state of water and sanitation services has challenged government and its partners to turn things around, and set high standards for the water and sanitation sector.
“To a certain extent, water resource management has not received the attention it deserves, and the reality is visible with the deterioration of the water quality of our rivers.
“This is mainly due to pollution emanating from mining activities, industry, agriculture and to a greater extent, from dysfunctional municipal wastewater systems,” Mchunu said.
In an attempt to address this problem, Mchunu said the department has established a national anti-pollution structure that will work with the department to curb pollution of the country’s rivers and dams.
The Minister emphasised that water resource management is more than just a technical challenge, but a societal imperative.
“Water resources are the lifeblood of our nation, underpinning our health, our economy, and our environment,” Mchunu said.
Catchment Management Agencies
During the conference, Mchunu launched four Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
They are the Limpopo-Olifants, Vaal-Orange, Pongola-Umzimkulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agencies.
They will be working alongside the already existing Breede-Olifants and Inkomati-Usuthu CMAs.
The establishment of the CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa to enhance decentralised decision-making in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
The agencies will be responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management, and control of all the water resources in a water management area (WMA) at the catchment level.
They also ensure participative management, good water governance and integrated planning, and improving co-operative governance of the country’s water resources in order to achieve the objectives of the National Water Act, equity, accessibility and government’s commitments to improving service delivery.
These responsibilities require that all spheres of government, water users and communities in the water management area work with CMAs as partners.
In acknowledging the effects of climate change, Mchunu said the department is an important contributor to building a climate-resilient future through continuous strategising and effective provision of water and sanitation services.
“CMAs, at local level, will bring together stakeholders to build capacity around creating a climate resilient environment. We are confident that the rationalisation will still achieve the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principle of decentralisation of water resource management to local level and contribute to the transformation of the water sector,” Mchunu said. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 11:31
The Centre for Applied Legal Studies and Right2Protest hope legislators will adopt it to protect journalists and activists
Families living in Lindokuhle Mnguni informal settlement in Johannesburg say they’re being harassed by police and AmaPanyaza
The mine has the king’s blessing but no environmental authorisation
Celebrity psychologist and international speaker Charissa Bloomberg has a history of applying her skills in the engineering, mining, and construction industries. Here, she shares her approach, from initial needs analysis to the human element that should never be underestimated. Bloomberg, known for her guest appearances across radio and TV stations, has a passion for integrity …
New vehicle fleet for the SAPS
Police Minister General Bheki Cele has handed over 130 cars to the Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The vehicles are set to enhance and improve, among other functions, the response time to crime scenes by crime scene experts.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Pretoria Police Academy, Cele said progress is being made in capacitating the police.
“We are working very hard to capacitate the organisation,” Cele said on Friday, adding that student police officers are part of the plan to the capacitate the force.
“We had to go Parliament, to the Portfolio Committee to be given permission to purchase this equipment that is supposed to be used by the intelligence world. Our job is to prevent, combat and investigate.”
Cele said the vehicles will play a role in assisting the police in their investigations, linking suspects to crime scenes through evidence collection and analysis.
Some of the vehicles will be distributed to the provinces.
Last month the Minister officiated at a ceremony where 78 vehicles were handed over to the Illicit Mining task teams also known as Operation Vala Umgodi.
Since inception in December 2023, Operation Vala Umgodi has resulted in the arrest of more than 6000 suspects including the seizure of uncut diamonds worth R32 million.
Public Order Policing Units received 52 minibuses. These units are key role players in responding to large gatherings and protests. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 13:17
Introduction Selling gold can be a lucrative way to earn extra income, especially in a city like Johannesburg, known for its rich mining history. Whether you have gold jewellery, coins, or bars, it’s essential to understand the process of selling gold to get the best value. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to selling gold …
Introduction Industrial magnets play a crucial role in various sectors of South Africa’s economy. From mining to manufacturing, these powerful tools are indispensable. This blog explores their applications and significance. What Are Industrial Magnets? Industrial magnets are magnets that are designed for use in industrial applications. They come in various types, including permanent …
Historical Legacy: South Africa has a long history of mining, dating back to the late 19th century. Many older mines were developed without stringent environmental regulations, leading to widespread environmental contamination from poorly managed mine waste, including tailings dams, waste rock dumps, and abandoned mine shafts. Gold mining has been a major industry in South …
Celebrating World Environment Day
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has called on all South Africans to join the international community in celebrating World Environment Day 2024.
World Environment Day is being celebrated under the theme, “Accelerating land restoration, drought resilience and desertification progress”.
The theme highlights the importance of accelerating the implementation of interventions aimed at addressing land degradation, desertification and minimising the impacts of drought at all levels.
"As South Africans, we should combine local actions and land restoration techniques in the fight against land degradation, desertification, and drought impacts. This includes planting trees, rotating crops, using water retention techniques, such as building retention ditches and cut-off drains, and applying organic manures and mineral fertilisers, among other methods," Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Wednesday.
Desertification is caused by multiple forces, including extreme weather conditions, particularly drought. It is also caused by human activities that pollute or degrade the quality of soil, negatively affecting land utility.
These include poor land use management and depletion of soil nutrients due to unsustainable agricultural practices; deforestation; pollution (including waste); wind and soil erosion; expansion of agricultural land, overgrazing by livestock; over extraction of natural resources, as well as mining activities that result in salination.
“Both desertification and land degradation are intricately linked to food and water security, poverty, urbanisation, climate change and biodiversity, and are therefore among the most critical environmental challenges,” the department said.
The international community has pledged to restore one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Land restoration is about creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for people both small-scale farmers, indigenous peoples and local communities, businesses and entrepreneurs, women and youth to boost incomes, secure food and water supplies, and make individuals and communities less vulnerable.
“Land restoration is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play. Let us strive to restore ecosystems, mitigate desertification and combat drought, thereby forging a path towards a greener, healthier and more prosperous planet for all,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 09:20
Introduction Effective haul road management is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of mining and construction operations. Poorly managed haul roads can lead to increased operational costs, vehicle damage, and safety hazards. This blog explores the best practices for haul road management to ensure smooth and safe operations. Importance of Haul Road Management …
Don’t miss the four-part Wild Zambezi series on the big screen; tickets at R50 per episode. The mighty Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa, plays host to an incredible four-part documentary series titled Wild Zambezi. Celebrating Environment Month in June, the docu-series will screen exclusively at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas around the country, with …
SA GDP decreases by 0.1%
The results of the Gross domestic product (GDP) by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show a decrease of 0.1% in the first quarter of 2024.
“The manufacturing industry decreased by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing -0.2 of percentage point to the negative GDP growth. Five of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates in the first quarter,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.
The motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division and the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division made the largest negative contributions to the decrease in the first quarter.
“The mining and quarrying industry decreased by 2.3% in the first quarter, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for platinum group metals (PGMs), coal, gold and manganese ore. The construction industry decreased by 3.1% in the first quarter, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point,” Stats SA said.
Decreases were reported for residential buildings and construction works.
The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 13.5% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point.
This was primarily due to increased economic activities reported for horticulture products.
Expenditure on GDP
Meanwhile, expenditure on real GDP decreased by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2024.
“Expenditure on real gross domestic product decreased by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2024, following an increase of 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“Household final consumption expenditure decreased by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing -0.2 of a percentage point to the total negative growth. Decreases were reported for durable goods, semi durable goods and services,” Stats SA said.
The main negative contributors to the decrease in Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) were expenditures on clothing and footwear (-7.0 and contributing -0.4 of a percentage point), transport (-1.3% and contributing -0.2 of a percentage point) and the ‘other’ category (-1.3% and contributing -0.2 of a percentage point).
“Final consumption expenditure by general government decreased by 0.3% in the first quarter, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was mainly driven by decreases in purchases of goods and services and compensation of employees. Total gross fixed capital formation decreased by 1.8% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing -0.3 of a percentage point.
“The main negative contributors to the decrease were machinery and other equipment (-1.4% and contributing -0.6 of a percentage point), residential buildings (-4.3% and contributing -0.5 of a percentage point) and construction works (-2.5% and contributing -0.4 of a percentage point),” Stats SA said.
There was a R5.5 billion drawdown of inventories in the first quarter of 2024 (seasonally adjusted and annualised value).
Large decreases in three industries, namely manufacturing; mining and quarrying; and personal services, contributed to the inventory drawdown.
“Net exports contributed positively to expenditure on GDP in the first quarter. Exports of goods and services decreased by 2.3%, largely influenced by decreased trade in pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and precious metals; vehicles and transport equipment excluding aircraft; chemical products; base metals and articles of base metals; and mineral products.
“Imports of goods and services decreased by 5.1%, largely influenced by decreased trade in mineral products; vehicles and transport equipment excluding aircraft; and vegetable products,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 11:59
Shell still has one more shot at seismic exploration authorisation