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    • Mining Precious Metals Minerals South Africa

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2025

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 22 May 2025

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2020

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 01 June 2020

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 13 August 2018

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 01 November 2017

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 23 May 2016

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 03 December 2015

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015

    Lionel Williams | South Africa | 16 March 2015

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014

    Martin Rothschild | South Africa | 23 June 2014

    Report Info

    Report Summary Table of Contents
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    Report Coverage

    This report on mining precious metals and minerals in South Africa includes comprehensive information on gold, uranium, platinum group metals (PGM) and diamonds, including reserves, production, demand, prices, stocks and sales. There is information on notable players, developments, corporate actions, new regulations, illegal mining, and mine safety and environmental issues. The report includes profiles of 30 companies such as gold mining companies DRDGold, Harmony, Gold Fields and Pan African Resources, PGM companies like Amplats, Implats and Northam, diamond companies such as De Beers, Petra Diamonds, Trans Hex and state-owned Alexkor, and companies mining several resources such as Sibanye-Stillwater.

    Introduction

    • South Africa’s production of diamonds, gold and PGMs has been declining over at least the past several years.
    • Exports of precious metals and minerals increased by 10% in 2024, largely due to the rising gold price.
    • Challenges include increasing input costs, illegal mining and low PGM and rough diamond prices.
    • Several companies are constructing or planning to construct PGM mines in the next few years, and others are reopening, or planning to reopen, gold and uranium mines in response to increasing prices.
    • Planned changes to mining legislation will affect the industry.

    Trends

    • A few companies are constructing or planning PGM mines in the next few years.
    • A number of companies are reopening, or planning to reopen, gold and uranium mines, which is cheaper and faster than exploration.
    • As internal combustion engines are being phased out, demand for PGMs from the automotive industry is declining.
    • Companies are increasing the use of renewable energy.
    • Demand for certain metals, such as PGMs, will continue to increase due to their use in renewable energy systems and the electrification of transport systems.
    • Diamond output is decreasing as mines’ reserves become depleted and no new mines enter production.
    • Diamond traceability is becoming increasingly important due to sanctions against Russia and conflict diamond considerations.
    • Environmental, social and governance considerations are becoming increasingly important as consumers are avoiding unethically-produced metals and minerals.
    • Gold output is on a declining trend due to the increasing depth of operations, ageing infrastructure, and falling labour productivity due to high humidity and temperatures at depth.
    • Input costs are rising, mostly caused by increasing electricity tariffs.
    • More companies are moving to five-year wage agreements with unions to reduce the frequency of wage negotiations.
    • Production of PGMs is gradually declining, largely due to the closure of shafts whose reserves have become uneconomical to extract due to lower prices and rising input costs.
    • South Africa’s uranium production has been declining for the past few decades because of decreasing gold output and the ceasing of uranium production at several operations due to low prices.

    Opportunities

    • A few companies are re-opening closed mines and developing shallow, low-cost underground mines.
    • A relatively low-cost, low-risk opportunity in retreatment of tailings storage facilities.
    • The increase in gold prices over the past few years has allowed producers to continue producing from marginal shafts, and extend long-life shafts due to improved profitability.

    Challenges

    • A need for PGM players to develop new markets for their products, as automotive industry demand will decline.
    • Diamond mining companies’ operating margins are being reduced by rising input costs and low rough diamond prices and sales due to a decline in jewellery sales.
    • Gold output is declining due to the increasing depth of operations, ageing infrastructure, and falling labour productivity.
    • Mining companies spend an estimated R2.5bn per year on extra security measures to combat illegal mining.
    • PGM mining companies’ operating margins are being reduced by rising input costs and decreasing PGM prices.
    • Pressure, especially on listed companies, to decarbonise their products.

    Outlook

    • The rate of decline in gold production should slow as high gold prices allow shafts to remain profitable for longer, and a few new mines are developed.
    • Uranium demand is expected to exceed supply, but higher prices could lead to increased production.
    • Platinum supply will decrease in 2025, as will demand.
    • A number of companies are constructing or planning PGM mines in the next few years.
    • De Beers expects market conditions for diamonds to be challenging in 2025 as demand for polished diamonds remains low.
    • Rough diamond prices should improve slightly in the medium term.
    • The diamond industry’s long-term outlook remains favourable.

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa
    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2025

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2020-06-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018-08-13

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017-11-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016-05-23

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-12-03

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-03-16

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014-06-23

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 4
    2.3. Size of the Industry 6
    3. LOCAL 7
    3.1. State of the Industry 7
    3.2. Key Trends 13
    3.3. Key Issues 14
    3.4. Notable Players 15
    3.5. Trade 23
    3.6. Corporate Actions 25
    3.7. Regulations 27
    3.8. Enterprise Development and Social Development 28
    4. AFRICA 30
    5. INTERNATIONAL 33
    6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 45
    6.1. Economic Environment 45
    6.2. Unforeseen Events 46
    6.3. Labour 47
    6.4. Mine Safety 50
    6.5. Illegal Mining 51
    6.6. Environmental Issues 52
    6.7. Technology, R&D and Innovation 54
    6.8. Input Costs 56
    7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 57
    7.1. Competition 57
    7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 58
    7.3. Barriers to Entry 59
    8. INDUSTRY SUMMARY 60
    9. OUTLOOK 61
    10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 63
    11. REFERENCES 63
    11.1. Publications 63
    11.2. Websites 65
    ANNEXURE 1 - Industry Legislation And Regulations 66
    APPENDIX 1 – Gold & Uranium 72
    APPENDIX 2 – Platinum 78
    APPENDIX 3 – Diamonds 83
    COMPANY PROFILES – Gold & Uranium 85
    AUROUS RESOURCES 85
    DRDGOLD LTD 87
    GOLD FIELDS LTD 91
    GOLD ONE AFRICA (PTY) LTD 96
    HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD 98
    NEO ENERGY METALS PLC 106
    PAN AFRICAN RESOURCES PLC 109
    SIBANYE STILLWATER LTD 113
    THETA GOLD MINES LTD 119
    WEST WITS MINING LTD 122
    WHITE RIVERS EXPLORATION (PTY) LTD 124
    COMPANY PROFILES - Platinum 126
    AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS LTD 126
    EASTERN PLATINUM LTD INCORPORATED IN CANADA 132
    GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 135
    IMPALA PLATINUM HOLDINGS LTD 139
    IVANHOE MINES LTD 145
    NKWE PLATINUM LTD 149
    NORTHAM PLATINUM HOLDINGS LTD 151
    PLATINUM GROUP METALS (RSA) (PTY) LTD 154
    SIBANYE STILLWATER LTD 156
    SOUTHERN PALLADIUM LTD 162
    THARISA PLC 164
    VALTERRA PLATINUM LTD 168
    WESIZWE PLATINUM LTD 172
    COMPANY PROFILES - Diamonds 175
    ALEXKOR SOC LTD 175
    BOTSWANA DIAMONDS PLC 178
    DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES (PTY) LTD 180
    DMI MINERALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 183
    EKAPA MINING (PTY) LTD 185
    PETRA DIAMONDS LTD 187
    TRANS HEX OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 190

    Report Coverage

    This report focuses on the Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals: Gold and Uranium, Platinum and Diamonds, and includes comprehensive information on production, exports, costs, commodity prices and other influencing factors, as well as corporate actions and regulatory and other developments in the sector. There are profiles of 35 companies including major gold producers such as AngloGold Ashanti, Sibanye-Stillwater, Harmony and Gold Fields, platinum-group metal players such as Anglo American Platinum, Impala, Northam, Mmakau and Royal Bafokeng and diamond miners Petra Diamonds and De Beers.

    Introduction

    According to data released by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), local and export sales of gold, platinum and diamonds amounted to R139.4bn in 2019, while the Minerals Council South Africa said 275,371 people were employed by these sectors in that year. The most important challenges facing producers of gold, uranium, platinum and diamonds are disruptions to the supply of, and markets for, these commodities due to coronavirus; the increasing cost of electricity, water and labour in particular; and electricity supply problems.

    Strengths

    • Some of the largest gold producing companies are well-established in South Africa.
    • South Africa holds more than 90% of the world’s PGM reserves.
    • South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum.
    • South Africa was the world’s fourth-largest producer of diamonds in terms of value in 2018.
    • The country has a long history of gold mining.
    • The Witwatersrand Basin is the gold deposit with the largest reserves in the world.
    • The world’s largest platinum producing companies are well established in South Africa.

    Weaknesses

    • Ageing infrastructure of gold and platinum mines.
    • Continued declines in productivity due to increased travelling times for workers to reach work areas, and high temperatures and humidity levels in gold and platinum mines.
    • Declining gold grades.
    • Shortage of skills in certain disciplines.
    • The increasing depth of gold and platinum mines, making extraction more dangerous and expensive.

    Opportunities

    • Gold producers are investing in R&D and innovation to extend the life of the sector.
    • Increasing rand gold and platinum prices.
    • Some closed gold mines can still be profitably operated on a smaller scale.

    Threats

    • Disruptions to supply and demand, and higher operating costs caused by Covid-19.
    • Electricity supply problems.
    • Illegal mining and gold raids.
    • Increasing costs, of electricity, water and labour in particular, pose a threat to the profitability and sustainability of the gold, platinum and diamond mining sectors.
    • The increasing contribution of recycling to platinum supply, thus decreasing demand for the extracted metal.

    Outlook

    GoldThe World Bank expects the average gold price for 2020 will be US$1,600/oz, while Tom Palmer, CEO of Newmont Mining, believes gold prices will remain between US$1,500/oz and US$1,750/oz over the next five years, due to higher demand. He said: “The level of stimulus globally that’s going into the economy certainly underpins higher gold prices for the longer term, and I don’t think that stimulus has stopped yet.” The World Gold Council expects gold supply for 2020 to be lower year-on-year due to disruptions caused by coronavirus.PlatinumArnold van Graan, precious metals analyst at Nedbank Securities, expects South Africa’s platinum and gold production to decrease by between 10% and 15% in 2020, due to the national lockdown and problems at Amplats’ converter plant. Demand for platinum is forecast to decrease due to the impact of coronavirus on vehicle production and platinum jewellery sales. The World Bank forecasts the average platinum price for 2020 will be US$940/oz. DiamondsProduction cuts announced by producers will reduce global rough diamond supply by around 12% in 2020. Demand for rough diamonds is forecast to decrease due to the impact of coronavirus on diamond jewellery sales. According to diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky, rough diamond price levels will be determined by the size of supply cuts as a result of lockdowns and strategic supply reductions by large producers, and by the impact of the economic downturn on demand.

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa
    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2020

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    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    Industry Landscape

    R 1 330.00(ZAR) estimated $ 75.12 (USD)*

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    Historical Reports

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2025-05-22

    R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1129.61 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018-08-13

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017-11-01

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016-05-23

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-12-03

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-03-16

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014-06-23

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 6
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 8
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 10
    4.1. Local 10
    4.1.1. Gold 10
    4.1.2. Uranium 13
    4.1.3. Platinum 13
    4.1.4. Diamonds 15
    4.1.5. Trade 16
    4.1.6. Corporate Actions 17
    4.1.7. Regulations 19
    4.1.8. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 24
    4.2. Continental 25
    4.2.1. Gold 25
    4.2.2. Uranium 26
    4.2.3. Platinum 26
    4.2.4. Diamonds 26
    4.3. International 27
    4.3.1. Gold 27
    4.3.2. Uranium 30
    4.3.3. Platinum 33
    4.3.4. Diamonds 36
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 39
    5.1. Coronavirus 39
    5.2. Economic Environment 41
    5.3. Electricity Supply and Prices 42
    5.4. Labour 42
    5.5. Mine Safety 47
    5.6. Illegal Mining and Raids 47
    5.7. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 48
    5.8. Environmental Concerns 50
    5.9. Platinum Recycling 51
    5.10. Community Protests 51
    6. COMPETITION 52
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 53
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 54
    8. OUTLOOK 55
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 55
    10. REFERENCES 56
    10.1. Publications 56
    10.2. Websites 57
    APPENDIX 1 - SUMMARY OF NOTABLE PLAYERS 58
    Mining of Gold & Uranium 58
    Mining of Platinum 61
    Mining of Diamonds 66
    COMPANY PROFILES – MINING OF GOLD AND URANIUM 68
    ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LTD 68
    BLYVOOR GOLD (PTY) LTD 74
    DRDGOLD LTD 75
    GOLD FIELDS LTD 79
    HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD 84
    ORION MINERALS LTD 90
    PAN AFRICAN RESOURCES PLC 94
    PENINSULA ENERGY LTD 98
    SIBANYE STILLWATER LTD 101
    STIBIUM MINING SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 106
    THETA GOLD MINES LTD 108
    VILLAGE MAIN REEF (PTY) LTD 111
    WHITE RIVERS EXPLORATION (PTY) LTD 114
    COMPANY PROFILES – MINING OF PLATINUM 117
    AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS LTD 117
    ANGLO AMERICAN PLATINUM LTD 123
    ATLATSA RESOURCES CORPORATION 127
    IMPALA PLATINUM HOLDINGS LTD 129
    IVANHOE MINES LTD 134
    MMAKAU MINING (PTY) LTD 137
    NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 139
    ORION MINERALS LTD 144
    PLATINUM GROUP METALS (RSA) (PTY) LTD 148
    PLATMIN SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 150
    ROYAL BAFOKENG PLATINUM LTD 152
    SIBANYE STILLWATER LTD 155
    SIYANDA RESOURCES (PTY) LTD 160
    SYLVANIA PLATINUM LTD 163
    VILLAGE MAIN REEF (PTY) LTD 166
    WESIZWE PLATINUM LTD 169
    WINDSOR SA (PTY) LTD 172
    COMPANY PROFILES – MINING OF DIAMONDS 174
    ALEXKOR SOC LTD 174
    DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES (PTY) LTD 177
    DMI MINERALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 180
    FRONTIER DIAMONDS LTD 182
    KAREEVLEI MINING (PTY) LTD 184
    PETRA DIAMONDS LTD 185
    SOUTHSTONE MINERALS LTD 188
    TRANS HEX GROEP LTD 191

    Report Coverage

    This report deals with the mining of precious metals and minerals in South Africa including uranium as a by-product of gold mining, the report describes current conditions, including uncertainty in the regulatory environment, and discusses factors influencing the success of the industry. The report profiles 42 companies including De Beers Consolidated Mines and Trans Hex which recorded output increases of 23.8% and 59.5% respectively.

    Introduction

    This report deals with the mining of precious metals and minerals in South Africa, and since uranium is produced as a by-product of gold mining, the mining of uranium is included. According to the Mine SA 2017 report of the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) (formerly the Chamber of Mines) local and export sales of gold, platinum-group metals (PGMs) and diamonds amounted to R178.1bn during 2017, while 306,197 people were employed by these sectors. The most important issues facing producers of gold, uranium, platinum and diamonds are policy and regulatory uncertainty, low commodity prices, operational challenges, such as ageing infrastructure, and rapidly escalating production costs.

    Strengths

    • De Beers, one of the dominant global diamond producers, is well-established in South Africa.
    • Gold producers are investing a great deal in innovation and skills training in order to better understand the ore bodies and how to mine them.
    • Some of the largest gold producing companies are well established in South Africa.
    • South Africa holds more than 90% of the world’s PGM reserves.
    • South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum.
    • South Africa was the world’s fourth largest producer of diamonds in terms of value in 2016.
    • South Africa was the world’s seventh largest gold producer during 2017.
    • The country has a long history of gold mining.
    • The local gold mining sector is a global leader in deep-level gold mining.
    • The Witwatersrand Basin is the gold deposit with the largest reserves in the world.
    • The world’s largest platinum producing companies are well established in South Africa.

    Weaknesses

    • Ageing infrastructure of gold and platinum mines.
    • Continued declines in productivity due to increased travelling times for workers to reach work areas, and high temperatures and humidity levels in gold and platinum mines.
    • Declining gold grades.
    • Demand for platinum is heavily reliant on the automotive sector, which is largely determined by economic conditions.
    • High fatality rate due to dangerous working conditions in gold mines.
    • Inadequate protection for mineworkers in the past has led to a class action lawsuit by employees suffering from silicosis.
    • Shortage of skills in certain disciplines.
    • The diamond mining industry derives practically all its revenue from consumers’ demand for diamond jewellery, which is heavily reliant on global economic growth.
    • The increasing depth of gold and platinum mines, making extraction more dangerous and expensive.

    Opportunities

    • De Beers believes new diamond deposits can still be found in South Africa.
    • The gold and platinum mining sectors are making steady progress in developing technology to mine safer and deeper, thereby extending the lives of the sectors.

    Threats

    • Continuing uncertainty regarding South Africa’s mining regulatory framework.
    • Decreasing rand commodity prices are a threat, especially to marginal mines.
    • Drop in consumer confidence in diamond jewellery due to conflict diamonds and the fact that synthetic diamonds are being passed off as natural diamonds.
    • High levels of above ground stocks of platinum.
    • High levels of secondary sources of uranium.
    • Impact of illegal mining.
    • Implementation of a carbon tax, which will add to costs.
    • Increasing costs, of electricity, water and labour in particular, pose a threat to the profitability and sustainability of the gold, platinum and diamond mining sectors.
    • Increasing incidence of community protests.
    • The increased use of palladium as a substitute for platinum in different applications.
    • The increasing contribution of recycling to platinum supply, thus decreasing demand for the extracted metal.

    Outlook

    Gold, uranium, platinum and diamond prices are expected to increase over the short to medium term due to lower supply and higher demand. The price of gold is forecast to increase from an average of US$1,350/oz in 2018 to US$1,430/oz in 2023, while uranium spot prices are expected to increase from US$25/lb in the middle of 2018 to US$38/lb by 2023. Platinum prices are forecast to rise above US$1,000/oz in the second half of 2018, while a 17% cumulative increase in rough diamond prices from 2018 to 2021 is expected.

    Read More..
    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa
    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018

    Full Report

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    Industry Landscape

    R 1 330.00(ZAR) estimated $ 75.12 (USD)*

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    Historical Reports

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2025-05-22

    R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1129.61 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2020-06-01

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $107.31 (USD)*

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017-11-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016-05-23

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-12-03

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-03-16

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014-06-23

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 6
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 9
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 21
    4.1. Local 21
    4.1.1. Gold 21
    4.1.2. Uranium 24
    4.1.3. Platinum 26
    4.1.4. Diamonds 28
    4.1.5. Corporate Actions 31
    4.1.6. Regulations 36
    4.1.7. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 41
    4.2. Continental 42
    4.2.1. Gold 42
    4.2.2. Uranium 42
    4.2.3. Platinum 43
    4.2.4. Diamonds 43
    4.3. International 44
    4.3.1. Gold 44
    4.3.2. Uranium 47
    4.3.3. Platinum 49
    4.3.4. Diamonds 52
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 54
    5.1. Economic Environment 54
    5.2. Labour 55
    5.3. Mine Safety 59
    5.4. Illegal Mining 59
    5.5. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 61
    5.6. Environmental Concerns 63
    5.7. Platinum Recycling 63
    5.8. Community Protests 64
    5.9. Synthetic Diamonds 65
    6. COMPETITION 66
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 67
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 68
    8. OUTLOOK 69
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 70
    10. REFERENCES 70
    10.1. Publications 70
    10.2. Websites 71
    COMPANY PROFILES – MINING OF GOLD 73
    ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LTD 73
    CENTRAL RAND GOLD LTD 79
    DRDGOLD LTD 82
    GOLD FIELDS LTD 86
    HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD 91
    LONMIN PLC 97
    OAKBAY RESOURCES AND ENERGY LTD 102
    ORION MINERALS LTD 105
    PAN AFRICAN RESOURCES PLC 109
    PENINSULA ENERGY LTD 112
    SIBANYE GOLD LTD 115
    STIBIUM MINING SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 121
    STONEWALL RESOURCES LTD 123
    VILLAGE MAIN REEF (PTY) LTD 126
    WHITE RIVERS EXPLORATION (PTY) LTD 129
    COMPANY PROFILES – MINING OF PLATINUM 132
    AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS LTD 132
    ANGLO AMERICAN PLATINUM LTD 137
    ATLATSA RESOURCES CORPORATION 141
    GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 144
    IMPALA PLATINUM HOLDINGS LTD 148
    IVANHOE MINES LTD 152
    LONMIN PLC 155
    MMAKAU MINING (PTY) LTD 160
    NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 162
    ORION MINERALS LTD 166
    PLATINUM GROUP METALS (RSA) (PTY) LTD 170
    PLATMIN SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 172
    ROYAL BAFOKENG PLATINUM LTD 174
    SIBANYE GOLD LTD 177
    SIYANDA RESOURCES (PTY) LTD 183
    SYLVANIA PLATINUM LTD 186
    WESIZWE PLATINUM LTD 189
    WINDSOR PLATINUM INVESTMENTS (PTY) LTD 192
    COMPANY PROFILES – MINING OF DIAMONDS 194
    ALEXKOR SOC LTD 194
    DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES (PTY) LTD 197
    DMI MINERALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 200
    FRONTIER DIAMONDS LTD 202
    KAREEVLEI MINING (PTY) LTD 204
    PETRA DIAMONDS LTD 205
    ROCKWELL DIAMONDS INC 208
    TANGO MINING LTD 211
    TRANS HEX GROEP LTD 214

    Report Coverage

    The Mining of Gold and Uranium describes current conditions, including the uncertainty that still exists in the regulatory environment, and discusses factors influencing the success of the industry. The report profiles 16 companies including Pan African Resources, which began the construction of the R1.74bn Elikhulu gold tailings project in Mpumalanga in September 2017. Also profiled is Sibanye-Stillwater, whose operations were negatively affected by a strike concerning illegal mining in June 2017, and which announced the retrenchment of 2,000 workers at its Cooke operations at the end of October 2017.

    Introduction

    This report deals with the South African gold and uranium mining sector, which is one of the largest components of the South African mining industry on the basis of employment and export earnings. During 2016, South Africa produced 165.6t of gold, which was 5.1% of the global total, and exported 103.7t worth R60.6bn. According to the Facts and Figures 2016 publication of the Chamber of Mines, 116,479 people were employed by the gold mining sector during 2016. As all the country’s uranium is produced as a by-product of gold mining, the performance of the uranium sector is closely linked to that of the gold mining sector, and 450.1t of triuranium octoxide (U3O8) was produced in 2016. The two most important issues facing the gold and uranium mining sector are policy and regulatory uncertainty, and operational challenges, such as ageing infrastructure, greater distances from the shaft to the face and declining gold grades.

    Strengths

    • Some of the largest gold-producing companies are well established in South Africa.
    • South Africa was the world’s sixth-largest gold producer during 2016.
    • The country has a long history of gold mining.
    • The largest local gold producers are shareholders of Rand Refinery.
    • The local gold mining sector is a global leader in deep-level gold mining.
    • The Witwatersrand Basin is the gold deposit with the largest reserves in the world.

    Weaknesses

    • Ageing infrastructure of gold mines.
    • Continued declines in productivity due to increased travelling times for workers to reach work areas in gold mines.
    • Declining gold grades.
    • High fatality rate due to dangerous working conditions in gold mines.
    • Illegal mining is affecting revenue and employees’ safety.
    • Inadequate protection for mineworkers in the past has led to a class action lawsuit by employees suffering from silicosis.
    • Shortage of skills in certain disciplines.
    • South Africa’s mining regulatory framework is complex and contains many uncertainties.
    • The increasing depth of gold mines, making extraction more dangerous and expensive.

    Opportunities

    • Government’s proposed nuclear build programme could make several uranium projects economical.
    • Led by AngloGold Ashanti, the gold mining sector is making steady progress in developing technology to mine safer and deeper, thereby extending the life of the sector.

    Threats

    • A drop in gold prices is a threat, especially to marginal mines, since gold mining companies are price takers.
    • Continuing uncertainty regarding South Africa’s mining regulatory framework and the implementation of a Mining Charter that could make mining less profitable.
    • Increasing costs of electricity and labour in particular, pose a threat to the profitability and sustainability of the gold mining sector.
    • Low uranium prices, due to low demand caused by high inventories, and increasing supply.

    Outlook

    According to AngloGold Ashanti the current mining method used in South Africa’s deep-level gold mines is not the one that should take the sector into the future. If it continues to be pursued, gold mining will come to an end before the Witwatersrand Basin’s gold resources have all been extracted. In excess of 50,000t of gold have been mined already, only 6,000t are in the reserve category, and more than 34,000t stand to be left underground unless new mining technology is introduced. If the local gold mining sector succeeds in finding a viable new mining method, it would not only be able to extract all remaining pillars and go to ultra-depths, but also to reopen a large number of closed mines. If the South African government’s proposed nuclear build programme goes ahead, it is likely that the uranium required would be sourced locally. This could make several uranium projects economical that are currently not due to low uranium spot prices. According to the Resources and Energy Quarterly report uranium prices are expected to increase moderately over the medium-term from an average of US$22.90/lb in 2017, to US$25.20/lb in 2018, and US$29.00/lb in 2019. As far as the gold price is concerned, some analysts expect it to rise to US$1,400/oz in the next 12 months, and to reach a new record high in the medium-term.

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016-05-23

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-12-03

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-03-16

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    Table of Contents

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    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 3
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 5
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 11
    4.1. Local 11
    4.1.1. Uranium 17
    4.1.2. Corporate Actions 19
    4.1.3. Regulations 20
    4.1.4. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 25
    4.2. Continental 25
    4.2.1. Gold 25
    4.2.2. Uranium 27
    4.3. International 27
    4.3.1. Gold 27
    4.3.2. Uranium 32
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 34
    5.1. Economic Environment 34
    5.2. Labour 35
    5.3. Mine Safety 38
    5.4. Illegal Mining 39
    5.5. Government’s Proposed Nuclear Build Programme 40
    5.6. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 41
    5.7. Environmental Concerns 43
    6. COMPETITION 44
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 45
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 45
    8. OUTLOOK 46
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 47
    10. REFERENCES 47
    10.1. Publications 47
    10.2. Websites 48
    COMPANY PROFILES 49
    ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LTD 49
    BIRRELL MINING (PTY) LTD 55
    CENTRAL RAND GOLD LTD 57
    DRDGOLD LTD 60
    GOLD FIELDS LTD 64
    GOLD ONE INTERNATIONAL (PTY) LTD 69
    GOLIATH GOLD MINING LTD 71
    HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD 74
    OAKBAY RESOURCES AND ENERGY LTD 79
    ORION MINERALS NL 83
    PAN AFRICAN RESOURCES PLC 87
    PENINSULA ENERGY LTD 90
    SIBANYE GOLD LTD 93
    STONEWALL RESOURCES LTD 100
    VILLAGE MAIN REEF (PTY) LTD 103
    WHITE RIVERS EXPLORATION (PTY) LTD 106

    Report Coverage

    The Mining of Gold and Uranium describes the domestic sector, highlights current conditions, including the uncertainty that exists in the regulatory environment, and discusses factors influencing the success of the industry. The report profiles 14 role players including dominant companies AngloGold Ashanti, Sibanye Gold and Harmony Gold Mining Company that produce gold from several large mines in the Witwatersrand Basin. South Africa’s only uranium mine owned by Shiva Uranium, a subsidiary of Oakbay Resources and Energy is also profiled, as is Rand Uranium (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Sibanye Gold and small entity, White Rivers Exploration (Pty) Ltd which has entered into an exploration joint venture with Harmony Gold.

    Introduction

    This report focuses on the mining of gold and uranium in South Africa. The gold mining sector is one of the largest components of the South African mining industry on the basis of employment and export earnings. During 2015, South Africa produced 167.5t of gold, which was 5.2% of the global total, and exported 118.1t worth R55.3bn. According to the latest available data, almost 119,000 people were employed by the gold mining sector during 2014. As the bulk of the country’s uranium is produced as a by-product of gold mining, the performance of the uranium mining sector is closely linked to that of the gold mining sector, and 447.3t of uranium was produced in 2015. Challenges faced by the gold mining sector include rapidly rising input costs, policy and regulatory uncertainty, and operational challenges, such as ageing infrastructure, greater distances from the shaft to the face, and declining gold grades.

    Strengths

    • Some of the largest gold-producing companies are well established in South Africa.
    • South Africa was the world’s sixth-largest gold producer during 2015.
    • The country has a long history of gold production.
    • The Witwatersrand Basin is the gold deposit with the largest reserves in the world.

    Weaknesses

    • Ageing infrastructure of gold mines.
    • Continued declines in productivity due to increased travelling times for workers to reach work areas in gold mines.
    • Declining gold grades.
    • High fatality rate due to dangerous working conditions in gold mines.
    • Inadequate protection for mineworkers in the past has led to a class action lawsuit by employees suffering from silicosis and tuberculosis.
    • Shortage of skills in certain disciplines.
    • The increasing depth of gold mines, making extraction more dangerous and expensive.

    Opportunities

    • Government’s proposed nuclear build programme could make several uranium projects economical.
    • Led by AngloGold Ashanti, the gold mining sector is making steady progress in developing technology to mine safer and deeper, thereby extending the life of the sector.

    Threats

    • A drop in gold prices is a threat, especially to marginal mines, since gold mining companies are price takers.
    • Decreasing uranium prices, due to low demand caused by high inventories, and increasing supply.
    • Increasing costs, of electricity and labour in particular, pose a threat to the gold mining sector’s profitability and sustainability.
    • South Africa’s mining regulatory framework is complex and contains many uncertainties.

    Outlook

    AngloGold Ashanti believes that the current mining method used in South Africa’s deep-level gold mines is not the one that should take the sector into the future. If it continues to be pursued, gold mining will come to an end before the Witwatersrand Basin’s gold resources have all been extracted. In excess of 50,000t of gold have been mined already, only 6,000t are in the reserve category, and more than 34,000t stand to be left underground unless new mining technology is introduced. If the local gold mining sector succeeds in finding a viable new mining method, it would not only be able to extract all remaining pillars and go to ultra-depths, but also to reopen a large number of closed mines. Refilwe Monageng, executive director of White Rivers Exploration, sees a bright future for gold mining in South Africa. The company is remapping and reinterpreting historical borehole data by using experts and new technology, in order to discover new gold deposits in the Witwatersrand Basin. According to him a future challenge will be to train employees in the use of the new technology.The fundamentals of the uranium market remain strong over the long term, but demand over the short to medium-term has been reduced by the slow return to operation of Japan\'s nuclear power stations, reactor shutdowns in other countries, and a sluggish global economy. From 2018, growth in demand is expected to accelerate, due to new nuclear power plants being completed in China, India and Russia. Locally, if the government’s proposed nuclear build programme is approved by the Cabinet, it is likely that the uranium required will be sourced locally. This could make several uranium projects economical that are currently not due to low uranium spot prices.

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2020-06-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018-08-13

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017-11-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-12-03

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-03-16

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014-06-23

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    Table of Contents

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    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 1
    2.2. Geographic Position 3
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 5
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 12
    4.1. Local 12
    4.1.1. Gold 12
    4.1.2. Uranium 16
    4.1.3. Corporate Actions 17
    4.1.4. Regulations 19
    4.1.5. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 23
    4.2. Continental 24
    4.2.1. Gold 24
    4.2.2. Uranium 24
    4.3. International 25
    4.3.1. Gold 25
    4.3.2. Uranium 28
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 30
    5.1. Economic Environment 30
    5.2. Labour 31
    5.3. Mine Safety 33
    5.4. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 34
    5.5. Environmental Concerns 35
    5.6. Government’s Proposed Nuclear Build Programme 36
    5.7. Illegal Mining 37
    6. COMPETITION 38
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 38
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 39
    8. OUTLOOK 40
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 40
    10. REFERENCES 41
    10.1. Publications 41
    10.2. Websites 42
    COMPANY PROFILES 43
    AngloGold Ashanti Ltd 43
    Central Rand Gold Ltd 49
    Ergo Mining (Pty) Ltd 52
    Giyani Gold Corporation 55
    Gold Fields Ltd 58
    Gold One International (Pty) Ltd 64
    Goliath Gold Mining Ltd 66
    Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd 69
    Oakbay Resources and Energy Ltd 74
    Pan African Resources Plc 77
    Peninsula Energy Ltd 80
    Rand Uranium (Pty) Ltd 83
    Shiva Uranium (Pty) Ltd 85
    Sibanye Gold Ltd 87
    Stonewall Resources Ltd 91
    Vantage Goldfields SA (Pty) Ltd 93
    Village Main Reef Ltd 95
    White Rivers Exploration (Pty) Ltd 98

    Report Coverage

    The South African Diamond Mining report describes the current market and focuses on developments in the rest of Africa which is responsible for 60% of the world’s diamonds by value. Also detailed are investments into the sector, recent corporate activity and factors influencing the success of the domestic mining industry. The report profiles 11 companies, including the three major local players, DBCM, Petra Diamonds which mines diamonds from four kimberlite deposits, and Trans Hex which sources its diamonds from alluvial and marine deposits.

    Introduction

    This report focuses on the mining of diamonds in South Africa where, according to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), 7,4 million carats (Mcts) were produced and from where 10,4Mcts, worth US$1.7bn, were exported during 2014. Challenges faced by this sector include unreliable and reduced electricity supply, falling rough diamond prices and rapidly escalating production costs.

    Strengths

    • De Beers, one of the dominant global players, is well-established in South Africa.
    • South Africa has historically dominated the diamond mining industry and still possesses significant expertise.
    • South Africa has significant diamond reserves.

    Weaknesses

    • Shortage of skills in certain disciplines.
    • Since most South African producers are small compared to the dominant companies, they are price-takers rather than price-setters.
    • The industry derives practically all its revenue from consumers’ demand for diamond jewellery, which is heavily reliant on global economic growth.

    Opportunities

    • De Beers believes there are a few more diamond mines to be found in South Africa and is spending in the region of R30m a year on exploration in the country.

    Threats

    • Drop in consumer confidence in diamond jewellery when synthetic diamonds are being passed off as natural diamonds.
    • Implementation of a carbon tax.
    • Low diamond price.
    • Rapidly increasing production costs.
    • South Africa’s mining regulatory framework is complex and contains many uncertainties.
    • The lack of consistent and reliable electricity supply.

    Outlook

    According to De Beers’ Diamond Insight Report 2014, global rough diamond supply is expected to rise to levels similar to the mid-2000s in the next few years, driven by green-field mines and brownfield expansions coming on-stream. However, by 2020, when many existing mines will begin to see decreasing production levels, global supply is likely to plateau and unless major new discoveries are made in the next few years, production can be expected to decline gradually. As supply from existing mines decreases, mining is expected to become increasingly complex and remote and therefore increasingly costly.Demand growth for diamond jewellery is being driven by rising wealth in emerging markets, growing middle classes and continued growth in the important USA market. China and India are fast developing a mass market as affordable diamond jewellery becomes available to the middle class. De Beers Group CEO Philippe Mellier said, “As the number of middle class households in the major consumer markets is set to grow by hundreds of millions in the years ahead, the medium to long-term prospects for the diamond industry are also exceptionally strong if the right investments continue to be made across the value chain.” Rio Tinto is of the view that diamond jewellery sales are likely to grow by 8% per annum over the next five to ten years, exceeding the 3 to 5% per year forecast for the world, as China moves toward a consumption-based economy. There is therefore an impending shortage of natural diamonds, as demand is forecast to exceed supply within the next decade. The challenges faced by the sector in 2015 are thus expected to be short-term and the industry has excellent long-term prospects.

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018-08-13

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017-11-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016-05-23

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-03-16

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014-06-23

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    Table of Contents

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    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 1
    2.2. Geographic Position 5
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 6
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 10
    4.1. Local 10
    4.1.1. Corporate Actions 11
    4.1.2. Regulations 12
    4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 16
    4.2. Continental 16
    4.3. International 19
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 21
    5.1. Government Support and Intervention 21
    5.2. Labour 23
    5.3. Economic Environment 24
    5.4. Information Technology 26
    5.5. Research and Development (R&D) 26
    5.6. Environmental Concerns 27
    5.7. Mine Safety 28
    5.8. Power Supply 28
    5.9. Synthetic Diamonds 28
    5.10. Conflict Diamonds 29
    6. COMPETITION 30
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 30
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 31
    8. OUTLOOK 31
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 32
    10. REFERENCES 33
    10.1. Publications 33
    10.2. Websites 33
    COMPANY PROFILES 35
    ALEXKOR SOC LTD 35
    DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES (PTY) LTD 38
    DIAMONDCORP PLC 40
    DMI DIAMONDS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 43
    DMI MINERALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 45
    MWANA AFRICA HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 47
    NAMAKWA DIAMONDS HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 51
    PETRA DIAMONDS LTD 53
    ROCKWELL DIAMONDS INC 56
    THABEX LTD 59
    TRANS HEX GROEP LTD 62

    Introduction

    As at March 2015 South African gold production figures were only available for the first three-quarters of 2014 but, projected over the full year, these statistics indicate a continuation of the country’s steady production decline over the past four decades. Although Uranium is mined as a by-product of the gold mining process, latest production figures show that South African uranium output is exceeding 500mtpa, making the country the 12th largest uranium producer, contributing 1.1% to global production.While South Africa holds 40% of the world’s gold deposits and 8% of uranium reserves, rising costs, especially electricity and extraction, the dangerous depth of the deposits and labour unrest, have led to inefficient and declining production. This report focuses on the efforts of the gold mining industry to meet these challenges and to reverse the continuing decline in gold production.

    Strengths

    • Gold companies are investing in R&D programmes to improve productivity and cut costs.
    • Led by AngloGold Ashanti, the industry is making steady progress in advancing deep-level mining.
    • Most of the big gold miners are committed to transformation, and have met their transformation goals.
    • Producing uranium as a by-product of gold mining is efficient and profitable.
    • South Africa holds 40% of the world’s gold resources.
    • The South African gold mining industry is well established and has strong infrastructural support.

    Weaknesses

    • Labour unrest and violence are resulting in more negative perceptions about the South African gold mining industry as an investment destination.
    • No new easy-to-mine gold reserves have been found in South Africa in recent years, meaning that future new mines face further increases in input costs.
    • South Africa’s mining regulatory framework is uncertain, complex, and makes the awarding of mining rights a politicised process.
    • The country’s existing gold reserves are mainly at levels below 4,000m, meaning that recovery will be increasingly difficult, expensive and dangerous.
    • The industry’s profitability is dependent on a weak rand/dollar exchange rate.
    • The South African gold production growth curve has been on a steady decline from 1,000mt in 1970 to under 160mt in 2014, its lowest level since 1905.

    Opportunities

    • Ongoing research & development present the opportunity of new technology which could lead to improved productivity and production including production at deep levels, thus improving the future prospects for gold mining in South Africa.

    Threats

    • A drop in the gold price, especially for marginal mines.
    • Acid mine drainage threatens to make mines on the Witwatersrand unusable.
    • Further downgrades by ratings agencies Moody, Fitch and Standard & Poor.
    • Government intervention in mining.
    • Rising operating and labour costs pose a severe threat to the sector’s profitability and long-term future.
    • The risk of further labour unrest, strikes and violence could have a drastic effect on investor confidence, and could reduce gold production.
    • Uncertain and unstable supply of electricity.

    Outlook

    The challenges the South African gold mining sector has faced over the years, including power constraints, labour unrest, rapidly escalating input costs and falling grades, are expected to continue. These problems will be compounded by weaker economic growth in China which will negatively affect commodity demand. However, the Chamber of Mines confirms that steady progress is being made with research into more modernised mining methods at depth which, if successful, will pave the way for the mining of some substantial, previously inaccessible deep-level deposits. This is a highly significant factor in improving and ensuring the future of the country’s gold mining sector. According to Chamber of Mines COO Roger Baxter, “Without doubt we face tremendous challenges in the short-term, but the industry is grappling with them. Obviously global conditions are not helping, but hopefully those conditions will improve. Meanwhile, we have to focus on the things that we can control. That’s what we are doing and we are doing it well.”

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2018-08-13

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2017-11-01

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2016-05-23

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2015-12-03

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    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014-06-23

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    Table of Contents

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    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Supply Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 3
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 4
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 10
    4.1. Local 10
    4.1.1. Corporate Activity 12
    4.1.2. Regulations 13
    4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 16
    4.2. Continental 17
    4.3. International 18
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 21
    5.1. Economic Environment 21
    5.2. Operating Costs 21
    5.3. Labour 22
    5.4. Mine Safety 25
    5.5. Power Supply and Price 26
    5.6. Legislation 26
    5.7. Illegal Mining 26
    5.8. Environmental Concerns 27
    6. COMPETITION 28
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 28
    6.2. Research and Development (R&D) 29
    6.3. Innovation 29
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 30
    8. OUTLOOK 31
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 32
    10. REFERENCES 32
    10.1. Publications 32
    10.2. Websites 33
    ORGANOGRAM 34
    COMPANY PROFILES 36
    AngloGold Ashanti Ltd 36
    DRDGold Ltd 41
    Ergo Mining Operations (Pty) Ltd 44
    Giyani Gold Corporation 46
    Gold Fields Ltd 48
    Gold One International Ltd 52
    Goliath Gold Mining Ltd 54
    Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd 56
    Oakbay Resources & Energy Ltd 61
    Pan African Resources Plc 64
    Rand Uranium (Pty) Ltd 66
    Shiva Uranium Ltd 68
    Sibanye Gold Ltd 70
    Village Main Reef Ltd 73

    Introduction

    This report focuses on diamond mining which has provided wealth to investors for over 150 years. According to Kitco Metals Inc. the estimated production of rough diamonds in 2013 was 130 million carats. This was up only 1% from the 2012 production which the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) estimated to be 128 million carats. The diamond mining industry reacts more severely than other mineral industries to market shifts because diamonds are non-essential and relatively highly priced. However, it is still subject to the same political and socio-economic factors as the mining industry in general and thus has been affected by the recent labour unrest and downturn in the South African economy.

    Strengths

    • South Africa has historically dominated the diamond mining industry, is still a world leader in many diamond mining techniques and has good mining infrastructure.
    • South Africa has significant diamond reserves.
    • South Africa has the only commercially viable offshore\ndiamond resources in the world, shared with Namibia.

    Weaknesses

    • Increased costs and danger of underground mining.
    • Increasing loss of monopoly over the last few decades.
    • Lack of development of the downstream industry, especially the rapid decrease in the number of cutters and polishers in the country.
    • Lack of political and regulatory certainty.
    • Tense and volatile labour relations.

    Opportunities

    • Export of mining expertise and technology, particularly to\nother African countries.
    • Juniors can utilise their flexibility for prospecting, as many\nof the majors have consolidated their operations around\nproduction rather than exploration.
    • Large diamond reserves in Africa, which may offer\nopportunities for joint ventures.
    • Moving of DTC to Gaborone concentrates diamond buying\npower in southern Africa.

    Threats

    • General lack of investor confidence in South Africa.
    • Increasing competition from Russia and India.
    • Large diamond reserves in Africa, which might create competition for South Africa.
    • Potential of synthetic diamonds to replace natural diamonds.
    • Real or perceived possible use of South Africa as a diamond laundering facility which has led to a lack of confidence in the Kimberley Process.
    • The subject of nationalising of mines comes up regularly in political discourse.

    Outlook

    The Marikana massacre as well as the breakdown between labour, business, and government has had a significant impact on investor confidence in South Africa, which along with increased costs and a period of decreased demand has negatively affected the local industry. However, Bain and Company predict that the global rough diamond demand is expected to grow between 4.2% and 6.4% over the next ten years. The latest data coming out of the USA and Europe suggests that markets are slowly making a recovery which bodes well for high value products. Market analysts predict that Africa will become a major producer of rough diamonds, as well as a significant retail market, over the next 20 to 30 years. The emerging middle class, as well as growth figures as high as 10% in some countries, means that astute companies will look to establish themselves in these countries to take advantage of the predicted boom.

    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa
    The Mining of Precious Metals and Minerals in South Africa 2014

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Supply Chain 2
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 3
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 7
    4.1. Local 7
    4.1.1. Global Corporate Actions 8
    4.1.2. Regulations 8
    4.1.3. Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) 10
    4.2. Continental 11
    4.3. International 14
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 15
    5.1. Economic Environment 15
    5.2. Government Policy 16
    5.3. Government Support for Beneficiation 16
    5.4. Technology 17
    5.5. Labour Resources 17
    5.5.1. Labour Unrest 18
    5.5.2. Skills Shortages 18
    5.5.3. Training Initiatives 18
    5.5.4. Health Issues 18
    5.6. Environmental Concerns 19
    5.7. Power Supply Issues 19
    6. COMPETITION 19
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 19
    6.2. Research and Development (R&D) 20
    6.3. Innovation 20
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 21
    8. OUTLOOK 21
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 21
    10. REFERENCES 22
    10.1. Publications 22
    10.2. Websites 22
    ORGANOGRAM 23
    COMPANY PROFILES 24
    ALEXKOR SOC LTD 24
    DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES (PTY) LTD 26
    DIAMONDCORP PLC 28
    DMI DIAMONDS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 30
    DMI MINERALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 31
    MWANA AFRICA HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 32
    NAMAKWA DIAMOND HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 34
    PETRA DIAMONDS LTD 35
    ROCKWELL DIAMONDS INC 37
    THABEX LTD 39
    TRANS HEX GROUP LTD 41

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