Modern Mining March 2025

MINING NEWS

New partnership advancing Africa’s mineral processing agenda

Relentless focus on safety delivers a record 2024 safety performance

Tabono, a growth partner focused on driving economic development across Africa, has acquired a 33% stake in Minprotech, a company specialising in advanced mining technology solutions, particularly in mineral processing and chrome beneficiation. Minprotech is also 51% black owned, underscoring its commitment to promote economic transformation and empowerment in the South African mining industry. By maximising recovery of metallurgical grade concentrate from tailings, Minprotech transforms waste streams into valuable resources. This process maximises resource recovery and significantly reduces the environmental impact of mining, offering a sustainable approach that is essential as African mining seeks to remain competitive on the global stage. This acquisition demonstrates a commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency beyond the borders of South Africa and into Africa. Tabono CEO Reon

The record low number of fatalities and advances in health on South African mines in 2024 is a result of the collaboration between all stakeholders who share the vision of Zero Harm and support the interventions and programmes developed by the Minerals Council South Africa in partnerships with its members. The Minerals Council, an advocacy body whose members account for 90% of annual mined production by value, notes that the 42 fatalities reported for 2024 is a new all-time low for the industry and continues the encouraging overall downwards trend in deaths on mines. In 2022, the industry reported 49 fatalities, which was then a record low, but there was a regression to 55 fatalities in the following year. There was a 24% year-on year decline in fatalities in 2024. Injuries declined by 16% year on year to 1,841 in 2024 from 2,181 the year before. Occupational diseases declined by 17% to 1,864 cases in 2024 from 2,233 the year before. n

Tabono CEO Reon Barnard.

Barnard explained: “This deal bucks the broader trend in the African mining sector, where many companies have been slow to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices due to the high upfront costs and uncertain returns.” n

SAPICS appoints Thato Moloi as new president

years, takes over from outgoing president MJ Schoemaker. Commenting on the current state of the supply chain sphere as he takes the helm of SAPICS, Moloi says: “Today’s turbulent supply chain landscape calls for a new breed of supply chain manager. Our profession must navigate continuous technological advances and shifting global dynamics while meeting customers’ demands for speed, quality, affordability and sustainability. Adaptability and innovation are the keys to success in supply chains today. Whether this means leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, accelerating sustainability or rethinking traditional supply chain models, the need to innovate is more critical than ever. SAPICS has been elevating, educating and empowering supply chain professionals in South Africa and across the continent since 1966. We will ensure that our SAPICS supply chain community keeps pace with change, continuously improves and is resilient and innovative by giving them all the knowledge, strategies, tools and techniques needed.” n

Thato Moloi is SAPICS new president.

Supply chain industry body, SAPICS, has appointed Thato Moloi as its new president. Moloi, who has served on the SAPICS board of directors for almost three

Industry reported 42 fatalities for 2024 - a new all-time low for the industry.

4  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | MARCH 2025