Modern Mining November 2024

the volatility of recent times, with many businesses facing challenges. The general commodity price downturn once again emphasised the importance of having a strong balance sheet. As businesses look to steer through today’s tough operating conditions while sustaining investment and growth, the balance sheet can either be a drag or a key source of agility and strength. “Unlike the previous downcycle, conservative capital allocation and rapid reaction on lower prices meant that balance sheets are still in relatively good shape despite a slight weakening in the past year,” Khutlang says. “A strong balance sheet provides options in sourcing capital, which is critical for a cyclical industry. There are numerous capital sourcing options, but one of the trends we have noted is that mining companies are increasingly using green and sustainability loans to support operations that align with their own and global sustainability goals.” In the report, PwC looked at the balance sheets of large listed South African mining businesses to reveal what tactics they have used, or can use, to

Globally, the deal-critical minerals of focus were gold and copper.

these companies play a crucial role in the communities they operate in—not only as employers or as the engines for the economies around them, but through other services, such as the clean water they provide to their communities,” Rossouw says. “It is therefore crucial to start thinking and planning for sustainable ecosystems once operations close. It is also imperative that, where possible, mining companies use available technologies to improve their safety, productivity and efficiency to extend the life of their mines.” n

build resilience. What was evident is that resilient balance sheets had a fit-for purpose capital structure that aligned with the business’ strategic needs and direction. When companies are not proactive in managing their balance sheets, deteriorating or unhealthy balance sheets are often not diagnosed early enough. “These situations often resulted in short-term actions being undertaken to rectify the situation, including taking on more funding and selling assets at discounted value,” Khutlang explains. “Mining is key to the economy as

BRELKO

CONVEYOR PRODUCTS ®

FEATURES • Easy installation. • Low maintenance. • Simple design. • Operates in all conditions.

BRELKO NIP GUARD SAFETY DEVICE PATENTED - USA: 11,724,889

• Manufactured according to SABS, CEMA, Australian and PROK mounting standards. • Unique adjustable guard maintains a constant gap between the conveyor belt and guard, even when the conveyor belt is tensioned. • Robust construction for longer life. • Can be installed on bi-directional conveyor belts.

APPLICATIONS • Nip Guards improve worker safety around head, tail, and drive pulleys and prevents worker exposure to conveyor pulley nip points and pinch point hazards.

I

C

V

E

R

E

E

X

S

37 OVER YEARS

C

E

L L E N

C

E

Tel : +27 11 013 4000

Fax : +27 11 013 4150

E-Mail : sales@brelko.com Website : www.brelko.com

November 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  9