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News

Balancing Energy Demands and Sustainability: South Africa’s Hydrogen Revolution

OPINION EDITORIAL

Balancing Energy Demands and Sustainability: South Africa’s Hydrogen Revolution

By Dr Darija Susac,
2nd Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference Committee Member and Acting Director of HySA Catalysis Centre of Competence

Economic growth and socioeconomic development in any country is undeniably linked to its ability to produce energy, maintain energy independence, and achieve energy sustainability. To date, the world remains highly dependent on affordable fossil fuel resources, to meet ever increasing energy demand. However, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere which adds to naturally occurring processes.

Charting the Future of African Mining and Geotechnical Excellence

OPINION EDITORIAL

The AfriRock 2025 Conference comes at a pivotal time for the African mining and geotechnical engineering sectors, presenting a vital platform to confront key industry challenges while showcasing innovation, sustainability and skills development. With a landscape defined by rapid technological change and growing social and environmental expectations, the industry must take stock of where it is and where it’s going.

The Mining Industry in 2025: Challenges, Innovation, and the Road Ahead

GMG-SAIMM IN-PERSON FORUM
OPINION EDITORIAL

By Dr Gargi Mishra, Organizing Committee Member GMG-SAIMM Johannesburg Forum, Mining Innovation Thought leader

The global mining industry is navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulations. Rising operational costs, geopolitical tensions, and shifting policies are influencing investment decisions. Supply chain bottlenecks and international conflicts are further increasing delays and expenses, while regulatory shifts—including trade policies and tariffs—add layers of complexity.

Podcast: Hydrometallurgy of the Future

Podcast banner 2025 Buhle Xakalashe 02052025
 
The world’s dependency on metals has become more evident with the growing demand for metals required to drive advancements in the technological and digital landscape, and the energy transition for a carbon neutral future. This growing demand, however, implies that the metal extraction industry will need to play a significant role in providing the world with vast quantities of metals, crucial in the building of the necessary infrastructure. Join Buhle Xakalashe and Jochen Petersen for their discussion on the future of Hydrometallurgy.
This episode was recorded with the Hydrometallurgy Conference in mind, which has since passed, but we believe that this is a pertinent episode which continues to drive the post-conference conversation forward.

Podcast: Exploring South Africa’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts

Podcast banner 2025 Erwee Lourens 10032025
In this compelling episode of The Crucible, former SAIMM President Zelmia Botha (Koketso Project & Commissioning Manager at Anglo American), sits down with Erwee Lourens (Senior Manager of Progress at ArcelorMittal South Africa) to explore South Africa’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts. Erwee, an industry expert, dives into the pressing challenges and groundbreaking opportunities on the path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He unpacks the complex balancing act between meeting the country’s energy demands and reducing emissions, emphasising that South Africa’s energy sector remains the largest contributor to carbon output. He also highlights the stark contrast between developed nations with greater resources for decarbonisation, and South Africa’s need to navigate its transition carefully to avoid economic disruption.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of energy, sustainability, and the evolving industrial landscape in South Africa.

Listen to the conversation: https://iono.fm/e/1534106

SAIMM 130th Anniversary Banquet Invitation

saimm banquet 2025 09102024

We are pleased to invite you to the 130th Anniversary Banquet of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), a momentous occasion to celebrate the rich legacy and enduring impact of the SAIMM. This prestigious event will honour our history, recognise our achievements, and connect minerals industry professionals on the common vision of a reimagined minerals industry.

Leading Beyond Boundaries

Podcast banner 2024 Nomsa 20112024An open conversation on embracing challenges and thoughtful leadership.
Listen in on this captivating conversation between Prelisha Singh, Mark Munroe, and Nomsa Mbere who discuss their experiences in leadership, pitching the appropriate leadership relationship, and the symbiotic nature of leadership roles.
Their conversation spotlights the importance of being open to learning, adapting one's leadership style to their environment, and addressing unconscious bias on the basis of gender.

LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION...

Productivity in the Minerals Industry

Podcast banner Kondwani 12092024

In this insightful two-part episode, SAIMM YPC Chairperson, Kondwani Banda sits down with Arjen de Bruin, CEO of OIM Consulting to dive deep into the world of Productivity in the Mining Industry. Arjen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, sharing insights and best practice that is transforming the mining sector. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about how productivity is evolving in the minerals industry, both episodes are packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.Tune in now! 
Part 1: https://iono.fm/e/1476647
Part 2: https://iono.fm/e/1476649

SAIMM Announces Dr Elias Matinde as President

Elias Mathinde 23082024The SAIMM is thrilled to welcome Dr Elias Matinde as the new President of SAIMM for 2024/2025. Elias was born in rural Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, in 1978. He completed high school at Kwekwe High in 1997. Elias holds a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from Tohoku University in Japan, a Master of Business Administration and a BSc (Hons) Metallurgical Engineering (cum laude) from the University of Zimbabwe, and Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from the University of the Witwatersrand.

He is a Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and is a Past Fellow (2017-2018) of the African Science Leadership Program.

Bernard Swanepoel Honoured with the Prestigious Brigadier Stokes Award by the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy

Bernard Swanepoel 23082024At its Annual General Meeting which took place yesterday at the Country Club Johannesburg, the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) proudly announced Bernard Swanepoel, a distinguished leader in the mining industry, as the recipient of the prestigious Brigadier Stokes Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of mining.

The Brigadier Stokes Award was instituted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1980 in honour of one of South Africa's most respected mining pioneers, Brigadier Stokes, to commemorate his outstanding and unique contribution to the South African mining industry. This award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the mining industry through their leadership, innovation, and dedication. Bernard Swanepoel, with his remarkable career spanning over three decades, embodies the spirit and excellence that this award represents.

Other mining news

Mining Weekly | Africa

25 July 2026

The latest mining world news and project information from Africa. providing updates on the progress of future, new and existing projects. Developments in mining legislation, policies, investments and infrastructure will be highlighted
  • Mali's gold output seen staying below 60 tons through 2029, ministry plan shows
    Mali's industrial gold production is expected to remain below 60 metric tons annually through 2029, according to a mines ministry plan seen by Reuters, extending a decline that followed the introduction of a revised mining code and disputes between the state and miners. Mali, one of Africa's top gold producers, has tightened its grip on the mining sector under a 2023 mining code aimed at boosting state revenues.
  • The NUM concludes five-year wage agreement at Gold Fields’ South Deep mine
    The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the majority union at Gold Fields’s South Deep Mine, has concluded a five-year wage agreement for employees at the mine. The multiyear agreement, negotiated in collaboration with UASA, is effective from March 1, this year, to February 28, 2031.
  • Modernisation of South African mining is an ‘urgent strategic priority’
    Mining modernisation, with private and public sectors as drivers, is an urgent strategic priority for the South African economy, a study undertaken by industry leaders, researchers, government partners, and innovators from across the South African spectrum reported very forcefully this week. “We see that our competitors are investing heavily in digitisation and automation, as well as critical minerals and beneficiation.