Star 2025-01-24

Minister Mantashe reports that the industry recorded 42 fatalities in 2024, a marked improvement year-on-year Organised labour has pressed for a review of the working patterns and holidays bottlenecks in the mining sector after Chief Inspector of Mines, David Msiza, said Thursday that most mining incidents and fatalities happened during the day shifts. This comes after the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources reported vast improvements in mine safety and reduction of fatalities for the 2024 calendar year in what has been dubbed the safest period on record. Minister Gwede Mantashe reported that the mining industry recorded forty-two fatalities in 2024, marking the lowest ever number of fatalities in the history of the country’s mining, which represents a 24% year-on-year improvement, compared to 55 fatalities in 2023. Msiza said according…

As the global emphasis on sustainability intensifies, the mining sector is at a crossroads. Major operators must tackle the dual challenge of working towards net zero emissions while advancing a Just Energy Transition. These goals demand a carefully orchestrated approach that intertwines operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and community inclusivity. Here’s how mining companies can rise to the occasion and lead the charge toward a sustainable future. A fundamental step is embracing renewable energy sources. Mining operations, often energy-intensive, have a significant opportunity to shift to cleaner alternatives such as solar and wind power combined with BESS systems. By installing solar panels on-site or entering Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy providers, companies can secure a stable supply of clean energy. This move not only reduces their carbon footprint but…

The world recognises Africa's mineral reserves as critical for the global transition to cleaner energy. However, this narrative, focused on the needs of industrialised nations, overlooks a fundamental truth: Africa's minerals hold a far greater significance for the continent itself. Africa stands at the precipice of a new era, where its vast mineral wealth can redefine its global standing. The continent is home to sizeable reserves of what the world currently defines as critical minerals: 55% of cobalt, 47.65% of manganese, 21.6% of natural graphite, 5.9% of copper, 5.6% of nickel, 1% of lithium, and 0.6% of iron ore. While the prevailing global discourse on critical minerals centres on the continent’s role in facilitating a just energy transition, primarily for developed Western nations, Africa needs to redefine "critical minerals” with…

Debt counselling companies Debt Rescue and DebtBusters urge consumers to draw a budget and spend finances wisely to avoid getting into more debt in January. Neil Roets, the CEO of debt counselling company Debt Rescue, said that January is one of the most challenging months for South African consumers, with many finding themselves under immense financial strain. “The festive season often leads to overspending on gifts, travel, and celebrations, leaving little room for financial flexibility. This is compounded by the fact that many employers pay salaries earlier in December, creating an extended period until the next paycheck at the end of January.” Roets added that for families already stretched thin, this long gap can be financially devastating. “Adding to this is the reality that many South Africans no longer…

As the allure of more spacious living beckons many South Africans, transitioning to a larger home involves navigating a complex web of financial obligations. Beyond the higher asking price lurk myriad costs that can catch the unprepared buyer off guard. It is crucial to comprehend the true financial commitment entailed in upgrading, as a single miscalculation can severely impact your finances. When placing your existing home on the market, sellers must keep in mind the responsibility of paying the estate agent’s commission. The standard rate in South Africa ranges between 5% and 7.5% of the sale price, but it is advisable to negotiate these fees upfront. This is essential as it directly affects the net amount realised from the sale, necessitating caution and strategic planning to protect your investment. To…

Having lingering thoughts about debt and money issues can impact your quality of life, health, and mental well-being. The stress of being in debt, coupled with pressure from creditors and societal stigma, can lead you down the path of anxiety, depression, physical illness, and financial hardship. All of this can leave you desperately looking for an easy way out and seriously considering a potentially risky course of action, including giving in to the persistent advances of unethical debt counsellors. According to the National Credit Regulator (NCR), there is a worrying new trend of debt counsellors engaging in deceptive and misleading practices of placing desperate or unsuspecting consumers under debt review without their full knowledge of what the process entails or what the long-term implications are. Many South Africans have received…