IM-listed Firering Strategic Minerals has achieved significant milestones in its Zambian operations with the successful upgrade and restart of production at the Limeco quicklime facility, […]
Category: Government Policies and Regulations
Trump Exempts Gold, Tungsten and Uranium from Global Tariffs
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his administration will exempt several key metals, including gold bullion, tungsten, uranium, and graphite, from the sweeping global […]
Increasing Wave of Illegal Miners Resurfacing from North West Mineshaft
Nearly 600 illegal miners have resurfaced from a Stilfontein mineshaft in North West South Africa, following intensified police and South African Defence Force (SANDF) interventions aimed at curbing illegal mining activities. Many of these miners, who have spent over a year underground, primarily hail from neighboring countries like Mozambique and Lesotho, seeking better economic opportunities. Upon emerging, they are met by law enforcement officials who arrest them and provide basic necessities while awaiting legal processing. This situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the illegal mining crisis, as it poses significant humanitarian, legal, and socio-economic challenges for both the individuals involved and the broader community.
Kodal and Mali Government Sign MoU for Bougouni Lithium Project Transfer
Kodal Minerals has entered a binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malian government to finalize the transfer of the Bougouni lithium project mining license to Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (LMLB). This agreement follows a $117.5 million investment from Hainan Group and is governed by the 2023 Mining Code of Mali. Key provisions of the MoU include the allocation of a 35% equity interest in LMLB to the Malian State and local investors, with customs and duties exemptions during the construction phase. Kodal Minerals CEO Bernard Aylward emphasized that this milestone solidifies the project’s future and underscores the strong partnership between Kodal and the Malian government, with production expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Atlantic Lithium Secures Environmental Permit for Ghana’s First Lithium Mine
Atlantic Lithium Limited has received an environmental permit from Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Ewoyaa Lithium Project, marking a pivotal step towards establishing Ghana’s first lithium mine. The permit, following extensive community engagement and regulatory review, clears the way for the project’s advancement. Atlantic Lithium’s Executive Chairman, Neil Herbert, hailed the approval as a major milestone in the development of Ghana’s lithium industry, which is poised to play a key role in the global clean energy transition.
Protection Against Noise and Vibration: PPE as the Last Line of Defense
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should never be the first line of defense against occupational hazards like noise and vibration. While essential, PPE must be the final layer of protection after all other measures have been exhausted. Effective noise and vibration control starts with eliminating or reducing hazards at their source, followed by implementing engineering and administrative controls. Only when these steps are in place should PPE be relied upon as a critical safety net, ensuring that workers are fully protected in environments where risks cannot be entirely eliminated.
SHEQ IN CONSTRUCTION
The South African construction industry faces urgent challenges in improving its health and safety standards while also addressing its significant environmental impact. A new analysis by Professor John Smallwood highlights alarming accident rates, the need for better mental health support, and calls for comprehensive reforms, including regulatory changes and enhanced training, to move the industry toward a safer and more sustainable future.