IN BRIEF
FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS APPOINTS TRISTAN PASCALL AS NEXT CEO
KANGRA’S LOM EXTENDED BEYOND 2031 Coal mining company Kangra, a subsidiary of mining investment company Menar, is nearing completion on the construction of the Twyfelhoek Adit, which forms part of the Kusipongo coal reserve. Kangra mine is located in Saul Mkhizeville in Mpumalanga province. Construction began in early April 2021. First coal is expected by the first quarter of 2022, the company says. The company allocated a capital budget of R153.6-million to establish the shaft. The access road to the adit was completed on 13 September 2021 and the powerlines and the water reticulation connection were completed by midDecember 2021. Kangra also invested in new and reconditioned mining equipment to the value of R45m to mine the Kusipongo reserves. As part of the mine’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments, a project will commence in the first quarter of 2022 to supply water to the Donkerhoek community. Kangra will invest around R20m into the SLP commitments for the next five years. “The Kusipongo reserve is located to the west of the existing mining operation and is a natural extension of Kangra’s current coal resource. It has a coal reserve of around 41.9 million tonnes and could potentially extend the life of the mine by more than 20 years,” says Kangra GM Pierre Louw. Kangra is targeting a production rate of 1.44mtpa from the underground mining sections and 360 000tpa from the opencast areas for the LOM.
SASOL WINS ESG LEADER AWARD
First Quantum Minerals will appoint Tristan Pascall as its next CEO – effective in early May 2022. Pascall is currently the company’s chief operating officer and will replace Philip Pascall when he retires. “We believe Tristan’s combination of operational, strategic and capital markets experience, as well as the strong stakeholder relationships he has developed, are fundamental to the continuity of our unique core capabilities, namely industry-leading project execution and operational excellence,” says Robert Harding, lead independent director.
THARISA EXTENDS LOM TO 2041 Platinum group metals and chrome co-producer Tharisa has extended the open-pit life of mine at its flagship Tharisa Mine by an additional seven years to 2041. This follows a review of its Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve statement, the company says. Phoevos Pouroulis, CEO of Tharisa, says: “Following an annual review of the company’s Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve, Tharisa Mine’s open-pit mining will continue through to 2041, seven years longer than previously indicated. “This development further cements the reputation of the Tharisa Mine as a world-class, long-life asset that underpins our business and will continue to provide a sustainable, lowcost platform for over 50 years.”
Petrochemicals giant Sasol has won the ESG Leader Award at the inaugural annual Africa Energy Awards 2021. This is in recognition of the progress the international integrated chemicals and energy company has made in increasing capital investments towards ensuring safe and fair operations through improvements in environmental, social and governance performance. Organised by the African Energy Chamber, the awards seek to promote the accomplishments of African energy companies and professionals. “To be recognised for our ongoing efforts to be a net zero emitter of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050 and our 30% GHG reduction target is a really encouraging experience,” says Bernard Klingenberg, Sasol executive vice president: energy operations.
6
SA MINING
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
www.samining.co.za
