Weir worked with GR Engineering Service Limited on the circuit design and will support the installation and commissioning of the 1.5 Mt/y gold processing facility. Brightstar is targeting first gold by mid-2027. Jyotirmoy Roy, Weir, General Manager APAC, Equipment Solutions said: ‘The release of the upgraded ENDURON jaw and cone crusher was the culmination of many years’ work. Weir is focused on bringing new technologies and solutions to market that help miners overcome their most pressing challenges.

‘Today, miners are taking a more holistic view of their operations; rather than looking at pieces of equipment in isolation. As they increasingly consider the impact of upstream operations on downstream activities, and vice versa, Weir has a portfolio of equipment spanning the mining value chain, which allows us to enable this approach. ‘Weir has a vast service network to ensure we are close to our customers and support them, from commissioning to ramp-up through to becoming fully operational.

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The 17-hole programme comprised 6,402 metres of diamond drilling at Target Area A, with significant gold and copper intercepts returned from 14 of the 17 holes. This rate of success is notable in the context of an initial prospect drilling programme of this nature, where a significant proportion of holes are directed at testing the margins and extent of a system.

Highlights include 15.0m @ 1.66 g/t gold and 1.12% copper in WDD001, including 2.0m @ 11.15 g/t gold and 4.86% copper, 10.1m @ 2.54 g/t gold and 1.11% copper in WDD002, including 0.9m @ 22.44 g/t gold and 5.69% copper, and 6.2m @ 3.44 g/t gold and 0.57% copper, including 1.0m @ 16.59 g/t gold and 2.70% copper from WDD005.

Drilling confirmed mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth over more than 600 metres within Target Area A. Surface mapping has identified a mineralised corridor extending approximately 4km across Target Areas A and B, the majority of which remains untested by drilling. 

These results provide a strong foundation to support Ankh’s plans for a Phase 2 programme focused on step-out drilling, testing Target Area B, and progressing towards a maiden Mineral Resource estimate.

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Addressing protesters during the march, Rasimone Youth Secretary Jennifer Motlhamme alleged that Impala Platinum Mine had recruited workers from outside the province while unemployment continued to plague communities surrounding the mine.

“We have a challenge with Impala. Impala went to recruit people from outside of the province whereas we are here. Some of our people have never worked. We have people who are reaching the age of 40 without ever having worked,” she said.

Motlhamme also argued that the mine’s experience requirements prevent many first-time job seekers from accessing employment opportunities.

“Impala has started a tendency of asking general workers for experience, whereas we don’t have experience,” she said.

She further claimed that around 200 people had recently been recruited to work at one of the mine’s shafts and alleged that many were employed from outside North West. During the protest, she called on the company to receive CVs from local residents and to appoint 15 novice applicants as a show of goodwill.

However, Impala Platinum’s June recruitment advertisements show that the company publicly advertised 16 vacancies, including positions such as trackless mine overseer, shift supervisor, miner, plant foreman, conveyor foreman and professional nurse just to name a few.

Like many employers in the mining industry, recruitment is generally based on operational requirements, with advertised positions specifying minimum qualifications, experience and competency requirements. For technical and safety-critical roles, employers are typically required to appoint suitably qualified and experienced candidates to meet legal, operational and safety standards. This presents an ongoing challenge in communities with high unemployment, where many job seekers may have limited work experience.

Speaking to Mining Business Africa in response to the allegations, Johan Theron of Impala Platinum rejected claims that the company excludes local applicants and said local residents are prioritised where they meet the advertised requirements.

“What they are claiming is simply not true. The first thing that must happen is that there must be a vacancy. The second thing is that the vacancy must be advertised. The advertisement clearly states the qualifications and experience required, and it also states that local people will be prioritised,” said Theron.

He added that the company follows a clear employment policy designed to prioritise local communities while maintaining fair recruitment processes.

“We have a very clear employment policy that prioritises local people. We diligently follow that, and our door is always open if people want information or if they are unhappy. We will engage with them, take them through the recruitment process, and show them how many people have been employed, in which positions, and where they come from so they can see the facts for themselves.”

The protest comes against the backdrop of persistently high unemployment in South Africa, where mining companies often face pressure from surrounding communities to create more local employment opportunities. At the same time, companies are expected to appoint candidates who meet the qualifications, skills and experience required for specialised mining roles.

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According to NUM, the threats come amid an ongoing dispute over organisational rights at the mine, where the union is pursuing lawful recognition in terms of the Labour Relations Act. The union said intimidation and violence have no place in democratic labour relations and that representation disputes should be resolved through collective bargaining, conciliation, arbitration and the courts.

NUM also praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its swift response after the matter was reported. The union said three suspects were arrested on 6 June 2026 at Impala No. 8 Shaft near the mine clinic. According to NUM, the suspects allegedly had been stalking the Branch Chairperson and were found in possession of two unlicensed firearms and a stolen vehicle.

“Of serious concern to NUM is the noticeable and significant presence of alleged AMCU members and supporters during both bail hearings. While NUM fully respects the constitutional principle of open court proceedings, the repeated, high-volume attendance by alleged AMCU members raises serious questions regarding their interest in a matter involving individuals accused of threatening the life of a NUM leader. We urge law enforcement agencies to investigate all possible angles surrounding this matter to establish the full truth,” said NUM.

It is reported suspects have since appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on two occasions, where bail was successfully opposed. A third bail application is scheduled to be heard this week.

The union further expressed concern over the presence of individuals it alleges are members and supporters of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) during the bail hearings. NUM has called on law enforcement authorities to investigate all aspects of the case. At the time of publication, AMCU had not publicly responded to the allegations.

NUM said it remains committed to securing organisational rights at Impala MMM 1 Shaft and called on all stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, respect workers’ freedom of association and reject violence and intimidation in the workplace.

In other news, to commemorate Mandela Day on July 18, NUM said together with the National Women Structure and its entities, will host a community outreach programme at Itireleng Disability Community Centre in Mohlakeng (Randfontein) Westrand. The centre is the home to community members living with disability.

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In an era where accuracy and efficiency define mineral processing performance, Multotec is advancing the science of separation through its high-efficiency spiral concentrators and cyclones. Leveraging its global expertise, spanning manufacturing, research, and field service operations in more than 100 countries, alongside two decades of experience in Canada, the company continues to strengthen its presence in the local mining sector. Its technologies are already delivering proven results in major coal operations and are equally well suited to achieving the same precision and recovery in iron ore processing applications.

Proven cyclone performance

Multotec’s dense medium and classification cyclones have delivered consistent separation efficiency across Canadian coal operations for the past 20 years. Engineered to perform reliably under the toughest conditions, these cyclones offer long wear lifespan and are simple to maintain, featuring fewer components and flexible configurations. This design aligns perfectly with the sector’s focus on operational efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership.

Niel Lourens, Vice President for Cyclones & Spirals at Multotec, says: “Our product specialists specify the ideal combination of pressure, cone angle, vortex finder, and spigot dimensions to achieve optimal separation efficiency and plant performance. In addition, our North American customers benefit from access to our technical expertise and an extensive selection of spare parts and accessories, ensuring they receive reliable support throughout the lifecycle of their equipment.”

To ensure long-term efficiency and reliability in harsh operating conditions, Multotec optimizes the materials used in its cyclone construction. By incorporating advanced wear-resistant materials, such as silicon carbide in place of traditional liners, the cyclones achieve extended service life, enhanced durability, and reduced maintenance costs and requirements, ultimately minimizing overall downtime.

Innovations in spiral separation

Complementing its cyclone technology, Multotec also offers a range of spiral concentrators that are designed to deliver precise, high-efficiency separation performance and mineral concentration across a range of commodities, including iron ore, coal, gold, copper, nickel, and zinc. The SX7 and MX7 coal spiral concentrator models incorporate two stages of spiraling into a single compact and modular spiral assembly, reducing plant height and floor space requirements.

Lourens says: “These spiral concentrators have proven themselves as highly efficient within the Canadian and USA coal sector, with Multotec having installed several of these units to date, achieving successful recovery results.”

To unlock additional value from existing resources, Multotec’s low cut density SX10 spiral is engineered to achieve a lower density cut point resulting in a lower ash product.

“With a lower cut density, the SX10 spirals are capable of producing a higher grade coal, which is especially important for Canadian coal plants producing higher specification export metallurgical coal,” Lourens adds.

Moreover, Multotec has developed the ultra-fine UX7 spiral, designed to recover heavy minerals with particle sizes of 100 microns and smaller. The UX7 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including iron ore, chrome, manganese, copper, platinum, and mineral sands.

Collaboration for continuous industry improvement

A key differentiator for Multotec in the region is its collaboration with universities and metallurgical research laboratories across North America. These partnerships focus on advancing separation science, optimizing mineral processing flowsheets and enhancing process control to drive greater operational efficiency.

Lourens says: “These research partnerships are essential to how the industry innovates, shares knowledge, and advances mineral processing solutions in line with the sector’s future needs.”

Looking ahead

As Canadian miners continue to seek solutions that balance productivity, efficiency, and environmental performance, Multotec’s spirals and cyclones are helping to drive that transition by combining its global knowledge with local expertise to enable smarter, more sustainable mineral processing.

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What began as a business focused primarily on supplying dry-type transformers has evolved into a specialist provider of comprehensive electrical power solutions engineered around the specific requirements of each application. Today, the company delivers far more than standalone equipment, offering integrated power solutions that support mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across the continent.

This strategic evolution reflects the growing demand from mines for reliable fit-for-purpose power systems that can perform in remote, harsh and often unpredictable environments. From surface operations and underground mining to processing plants and critical infrastructure, power reliability remains central to productivity, safety and operational continuity.

Trafo Power Solutions now provides a broad range of solutions including dry-type transformers, mini substations, mobile substations, containerised power solutions, switchgear and fully engineered electrical distribution systems. Each solution is designed around the realities of the application, taking into account environmental conditions, mobility requirements, site constraints, safety considerations and long-term operational efficiency.

“The mining sector has become far more focused on total power reliability rather than simply purchasing individual pieces of equipment,” David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, says. “Customers are looking for engineered solutions that address the full operational requirement and these must be solutions that are practical, efficient and built to perform in demanding African conditions.”

The company’s approach is rooted in engineering rather than standard product supply. Every project begins with understanding the customer’s operational challenge and designing a solution that addresses both immediate needs and long-term performance objectives.

“Our presence at Electra Mining Africa has always been important because it allows us to stay close to our customers and understand how their needs are evolving,” Claassen adds. “Since 2017, this event has been a valuable part of our strategy because mining customers want partners who are accessible, responsive and capable of delivering real technical support.”

Its continued participation at Electra Mining Africa reflects this customer-focused strategy. The event provides an important opportunity for face-to-face engagement with mines, EPCM contractors, project houses and industrial customers looking for dependable electrical infrastructure solutions.

Visitors to the Trafo Power Solutions stand at Electra Mining Africa 2026 will have the opportunity to engage directly with the company’s technical specialists and explore how tailored power solutions can improve reliability, flexibility and efficiency across mining operations.

As mining operations place increasing emphasis on uptime, energy efficiency and project execution certainty, Trafo Power Solutions continues to position itself as a trusted engineering partner, delivering electrical power solutions designed not only to perform, but to endure.

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Formerly known as Fentonia Coal Mine, the operation closed its doors in 2018 before reopening under new ownership and management as Asure Colliery.

The company says its new leadership has prioritised transformation, with 50% youth and black representation on its board, while women make up 80% of its workforce across group operations.

Chief executive Emmanuel Ngulube, who has returned to lead the company, said Asure has already created more than 120 direct jobs in mining operations, engineering, maintenance, administration, security and logistics.

As production increases, the company expects to create hundreds more employment opportunities.

“As production ramps up, we expect that number to grow significantly, with the broader value chain supporting up to 700 employment opportunities through contractors, transport, suppliers, engineering services and many other supporting industries,” Ngulube told The Citizen.

“We don’t measure success simply by the number of people we employ directly. We measure it by the number of families whose lives are improved, the businesses that grow alongside us and the opportunities we create for future generations.”

Beyond direct employment, Ngulube said the project is expected to stimulate demand for transport, engineering services, equipment suppliers, rail logistics, catering and other businesses linked to the mining value chain.

He added that young people would play a central role in meeting these demands, creating opportunities that extend beyond the mine itself and into surrounding communities.

“At Asure Resources, we’ve deliberately placed young people at the centre of our business – from youth representation on our board to employment opportunities and our planned Fourth Industrial Revolution learning laboratories.

“By investing in engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, we’re preparing young South Africans for industries that will define the future,” Ngulube said.

The company believes its investment in skills development and technology, combined with expanded mining operations, will contribute to economic growth while creating sustainable employment opportunities for the Kriel community and the wider region.

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On Tuesday, July 7, the South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Sibanye Protection Services and Fidelity Specialised Services, conducted #OperationProsper at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria, resulting in the arrest of 217 suspects.

The operation targeted illegal mining activities and related criminal offences in the area. Police said the suspects included undocumented foreign nationals from Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, while two additional suspects were arrested for possession of ammunition and allegedly aiding and abetting undocumented immigrants.

Authorities also recovered equipment commonly used in illegal mining, including phendukas (portable winches), as well as food supplies and alcohol. Officers seized a 9mm pistol, two magazines and 118 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

Addressing the media after the operation, Major General Patrick Kekana said the raid followed more than six months of intelligence gathering after police identified Losberg Kloof Mine as a hotspot for illegal mining.

According to Kekana, an earlier operation conducted two months ago yielded limited success, with police recovering approximately 600 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, two abandoned assault rifles and arresting around 30 undocumented individuals. Following that operation, authorities reviewed their strategy and intensified surveillance using drones, aerial support and intelligence operations before launching Tuesday’s raid.

“We monitored the area extensively using electronic drones, chopper capable of capturing video footage and intelligence resources to ensure we gathered as much information as possible before executing the operation,” Kekana said.

The coordinated operation began at approximately 3am.

Kekana said police initially arrested more than 198 suspects, including over 100 Lesotho nationals, more than 50 Mozambican nationals, several Zimbabwean nationals and South African citizens. He added that four South Africans are expected to face charges for allegedly harbouring undocumented immigrants, while more than 170 suspects are expected to be charged for contravening South Africa’s immigration laws after allegedly failing to produce passports, asylum permits or other legal documentation permitting them to remain in the country.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and organised criminal activity across Gauteng.

The arrests have once again drawn attention to the role undocumented migration plays in some illegal mining operations. While some undocumented migrants are not involved in criminal activity, law enforcement agencies have repeatedly stated that organised illegal mining syndicates recruit foreign nationals to work in dangerous underground conditions, often under the control of heavily armed criminal networks. This presents significant challenges for border security, policing and community safety.

The operation has generated mixed public reaction. While some South Africans praised the police and their partners for disrupting illegal mining activities, others argued that meaningful progress will only be achieved by dismantling the criminal syndicates and financiers who organise and profit from zama-zama operations.

This concern was echoed at the recent Mine Security Conference and Tech Expo, where industry leaders and security experts emphasised that law enforcement efforts should focus not only on illegal miners themselves but also on the syndicate leaders who finance, equip and coordinate these operations. They argued that targeting these kingpins remains essential to finding a long-term solution to South Africa’s illegal mining crisis.

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“The launch of the Boston by Danfoss hose range marks a significant development for BMG’s Hose and Fittings division, which has built a strong reputation for supplying hydraulic hose systems and related components to many industries, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and infrastructure,” says Kobie Albrecht, Product Manager – Hose and Fittings, Fluid Technology division, BMG. “By adding the Boston by Danfoss Industrial Hose range to our established hydraulic offering, we are able to meet growing demand from customers seeking a single source for both hydraulic and industrial hose requirements.

“This new range enables us to provide customers with a more comprehensive solutions service in key industrial transfer applications, where durability, flexibility and dependable performance are essential. Typical applications are for air and multipurpose services, chemical transfer, food and beverage processing, material handling, oil and petroleum transfer, steam applications and water conveyance.

“BMG has partnered with Danfoss for many years to supply hydraulic hose and fitting solutions engineered for demanding operating conditions. This extensive portfolio includes braided hydraulic hoses, high-pressure spiral hoses, suction and return hoses, as well as a complete range of fittings, adaptors and steel tube fittings. These products are complemented by globally recognised Danfoss brands, including Winner and Aeroquip, which are widely specified for reliability, safety and performance.

“By combining internationally recognised products with local technical expertise and support, the company is able to simplify procurement, improve service levels and ensure consistent product performance in many different applications.”

The BMG team works closely with Danfoss to offer on-site hose manufacturing capabilities through custom-designed containerised hose assembly units. These mobile facilities can be deployed directly at customer operations, enabling faster hose replacement, improved quality control and reduced downtime in environments where equipment availability is critical.

The introduction of Boston by Danfoss Industrial Hose reinforces BMG’s commitment to providing solutions that help customers improve productivity and reliability. Combined with the company’s established technical expertise, national support network and long-standing partnerships with leading global manufacturers, the new range further strengthens BMG’s position as a comprehensive supplier of fluid technology solutions for industry.

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While discussions covered a broad range of security risks facing the mining sector, one theme that consistently stood out was the insider threats within the industry. It was highlighted that the greatest danger to mining operations often comes not from outside criminal syndicates, but from individuals within organisations who exploit security weaknesses or collaborate with illegal mining networks.

A recurring message throughout the conference was the need for stronger human capital development in mining security, with comprehensive training and greater awareness required across the entire mining value chain.

Corruption fuels illegal mining

Addressing delegates, Dr Lincoln Cave identified corruption as the single biggest enabler of illegal mining, describing it as a problem that extends far beyond criminal syndicates operating on mine sites.

Drawing on examples from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania, Cave said illegal mining is sustained by a network of participants that can include corrupt employees, security personnel, suppliers, community collaborators and, in some instances, public officials.

He also highlighted the role that professionals such as accountants, lawyers and precious metals dealers can play in facilitating illicit activities, whether knowingly or inadvertently.

“While these professionals provide essential services, they can also become enablers of illicit financial flows if adequate oversight and accountability are lacking,” Cave said.

Illegal mining carries a heavy economic cost

Joe van der Walt of Focus Group expanded on the economic impact of illegal mining, describing unemployment as one of the primary drivers of the problem in South Africa.

Given mining’s significant contribution to the country’s economy, he argued that illegal mining undermines economic growth while strengthening organised criminal networks.

According to figures presented during the conference:

• Illegal mining costs South Africa more than R70 billion every year.
• At least 5% of the country’s annual gold production is lost to illicit activities.
• More than one million tonnes of chrome ore are illegally exported annually, representing over 10% of legal production.
• The number of illegal miners is estimated to exceed 50 000, increasing more than tenfold over the past two decades.

The enemy within

Van der Walt argued that mining companies need to elevate security from a support function to a strategic business priority, particularly as organised mining crime becomes increasingly sophisticated.

He stressed that understanding criminal networks is fundamental to building an effective security strategy.

“I believe we still do not fully understand our adversaries or give them the level of respect they deserve. Once you understand who you are dealing with, you are better positioned to anticipate their actions, identify vulnerabilities and strengthen your response,” he said.

While illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, remain the most visible threat, Van der Walt said internal actors often pose the greatest risk.

“As security managers we must recognise that the most dangerous adversaries are those within our own organisations, the individuals among us,” he said.

These insider threats include employees motivated by financial gain, individuals seeking revenge or influence, poorly trained staff whose mistakes create vulnerabilities, as well as compromised procurement officials, security personnel and labour representatives who become influenced by criminal syndicates.

According to Van der Walt, financial motivation remains the strongest driver.

“Those who have no money long for some, those who have some money strive for more, those who have the most hoard it jealously. At this stage, criminality is often opportunistic rather than ideological,” he said.

He added that organised crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with syndicates seeking not only to extract minerals illegally but to establish and control parallel mining economies that operate alongside legitimate businesses.

Moving from reaction to prevention

Rather than continuing to respond to incidents after they occur, speakers agreed that the mining industry needs to adopt a proactive, intelligence-led approach to security.

Among the key recommendations presented were integrating security into executive decision-making, developing a mission-driven security culture, and focusing on dismantling criminal networks instead of merely containing their activities.

Technology was also identified as a critical enabler. Experts advocated combining human intelligence gathered from employees and surrounding communities with advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, biometric access control and integrated Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to detect suspicious behaviour before incidents occur.

Enhanced vetting and continuous re-vetting of employees and contractors, particularly those working in high-risk areas such as processing plants, refineries and control rooms, were also highlighted as essential measures.

Beyond technology, speakers emphasised the importance of building an organisational culture based on integrity through continuous training, anonymous reporting mechanisms, and recognising employees who identify irregularities.

They also acknowledged that addressing the socio-economic factors driving illegal mining remains vital. Creating legitimate employment opportunities, supporting surrounding communities and reducing the conditions that make recruitment into criminal syndicates attractive were identified as equally important components of long-term security.

A shared responsibility

The conference made it clear that the mining industry’s security challenge extends far beyond physical infrastructure and perimeter protection. As organised crime becomes more sophisticated and increasingly reliant on insider collaboration, mining companies must rethink how security is managed.

Protecting mines will require more than stronger fences and surveillance systems. It will depend on creating resilient organisations where security is embedded in business strategy, employees become the first line of defense rather than the weakest link, and intelligence, technology and collaboration work together to stay ahead of increasingly organised criminal networks. Only by tackling both the human and operational dimensions of security can the industry hope to safeguard its people, assets and long-term sustainability.

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