Vale and Caterpillar have signed a new, five-year global framework agreement, to strengthen the collaboration between the two companies. Among the objectives are increased focus on productivity and innovation, including carbon reduction initiatives.

The companies also reaffirmed their commitment made in April 2024 to cooperate towards development of a dual-fuel haul truck, powered by diesel and ethanol. Vale also intends to test a battery electric haul truck and the Cat© Dynamic Energy Transfer System (DET) under development by Caterpillar.

“The framework agreement represents an evolution in our relationship with Caterpillar, amplifying our focus on maximizing the performance of Vale’s assets and allowing us to advance on our decarbonization path in an economically responsible way,” says Marco Braga, Vale’s Procurement Director.

“The agreement with Vale reflects our commitment to developing solutions that support our customers’ operational and sustainability goals,” says Denise Johnson, group president of Caterpillar’s Resource Industries segment.

Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’.

Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent.

With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the Conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference, in addressing these pressing issues. “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”

Benefiting from South Africa’s role as a global pioneer in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS), other countries in the region are embracing this safety and monitoring technology to great effect.

“South Africa is leading the drive for PDS deployment due to its legislation, but the country is also probably the most experienced in the world on this topic,” says Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics. “We have seen that most Southern Africa mines are adopting technology and solutions that have been deployed and proven in South Africa.”

Lourens notes that most of Booyco Electronics’ solutions and products are suitable for rollout in neighbouring countries, as they can meet local compliance standards. At the same time, the company drives a continuous improvement programme to meet global best practice.

“The flexibility in our offering – facilitated through firmware optimisation on a universal hardware platform – ensures that we can effectively meet new customer demands without re-inventing the wheel for specific needs,” he explains.

Controlling dust during material transfer has become a pressing challenge in mining and industrial operations, particularly as environmental regulations tighten and safety standards rise.

Dust emissions can pose significant health risks to workers, affect local communities and damage nearby ecosystems. In response to these concerns, Weba Chute Systems has emerged as a leader in the design and manufacture of advanced transfer chutes, with solutions specifically engineered to minimise dust generation while improving overall operational efficiency.

Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, explains how traditional chutes were once seen as basic components, designed simply to move material from one point to another. “Early chutes were often little more than boxes,” he says, “with minimal attention paid to the broader implications of their design, such as dust control or material degradation.” Over time, however, as industries have prioritised safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility, the role of transfer chutes has transformed. Now, they are considered essential tools for controlling dust and optimizing material flow.

Weba Chute Systems evolution

Weba Chute Systems has been at the forefront of this evolution. Its chute designs incorporate sophisticated features such as the “supertube” principle, which regulates the flow of material and reduces the turbulence that typically leads to dust generation. By creating a smoother, more consistent stream of material, Weba chutes can significantly limit the escape of fine particles at transfer points. This, in turn, reduces the amount of dust that can be carried by the wind, helping to protect nearby communities and ecosystems from pollution.

Since its official introduction earlier this year, the Weir Modular Wheeled Plant (WMWP) has generated a lot of interest amongst customers in southern Africa. This was particularly apparent at Electra Mining Africa, where the first commercial unit on display was one of the major attractions on the company’s stand.

From inception, the introduction of the WMWP concept was aimed at addressing specific customer needs in the market. Based on Weir’s feedback collection, the most relevant and useful aspects of the design were always going to be mobility and ease of deployment – parameters of paramount significance to contractors who seek to easily move their plants on and between production sites.

“Given that the design of the WMWP concept addresses these specific customer needs, we have seen immediate acceptance in the marketplace. In addition to mobility and ease of deployment, the concept offers the flexibility of a mobile plant and the productivity of a static plant. From an economic point of view, customers can also enjoy the mobility of the plant without the complexity associated with additional maintenance obligations for components such as diesel engines and tracks related to mobile tracked units,” says Hakan Karlsson, Director Crushing and Screening at Weir.

Weir Modular Wheeled Plant

Weir used Electra Mining Africa to showcase its first commercial unit, the Weir Modular Cone/Screen WMWSC36-5162, a combination of a TRIO® TC36 cone crusher and a TRIO® TIO 5162 double-deck screen on a single trailer. The plant can be operated as a standalone unit or as part of an existing plant. It can also be integrated as a fully mobile solution, highlighting the versatility of Weir’s wheeled modular plant offering.

Driven by its MissionZero strategy, FLS invests in sustainable technology development to underpin increased mining output – especially of those minerals in growing demand by economies moving toward a lower carbon future.

One such mineral is copper, which is essential for a vast array of decarbonising technologies, according to Alistair McKay, FLS Vice President for Capital Sales in Europe, Arabia and Africa. The European Union has recognised the importance of these commodities in its Critical Raw Materials Act, which defines both strategic and critical minerals.

“In the category of critical minerals, there are 16 commodities which are vital,” says McKay. “A shortage of these minerals could derail economic activity, so we have put our weight behind industry efforts to raise levels of sustainable production.”

FLS therefore commits over 50% of its substantial research and development budget to technology that will have a noticeable impact on reduction of carbon emissions, as well as on water and energy consumption whilst improving plant performance. Among its innovations is the rail-running belt conveyor, which has proved itself to be a gamechanger in energy efficiency and operational flexibility. It can reduce the carbon footprint of operations by between 20% and 90% – with commensurate savings in energy costs.

Leading dewatering pump solutions provider, IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) is taking a significant step forward in its service offering following its acquisition by Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division. With this strategic move, IPR is poised to bring the same rapid-response service that its South African customers have come to rely on, to mining sectors across Southern Africa.

Mining operations across Southern Africa are often challenged by heavy rainfall, groundwater infiltration and operational water management issues. Efficient and reliable dewatering solutions are critical for minimising disruptions, safeguarding operational continuity and maximising productivity. IPR’s newly expanded footprint, supported by Atlas Copco’s vast resources and regional presence, ensures that mining clients in neighbouring countries will now have easier access to high quality pump rental services, faster response times and broader technical support.

Leveraging Atlas Copco’s Strengths

Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is known globally for its comprehensive service offerings, providing critical equipment for various industries including mining. Through this acquisition, IPR is now able to leverage Atlas Copco’s extensive regional footprint, advanced logistics and strong presence in Southern Africa’s mining hubs. This allows IPR to provide rapid service responses to customers in remote mining locations with greater efficiency.

Customers will benefit from faster access to dewatering pumps and solutions as the acquisition enhances IPR’s ability to deliver both diesel-driven surface and electric submersible pumps quickly across borders, minimising downtime for mines experiencing water management challenges.

CAPE TOWN, February 2025 – An engagement at the current Investing In African Mining Indaba event came to a heartwarming climax when a major mining company committed to enhance its local procurement in DRC in response to insights from a local community organiser.

The incident came at the end of a session titled “Disruption required – time for a new deal for local communities”, which discussed how communities in Africa too often fail to gain the full economic benefits of having mining companies invest in their areas.

Speaking during the panel discussion, activist Emmanual Umpula Nkumba, Executive Director of African Natural Resources Watch, said that the news that a mining company was to begin mining in a community often brought hopes for development and jobs, but the outcomes were often far less than promised, while the negative impacts of mining – poverty, pollution, resettlement and human rights violations only came to light later.

“It’s a grave issue,” noted panel moderator David Sturmes-Verbeek, Co-Founder and Director of Partnerships & Innovation at the Impact Facility. “In many ways, the system has failed.”

In response, Daniella Savic, Head of International ESG Compliance at Eurasian Resources Group – and the only mining-company representative on the panel – described her company’s approach to involving communities in its operations, which employ 69 000 employees in 12 countries.

“We work to ensure that host communities are enabled to have early and continued participation in decisions that affect them,” she said. “We are here to take decisions together. We take a multi-stakeholder approach, working closely with NGOs and ensuring workers have access to collective bargaining.”

Omaojor Ogedoh, Executive Director of the Ziva Communities in Nigeria, described the situation in his home country, where the mining industry is experiencing a recovery driving by artisanal and small-scale mining, after becoming moribund during the oil boom.

“There have been some positive impacts – such as job creation, increased revenue and skills development, but the negative effects have been perhaps more significant, which is worrisome,” he said.

Ogedoh mentioned mass displacements, fatal accidents and the Zamfara lead-poisoning disaster, which led to the deaths of hundreds of people.

“Another major impact is climate change,” he said.

Sturmes-Verbeek noted that the elephant in the room was that governments were the stakeholders who were supposed to be regulating the sector for community benefit.

In response, Nkumba said that the challenge was not just the mining laws but the way they were implemented.

“For me, the problem in DRC is not about the law,” he said. “We have one of the most improved mining laws in Africa. The challenge is state agencies have problems of capacity, and conflicts of interest, and companies sometimes circumvent those laws.”

Savic replied that because ERG operated in 12 jurisdictions, it avoided the complexity of multiple regulatory regimes by choosing to adhere to the highest community and environmental standards at all times.

“We are committed to the Copper Mark assurance framework in Congo, and we understand that ESG compliance is a must, if you want to integrate your mines into global supply chains.”

Nkumba next raised the issue of how effectively mines were able to generate quality job opportunities.

“Yes, mines do create jobs. But what kind of jobs?” he asked. “How much are local people earning? Also, the people who are getting paid well are often not Congolese, and don’t even live in the county.”

Savic noted that her company her company had a strong compliance requirement to give back to communities.

“In 2023, ERG distributed $7.3bn in value, compared to $6.8bn of revenue generated,” she indicated. “And 97% of our workforce are nationals of the country we operate in.”

Sturmes-Verbeek noted that while building local capacity was often on the agenda, there was no clarity on how that should happen, or at what pace.

Nkumba agreed, asking, “In practice, how are we investing to change that situation of not having enough skilled people available? We need to make sure that we have those skills, and invest to meet the shortfall by a certain time.”

At this point, Savic agreed to make a commitment for ERG to enhance its local procurement in DRC.

“I am proud to say that ERG commits to enhancing our local procurement strategy,” she said. “But we will need help from civil society to ensure there is also community ownership.”

The panel discussion ended with the two mining stakeholders shaking hands on the stage in Hall 1, to applause from the delegates attending the session.

• Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 runs until February 6 at CTICC 1 and 2.

Lisa October and Diana Kasymova have been announced the winners of the 2025 Mining Innovation and Research Battlefield after a competitive final round at Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

Key Points

• Lisa October of the University of Cape Town and Diana Kasymova of Metso have won the 2025 Mining Innovation & Research Battlefield, convened by the Development Partner Institute and hosted at Investing in African Mining Indaba.
• The winning pitch focused on the utility of water in tailings and innovating the water cycle to reclaim tailings with fit-for-purpose recycling.
• The Battlefield is a high-profile platform for innovators and researchers to share their ideas around this year’s challenge: What are the innovative and sustainable solutions for revolutionizing tailings management, and how can these be applied to achieve zero harm while supporting a more responsible and circular mining economy?
• At Mining Indaba, the world’s largest African mining investment event, as part of the Industry Intel stream, three finalists pitched their ideas on Tuesday 4 February 2025 to a high-profile panel of industry experts from across the mining sector.
• The winners have been awarded a US$25,000 research grant, sponsored by Anglo American, to further develop their concept over the next 12 months.

(4 February) Cape Town, South Africa – Following an intense round of live pitches showcasing innovative solutions for sustainable tailings management, the winner of the 2025 Mining Innovation and Research Battlefield has been announced.

Convened by the Development Partner Institute (DPI) and hosted at Mining Indaba, the Mining Innovation and Research Battlefield (MIRB) is a high-profile platform to unearth innovative solutions to mining’s intractable challenges. This year our selection committee reviewed submissions from across the globe addressing the challenge: ‘What are the innovative and sustainable solutions for revolutionizing tailings management, and how can these be applied to achieve zero harm while supporting a more responsible and circular mining economy?’

Three finalists from a wide field of applicants took the opportunity to present their concepts at Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world’s largest African Mining Investment event, as part of the Industry Intel stream. Laura Nicholson, Content and Communities Director for Mining Indaba, says that all finalists presented compelling innovations and research ideas to industry experts from across the mining sector.

“The caliber of innovations presented this year was exceptional, with each finalist demonstrating how tailings management can be revolutionized through creative, sustainable solutions. Hyve Group is proud to have collaborated with DPI to grow this initiative from its inception – seeing it evolve into such a dynamic platform for innovation.”

Florence Drummond, Executive Director of DPI, agrees, says the event is about solving intractable challenges as well as equipping bright innovators for the future.

“MIRB serves a dual purpose – it uncovers innovative solutions to complex industry challenges while fostering the next generation of mining leaders. Through this platform, we not only discover practical solutions to tailings management, but we also create opportunities for emerging innovators to build vital industry connections and gain exposure to senior leadership. This combination of innovation and professional development is exactly what our sector needs to drive meaningful change.”

The MIRB competition was judged by an expert panel with representatives from Anglo America, Trafigura and the University of Cape Town. Norman Mukwakwami of Trafigura, one of this year’s expert judges, agrees that the ideas presented at the Battlefield all have the potential for great change.

“As a major player in the global commodities trading industry, Trafigura recognizes the importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the mining sector, particularly in the area of tailings management. What stood out in this year’s Battlefield was how the finalists approached tailings management from multiple angles, drawing on environmental protection and circular economy principles. Their solutions demonstrate that the future of mining isn’t just about managing waste, but about transforming what we consider waste into value. The innovative thinking we’ve seen today gives me confidence that we’re moving closer to achieving zero harm in tailings management.”

After much deliberation, the judges awarded the winning position to the cross-disciplinary team of Lisa October and Resoketswe Manenzhe of the University of Cape Town, and Diana Kasymova of Metso. The research team proposed an ecosystem approach to using water as an enabler, pioneering a method for distributed water circuitry to maiximize flotation performance while improving tailings management with up to zero water effluent waste.

As the Battlefield winner, Lisa’s team was awarded a US$25,000 research grant, sponsored by Anglo American.

Other finalists in this year’s challenge included Vitor Loureiro Gontijo from the University of Queensland, who focused on waste-to-wealth opportunities for co-processing uranium and copper tailings to extract rare earth elements and cobalt, and Mwiza Muwowo of BioCarbonX, whose innovative project considered creating biochar from re-purposed tailings material to decarbonize the atmosphere and recarbonize the biosphere.

The 2026 MIRB challenge will be announced in the second half of 2025. To follow the progress of the winners and learn more about future events, connect with DPI on Linkedin for regular updates.