In a landmark development for the African mining and finance sectors, Orpheus Capital has launched an innovative carbon credit AMC (Actively Managed Certificate) designed to offer institutional investors listed, liquid exposure to investment-grade carbon assets—a fast- emerging asset class critical to the global energy transition.

Developed in partnership with the Carbon Capital Corporation (CCC) and hosted via a Swiss securitization platform, this AMC provides a secure and transparent investment route into high-quality carbon credits—backed by cutting edge block chain settlement infrastructure and aligned to institutional ESG mandates.

At its core, the product gives asset managers, mining firms, governments, and family offices the opportunity to hedge against the rising cost of carbon offsets, while supporting the development of climate-positive projects across emerging markets—particulary in Africa and the Global South.

“Carbon credits are increasingly essential to achieving climate goals,” said Professor Lisa Wilson, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships at CCC. “This AMC provides a financial instrument that enables capital to flow directly into credible, verifiable emissions-reduction projects—without exposing investors to direct project risk.”

Key features:

• Swiss ISIN and SIX Exchange Listing
• Open-ended private placement structure
• Minimum investment: USD 1 million
• Blockchain-based custody for non-bankable assets via SECDEX and ZERO13
• Independent asset rating by BeZero Carbon

The AMC will focus exclusively on top-tier voluntary and compliance market carbon credits, providing what Wilson describes as “pure-play exposure to the cream of the crop.” These assets are expected to play a pivotal role in the mining sector’s transition plans, especially in regions like South Africa, where large-scale industrial emiLers must now adapt to; tightening regulatory and environmental expectations.

Strategic relevance to South African mining

The mining sector stands at the intersection of global resource supply and sustainability obligations. South African companies under pressure to meet Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions targets can leverage such structured products to secure future carbon offsets at today’s market prices, aligning with ESG frameworks while maintaining liquidity and investment-grade risk profiles.

Market demand and forecast

With a projected primary raise of USD 500 million, the AMC is expected to be fully subscribed. The carbon credit market, forecasted by MSCI to reach USD 35 billion by 2030 and USD 250 billion by 2050, is experiencing accelerated demand from corporates and sovereigns seeking high-integrity offsets.

“Our strategy is built on long-term collaboration and innovation,” said Andrew Wolfson, CEO of Orpheus Capital. “We’ve assembled a global team to engineer a product that delivers climate impact, transparency, and institutional compliance all in one.”

Institutional -Grade infrastructure

The AMC is issued by Calliope SPC (Cayman) and supported by a world-class ecosystem:

• Albecq Directors (Independent Directors)
• Euroclear (Settlement)
• Incore Bank (Paying Agent)
• Swissquote (Bankable Asset Custodian)
• GenTwo (Tech Provider)
• Shire Capital (Distribution)
• Orpheus Capital (Product Sponsor)

Empowering South African stakeholders

This product is especially relevant for:

• Mining companies seeking forward carbon hedges
• Institutional investors diversifying into ESG-linked assets
• Family offices and wealth managers pursuing emerging market exposure

Oscillating Systems Technology Africa – OST-Africa – specialises in the design and manufacture of screen, transmission and materials handling products that prevent production losses and enhance safety during conveying in many sectors.

Advantages of OST systems – which protect the belt and conveyor truss from impact and vibration – are improved belt tracking, efficient spillage control and reduced downtime, resulting in improved productivity.

“Conveyor systems play a critical role in many industries – including mining, quarrying, construction and bulk materials handling – by automating the process of moving large quantities of materials from one point to another. Streamlined conveying operations enhance efficiencies, increase production and enhance safety on site,” explains Chantelle Scheepers, Marketing Manager, OST-Africa, part of Invicta Holdings Limited. “However, the constant impact from heavy loads, sharp materials and debris, can damage the conveyor system, resulting in unnecessary downtime and costly repairs.

“To combat this, OST-Africa has developed a highly-efficient spillage system, with important benefits over conventional systems, which are labour intensive, costly to operate and require additional equipment. The OST system encompasses various components that operate together to form one highly efficient system, with advantages that include simple installation, modular components for extended service life of the system, reduced maintenance and a low-cost solution to spillage problems. This system requires no additional support structures.”

The OST spillage system consists of a dynamic heavy duty impact bed, the High Impact Torsion (HIT) system, the skirt clamp and skirt wing, impact zone panels, duff feeders and the belt scraper range. OST heavy-duty impact beds protect the conveyor belt from damage caused by heavy or abrasive loads, impact shocks and wear and tear. These robust impact beds are designed to enhance the efficiency of conveyors, by absorbing and cushioning the load at critical points, especially where the conveyor belt meets a transfer point or the chute, where fine or course heavy material is being transferred and where there is a build-up of materials in the transfer chute.

OST impact beds are specialised support structures placed underneath conveyor belts, primarily at the loading and unloading zones, to absorb the impact of bulk materials falling onto the conveyor belt. These heavy-duty impact beds – which are customised to specific requirements – ensure that the conveyor system operates smoothly at all times and also extend the service life of the system.

Key components of heavy-duty impact beds include impact liners which are typically manufactured from high impact, low friction HDPE material, known for strength and durability. These liners are arranged in rows to provide continuous protection across the width of the conveyor. This system offers reliable and cost-effective wear detection to indicate when replacement of a component is necessary. A pan head screw is inserted into the liner and as the HTPE cap on the screw wears away, it acts as a clear indicator that the liners should be replaced. Side panels, which are fixed and stationary, have an upward curve, to ensure optimal spillage control.

Flexibility

While the sides of the impact bed remain static and fixed in place, the centre section is designed to be more flexible. This flexibility is made possible by deflecting impact mounts, which allow controlled movement in the middle of the bed. This design helps absorb and distribute the force of falling material more effectively, thus reducing wear and tear. The number of impact mounts needed depends on the maximum load the bed is expected to handle during operation.

All OST products are built around the Neidhart system—a proven, high-performance design used globally in specialised materials handling applications. The system consists of three main components – an outer tube, inner tube and four specially shaped round rubber pieces positioned between them. When the inner tube rotates within the outer tube, it twists the rubber, generating a torsional force. This mechanism allows the system to absorb energy and dampen shocks, providing effective protection against impact and overload.

Advantages of corrosion resistant Neidhart units include natural oscillation and vibration damping, as well as shock load capabilities and extended service life. Most standard frames can be converted to suit Neidhart impact suspensions and mounting pitches are suited to fit existing stringers. No special support structures are required when using standard conveyors.

Typical applications for OST impact beds are in mining operations during the conveying of large, abrasive materials like ore, coal and gravel. In industries like cement, grain and fertilizer production, heavy-duty impact beds protect conveyor systems from the impact of bulk material loading, ensuring efficient material flow. Construction sites use conveyor belts to move aggregates and building materials and rely on impact beds to safeguard equipment and ensure smooth material transfer, even in rugged and high-load conditions. Impact beds also play an important role in recycling plants, during the handling of various materials, including metals, plastics and paper.

OST heavy-duty impact beds play a critical role during conveying, to ensure the reliability, safety and extended service life of conveyor systems, especially in industries where high volumes of heavy and abrasive materials are handled. By absorbing the shock and impact of falling materials, impact beds protect conveyor components and operators, resulting in fewer breakdowns, reduced maintenance costs and a smoother, more efficient materials handling process.

OST materials handling, screen and transmission products, are supported by specialised design and installation teams, which ensure these custom-built systems meet exact requirements in every application.

Applying a Level 9 Proximity Detection System (PDS) to a mining operation is as much about changes in behaviour as it is about technical solutions, according to Pieter Wolfaardt from Apex, Booyco Electronics’ training partner of choice.

“An operational readiness assessment process conducted up front highlights all potential impacts on operations and pedestrian safety, giving the mine the opportunity to achieve seamless Level 9 integration with both the PDS and yellow fleet OEMs,” he says.

It is over two years since the South African Department of Minerals and Energy’s Level 9 intervention made it law to install PDS on all trackless mobile machines (TMMs). This is the latest step in the country’s journey as a global pioneer in this field. The advanced pace of regulation has also spawned a vibrant local economy of PDS developers and suppliers, in which Booyco Electronics has been a prominent player since 2006.

Wolfaardt highlights that there is well-proven Level 9 PDS technology available to mines, and it has been shown to significantly mitigate safety risk. However, the best results require more than technical installation; they require a systematic process of change management by all involved.

“Integrating a Level 9 PDS into a mining operation is not merely a technical upgrade; it fundamentally alters the way mines operate,” he explains. “Change management is the bridge that closes the disconnect between technology and people.”

Safety culture

He notes that the change process impacts safety culture, production and operator behaviour. Without structured change management, resistance to new protocols can undermine the system’s effectiveness.

“In our experience, a lack of change management often leads to a mine experiencing undue production stoppages, miscommunication and frustration among operators and managers,” he says.

By fostering better understanding and acceptance, change management ensures that safety improvements translate into long term shifts in behaviour – going beyond basic compliance to support a stronger culture of safety.

He explains that Apex, as the training service provider of choice to Booyco Electronics, addresses these challenges by ensuring that all stakeholders are involved and committed to the process. A vital starting point is a mine steering committee, ideally chaired by the general manager, to ensure alignment across departments from procurement and human resources to engineering and production. Apex then assumes its role as the Level 9 PDS change management facilitator and trainer on this committee.

“Leadership commitment is the driving force behind successful Level 9 PDS adoption so when a general manager champions the change, it signals to employees that safety is a core priority,” he says. “At the same time, every department must buy into the process and recognise their role.”

A key aspect of the change management process focuses on the mine’s traffic management plan, part of the baseline risk assessment prescribed by the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act. This plan will identify all the vehicles and zones of significant risk on the mine, and starts with a traffic analysis.

“Developing a sound traffic management plan will ensure that the mine understands their current traffic situation: Which vehicles are in the TMM fleet? Where do they travel? How often, and at what speeds?” he explains. “The plan must also analyse aspects such as road conditions, illumination levels and ventilation – as well as the critical issue of interaction between machines, and between machines and pedestrians.”

It is important to identify pre-emptive traffic management adjustments that will minimise any disruptions and ensure that mining operations continue efficiently. Structured training is conducted with operators and other stakeholders, to understand the mine’s new operating dynamics.

“Training is a cornerstone of effective Level 9 PDS implementation, and needs to be based on the gaps that we identify in the system,” he says. “It focuses on people change management, and educates personnel on new protocols. This often goes beyond classroom training and should be tailored to operational needs.”

Effective communication strategies, such as regular briefings and transparent discussions about challenges, help to build trust and buy-in from employees. Engaging workers in safety committees and seeking their input on system refinements also promotes ownership of the change.

As South Africa intensifies its focus on infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth, the need for a robust and well-regulated civil engineering sector has never been more urgent. At the centre of this stability is the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI) which plays a strategic role in fostering fair labour practices, ensuring compliance and enabling collaboration across all levels of the industry.

“The BCCEI exists to ease the administrative and regulatory pressures that employers and labour face so they can focus on delivering infrastructure,” explains Lindie Fourie, Operations Manager at the BCCEI. “We manage key processes, provide clarity and offer a platform where both employers and employees can work together on fair enforceable labour standards.”

Frameworks

This is achieved through six collective agreements that define everything from working conditions to retirement benefits. These legally binding frameworks eliminate the inconsistency that often undermines project efficiency, especially on public sector jobs. With recent amendments to the

Wage and Task Grade and Conditions of Employment Collective Agreements now in effect, it is crucial that all parties familiarise themselves with the updates to maintain compliance. The BCCEI’s Dispute Resolution Collective Agreement allows for industry-specific arbitration, removing the need to approach general bodies like the CCMA. This streamlined sector-specific process enables timely resolution and prevents unnecessary project delays.

The BCCEI also plays a powerful enabling role in skills development. Its ability to engage with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) opens access to training grants and initiatives that are vital to tackling the ongoing shortage of technical skills. “We use our position to link decision-makers and industry players, driving conversations that result in practical action,” says Fourie.

Ultimately, the BCCEI’s impact extends well beyond its immediate stakeholders. By creating a stable labour environment, it supports infrastructure projects that improve public services, enable job creation and stimulate investment. “Our collective agreements bring structure, order and fairness. That’s not just good for industry – it’s good for the country,” Fourie concludes.

With depressed platinum group metal (PGM) prices, there is plenty of scope for optimism and opportunity, it emerged at last month’s PGMs Industry Day in Johannesburg.

According to delegate Joseph Mainama, partner and principal mining engineer at SRK Consulting South Africa (SA), speakers at the event highlighted that streamlining of operations and costs remains a focus in this segment – and possibly some further consolidation of assets.

As a result of the current price pressure, major PGM projects being investigated are mainly for replacement rather than expansion of product supply, said Mainama. One of the feasibility studies mentioned was at Anglo American Platinum’s flagship Mogalakwena mine, with results expected in the middle of the year.

Price support to come

“The future outlook is more positive, however, as primary supply is expected to decline over the coming decade – with favourable impacts on the metals’ prices,” said Mainama. “Information shared at the PGMs Industry Day showed that the major producers have notional aggregated life-of-mine plans in excess of 200 years.”

Indeed, Impala Platinum CEO Nico Muller argued that the market for platinum, palladium, rhodium + gold (3E – the three key elements of PGMs) will be in deficit in 2025, which should offer major support for metal prices.

“It was also mentioned that there were no tariffs planned for PGMs, although this could change–,” said Mainama. “Metals Focus director of PGM research Wilma Swarts was bullish on palladium and rhodium, while S&P Global Commodity Insights senior mining analyst Jason Holden took a similar view on the supply of palladium.”

The conference’s panel on price forecasts confirmed that it would certainly be premature to call the PGM segment a dying industry, he pointed out. He noted that speakers had highlighted the need to strengthen market development initiatives, and to explore the opportunity to manage supply to fit demand.

Looking for value chain efficiencies

“There will have to be further cost curve improvements, and value chain efficiencies continue to be an area that the sector is pursuing to improve operational performance,” he said. “With mines’ high fixed costs, industry observers also see further consolidation as likely – to optimise overheads and operational costs. Economies of scale tend to offer the best chance of reducing unit costs.”

Another area of performance improvement discussed at the event, he noted, was further diversification of assets in the future. This was mentioned as a company strategy by both Sibanye Stillwater CEO designate Richard Stewart and by Muller.

“With the depletion of the Merensky Reef, there is an opportunity for PGM players to extract chrome from the upper group reef horizon (UG2),” said Mainama. “Investment in this direction offers an opportunity to diversify revenue streams for the assets.”

Opportunities in green hydrogen

Among other catalysts for investment is green hydrogen, leading South Africa’s trade and industry minister Parks Tau to hail the potential investment in the Boegoe Baai export terminal.

“Targeted export of green hydrogen is under investigation and the Japanese market is one of the many that are being explored,” said Mainama. “Financial support by the South African government is currently being considered for these projects. Further, green aviation fuel was also under investigation by SASOL.”

He noted that PGM projects of various sizes – and both greenfield and brownfields in nature – were being undertaken, with SRK being involved in all aspects from initial conceptual and feasibility studies through to closure and including facets such as risk assessments, value optimisation, tailings dam designs and project reviews.

“Among our contributions to PGM projects are operational support audits and assessment of compliance to governance requirements,” he explained. “There exercises identify potential risk factors but also identify potential areas of improvement.”

SRK also adds value to the sector through its work in public reporting and disclosure of the material issues impacting mining company’s assets. Mainama pointed out that this work supports mergers and acquisition transactions through interventions like mineral asset valuations and due diligence reviews.

Mega-projects in the construction sector typically demand an intense level of inputs over short periods, which can put significant pressure on supply chains that may be underdeveloped or unprepared.

This makes it essential for South Africa to maintain and strengthen its capacity to deliver the expertise and materials needed for such large-scale projects, according to Amit Dawneerangen, Construction Materials Executive: Sales and Product Technical at AfriSam. He emphasises the strategic role that established companies like AfriSam play in supporting the economy’s recovery and growth through their resilience and long-standing industry presence.

Dawneerangen explains that mega-projects, such as roads, dams and energy infrastructure, have the potential to accelerate economic development significantly. However, the extended downturn in the construction sector has raised concerns about its readiness to meet the demands of these massive undertakings. AfriSam, he notes, has consistently positioned itself as a reliable partner in these kinds of projects, drawing on nearly 90 years of experience in the industry.

“This longevity is no accident; it is the result of a deliberate effort to retain capabilities and world class expertise throughout various economic cycles,” he says.

Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. As a global leader in drive and automation technology, SEW-EURODRIVE understands that reliable cabling is critical to the success of any project.

Recognising the complexity and risks that traditional cabling can introduce, SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity: its innovative DDI (Digital Data Interface) technology combined with a single cable system. Designed to meet the demanding needs of modern industry, this approach eliminates the potential for cable connection faults that so often delay commissioning and compromise long term performance.

Cable solution

Unlike conventional cabling that requires multiple cables for power, feedback and control, SEW-EURODRIVE’s single cable solution integrates both energy transmission and data communication seamlessly. This not only reduces installation time and costs but also streamlines project planning, improves machine design flexibility and increases system reliability. With fewer connection points and reduced wiring complexity, the risk of installation errors is dramatically decreased – ensuring faster, smoother start-ups and greater operational confidence.

“From our experience across industries worldwide, we know that even minor cabling issues can escalate into major project setbacks,” says Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager, at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa. “With our DDI technology and single cable design, customers can eliminate these risks, enabling more efficient installations and maximising system uptime from day one.

Nigeria is set to launch two significant lithium processing facilities this year, signaling a major shift from exporting raw materials to developing in-country value chains. According to Mining Minister Dele Alake, this move is designed to stimulate job creation, enhance local manufacturing capabilities, and promote technological growth.

One of the facilities a $600 million project located near the border of Kaduna and Niger states is scheduled for commissioning in the second quarter of 2025. Another refinery, valued at $200 million and situated close to Abuja, is also nearing completion. Additionally, two more processing plants are planned for Nasarawa State, which lies adjacent to the capital, and are expected to be operational before the end of the third quarter.

Economic value

Minister Alake emphasized that the new facilities are part of the government’s commitment to adding value to Nigeria’s natural resources rather than exporting them in raw form. “Our focus is now on creating economic value from our mineral resources through local job creation, manufacturing, and the development of technology,” he said.

Chinese investors have played a leading role in financing these initiatives, contributing over 80% of the total investment. Companies such as Jiuling Lithium Mining Company and Canmax Technologies are among the key financiers, while local firm Three Crown Mines retains minority ownership in the projects.

Newcore Gold Ltd. has announced positive results from ongoing drilling at its fully owned Enchi Gold Project in Ghana. The company is executing a 35,000-metre drilling program aimed at enhancing the project’s resource base and upgrading existing Inferred Resources to the Indicated category, in preparation for a Pre-Feasibility Study slated for the first half of 2026.

Recent Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling at the Boin Gold Deposit, one of five deposits at Enchi, has revealed several significant gold intercepts: Hole KBRC357 yielded 4.41 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold over 24 metres, with a high-grade segment of 9.08 g/t over 10 metres. Hole KBRC360 intercepted 1.58 g/t over 52 metres, including a higher-grade zone of 3.04 g/t over 16 metres, and a secondary mineralized structure further down.

Continuous zones of mineralization

These results continue to demonstrate broad and continuous zones of mineralization, some of which extend below the current pit constraints, suggesting strong potential for resource expansion. In total, 11 RC holes (2,042 metres) were recently drilled at Boin, all of which encountered gold. Drilling was focused on both infill and expansion, targeting shallow oxide, transition, and sulphide mineralization. Results also support the continuity of gold structures along strike and at depth, providing confidence in the deposit’s scale and consistency.

Newcore’s broader strategy involves: Resource conversion and expansion across key deposits such as Boin and Sewum, advancing technical studies (metallurgy, hydrology, geotechnics, and environmental work), and exploration of new targets through soil sampling, trenching, and airborne surveys.