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☆ Zimbabwe Bets on No Till Farming to Reduce El Nino Impact on Grain
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

No till farming minimises soil disturbance, which helps keep carbon in the soil and also enriches soil biodiversity, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers that emit greenhouse. Zimbabwe is one of the countries worst affected by the El Nino weather pattern and struggles to feed itself. Zimbabwe produced 2.3 million tons of maize last year. The country requires 2.2 million tons of the staple grain annually for human and livestock consumption. "This is a reflection that farmers are adopting the recommended climate-proofing interventions, especially during the El Nino condition," cabinet said in a statement released late on Tuesday.

Persons: Vangelis Haritatos, Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe's, Nelson Banya, Michael Perry Organizations: Reuters, El, Finance, Nino Locations: HARARE, Zimbabwe, El Nino, Pacific

☆ Impala Platinum halts work at some S.African mines after 11 workers died
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Impala Platinum (IMPJ.J) said on Tuesday it had temporarily halted operations at its Rustenburg mining complex in South Africa after 11 workers died in an incident at one of its underground shafts. The Johannesburg-based platinum miner said in a statement that 86 workers were involved in the incident at its No. 11 shaft and 75 injured workers had been admitted at four hospitals in the area. The company said all mining operations at the sprawling Rustenburg complex in South Africa's North West province had been suspended on Tuesday. Impala is among South African platinum producers that operate some of the deepest and oldest mining shafts in the world.

Persons: Nico Muller, it's, Felix Njini, Nelson Banya, Kim Coghill, Jamie Freed, Louise Heavens Organizations: Impala, National Union of Mineworkers, Thomson Locations: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa's, West

☆ South Africa powers ahead with 3GW of gas projects, minister says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

South African Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramakgopa briefs members of the media after his visit to assess progress on bringing back online faulty units and boosting power generation at the Kusile Power Station, in Delmas, in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, September 11, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko Acquire Licensing RightsSummary South Africa needs 6 GW of new power generation capacityCountry expects 5.5 GW of renewable projects online by 2026Nov 5 (Reuters) - South Africa is accelerating plans for 3 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired power generation to help to plug an energy deficit that is hurting the economy, electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa said on Sunday. As you know gas, from an emissions standpoint, is a step down compared to coal, so it's important we accelerate that," Ramakgopa said. Ramakgopa said in June that South Africa expects more than 5.5 GW of new renewable energy projects to come online by 2026. South Africa is also seeking to extend to life of its 40-year-old 1.94 GW Koeberg nuclear plant by 20 years beyond its scheduled shutdown next year.

Persons: Siphiwe, Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, Ramakgopa, Nelson Banya, David Goodman Organizations: Electricity, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Kusile, Delmas, Mpumalanga province, South Africa, Africa, Coega, Eastern, Richards Bay

[1/2] Graphite powder, used for battery paste, is pictured in a Volkswagen pilot line for battery cell production in Salzgitter, Germany, May 18, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 20 (Reuters) - As China moved to control some exports of key battery mineral graphite on Friday, miners elsewhere face a race against time to bring new projects to fruition to secure supplies for the next generation of electric vehicles. To stay ahead in a fast-changing industry, carmakers have been investing directly in mining projects to ensure future supplies of the battery inputs. "We see China's move as a potential catalyst to highlight the urgency of improving domestic graphite supply," said John DeMaio, president of Graphex's graphene division. "We've aligned ourselves with several graphite miners outside of China.

Persons: Fabian Bimmer, Hugues Jacquemin, China's, John DeMaio, DeMaio, Stefan Bernstein, Graphite's Jacquemin, Shishir Poddar, Nelson Banya, Clara Denina, Divya Rajagopal, Ernest Scheyder, Veronica Brown, Elaine Hardcastle Organizations: Volkswagen, REUTERS, Graphex, HK, EV, GreenRoc, Thomson Locations: Salzgitter, Germany, China, Warren , Michigan, Greenland, Northern, Tirupati, Madagascar, Mozambique

☆ Six dead, 15 trapped underground in Zimbabwe mine accident, state TV reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

HARARE, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Six miners died after a ground collapse at Zimbabwe's Bay Horse mine in Chegutu, 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the capital Harare, state television reported on Friday. ZBC TV said six bodies had been retrieved from the mine by Friday night, while another 15 miners were still trapped underground and rescue efforts were underway. The mine collapsed around 0800 GMT on Friday, trapping 34 miners underground. Although 13 miners managed to escape, 21 had remained trapped underground, ZBC reported. Reporting by Nelson Banya; Editing by Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: ZBC, Nelson Banya, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Thomson Locations: HARARE, Chegutu, Harare

☆ Botswana reassessing HB Antwerp deal after Lucara Diamond cuts ties
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Brian Benza | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

An over 1,000-carat uncut stone by Lucara Diamond is pictured during a press availability in New York City, New York, U.S., September 20, 2021. Lucara Diamond said on Thursday it had ended its agreement with HB Trading BV, a unit of HB Antwerp, following what it called "a material breach of financial commitments by HB". Diamond processor and trader HB Antwerp earlier this month removed one of its three co-founders, Oded Mansori, from management following differences over strategy. Mansori, who co-founded HB Antwerp in 2020 with partners Shai de Toledo and Rafael Papismedov, said he was taking them to court over his removal. HB and Lucara first entered into a diamond sales agreement in 2020, which was extended for 10 years in 2022.

Persons: Lucara Diamond, David, Dee, Delgado, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Masisi, Oded, Shai de Toledo, Rafael Papismedov, Lucara, Brian Benza, Nelson Banya, Mark Potter, Jan Harvey Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, HB Antwerp, HB Trading, HB, Okavango Diamond Company, Lucara, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, U.S, Rights GABORONE, Belgian, Botswana

☆ South Africa's Transnet says heavy rains disrupt service on key commodity line
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Transnet Freight Rail train is seen next to tons of coal mined from the nearby Khanye Colliery mine, at the Bronkhorstspruit station, in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, April 26, 2022.Picture taken April 26,2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 27 (Reuters) - South Africa's logistics utility Transnet on Wednesday said severe weather had disrupted rail services on its Cape Corridor, the main line for manganese exports and agricultural commodities. The severe weather also damaged infrastructure, including housing, power lines, roads and rail lines. "Extreme rainfall - resulting in wash-aways, rockslides and fallen trees along some sections of rail lines - causeddamage to locomotives and the rail infrastructure, resulting in challenging operational obstacles," Transnet said in a statement. Services had been halted on some sections of the rail network, while delays were being experienced on others, Transnet added.

Persons: Siphiwe, Transnet, Nelson Banya, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, Services, Thomson Locations: Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, Cape, Eastern Cape

☆ Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Zulu Prince Who Roiled South African Politics, Dead at 95
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +6 min

(Reuters) -Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a veteran South African politician, Zulu prince and controversial figure during the apartheid liberation struggle, has died, the presidency said on Saturday. Critics dubbed Buthelezi a war lord but to his legion of followers in the rural Zulu heartland, he was a visionary. A Zulu chief, Buthelezi became KwaZulu's chief minister in the 1970s, where he tried a delicate balancing act: refusing outright independence and criticising Pretoria's racial policies while still playing a role in the homeland farce. Ashpenaz Nathan Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi was born on Aug. 27, 1928, in Mahlabathini, the son and heir of Chief Matoli Buthelezi and Princess Constance Magago Dinuzulu. In 1953 he was installed as acting chief of the prominent Buthelezi clan and four years later was confirmed as chief.

Persons: Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Prince, KwaPhindangene, Cyril Ramaphosa, Buthelezi, Nelson Mandela, Critics, Inkatha, Thabo Mbeki, King Cetshwayo, Henry Kissinger, Peter Carrington, Ashpenaz Nathan Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, Matoli Buthelezi, Princess Constance Magago Dinuzulu, Irene Mzila, Bhargav Acharya, Nelson BanyaEditing, Angus MacSwan, Frances Kerry Organizations: Reuters, South, Freedom Party, Home Affairs, African National Congress, Zulu Monarch, IFP, ANC, British, Black University of Fort, ANC Youth League, U.S Locations: KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa, Zulu, Johannesburg, Black University of Fort Hare, Lesotho, Mahlabathini

☆ Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Zulu prince who roiled South African politics, dead at 95
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

South Africa's leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Mangosuthu Buthelezi speaks to supporters ahead of the national elections, in Richards Bay, north of Durban, in South Africa, April 19, 2009. REUTERS/Rogan Ward Acquire Licensing RightsSept 9 (Reuters) - Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a veteran South African politician, Zulu prince and controversial figure during the apartheid liberation struggle, has died, the presidency said on Saturday. South Africa's main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party described Buthelezi as a "great leader". "Prince Buthelezi was a giant on South Africa's political landscape," DA leader John Steenhuisen said. Critics dubbed Buthelezi a war lord but to his legion of followers in the rural Zulu heartland, he was a visionary.

Persons: Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Rogan Ward, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Prince, KwaPhindangene, Cyril Ramaphosa, Buthelezi, Nelson Mandela, Prince Buthelezi, John Steenhuisen, ANC Buthelezi, Critics, Inkatha, Thabo Mbeki, King Cetshwayo, Henry Kissinger, Peter Carrington, Ashpenaz Nathan Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, Matoli Buthelezi, Princess Constance Magago Dinuzulu, Irene Mzila, Bhargav Acharya, Nelson, Angus MacSwan, Frances Kerry Organizations: Freedom Party, IFP, REUTERS, South, Home Affairs, African National Congress, Zulu Monarch, ANC, Nelson, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mandela's, Democratic Alliance, Reuters, British, Black University of Fort, ANC Youth League, U.S, Thomson Locations: Richards Bay, Durban, South Africa, KwaZulu, Natal, Zulu, Johannesburg, Black University of Fort Hare, Lesotho, Mahlabathini

☆ De Beers 'confident' talks will avert strike at S.Africa's Venetia mine
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

De Beers delivers first production from underground operations at its Venetia Mine in South Africa in this undated handout picture. On Tuesday, NUM, South Africa's biggest mineworkers' union, said it was planning a strike at Venetia, as De Beers could only offer a 6% pay increase against demands for a 9% hike. The strike by NUM's 1,500 workers would impact operations at Venetia's new $2.3 billion underground operations, which started production in July. De Beers stopped its 30-year open pit operations at Venetia in December 2022. "We are confident that through continued engagement with the union and our employees we will reach a sustainable settlement with the NUM," De Beers said.

Persons: De Beers, NUM, Nelson Banya, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers, Commission, Conciliation, Thomson Locations: Venetia, South Africa, NUM

Thermal coal insurance rates rose more than 20% last year, it said, above the 7.3% rise in the benchmark Marsh Global Insurance Market Index. Insurance companies can be active in both primary insurance and reinsurance and have differing commitments on ESG for different parts of their business. "Establishing a mutual fund for the coal industry is a matter for the coal industry," a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Treasury said. "I'm talking about going beyond your normal UK-based markets and looking into Asia for funders and insurance cover," she added. Coal prices hit record highs in September last year as European countries scrambled to replace Russian gas, sending coal miners' profits soaring.

Persons: Philip Mostert, Seriti, Doug Gain, Gain, Ben Davis, Willis Towers Watson, Thungela, China's, Russia's, Switzerland's Chubb, Chubb, Russia's SOGAZ, Peter Bosshard, Nombasa Tsengwa, Tsengwa, Exxaro, Clara Denina, Sarah McFarlane, Nelson Banya, Elaine Hardcastle, Daniel Flynn Organizations: REUTERS, Seriti, Thungela Resources, International Energy Agency, Reuters, Marsh Global Insurance, Whitehaven Coal, Whitehaven, Allianz, Swiss, Germany's Allianz, Insuramore, Australian Department of Treasury, South, Thomson Locations: American, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, South, Ukraine, Whitehaven, Munich, Australia, Asia, Europe

[1/4] Ostallos Siziba, the Deputy Spokesperson for Zimbabwe's main opposition party The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) speaks to media in Harare, August 29, 2023. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo Acquire Licensing RightsHARARE, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's main opposition party on Tuesday called for last week's elections to be re-run, saying the polls were riddled with flaws and calling on other African countries to help mediate in its impasse with the ruling party. The elections commission said Mnangagwa received roughly 53% of the vote against 44% for the CCC's Nelson Chamisa. Christopher Vandome from policy institute Chatham House's Africa programme said he was unsure the opposition would go the legal route at all. Zimbabwe's foreign ministry summoned European ambassadors to Zimbabwe on Monday and told them their mission's report was "full of misrepresentations and allegations".

Persons: Siziba, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mnangagwa, Nelson Chamisa, Chris Maroleng, Christopher Vandome, Carien du Plessis, Bhargav, Alexander Winning, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Citizens Coalition, REUTERS, Philimon, Rights, Citizens ' Coalition, CCC, PF, ZANU, Good Governance, Southern African, SADC, Thomson Locations: Harare, Philimon Bulawayo, Rights HARARE, Zimbabwe, Good, Chatham, Africa, European

REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko Acquire Licensing RightsHARARE, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's elections commission said late on Saturday that incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa had won this week's presidential election with roughly 53% of the vote, but the opposition and analysts immediately questioned the result. ZANU-PF supporters started singing and cheering at the results centre after the elections commission said Mnangagwa had won. Mnangagwa also narrowly defeated Chamisa at the last presidential election in 2018. The opposition alleges that election was rigged but the constitutional court upheld the result. While the run-up to the election has been largely free from violence, the police routinely ban opposition rallies and arrest opposition supporters using Zimbabwe's tough public order laws.

Persons: Emmerson Mnangagwa's, Siphiwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa's, Nelson Chamisa, Chamisa, Nicole Beardsworth, ZEC, Nyasha Chingono, Nelson Banya, Carien du Plessis, Bhargav, Alexander Winning, Daniel Wallis Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, ZANU, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Citizens ' Coalition, PF, University of, SADC, Thomson Locations: Shurugwi, Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, Rights HARARE, Zimbabwe, Southern, Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Police sealed off roads around the election results centre on Friday morning, and members of the public were being stopped for questioning, a Reuters reporter in the capital Harare said. However, results announced so far by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission showed ZANU-PF winning 38 parliamentary constituencies and the main opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) winning 32, out of a total of 210 single-member constituencies. The early results showed ZANU-PF retaining its rural base, while the CCC captured the urban vote, as has been the case in previous elections. In the highest-profile loss yet for the ruling party, the electoral commission said on Friday that Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube had lost his parliamentary contest to a CCC challenger. Mnangagwa took over from longtime strongman Robert Mugabe after a 2017 coup and won a disputed election in 2018.

Persons: Emmerson Mnangagwa's, Nelson Chamisa, Patrick Chinamasa, Mthuli Ncube, PF's Chinamasa, Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Banya, Bhargav Acharya, Nellie Peyton, Alexander Winning Organizations: REUTERS, Philimon, Rights, Emmerson Mnangagwa's ZANU, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Police, ZANU, National Assembly, Commission, Coalition, PF, CCC, Thomson Locations: Harare, Zimbabwe, Philimon Bulawayo, Rights HARARE

A tally by state broadcaster ZBC showed ZANU-PF winning 101 parliamentary constituencies and the main opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) winning 59, out of a total of 210. The result of the presidential vote has not been announced yet. The ERC later posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that 16 of its staff together with Zimbabwe Election Support Network members had been released on $200 bail each by a magistrate. Mnangagwa last week told state media that if he got a second term, it would be his last. As in previous elections, the parliamentary results appeared to show ZANU-PF retaining its rural base, while the CCC captured the urban vote.

Persons: Emmerson Mnangagwa's, Nelson Chamisa, Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Castaldo, Nevers Mumba, Patrick Chinamasa, Mnangagwa, Eldred Masunungure, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Banya, Bhargav Acharya, Nellie Peyton, Alexander Winning, Devika Syamnath, Andrew Heavens Organizations: Emmerson Mnangagwa's ZANU, ZBC, ZANU, Coalition, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, REUTERS, Philimon, Rights Police, Zimbabwe Election, Election, Centre, ERC, Zimbabwe Election Support, Southern African Development Community, National Assembly, University of Zimbabwe, PF, CCC, Thomson Locations: EU, HARARE, Harare, Zimbabwe, Philimon Bulawayo, SADC

But analysts warned it was unlikely the ruling ZANU-PF party would allow any loosening of its 43-year grip on power. Fewer than 10 of 210 parliamentary constituencies had results on Thursday, making it too early to identify any national trend. Results in the presidential race were not expected for another day or two but before a five-day deadline. "The equipment was being used to unlawfully tabulate election voting statistics and results from polling stations throughout the country," police spokesman Paul Nyathi said in a statement. The police named some of the organisations targeted as the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, Election Resource Centre and Team Pachedu - all well-known civil society groups that had said they were monitoring the vote in the interests of democracy.

Persons: Emmerson Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Chamisa, Mnangagwa's, Paul Nyathi, Eldred Masungure, Estelle Shirbon, Angus MacSwan, Miral Organizations: Police, Citizens Coalition, ZANU, PF, Bank, International Monetary Fund, Zimbabwe Election Support, Centre, Pachedu, University of Zimbabwe, Thomson Locations: Zimbabwe, HARARE, Harare

It is the second contest between the two after Mnangagwa won a closely contested poll in 2018, which the opposition allege was rigged. Some 6.6 million people are registered to vote in the nation of about 15 million. LITTLE CHANGE SINCE MUGABE ERAPolitical analysts say Zimbabwe's unending economic maelstrom could tip the contest in favour of the opposition if the election is clean. We will not accept a rigged vote," Chamisa said at his last campaign rally on Monday. If there is no outright winner, a run-off between the top two candidates will be held on Oct. 2.

Persons: Mugabe, Mnangagwa, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Chamisa, Chamisa, Olivia Kumwenda, Estelle Shirbon, Giles Elgood Organizations: World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Citizens Coalition, MUGABE, PF, Risk Consulting, ZANU, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Parliamentary, Thomson Locations: HARARE, Zimbabwe, Shurugwi, Harare

☆ Botswana, De Beers agree 'in principle' to new diamond sales deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Brian Benza | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

An interim sales agreement is in place until the new pact is finalised, the two partners said in a statement. "The transformational new agreements between Botswana and De Beers reflect the aspirations of the people of Botswana, propels both Botswana and De Beers forward, and underpins the future of their Debswana joint venture through long-term investment," the statement said. Botswana, the world's second largest diamond producer after Russia by output, supplies 70% of De Beers' rough diamonds. Diamond sales, almost entirely from Debswana, account for two-thirds of Botswana's foreign currency receipts and a fifth of its gross domestic product. Debswana's diamond sales hit a record $4.6 billion last year, compared to $3.5 billion in 2021.

Persons: De Beers, Lefoko Moagi, Debswana, De, Okavango Diamond, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Masisi, Felix Njini, Nelson Banya, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: Botswana Mines, De Beers, De, HB Antwerp, Thomson Locations: Botswana, Russia, Nairobi, Harare, Nilutpal

July 1 (Reuters) - Botswana and De Beers Group have agreed a new diamond sales deal in which the African country, the world's No. 1 diamond producer by value, gradually increases the share of rough stones it gets from their joint venture Debswana over the next decade to 50%, the government and the mining company said on Saturday. The Botswana government and De Beers said they had agreed on a 10-year sales deal for Debswana's rough diamond production through to 2033, and on a 25-year Debswana mining licence valid until 2054. The Botswana-De Beers agreement allows the partners to advance the investment required to secure Debswana's position as one of the world's leading gem producers, De Beers said. Botswana, where De Beers has been present for 50 years, is heavily reliant on diamonds, with two-thirds of its foreign currency receipts coming from mining, sales and ancillary activities linked to the precious stone.

Persons: De Beers, Debswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, weren't, Felix Njini, Promit Mukherjee, Nelson Banya, Leslie Adler, David Holmes Organizations: De Beers Group, Okavango, Thomson Locations: Botswana, Debswana, pula, Nairobi, Harare, Nilutpal

☆ Lithium miner Premier's shares slide on Zimbabwe force majeure
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HARARE, June 26 (Reuters) - Shares in Premier African Minerals (PREM.L) plunged 40% on Monday after the company declared force majeure at its Zimbabwe lithium mine, citing a defect at its processing plant. Premier said it issued a force majeure notice to Canmax on June 25 because milling problems at its recently completed plant had affected production plans. "The company is unable to deliver product within the stipulated dates as set out in the agreement," Premier said. Triggering a force majeure clause in contracts allows certain terms of an otherwise legally binding agreement to be ignored because of unavoidable circumstances. However, in the context of the current stage of discussions with Canmax in respect of the amended agreement, Premier will now engage with these other interested parties," it said.

Persons: majeure, Canmax, Nelson Banya, David Goodman Organizations: African Minerals, China's, Premier, Canmax, Thomson Locations: HARARE, Zimbabwe, Canmax, China, Europe

☆ South Africa's Johannesburg feels tremors after 5.0 magnitude quake
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

June 11 (Reuters) - A 5.0 magnitude earthquake shook South Africa's Johannesburg on Sunday morning, the U.S Geological Survey (USGS) said. The USGS said the earthquake occurred at 0038 GMT at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). "Earth tremor in Johannesburg. Went on for about 30 seconds, it felt like," one resident wrote on Twitter. Security risk and crisis management consultancy Crisis24 said there were no reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake.

Persons: Crisis24, Nelson Banya, Alex Richardson Organizations: U.S Geological Survey, Twitter, Thomson Locations: South Africa's Johannesburg, Johannesburg

☆ Invictus Energy confirms oil, gas and helium find in Zimbabwe
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Companies Invictus Energy Ltd FollowHARARE, May 8 (Reuters) - Australia-listed Invictus Energy (IVZ.AX) on Monday confirmed the presence of light oil, gas condensate and helium at its Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe, sending its shares up 8.7%. “Analysis shows the presence of light oil and rich natural gas condensate, with condensate gas ratios estimated at between 30 and 135 barrels per million cubic feet," it said. The analysis also confirmed the presence of helium gas in commercial concentrations comparable with global helium producing fields, the company added. Helium is a key component in the manufacture of semiconductors, liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and fibre optic wire. “Success at Mukuyu-2 and confirmation of a significant discovery will further unlock the value of our material portfolio," said Invictus Energy Managing Director Scott MacMillan.

☆ S.Africa's Transnet halts gas supplies after pipeline damage
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Companies Transnet SOC Ltd FollowMarch 31 (Reuters) - South Africa's Transnet has halted gas supplies through its Durban pipeline after it was damaged by an excavator, the state-owned logistics utility said on Friday. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon when an excavator deployed to clean up waste accidentally hit the pipeline, Transnet said. Repairs to the pipeline began on Friday morning after the fire was brought under control on Thursday night, it added. Transnet did not say when repairs could be completed but said it was working to restore supplies "as soon as possible". The gas pipeline runs from Secunda in Mpumalanga to the port city of Durban, transporting an average 450 million cubic metres of gas per year.

☆ Gold Fields, AngloGold rule out merger after Ghana joint-venture deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Nelson Banya | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The South Africa-headquartered AngloGold and Gold Fields are among the five biggest gold producing companies by output in the world, with operations in Africa, Australia and South America. Gold Fields' Preece, who last month said the company was no longer pursuing big M&A deals after its failed bid for Canada's Yamana Gold (YRI.TO) said on the conference call "collaboration is easier". Gold Fields and AngloGold would own 60% and 30% of the joint operation, respectively, with the Ghanaian government holding 10%, Calderon said. "The proposed joint venture would create the largest gold mine in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Apart from Tarkwa, Gold Fields has two other mines in Ghana, Damang and the 45%-owned Asanko.

☆ Botswana mining growth seen flat amid dim diamond outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

GABORONE, March 1 (Reuters) - Botswana expects output from its mining sector to be flat this year, as the diamond industry loses its sparkle due to a contraction in consumer spending and weaker demand for diamond jewellery, a finance ministry official said on Wednesday. Diamond trading grew 41% in the year as Botswana also benefitted from Western buyers shunning stones from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, Botswana expects diamond output to decline by 1%, while diamond trading growth is seen slowing to 7% from 41% last year. Finance ministry estimates show that government expects mineral royalties to fall to 4,5 billion pula ($3.41 billion) in 2023, from 6.1 billion pula last year. Dividends due to the state will also decline to 11,3 billion pula from 15 billion pula in 2022.

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