Новости за 13.07.2018

Copper headed for a fifth weekly loss on Friday as trade tensions between the United States and China rumbled on, while aluminium hit a three-month low ahead of a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump and Putin are due to meet in Helsinki on Monday and aluminium investors are looking for any hint that US sanctions on Rusal, the world’s second-biggest aluminium producer, will be eased or lifted.

TSX- and New York-listed metals producer SSR Mining Inc has reported a mixed bag from its three operating mines during the three months to June Gold production from the Marigold operation increased by more than 15% during the quarter, to 49 436 oz, compared with the 42 960 oz delivered in the previous quarter.

US-based precious metals miner Hecla has reported a 7% decrease in second-quarter silver production, but it still managed to exceed production expectations, boosting the company’s cash position to its second-highest in six years. Silver production decreased from 2.81-million ounces in the June quarter of 2017 to 2.60-million ounces in the quarter under review, while gold production increased by 14% year-on-year to 60 313 oz. Lead output increased by 25% to 5 522 t and zinc production increased by 10% to 14 299 t.

Although the Internet of Things (IoT) is creating “a huge wave” in Africa, as smart connected devices are being deployed at mines, there is further potential for smart devices and IoT to positively impact on mining operations in Africa, says pan-African law conglomerate Centurion Law Group CEO NJ Ayuk. “IoT can have an even larger impact . . . by providing a range of innovative services to gather data and gain insights to bolster efficiency and productivity.”

Sandton-based chemical reagent supplier and distributor Axis House believes mining in Africa is moving towards process optimisation through innovation to reduce costs and increase profits, explains Axis House group general manager Justine Stubbs. “Mines are optimising various processes to achieve the most value and becoming more environmentally conscious by improving water disposal, recycling water and using non-hazardous products,” she highlights.