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South Africa's Multotec, whose equipment is now used to optimise recoveries and reduce cost of ownership in mineral processing plants in 100 countries on six continents, highlighted its global success on the opening day of Electra Mining Africa 2026 when it formally handed over the CEO baton.

After 20 years of leadership under Thomas Holtz, Multotec announced the appointment of Johan Robbertse as its new Group CEO along with the elevation of Holtz to the chairpersonship of a company that has to a large extent bucked South Africa's deindustrialisation trend.

During his 20-year CEO tenure, Holtz led Multotec through a period of transformation, guided by a vision to build a globally competitive manufacturing business from Africa, powered by African talent.

Supported by manufacturing operations across Africa, South America, Asia and North America, alongside sister companies in Europe and Australia, Multotec evolved into a globally integrated business while retaining its South African roots, a foundation that positions the company for its next phase of growth.

As part of the planned leadership transition, Holtz will focus on strengthening the board's independence and governance while supporting the company's long-term strategic direction and continued international growth.

The leadership transition follows two decades of sustained international growth that transformed Multotec from a predominantly South African manufacturer into a globally integrated business that now exports around 60% of its equipment.

"South Africa and Africa is obviously a key market for us. We have every intention of staying here and growing here. At the same time, we've got to go where the market is, and we know, and obviously those in the mining industry know, the pain that we felt with diamonds.

"Then it varies. Gold is currently doing well and has been doing well for a while now. Then other minerals are struggling, so we have to find where the mining operations are and we've done pretty well in some very remote jurisdictions," Holtz pointed out.

"We've almost seen everything on a process plant, but we still learn every day, and that's the beauty of having manufacturing. It's 53 years of specialist process knowledge that we can apply," Robbertse reported during the formal handover covered by Mining Weekly.

"It's 1 900 people across the globe, speaking various languages, coming from various cultures, that come together to make the mineral process industry great, and may that continue for a long, long time," Robbertse added.

Holtz joined the company in 1996 as a project manager before progressing through a series of leadership roles across the business. In 2008, he succeeded his late father and Multotec co-founder, Ernst Joachim (EJ) Holtz, as Group CEO, becoming only the second CEO in the company's half century-plus history.

The appointment of Robbertse, who joined the company in 2010, reflects Multotec's commitment to leadership continuity to ensure that customer focus, product development and innovation remain embedded.

Regarding Multotec's latest joint venture business in China, Holtz commented: "We have a presence in China to support the mining industry in China, so that's our priority.

"We've worked with a mining consortium to go into a region that's a little bit less serviced from an international screen product portfolio, but over time we'll add the spirals, we'll add the cyclones. We might add some other products but in that particular region.

"What's amazing, is the Chinese are so welcoming of companies that are prepared to invest and bring technology and skill up local people.

"We've got a strong local market that we can service. We've got a strong local partner who's going to work with us, and we believe our Chine...

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation.

Mining and metals research firm BMI find that Australia's industry risk profile is largely being shaped by climate exposure and labour scarcity, though these effects vary by sector.

Climate-related risks are most acute in mining and agriculture, particularly in Western Australia with nearly 90% of the state's land being prone to bushfires, exposing this mining sector to elevated physical climate risk.

BMI's proprietary asset-exposure data shows mining's climate risk score rising from 64.5 in 2026 to 65.4 by 2050, with the impact likely to be felt mainly through higher insurance and private capital expenditure rather than weaker output.

In turn, labour shortages present a more economy-wide challenge, with gaps pronounced in health, education and construction. BMI expects this pressure to intensify as tighter migration settings constrain access to overseas skilled workers - an important source of labour for several sectors.

In mining, labour costs remain high relative to competing mining jurisdictions and wage disputes are a recurring threat - a pressure which BMI expects automation to only partly offset over the coming decade.

Another material financing risk for Australia's mining industry is that of governance.

Government procurement is currently equal to 17.9% of GDP, while 34 active National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigations as of May raise tender-integrity risk for a sector dependent on public approvals and infrastructure access.

BMI also cites heightened national-security screening of foreign investment in critical minerals as a challenge, as it adds another layer of regulatory friction. The firm says Australia's mining remains the sector most exposed to the policy uncertainty created by rising political fragmentation.

In respect of the broader economy, BMI says Australia's policy responses have so far remained targeted rather than structural, limiting their ability to materially reduce sector risk. In agriculture, federal and State drought-support measures provide short-term relief, but do not address longer-term constraints around water infrastructure investment, leaving the sector exposed to recurring climate stress.

"Major infrastructure spending commitments are supporting transport and low-carbon energy development, but do little to ease the skilled labour shortages that continue to constrain execution," BMI notes.

BMI further finds that Australia's mining industry is forecast to decrease in value from $172-billion in 2026 to $164-billion by 2035 as coal and iron-ore output softens.

New South Wales halted applications for new greenfield coal mines in March, however, continued federal approval of mine life extensions and expansions – including a 24-year extension for Middlemount in February – will support fossil-fuel export earnings despite the government's net-zero target by 2050.

On the social front, BMI expects the Australian mining sector's shift toward automation to offset labour scarcity, which the firm says will likely reduce the country's role as a regional employer over time, even as critical-minerals expansion sustains investment.

Moreover, BMI expects fossil fuels to continue accounting for more than 86% of Australia's total energy consumption by 2035, even as non-hydro renewables rise to 66% of the power mix. This indicates that the power generation sector's emissions profile will improve only gradually and remain misaligned with the scale and pace of transition required.

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation.

The founder and chairperson of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on Friday, September emphasised the importance of companies behaving in a manner that reflects integrity, honesty, governance and respect for legality and due process.

"It's important for us to create value for shareholders. It's equally, if not more important, that we do so in a legal manner, in an ethical manner, and that's what has always been the culture of ARM," Dr Patrice Motsepe pointed out during the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company's presentation of 19% higher headline earnings of R3.2-billion. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.)

Net cash improved 54% to R10.2 billion, and a final dividend of R7 per share was declared.

"We've always had a commitment to all stakeholders. We're a company that, being South African, has a duty to reflect meritocracy, the best of our people from all backgrounds and cultures – black people, white people, coloured people, and Indian people.

"Everybody must feel that this is their company, not in terms of what we say, but in terms of our track record and how our employees and management feel that we behave, and also a duty to the country to provide jobs and uplift," said Motsepe, ahead of ARM CEO Phillip Tobias stating that he is "very pleased" that the ARM board has approved a R15.2-billion capital outlay on what he described as the host of South Africa's second-largest platinum group metals (PGM) resource, the Bokoni PGM project, which has a 6.3-year payback.

Restart of the Nkomati nickel mine has also won board thumbs up. "The restart is a low-risk, immediately executable opportunity that leverages existing infrastructure and re-establishes South Africa's only primary nickel producer," Tobias reported.

Existing infrastructure is supporting execution involving capital of approximately R1.9-billion over two years.

Regarding safety, Tobias expressed pride at achieving a fatality free year and "we remain committed to achieving zero harm".

ARM finance director Tsundzukani Mhlanga pointed to the significant increase in cash generation to R4.2-billion: "Last year, same time, we generated cash of R45-million versus R4.2 billion – quite a marked increase."

ARM Platinum headline earnings increased by more than 200% as did those of Two Rivers platinum group metals (PGM) mine and Modikwa PGM mine.

Nkomati mine, which sold 28 111 t of chrome concentrate, reported headline earnings of R39-million.

"Our outlook on earnings remains positive... We continue to focus on factors that are within our control – the cost discipline, mining flexibility, and quality mining," Tobias explained.

ARM FERROUS

ARM Ferrous headline earnings decreased by 42% to R2 028-million on lower contributions from the iron-ore and manganese divisions.

The iron-ore division's headline earnings decreased by 41%, while the manganese division's by 68%. The cessation of production at Beeshoek mine resulted in local sales volumes falling to 0.5-million tonnes.

The reduction in sales volumes, retrenchment costs of R124-million, an increase in the rehabilitation provision of R191-million and care and maintenance costs of R92-million collectively had a significant negative impact on headline earnings.

Headline earnings at Khumani mine decreased significantly on mainly the average realised rand strengthening by 7%, partially offset by 180 000 t higher export sales volumes.

Manganese headline earnings declined on mainly the rand strengthening and lower manganese ore and alloy export prices.

Continued collaboration with State-owned Transnet through the Ore Users Forum and Manganese Producers Consortium advanced rail and port reforms on the Saldanha and Ngqura corridors, delivering a 1% improvement in export ...

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation.

The headline earnings of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) increased by 19% to R3 201-million in the financial year ended June 30 on mainly higher dollar platinum group metals (PGM) basket prices.

Revenue increased by 25% to R16 323-million and the dividend from Harmony Gold was a 113%-higher R512-million.

ARM Platinum headline earnings increased by 200%-plus, as did those of Two Rivers PGM mine and Modikwa PGM mine.

Nkomati mine, which sold 28 111 t of chrome concentrate, reported headline earnings of R39-million.

ARM's overall net cash improved by R3 562-million to R10 171-million and the board of the company headed by CEO Phillip Tobias declared a final dividend of R7 a share.

The group recorded zero fatalities, which is seen as a significant milestone, with the last fatality-free year recorded in FY2017. Lost-time injury frequency rate improved by 9% to 0.29 per 200 000 person hours and the total recordable injury frequency rate regressed by 11% to 0.56.

ARM FERROUS

ARM Ferrous headline earnings decreased by 42% to R2 028-million on lower contributions from the iron-ore and manganese divisions.

The iron-ore division's headline earnings decreased by 41% and the manganese division's by 68%. The cessation of production at Beeshoek mine resulted in local sales volumes falling to 0.5-million tonnes.

The reduction in sales volumes, retrenchment costs of R124-million, an increase in the rehabilitation provision of R191-million and care-and-maintenance costs of R92-million collectively had a significant negative impact on headline earnings.

Headline earnings at Khumani mine decreased significantly on mainly the average realised rand strengthening by 7%, partially offset by 180 000 t higher export sales volumes.

Manganese headline earnings declined on mainly the rand strengthening and lower manganese ore and alloy export prices.

Continued collaboration with State-owned Transnet through the Ore Users Forum and Manganese Producers Consortium advanced rail and port reforms on the Saldanha and Ngqura corridors, delivering a 1% improvement in export rail performance and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of South African producers, ARM reported in a media release to Mining Weekly.

ARM COAL

ARM Coal reported a headline loss of R428-million driven on mainly the lower realised coal price and rand strengthening.

The Goedgevonden coal mine recorded a headline loss of R73-million and PCB a headline loss of R355-million.

COPPER

ARM stated that its investment in Surge Copper supported the continued advancement of the Berg project, which the completed prefeasibility study (PFS) confirms as a large-scale copper/molybdenum development with a maiden mineral reserve supporting a 28-year mine life.

Following completion of the PFS, the project is now progressing into feasibility-level technical and environmental studies, alongside the environmental assessment and permitting process and continued engagement with First Nations.

The feasibility study report is planned for 2028, with the environmental assessment decision targeted for 2029 to 2030 and a final investment decision for 2031.

Some of the world's biggest money managers have rebuilt their gold holdings after prices dropped, betting that long-term drivers of the precious metal will endure even as the US Federal Reserve takes a more assertive stance on inflation.

Amundi SA, Europe's largest asset manager, bought bullion on the expectation it will return to $5 000/oz by year-end. Fund managers at Pictet Asset Management, Robeco Institutional Asset Management and Fidelity International also added to holdings cut earlier this year, during bullion's retreat from an all-time high.

"Gold is an asset that we consider to be cheap, a good hedge and reasonably liquid," said Lorenzo Portelli, head of cross-asset strategy at Amundi Investment Institute. But greater visibility over the Fed's interest-rate path would be needed, he said, before the firm would consider adding to last month's purchases.

That was a common theme in interviews with more than a dozen asset managers, whose firms manage a combined $27-trillion. Without exception, each of them – including BNP Paribas Asset Management and Manulife John Hancock Investments – had either added back gold in recent weeks or were maintaining bullish allocations.

But any breakout above gold's recent ceiling near $4 600/oz won't be smooth, many of the money managers said. Higher Treasury yields and increased bets for at least one Fed rate hike before year-end are undermining support for bullion, an asset that tends to be less favored when borrowing costs rise, because it doesn't pay interest.

Investors' resolve was tested by Fed chairperson Kevin Warsh's Aug. 28 speech at the central bank's Jackson Hole symposium, where he warned that US inflation isn't meaningfully slowing toward a 2% target – comments that triggered increased bets on monetary tightening.

So far, these potential speed bumps haven't shaken the renewed conviction of long-term investors. Gold's enduring appeal, some of the money managers said, lies in its value as a hedge within a broader investment portfolio.

"It's become a much more acceptable asset," said Arnout van Rijn, a portfolio manager for multi-asset and equity solutions at Robeco, a Dutch firm that oversees some $464 billion in assets. "It's become part and parcel of every regular or normal portfolio."

After a blistering rally backed by speculative capital took gold to an all-time high near $5 600/oz in January, the metal has spent much of this year in retreat. Elevated energy prices and inflationary shocks from the Iran war dragged it back to near $4 000/oz in June. That's when funds began to show interest.

"The downdraft to $4 000/oz, if you didn't own it already, was a very good buying time," said Michael Cuggino, president of the Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds. "The long-term macro story is still in place, and that's bullish for gold," he said, adding that "higher highs and higher lows" could be expected over time.

For Robeco's van Rijn, the catalyst for buying gold again was an acceleration in central-bank purchases during the second quarter. Official-sector demand recovered sharply between April and June, with net purchases of 289 tons the highest for any second quarter, according to the World Gold Council.

Sophie Huynh, a portfolio manager and strategist for dynamic-asset allocation at BNP Paribas, was drawn back by a fading correlation between bullion and risk assets like equities – a trend that suggests gold's traditional value as a hedge has returned after a period of speculative trading.

"The froth of gold has come off," said Huynh. Instead, the metal is being powered by "fundamental drivers such as central-bank purchases and multi-asset managers looking for portfolio hedge," she added.

That renewed appetite for gold is reflected in funds' net-long position tracked by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which rose in the week ended Aug. 25 to its highest level so far this year.

In one of the starkest warnings of recent weeks, Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Brid...