WhyAfrica

Let’s talk about Acid Mine Drainage   The mining sector inadvertently contributes to Acid Mine Drainage. The processes involved in mining, such as drilling, blasting, and the use of chemicals for mineral extraction, expose sulfide minerals to the environment.   Once exposed, these minerals undergo oxidation reactions, producing sulfuric acid. This acid leaches into the groundwater, contaminating it with dissolved metals like iron, aluminium, and manganese.   The impact of AMD is far-reaching. Apart from environmental degradation, it also poses a significant risk to human health – heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, often present in AMD, are toxic and can lead to severe health issues. The cleanup of ADM is also extremely costly.   According to Peter Marumong, Cluster WWW Segment Leader at Schneider Electric, AMD requires effective management to mitigate its impact.  “For one, contaminated water needs to be treated to neutralise acidity and remove harmful contaminants before releasing it back into the environment,” writes Marumong in his article published this morning on the WhyAfrica website.     “Complex water treatment plants play a critical role in managing AMD. These plants are designed to treat contaminated water from mining operations, removing impurities and adjusting the pH to safe levels.   “For example, in South Africa, the eMalahleni Water Reclamation Plant - commissioned in 2010 - produces drinking water, with its feedwater coming from four coal mines in the area.”   Read the full article and more about water management in Africa by clicking on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on-the-ground information and business intelligence about Africa. AMD is problematic because of its scale, both in space and time, as it can affect both mining areas and their surroundings over large kilometres for decades or centuries. Image credit: Artists Eyes from Unsplash WhyAfrica specialises in the conservation, sustainable use and responsible extraction of Africa’s natural resources. We focus on mining and mineral exploration, critical minerals, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, natural resource management, the wildlife economy and rural development. We also look at the impact extreme weather events, climate change, technology, the African Continental Free Trade Area, African politics, geopolitics and ESG considerations have on your business and investments in Africa.      WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of African communities, especially women and the youth, through sustainable development projects. #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #watermanagement #environmentalmanagement Leon Louw Schneider Electric    https://lnkd.in/dtMAzWhQ 

Mining meets Quantum Computing Google’s new “Willow” quantum chip, featuring 105 qubits, marks a revolutionary leap in quantum computing, solving a problem in 5 minutes that would take classical computers many millions of years. This breakthrough in real-time quantum error correction brings us closer to practical quantum machines and holds transformative potential for industries like mining, where real-time accurate decision-making is critical. For mining, I think that Willow’s capabilities could optimize resource exploration by analyzing geological data faster, enable dynamic operational planning through real-time simulations, enhance predictive maintenance to prevent equipment failures, model environmental impacts to improve sustainability, and streamline critical mineral logistics with global supply chain optimization. As quantum computing evolves, innovations like Willow are set to drive smarter, greener, and more profitable operations, making the future of mining more intelligent, efficient and sustainable. #QuantumComputing #MiningInnovation #WillowChip #RealTimeDecisions #Sustainability #CriticalMinerals #TechRevolution #MiningIndustry https://lnkd.in/gwrf8Z_V

During our annual WhyAfrica Road Trip we visit a range of project sites in different sectors. One of WhyAfrica’s favourite activities during the 45-day-long trip is to visit greenfields mineral exploration sites. During the month and a half on the road we do research, assess and report about natural resources in diverse sectors and how local and external factors might affect our clients’ business and investments in Africa. Our clients include a wide range of investors, associations, business chambers, governments, consultants, suppliers, service providers, and companies interested in expanding their African footprint.     To get accurate information and gather meaningful intelligence, we travel overland to African countries, visit project sites, speak to a range of people (including CEOs, operational managers, project managers, procurement managers, local communities, local authorities and national government) and literally get your boots dirty to get a real feel for that country. You cannot do it any other way. Apart from having our boots on the ground as often as possible, WhyAfrica publishes information about some of the most interesting mining and mineral exploration projects in our column “Pick Of The Week” which appears online and in our newsletter for subscribers and investors every two weeks. We visit a lot of these project sites during our annual WhyAfrica Road Trips which provides us with substantial insight and background information to make balanced assessments and share honest opinions.      In addition to mining and mineral exploration we also look at projects in energy, agriculture, infrastructure (ports, rail and roads), quarrying, forestry, fisheries, tourism, conservation, environmental management, ESG, biodiversity management and water management.   Below is a list of five interesting mining projects we featured in 2024 (we feature 30 exploration and mining sites). If you want more information about other exploration or mining projects in Africa that we visited or researched in 2024 contact WhyAfrica (leon@whyafrica.co.za) or visit our website at www.whyafrica.co.za. If you want to be part of the 2025 WhyAfrica Road Trip, please contact us as soon as you can. You can find more information about our annual WhyAfrica Road Trips on the WhyAfrica website.   ·        Akobo Minerals’ Segele gold mine in Ethiopia ·        Aterian’s HCK lithium project in Rwanda ·        Sovereign Metals’ Kasiya Rutile and Graphite Project in Malawi ·       Giyani Metals’ K.Hill manganese project in Botswana ·        Prospect Resources’ Mumbezhi in Zambia To read the full article click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on-the-ground information and business intelligence about Africa. Image: Getting our boots dirty in Malawi during the 2024 WhyAfrica Road Trip. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica         https://lnkd.in/eFV4iPwX

In times of drought, there are always fears that the major maize producers may not have sufficient supplies for the Southern African region or that exports may be limited. During this season, Southern African countries have lost most of their harvest which have forced them to import. For example, Zambia lost 50% of its maize crop while Zimbabwe lost 60%. There were also significant crop losses in Malawi and Lesotho. According to Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at Agbiz, South Africa is not insulated from this drought although crop losses were not as devastating. This is mainly because of the improved seed varieties used in South Africa and the better input application. “Still, South Africa’s maize production is down 22% from last season’s expected harvest of 12,8 million tonnes,” writes Wandile in an article published online by WhyAfrica this morning. “But this decline in harvest doesn’t mean South Africa will suddenly trim exports. The country maintains an open market policy. “We believe the expected harvest and carryover stocks from last season will meet South Africa’s annual maize consumption of just under 12,00 million tonnes. This will still leave the country with a sizable volume for export markets. “Thus, South Africa continues to export maize. The country exported 57k tonnes of maize on October 11, 2024. Of this volume, 47% was exported to Zimbabwe and the balance to the neighbouring African countries,” writes Wandile. To read the full article click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on-the-ground information and business intelligence about Africa. WhyAfrica specialises in the conservation, sustainable use and responsible extraction of Africa’s natural resources. We focus on mining and mineral exploration, critical minerals, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, natural resource management, the wildlife economy and rural development.   We also look at the impact extreme weather events, climate change, technology, the African Continental Free Trade Area, African politics, geopolitics and ESG considerations have on your business and investments in Africa.         WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of African communities, especially women and the youth, through sustainable development projects. Drought in Southern Africa has affected the production of maize, a staple food in this region. Image credit: Zuyet Awarmatik from Unsplash.     #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #equipment #agriculture #farming #forestry #ESG #infrastructure #watermanagement #energy #tourism #sustainability #carbonemissions #naturalresources #environment #naturalresourcemangement #environmentalmanagent #biodiversity #conservation #travel #climatechange #extremeweatherevents     https://lnkd.in/dKd8iCUf 

Africa’s urban population will triple in the next 25 years and African countries will need to invest up to 5.5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) in urban development if they are to avoid rapid growth of shanty towns.   According to Eric Gumbo, Associate Director of law firm G&A Advocates LLP in Kenya, the problem is a failure of planning, which leads to a lack of housing infrastructure and the emergence of shanty towns.   Gumbo was speaking at a round-table discussion, “Mobilising finance for urban development and planning” which took place at the Africa Investment Forum, held from 4-6 December in Rabat, Morocco. All panellists at the event agreed that the key challenge is to multiply sources of investment by greater use of the private sector, development finance institutions, investment funds and pension funds, in addition to state and municipal resources.   Diversification of investment needs to go hand in hand with appropriate measures and provisions put in place by national governments and urban authorities: better governance of cities, better planning, capacity-building to enable the design of bankable projects, better planning of municipal investments, and modernisation of revenue collection.   Mohan Vivekanandan, Executive Director of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), a founding partner of the Africa Investment Forum, said that cities must have a well-thought-out plan in order to attract investors: “Major projects must be led by cities, and they must be designed so that the private sector will find it profitable to invest in your city,” he said. Thierno Habib-Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), says that Africa needs 53 million more homes, and that USD1000-billion are required to create them.   His institution, which covers 44 African countries, works in the urban housing value chain and Habib-Hann emphasised that low-cost houses (up to USD10,000) are a viable solution thanks to appropriate construction technologies. He called on investors to come to Africa, where the housing market alone is worth USD700 to USD800-billion.   To read the full article click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on-the-ground information and business intelligence about Africa.   Africa’s urban population will triple in the next 25 years and African countries will need to invest up to 5.5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) in urban development if they are to avoid rapid growth of shanty towns. Nicholas Gray from Unsplash.   #whyafricaroadtrips #whyafrica #africa #cities #infrastructure #investment #investinafrica #africaninvestment   https://lnkd.in/dfwxMuaA

Angola: America’s brave new world The impact of the Lobito Corridor on mining in Central and Southern Africa will be substantial. The importance of the Lobito Corridor cannot be understated, and even under new American President Donald Trump, it will remain of strategic importance in the US-China rivalry in Africa. But most of all, it will ensure America has easy access to Africa’s largest deposits of copper, cobalt, nickel and other critical minerals.             Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines already shipped out copper concentrate from its Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in January 2024 on the 1289km long railway line known as the Lobito Atlantic Railway Corridor to the port of Lobito in Angola. In October last year, KoBold Metals, a U.S. company applying artificial intelligence to develop a critical minerals site in Zambia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) committing to anchor the commercial viability of the Zambia-Lobito rail project with more than 300,000 tons of copper per year from its Mingomba mine. AFC signed MOUs in November and December totalling an additional 170,000 tons of minimum freight commitments from Zambian mining projects including from Kobaloni Energy, which is planning to construct the first cobalt sulphate refinery on the African continent, and First Quantum Minerals, one of the world’s top ten copper producers. In the Moxico Province of Angola, which WhyAfrica visited during the 2023 WhyAfrica Road Trip, exploration projects by Ivanhoe, Anglo American and several other mining houses are delivering exceptional results. They are all within proximity of the Lobito Corridor.  In September 2024, London listed Pensana received a USD3.4-million grant from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to fund a feasibility study to double the capacity of its Longonio rare earths mine, design in-country refining capacity, and conduct test work on new ore bodies. It also includes a USD3.2-million DFC technical assistance grant to Chillerton to support the development of a green copper mining project in Zambia. Bidden’s steps are small, but it is a giant leap for America. The question is whether Trump will follow in his footsteps. But more important, will these massive developments ultimately benefit Africa?  To read the full article click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on-the-ground information and business intelligence about Africa. #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #equipment #agriculture #farming #forestry #ESG #infrastructure #watermanagement #energy #tourism #sustainability #carbonemissions #naturalresources #environment #naturalresourcemangement #environmentalmanagent #biodiversity #conservation #travel #climatechange #extremeweatherevents  https://lnkd.in/epJzDsk4 

This week the USA and Angola co-hosted the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit, bringing together leaders from the DRC, Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). At the summit, American President Joe Biden announced more than USD560-million in new funding, including commitments expected to generate at least USD200-million in additional private sector capital, for infrastructure projects along the Corridor, bringing the total for U.S. investments to more than USD4- billion. The agricultural sectors of Angola, the DRC, Zambia and Tanzania are set to benefit significantly from the development and expansion of the Lobito Corridor.     The White House says in its statement: “The US is investing in value-added food processing and connecting farmers to global markets. These investments also deliver on President Biden’s commitment under the U.S.-Africa Partnership to Promote Food Security and Resilient Food Systems, to step up our investments to build more resilient food systems in Africa and to unlock Africa’s enormous agriculture production potential.” During President Biden’s visit this week he visited the Lobito production facilities of the Carrinho Group, Angola’s largest food producer, which is rapidly expanding the network of family farmers from whom it sources raw produce for products sold across the country. Recently the first shipment of Carrinho food products were transported along the Lobito Atlantic Railway line to be sold in the DRC, supporting regional food security. To read the full story click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website. To read the full statement by the White House, visit the WhyAfrica library on our website, your one stop shop for information and business intelligence about Africa.    The historic Benguela Railway line in Angola is part of the larger Lobito Corridor. The railway, which runs from Lobito on the Atlantic coast to the border with the DRC, is a critical part of this corridor. The railway forms a vital link in the Lobito Corridor's infrastructure, promoting regional trade and economic connectivity. Last year, WhyAfrica, with the backing of its premier sponsor Remote Exploration Services (RES), drove about 220km alongside the railway line from Luacano to Luena in the Moxico Province of Angola as part of the 45-day WhyAfrica Road Trip to find out more about the Benguela railway and Lobito Corridor. I managed to shoot a short video – not edited. What we see is what you get. #whyafricaroadtrips #whyafrica https://lnkd.in/dRjs32Qg   

- ca. 78% of average per capita calorie consumption comes from crops grown directly in soil & another 20% comes from terrestrial food sources that rely indirectly on soil (Brevik 2013) - About 33% of world soils are moderately to highly degraded according to United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) - Eminent professor Kate Scow at University of California, Davis says a gram of soil, about a quarter of a teaspoon can easily contain a billion bacterial cells and several miles of fungal filaments, On #worldsoilsday Nuveen, a TIAA company thanks our tenants, crop managers & fellow farmers for the innovation & implementation of agronomic practice & technology to critically improve soil health & protect our vital #naturalcapital resource #covercrops #biochar #controlledtraffic #notill #striptill SLC Agrícola Horizon Agricultural Machinery Ltd HORSCH Sitos Group Vino Farms MONTEREY PACIFIC, INC Mayo P. Ryan, AFM Paul O'Meehan Martin Hein Thank you to Eric Pooler James Little richard schaefers Samuel Daud Vincent Sorena in our team for the leadership.

Managing Africa’s natural resources is crucial to ensure sustainable economic growth and stability, to protect the natural environment, to safeguard public health and to empower local communities. Natural resources are derived from nature and can be non-renewable (minerals, metals, fossil fuels and nuclear fuels) and renewable (solar energy, wind energy, water [hydropower], forests, biomass and geothermal energy). Other important natural resources include soil (vital for agriculture), air (essential for life) and water (rivers, lakes and underground aquifers) which is crucial for drinking, agriculture and industry.   Wildlife is considered a natural resource as well but differs from the abovementioned natural resources in that it is living and part of biodiversity. Wildlife contributes to the overall health and balance of ecosystems, providing essential services such as pollination, pest control, seed dispersal and food chains that support other wildlife and human populations. WhyAfrica specialises in the conservation, sustainable use and responsible extraction of Africa’s natural resources. We focus on mining and mineral exploration, critical minerals, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, natural resource management, the wildlife economy and rural development. We also look at the impact extreme weather events, climate change, technology, the African Continental Free Trade Area, African politics, geopolitics and ESG considerations have on your business and investments in Africa.      WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of African communities, especially women and the youth, through sustainable development projects. If Africa’s natural resources is your business, follow WhyAfrica or subscribe to our newsletters and magazines. We have just published our last newsletter of the year so if you are still not a subscriber here it is: https://lnkd.in/dauEd9S3 If you are a subscriber, our next newsletter will be in your inbox on the 9th of January 2025. Enjoy the festive season! #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #equipment #agriculture #farming #forestry #ESG #infrastructure #watermanagement #energy #tourism #sustainability #carbonemissions #naturalresources #environment #naturalresourcemangement #environmentalmanagent #biodiversity #conservation #travel #climatechange #extremeweatherevents  Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica

In the last 10 years 742 new species of wildlife and plants have been discovered in the Congo Basin, amongst them a new species of coffee (Coffea rizetiana) from Cameroon. A recent report by the WWF highlights the remarkable biodiversity and the urgent conservation needs of one of the world's most vital ecosystems. The report documents the work of hundreds of scientists from universities, conservation organisations and research institutes around the world. It reveals a stunning array of new species, including previously unknown plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Among these discoveries are unique orchids, new species of coffee, clawed frog, crocodile, electric fish, owl, spiders, turtles and even a monkey species known locally as the ‘lesula’. Known as the “lungs of Africa”, the Congo Basin is the largest carbon sink in the world, absorbing more carbon than the Amazon. It is also the largest tropical peatland in the world. The Congo basin spans six countries namely Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. Of the world’s three largest tropical rainforests, only the Congo has enough standing forest left to remain a strong net carbon sink. The Congo Basin’s tropical rainforest sequesters 600 million metric tonnes more carbon dioxide per year than it emits, equivalent to about one-third of the CO2 emissions from all U.S. transportation (WRI). Image: A new species of coffee (Coffea rizetiana) from Cameroon are amongst the 742 new species discovered in the Congo Basin over the last 10 years. Image credit: WWF To read the full article click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on-the-ground information and business intelligence about Africa. WhyAfrica specialises in the conservation, sustainable use and responsible extraction of Africa’s natural resources. We focus on mining and mineral exploration, critical minerals, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, natural resource management, the wildlife economy and rural development. We also look at the impact extreme weather events, climate change, technology, the African Continental Free Trade Area, African politics, geopolitics and ESG considerations have on your business and investments in Africa.      WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of African communities, especially women and the youth, through sustainable development projects. Leon Louw WWF #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #equipment #agriculture #farming #forestry #ESG #infrastructure #watermanagement #energy #tourism #sustainability #carbonemissions #naturalresources #environment #naturalresourcemangement #environmentalmanagent #biodiversity #conservation #travel #climatechange #extremeweatherevents  https://lnkd.in/d8KPJWSt