Energy

Power supply over the next five years is going to be tighter than previously expected with 2012 shaping up as the year when it will be most constrained, according to Eskom.

Imperial Crown Trading and state-owned African Exploration, Mining and Finance Corporation have acquired several prospecting licences along the banks of the Vaal River.

Independent power plant developer Ipsa has scrapped a coal agreement due to delays in the implementation of independent power producer policies.

CoAL of Africa says no decision has yet been made by the South African government concerning the restarting of its flagship Vele Colliery in the Limpopo Province.

First Uranium shares are stuck near their 12-month low following unexciting results for the September quarter during which the ramp up at the Ezulwini mine was delayed.

Gold is justifiably hogging investors' attention, but the uranium market is looking interesting, judging from presentations made by producers at recent conferences.

Transnet Freight Rail's transportation of domestic coal from mines in the Mpumalanga province to Eskom's Majuba Power Station has grown by 36% from last year's throughput of 5.8 million tons, it said.

Despite perennial problems, coal mines can be great investments - if you get them at a decent price.

Sasol Mining has completed the Ixia Coal transaction, as part of the company's empowerment strategy, with WIPCoal Investments as the majority partner.

Following hard on the forced closure of parts of its Vele mining complex in Limpopo, the Australian-owned mining company Coal of Africa is in trouble again with the environment department in Mpumalanga.