What happened to the platinum sector?
BEST OF 2011: Under-achievement rages sector-wide, as SA's platinum players continue to struggle building new mines and achieving targets. First published 29 June.
TFR, Eskom bewilder and delight
After a shocking start, Transnet Freight Rail clawed back a degree of respectability in 2011 while Eskom shocked us with surprise news on Medupi. How our parastatals trouble and please us.
South Africa’s golden conundrum
The rand gold price is booming but mainstream SA gold shares have stubbornly refused to respond. The main beneficiary so far is speculative junior Taung Gold.
Malema, red tape and legal confusion
Nationalisation, security of tenure, delays to minerals legislation improvements ... These were the issues that wracked South Africa's mining industry in 2011, and threaten to do so in 2012.
Codelco risks home defeat in fight with Anglo
It's easy to see why Chile's state mining colossus Codelco covets its neighbour Anglo American - and why it may be humiliated by its botched attempt to buy a big stake.
Kumba drowns in sea of irony
Those who appreciate a good dose of irony would have been greatly amused
by Kumba Iron Ore’s quest to bag all the proceeds of Sishen for its own
pocket.
Stabbed in the back, asleep on the wheel
This is how the positions of Kumba Iron Ore and ArcelorMittal SA were described in court proceedings over which Judge Raymond Zondo judged. But who is the real winner?
The return of resource nationalism
Following a period of abatement during the financial crisis, resource nationalism returned to the screens of every important miner in 2011, with extra teeth and extra meaning.
Amsa wins round one in Sishen court battle
ArcelorMittal SA has emerged the apparent winner in the North Gauteng High Court case over a disputed mineral right in Sishen Iron Ore. As for the other parties, some believe this is only round one.
Hope for less drastic power price rises
Energy Minister Dipuo Peters has raised hopes with her statement that a new electricity pricing system is being considered.