Disrupting the global energy market T wo key events have recently taken place that disrupt the global energy market – one, the UAE officially left OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1,
Although this pioneering Chinese technology is unlikely to disrupt the global oil market immediately, it is positioned to start changing the market within 3 to 10 years (2029–2036). In this edition The June edition of Modern Mining brings together a range of insightful features and industry perspectives shaping the future of mining and energy across Africa and beyond. Among the highlights is a lithium market outlook by Tom Price of Panmure Liberum, titled Lithium – the Rise of Zimbabwe, which examines Zimbabwe’s emergence as a major player in the global lithium market. In just five years, Zimbabwe has grown its domestic lithium production rate from zero to 240 ktpa (pg 8). Diamond producer De Beers discusses streamlining diamond sorting and valuation at its Sky Park facility (pg 12), while financial services group Nedbank unpacks the key dynamics influencing the mining sector (pg 16).
2026, and two, a Chinese team has pioneered a path to turn carbon dioxide into jet fuel — a breakthrough arriving at a particularly opportune moment as jet fuel prices continue to surge. The UAE ended nearly 60 years of membership to pursue independent production goals, as it seeks to maximise its oil production capacity (up from 3 million to 4.8 million barrels/ day) without being constrained by OPEC+ production quotas. The UAE holds significant spare capacity, previously acting as a key swing producer in the Middle East. Based on projected production rates, the UAE's oil reserves are expected to last for over 100 years. However, despite having substantial
reserves, the UAE is pursuing a strategy beyond oil. Its diversification strategy aims for non-oil sectors to contribute over 70% of GDP by investing in technology, renewable energy, tourism, and manufacturing. Key strategies include developing AI, enhancing infrastructure, and
On the energy front, Chinese multinational, Huawei Digital Power, speaks to Modern Mining about its significant investments in smart microgrid solutions (pg 20). In the
Based on projected production rates, the UAE's oil reserves are expected to last for over 100 years. However, despite having substantial reserves, the UAE is pursuing a strategy beyond oil.
fostering a knowledge- based economy through sovereign wealth funds.
Crushing & Screening feature, Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions discusses its engineered-
Nelendhre Moodley.
So, what is the impact of this unprecedented move on the global economy? Essentially, it
to-order plants designed to optimise African crushing operations (pg 24), while Pilot Crushtec spotlights the Metso Lokotrack LT400J, engineered to enhance productivity and ease of use (pg -26-). The Materials Handling feature includes LIBO Group outlining its growth strategy to expand its footprint across the African continent (pg 30) with Astec Industries highlighting its multifunctional machines that help to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency (pg 32). Our Pumps and Valves feature highlights Integrated Pump Technology strengthening local readiness as extreme weather conditions continue to reshape dewatering strategies (pg 34) with ITT Goulds Pumps discussing the value of integrated pumps and mixers for mining operations (pg 36). Also featured is a thought-provoking column by Jesper Jonsson of RSK Group, titled We must find ways to de-escalate conflicts and work with artisanal miners (pg 38).
Editor: Nelendhre Moodley e-mail: mining@crown.co.za Business Development Manager: Angela Devenish e-mail: angelad@crown.co.za Design & Layout: Ano Shumba Publisher: Karen Grant
weakens the OPEC’s market control, impacts oil prices, and reflects a shift towards energy diversification amid geopolitical tensions. The move is likely to drive a more competitive, decentralised market with increased output. While this could offer relief to oil-importing economies, it reduces OPEC's, especially Saudi Arabia's, influence and introduces market volatility. Secondly, a Chinese research team from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has successfully pioneered an industrial pathway to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly into high- value aviation fuel, shifting the technology from laboratory testing to large-scale production. China recently inaugurated two fully operational power generators that run on carbon dioxide. Does this mean that, in the not-too distant future, we can kick the fossil fuel habit?
Deputy Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Circulation: Brenda Grossmann and Shaun Smith Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd P O Box 140, Bedfordview, 2008 Tel: (+27 11) 622-4770 Fax: (+27 11) 615-6108 e-mail: mining@crown.co.za www.modernminingmagazine.co.za
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