2015 Sponsors

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) is a leading South African diversified mining and minerals company with long-life, low unit cost operations and significant growth opportunities.

ARM mines and beneficiates iron ore, manganese ore and alloys, chrome ore and alloys, platinum group metals, copper, nickel and coal. ARM also has an investment in gold through its shareholding in Harmony.

ARM’s strategy is focused on quality growth within its portfolio of assets and ensuring that all ARM’s operations are positioned below the 50th percentile of each commodity’s global cost curve. This is achieved, in conjunction with ARM’s joint venture partners, through volume growth and continuous improvement in operational efficiencies. In 2010 ARM successfully achieved its 2 X 2010 strategy to double production in its diversified portfolio of assets, and in 2012 ARM delivered its iron ore, coal and nickel growth projects. ARM’s growth of existing assets is supplemented by continuous assessment of acquisition and partnership opportunities and exploration in Africa.

We do it better

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services whose aim is to turn understanding of information, industries, and business trends into value.
As mining companies move throughout the mining asset life cycle, an organization encounters different challenges in order to maintain growth and profitability.
KPMG’s experienced team of mining specialists can assist clients throughout the entire mining asset life cycle. Our people are deeply experienced in the industry and are knowledgeable of local laws, customs and practices and aware of the challenges faced across the life cycle.

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a division of FirstRand Bank Limited is a leading African corporate and investment bank and part of one of the largest financial services groups in Africa. We offer our clients innovative, value-added advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking and principal investing solutions.
We have representative offices and subsidiaries in the UK, India, China, and the Middle East and access to a network of retail banks in 25 African countries.
We value mutually rewarding relationships and constantly question existing models and develop innovative and bespoke solutions to deliver on our business philosophy and brand promise: Traditional values. Innovative ideas.

For more information please visit: www.rmb.co.za.

The MSA Group, Africa’s leading mineral exploration consultant, has entrenched itself as a trusted and holistic service provider and contractor for 30 years. Our track record is synonymous with quality, technical integrity and safety compliance. MSA provides specialist services on numerous international and local projects covering all commodities.
The MSA Group’s client base includes the largest multi-national mining companies, private equity and sovereign wealth funds, governments and juniors listed throughout the world. MSA has worked on 5 continents and in over 40 countries. The MSA Group’s services encompass Exploration and Geology, Mining Studies and Environmental Consulting. Our services range from targeting and initial assessment to turn-key exploration and project management of multidisciplinary programmes culminating in geological and Mineral Resource modelling, Mineral Resource estimations, public reporting to all of the major stock exchanges (TSX, ASX, AIM, JSE, et al.), project valuations, due diligence studies and scoping to feasibility study management.

MSA is ISO 9001:2008 Certified for quality, OHSAS 18001 accredited for Health and Safety and SANAS ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited for its diamond exploration laboratories.

About Vedanta

Vedanta Resources plc (“Vedanta”) is a London listed FTSE-100 diversified global resources major. The group produces Aluminium, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Silver, Iron ore, Power, and Oil and Gas. Vedanta has world-class assets in India, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, Ireland, Liberia, Australia and Sri Lanka and a strong organic growth pipeline of projects.

With an empowered talent pool globally, Vedanta places strong emphasis on partnering with all its stakeholders based on the core values of entrepreneurship, excellence, trust, inclusiveness and growth. For more information, please visit: www.vedantaresources.com or www.vedanta-zincinternational.com

ADVISORS IN RESILIENCE
Eunomix^TM is a pioneering advisory firm at the nexus of strategy, risk management and socioeconomic development. The firm specialises in resource rich countries, with a focus on Africa. Serving businesses and governments, it helps deliver sustainable outcomes in the face of systemic uncertainty, competition for resources and growing demands for shared prosperity.
Eunomix^TM advises natural resource and infrastructure companies on managing political and country risk toward greater resiliency and competitiveness. The firm works toward lowering risks, increasing social licence and enhancing business sustainability.
Eunomix^TM acts as a trusted advisor to its clients. Its unique capabilities make it a bridge between business, government and civil society. To deliver, the firm is equipped with a world class multidisciplinary team of passionate, committed and experienced specialists.

Eunomix^TM is a recognised leader in the provision of insight that is thoughtful, unequivocal and progressive.
ww.eunomix.com

Fasken Martineau is a leading international business law and litigation firm with over 770 lawyers across Canada, Europe and Africa.
Whether you are at the exploration, development, mining or closure phase, success depends on solid legal advice and experience. Our Global Mining Group is consistently recognized as having more mining experts than any other law firm. Our merger with leading South African based firm Bell Dewar created one of the largest firms in Africa.
With over 150 years of mining industry experience, we structure transactions to promote cross-border efficiencies, reduce exposure to political and regulatory risk and facilitate financing.
www.fasken.com

For over 100 years, the mining industry has relied upon Behre Dolbear’s consul. From exploration and project closure to fi nancial and management consultancy, our knowledge is as varied as our global client-base. What makes us special is not just our experience but, our independence. Behre Dolbear’s unbiased advice solely benefits your agenda.

http://www.dolbear.com

PAL Solutions (Pty) Ltd was established in 1998 with the mission to developing a world class automated Employee Management System for Mining. We are now the market leader in the mining industry offering our clients comprehensive control over HR, payroll and T&A (including access control). Some of our clients include, Harmony Gold, Gold One, Wesizwe, Pan African Resources, Tau Gold Mining Company, Toyota, Kangra Coal and KPMG.
Most notably to our clients is that our application results in the improvement of efficiencies and reduction of costs in their HR, Payroll and T&A departments, which inevitably improves their company’s bottom line.
A large mining client has quoted "that a saving in excess of 40% in administrative costs has been achieved as a direct result of the implementation of PAL Solutions and optimised utilisation of the functionality within the application."
If you are looking for someone who understands your mining needs, in these areas, please contact us on 011 893 2602 or mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Please visit: www.palsolutions.co.za

UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) is a pivotal industry partner, supplying 25% of all engineering professionals in the country.  The Department of Mining Engineering recently developed the Kumba Virtual Reality Centre for Mine Design (http://www.up.ac.za/en/mining-engineering/news/post_1699924-kumba-virtual-reality-centre-for-mine-design), providing an engaging learning environment for students to prepare for real time challenges.
For almost six decades, UP’s Department of Mining Engineering has strived for excellence in Mining Engineering Education and is internationally recognised. We adopt an integrated approach to mining as an ecosystem and produce professionals well-rounded in technical and non-technical skills.

Caldas Engineering offers the right solution to your wear parts requirements. With a comprehensive range of premium replacement wear parts for leading brands of Jaw crushers, Cone crushers and Impact crushers. A leader in the supply of re-engineered wear parts for fixed and mobile crushers for the quarrying, mining, construction, demolition and recycling industries.
We keep a wide range of components in stock while our highly managed distribution network in Johannesburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Kimberley as well as office in Zambia ensures that whatever clients need, Caldas Engineering can supply anywhere and on time.
We are proud to announce that Mr Kuseni Dlamini former Chairperson of Richards Bay Coal Terminal and Head of Anglo American South African Operations has recently acquired a 35% share in our company.
www.caldas.co.za

http://www.aecom.com/

Willis SA is a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings plc, which is a global Risk Advisory, Re/insurance broking, Human Capital and Employee Benefits firm.
Willis Group is the third largest insurance broker worldwide.
With roots dating to 1828, today Willis operates on every continent, with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in Risk Management and Risk Transfer.
Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.
Willis is a major shareholder in the French and African insurance broker, Gras Savoye.
Gras Savoye, founded in 1907, employs 3,900 people and has a presence in over 50 countries.
Together, the two firms combined would have scale through a presence in 131 countries. This includes an unrivalled footprint in 31 countries across Africa.
Find more information at our website, www.willis.com.
Willis South Africa is a level 3 BBBEE contributor.

The new SSG Group was created by our chairman, Mikki Xayiya and CEO, Jorge Ferreira with the aim of creating a specialised integrated services group to deliver technically sound and commercially viable solutions to the South African Market using the SSG Group as a platform.SSG Security is a subsidiary of the SSG Group and is dedicated to providing clients with value-focussed services and outcomes. SSG Security has earned a reputation for developing and utilising leading edge concepts to solve challenging situations. Our success lies with our hands-on management approach coupled with the commitment to anticipate and adapt to and ever evolving security risks and client requirements.
SSG Security has proven expertise and trained resources through its divisions to deliver the full suite of fully-integrated security services, including event security, mining security, industrial, retail and warehousing security, technical surveillance, CCTV and alarm monitoring, electronic counter measures, close protection (VIPs), vetting, profiles and forensic investigations to meet current and future industry requirements.
Our Sector Specialists ensure that our clients are provided with best practice solutions based on years of experience.
www.ssgsa.co.za

 

 

Transnet Freight Rail - Platinum Sponsor

Transnet freight rail is the largest division of Transnet Limited, a public company with South African government as its sole shareholder. It is a world class heavy haul freight rail company that specialises in the transportation of freight.

Transnet freight rail has over ± 41 000 employees, who are spread throughout the country. Transnet Freight Rail's core business lies in freight logistics solutions designed for customers in industry based business segments, mining, heavy and light manufacturing. The company maintains a 22000 kilometre rail network connected to ports and rail networks of the sub-Saharan region, with its rail infrastructure representing about 80% of Africa's total. Of the network, about 1500 kilometres is laid across the harsh terrain of South Africa, making up our acclaimed heavy haul export lines. The network includes 3928 kilometre of branch lines.

 The company is proud of its reputation for technological leadership beyond Africa as well as with-in Africa, where it is active in some 17 countries. Transnet freight rail has positioned itself to become a profitable and sustainable freight railway business, assisting in driving the competitiveness of the South African economy. Transnet freight rail is proudly placed to dramatically alter the South African rail industry. This enables us to play a positive and active role in the transformation of our society. We do so against the backdrop of sound business principles, a regulatory framework and the challenges of meeting the expectations of our customers. 

www.transnetfreightrail-tfr.net

 

 

IDC - Silver Sponsor

Established in 1940, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a national development institution whose primary objectives are to contribute to the generation of balanced, sustainable economic growth in Africa and to the economic empowerment of the South African population, thereby promoting the economic prosperity of all citizens. The IDC achieves this by promoting entrepreneurship through the building of competitive industries and enterprises based on sound business principles.

Through partnership, the IDC provides funding in support of industrial capacity development by:

• Proactively identifying and funding high-impact projects
• Leading the creation of viable new industries
• Using our diverse industry expertise to drive growth in priority sectors
• Taking up higher-risk funding in early-stage and high-impact projects

The IDC assists start-up and existing businesses with a minimum funding requirement of R1 million and a maximum of R1 billion. Funding is offered across its mandated sectors including Mining and Minerals Beneficiation and Venture Capital.

Special funding schemes are available that address transformation and entrepreneurial development (TES); topping up equity contributions from entrepreneurs (TES & RCF); and sector-specific schemes. The IDC Gro-e-Scheme provides funding for projects from R1 million to R1 billion at prime less 3% for up to five years.

The IDC’s business support programme addresses non-financial support to entrepreneurs, and providing assistance with capacity building to improve project viability.

If you have a project that can contribute to building South Africa’s industrial capacity and creating jobs, visit www.idc.co.za to find out how the IDC can help build your opportunity.

 

Aim Mining Research Ltd

AIM MINING RESEARCH was set up to publish a book entitled Understanding Junior Miners. It pulled together knowledge from five experienced players in geology, mining engineering and financial analysis to map out the areas of key importance in analysing a junior mining company.

www.aim-mining.com contains the profiles of those involved in writing the book. The company also provides an umbrella for project work, publications and presentations

 

 

 

Sasfin Corporate Finance

Sasfin Corporate Finance advises companies across a broad range of industries within both the public and private sectors. We are the corporate finance division of Sasfin Holdings Limited, a niche specialist banking group listed on the JSE.

We provide innovative advisory services to both listed and unlisted companies focusing on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets, Black Economic Empowerment transactions, general strategic advice and sponsor services. We are accredited as sponsors and designated advisors with the JSE and offer our clients independent advice on a full range of corporate finance transactions, with a focus on developing long-term, trusted advisor relationships.

Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced professionals recognised for their exceptional service delivery to clients, in-depth market knowledge and strong relationships. Our passion for achieving the best outcome for our clients has resulted in a proven track record. Our commitment to objectively understand our clients’ requirements and delivering the optimal result remains one of the distinguishing cornerstones of our business”

 

 

 

Wesizwe Platinum

Wesizwe Platinum is a public company incorporated in the Republic of South Africa with its shares listed on the JSE Limited. Wesizwe, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Bakubung Minerals (Pty) Limited and Africa Wide Mineral Prospecting and Exploration (Pty) Limited, is engaged in the development of its Bakubung Platinum Mine.
The mine site is located in the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex, close to the town of Rustenburg in the North West Province of South Africa. Wesizwe's strategic intent is to build and operate South Africa's next PGM mine, firmly positioning the Group as a significant mid-tier precious metals producer.
At steady state production, the mine will produce 350 koz 4E per annum. Following the conclusion of the financing transaction with a consortium made up of a Chinese mining company, Jinchuan, and the China Africa Development Fund (CAD Fund) in May 2011, the project is well funded. Wesizwe Platinum also has a 26% interest in neighbouring Projects 1 and 3 of Maseve Investments 11 (Pty) Ltd ("Maseve") operated by Platinum Group Metals Limited (PTM) Canada

 

 

De Beers

DE BEERS, ESTABLISHED IN 1888, IS THE WORLD’S LEADING DIAMOND COMPANY WITH UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE IN THE EXPLORATION, MINING AND MARKETING OF DIAMONDS. TOGETHER WITH OUR JOINT VENTURE PARTNERS, DE BEERS EMPLOYS MORE THAN 23,000 PEOPLE IN OPERATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.

As part of our operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to  Living up to Diamonds_ by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which we live and work. In the countries in which De Beers has mining operations, this means carrying out profitable business, while simultaneously helping governments achieve their aspirations of turning natural resources into shared national wealth. De Beers encourages sustainable working to ensure long-term positive development for Africa.

 

 

Sunbird Energy

Sunbird Energy Ltd is an ASX-listed (ASX:SNY) gas explorer and developer focused on southern Africa where limited domestic gas supply and growing energy needs have created significant opportunity for the development of large scale energy projects.

Sunbird has executed an agreement to acquire a 76% stake in the Ibhubesi Gas Project offshore of the west coast of South Africa. The transaction, which is subject to approval of a transfer of title from the South African Department of Mineral Resources, will give Sunbird the right to operate and develop the Ibhubesi Gas Project, South Africa’s largest undeveloped gas field. The Ibhubesi Gas Project has multiple development opportunities including gas-fired power projects to supply the high value South African energy market. Sunbird’s joint venture partner in the project is PetroSA (24%), the national oil company of South Africa.

Sunbird also has a portfolio of five Coal Bed Methane (CBM) projects covering an extensive area (9,904km2) of prospective coal basins across in South Africa and Botswana. Sunbird is conducting a phased exploration program that will define the resource base and demonstrate the commercial potential of its portfolio of CBM assets, which contain a Best Estimate Gas-in-Place of 5.3 Tcf (trillion cubic feet).

 

 

MSA Mining Group

The MSA Group, Africa's leading mineral exploration and development consultants, has entrenched itself as a trusted and holistic service provider and contractor for 30 years. Our track record is synonymous with quality, technical integrity and safety compliance. MSA provides specialist services on numerous international and national projects, including all major commodities. The MSA Group's client base includes the largest multi-national mining companies and juniors listed throughout the world and MSA has worked on 5 continents and in over 40 countries. The MSA Group's services encompass Exploration and Geology, Mining Studies and Environmental from targeting and initial assessment to the on-site execution and turn-key exploration project management of multi-disciplinary programmes, culminating in geological and resource modelling, resource estimations, public reporting, valuations, scoping studies and due diligence studies.

 

 

Mkango Resources Ltd.

Mkango Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MKA) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on rare earth elements and associated minerals in the Republic of Malawi. It holds a 100% interest in two exclusive prospecting licenses covering a combined area of 1,751 km² in southern Malawi. The Company's primary focus is the Songwe Hill Project, a near surface carbonatite hosted deposit. In November 2012, Mkango Resources successfully filed its maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate; this represented a major milestone in development of the project.

Mkango is currently working towards completing their pre-feasibility study and in July 2013, the Company achieved another major milestone with the announcement of a base case metallurgical flow sheet for the Songwe Hill Project. Proof of concept test work on a bench scale has demonstrated that the flow sheet has potential to produce two high grade products: a high grade mixed rare earth carbonate product and a cerium depleted, heavy rare earth enriched mixed rare earth hydroxide product.

 

 

 

Werksmans

Established in the early 1900s, Werksmans Attorneys is a leading South African corporate and commercial law firm serving multinationals, listed companies, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and government.
Werksmans operates in Gauteng and the Western Cape and is connected to an extensive African network through LEX Africa*.
With a formidable track record in mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, and commercial litigation and dispute resolution, the firm is distinguished by the people, clients and work that it attracts and retains.
With more than 180 lawyers, Werksmans is a powerful team of independent-minded individuals who share a common service ethos. The firm’s success is built on a solid foundation of insightful and innovative deal structuring and legal advice; a keen ability to understand business and economic imperatives; and a strong focus on achieving the best legal outcome for clients.

Go to www.werksmans.com for more information.

*In 1993, Werksmans co-founded the LEX Africa legal network, which now has member firms in 29 African countries.

 

 

Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (formerly Ivanplats Limited, TSX: IVP), exploring in Africa since 1994, has discoveries and development projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa's Bushveld Complex.
The company's shares began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange in October 2012.
With offices in Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, Ivanhoe Mines is advancing and developing its three principal projects:

• The Kamoa copper discovery in a previously unknown extension of the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC's Province of Katanga.
• The Platreef Discovery of platinum-group elements, nickel, copper, gold and rhodium on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa.
• The historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-precious metals mine, also on the Copperbelt in the DRC and now being dewatered and upgraded to support a future return to production of copper, zinc and other metals following a care-and-maintenance program conducted between 1993 and 2011.

Ivanhoe Mines also is evaluating other opportunities as part of its objective to become a broadly based international mining company.

 

 

Council for Geoscience

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is a modern scientific institution, boasting excellent facilities and expertise, ranking among the best in Africa and the world.

The CGS's strength lies in its core of competent geoscientific and technical staff, encompassing virtually all the disciplines of the geosciences such as geophysics, seismology, geochemistry, mineral resources, engineering, marine, water and environment geosciences, The basic geological field mapping competency of the CGS has been built up and maintained for over a century, and is ongoing.

The CGS hosts the largest Geological Library and Information Service in Africa. Information products are made available in standard analog and electronic formats and Internet solutions for optimal information access are being developed. Further the organization houses the National Core Library and the National Geoscience Museum.

Ends.

For more information contact: Ms .Nthombikayise Mdluli Jacha, Marketing and Communications Specialist.  Tel; 012 841 1911, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Eunomix

Eunomix specialises in de-risking resource and commodities projects in Africa, a destination of ever greater global strategic value. It helps clients achieve and sustain success in the face of political, regulatory, economic, social, infrastructure and security uncertainty, instability and incidents. Registered in London, it has been advising business and governments since 2009. It has been featured in leading media like the BBC, Bloomberg, Business Day, Business Week, CNBC Africa, Financial Mail, Mineweb, MiningMX, Mining Weekly, Reuters and The Sowetan. Eunomix is a fast growing provider of insight and advice that are thoughtful, unequivocal and progressive.

Endorsements

"Eunomix is a “strategic partner” to our exploration and mining projects, particularly in high risk geopolitics, infrastructure and security. Their depth of understanding and analysis is of the highest level. The value they have added to our projects is significant"
Anton Mauve, Managing Director, West African Minerals Corp. Eunomix has a deep understanding of external, political, economic and social risks inherent in many African mining projects. The company's input is valuable in determining areas of vulnerability that may be present in even the most technically-robust projects.” 

 

 

Frontier Advisory

Frontier Advisory is a research, strategy and investment advisory firm that assists clients to improve their competitiveness in emerging market economies. At Frontier Advisory, we work with the leadership of clients in the private sector, public sector and non-governmental space to deepen their understanding and ability to succeed in frontier & emerging markets. Our strategic positioning and networks reside in the expanding collaboration between emerging market economies and the African continent.

 

 

Canada-Southern Africa Chamber of Business

The Canada-Southern Africa Chamber of Business is the premier business association promoting trade and
investment between Canada and Southern Africa (and beyond) primarily through organizing business networking events with speakers of interest to its members and guests. Founded in 1994 after South Africa's democratic elections the Chamber originally focussed on South Africa.  Given the broader geographic interests of its members across the African continent the Chamber expanded its geographic focus in 2008.  It is not-for-profit, apolitical and funded entirely by its membership and activities.  Chamber members represent a who's who of Canadian companies invested in, or doing business with Africa
www.canadasachamber.com