Exxaro accelerates diversification with strategic manganese acquisition
The company entered into binding agreements to acquire a portfolio of manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OM Holdings. These include interests in Tshipi Borwa, Mokala and Hotazel manganese mines. The R11.67bn transaction marks a strategic expansion into transition minerals essential for steel and renewable technologies.
This bold step aligns with Exxaro's strategy to diversify into transition minerals and energy solutions while remaining anchored in its coal base. The acquisition enhances Exxaro's operational footprint, unlocks long-life resources, and supports SA's just energy transition — reinforcing Exxaro's role as a purpose-driven leader in the mining sector.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
D-day for the South African economy less than a WEEK away
D-day for the South African economy – Wednesday 9 July 2025 – is now less than a week away. And talks of a necessary extension is creating growing tension in government ranks. Back in April of this year, US President Donald Trump instituted 30% tariffs on South Africa for all goods imported into America. But facing tremendous backlash worldwide, Trump hit pause on the tariffs for 90 days. This takes us to next weeks' D-day for the South African economy. Trade talks with the US started in May, but have not resulted in any concrete framework as yet. Image: File Unfortunately, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau, has shared little in the way of progress on crucial US-SA trade talks. All he can confirm is that South Africa is (one of many countries) asking for more time, reports The Citizen . Interestingly, it appears to be US delegates that are dragging their heels on trade talks. South Africa is yet to hear anything after a trade delegation submitted several proposals to the US back in May. The DTIC put forward a framework agreement focusing on trade and investment. And it identified key areas for growth in each nation's markets. However, as of now, it appears to have done little to stave of D-day for the South African economy … US insistence that South Africa must reform politically does not sit well with ANC leadership. Image: File As such, it appears the acrimonious relationship between the US and South Africa is grounded instead in ideological differences. There have been reports that President Ramaphosa's unwavering stance on BEE and denial of land expropriation has raised the hackles of US delegates. Nevertheless, last week, the Deputy Minister of Trade met with a US representative on the sidelines of a summit in Luanda, Angola. South Africa used the meeting to raise its concerns about the impact of the reciprocal tariffs in Africa. Worst-case scenario, South Africa is seeking a maximum tariff application of 10%. Vehicles like the South African-built Ford Ranger are exported all over the world and will suffer if 30% Trump tariffs go ahead next week. Image: File In a bid to avert D-day for the South African economy, the DTIC wants key export products exempted from the Section 232 tariffs. These include cars and car parts, as well as steel and aluminium. Although time is running out the DTIC is confident: 'The proposed framework will go through the internal approval processes in the US administration. South Africa welcomes this and has expressed a preparedness to engage once it is finalised.' Meanwhile, government is urging industry to exercise strategic patience and not take any decisions in haste. 'Government will continue to use every avenue to engage with the US to find an amicable solution to safeguard our interests in the US market,' concludes the department. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
4 hours ago
- The Herald
Shoprite introduces R5 toiletries to take on hygiene poverty in SA
Shoprite has expanded its R5 basket of goods to include essential toiletries. This is in response to a study which found that more than 14-million people in South Africa — one in five — are affected by hygiene poverty, which encompasses both inadequate sanitation infrastructure and limited access or affordability of essential items such as soap, shampoo, menstrual and oral care products. 'Following significant investment into extensive product development, Shoprite is adding a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner as well as a body wash to its growing range of R5 products. 'Both items are sold as concentrates in 50ml sachets and, when diluted with 150ml water, make enough to last for up to 20 washes . This works out to about 25c per wash,' Shoprite said. In 2021, Shoprite launched a R5 pack of sanitary pads to ease the financial burden of menstrual hygiene and to help keep young girls in school, with zero price increase since on this product to date. 'No-one should have to choose between having food to eat and maintaining basic hygiene,' said Renaldo Phillips, general manager for private label and imports at the Shoprite Group. Phillips said access to hygiene products was not a luxury but a fundamental human right. 'That is why we are committed to developing the best possible products at the lowest possible prices.' According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef, hygiene poverty can severely affect health, dignity and self-esteem. With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, including everyday hygiene and grooming products. 'With our range of R5 toiletries, Shoprite wants to help communities maintain their dignity,' Phillips said. With the exception of sanitary pads, which became VAT exempt in April 2019, all other personal hygiene items including soap, toothpaste and deodorant continue to be taxed at the standard VAT rate. This makes the introduction of Shoprite's R5 toiletries — which helps to bridge the affordability gap for those who need it most — all the more important. Shoprite said e very week, it subsidised over 1.8-million R5 products, which were available to customers every single day, at every one of its supermarkets nationwide. Its growing basket of R5 products now include: a 600g brown bread, unchanged in price since April 2016; takeaway meals, including a protein-rich ox liver burger; sanitary pads; shampoo and conditioner; and body wash. 'To many, a R5 coin may not seem like much any more, but it's important to remember that it can still feed a person and now help to maintain personal hygiene. More than just a small change, it is a symbol of hope,' Phillips said. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- The Citizen
Report reveals 1 in 5 alcoholic drinks are fake: Here's how to spot them
As the problem worsens, so does the concern: Can you really trust what is in your glass? Are you sure your drink is real? A growing number of South Africans are unknowingly drinking fake alcohol. A report by Euromonitor has revealed shocking data about the country's illicit alcohol market. One in five alcoholic drinks contains illicit alcohol, meaning millions may be unknowingly putting their health at risk. This dangerous rise in fake alcohol is a serious threat to people's health and a heavy blow to the economy. Billions of rands are lost each year in tax revenue and legitimate business, as fake alcohol floods the market. As the problem worsens, so does the concern: Can you really trust what is in your glass? Illicit alcoholic drinks impact The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) led a panel discussion to explore the findings of the report released in June and how consumers can be protected from fake alcohol. Chairperson of DF-SA and CEO of SAB, Richard Rivett-Carnac, broke down the effects that illegal alcohol has on the country. If billions from public funds are lost due to the growing rate of the illicit alcohol market, jobs in the industry will be lost. 'Understanding the drivers of illicit alcohol growth and its magnitude is a step in the right direction, but we need stronger collaboration with the industry and government to really start removing the incentives that allow for the illicit market to thrive and intensifying enforcement.' ALSO READ: Police seize R1.5m fake alcohol in KZN, one arrested How much illicit alcoholic drinks cost the country Euromonitor's report has revealed that the illicit alcohol market has grown by 55% between 2017 and 2024, a growth rate of 6%, outpacing the growth of the legal alcohol market. The illicit alcohol market is worth an estimated R25.1 billion and has cost the government R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue. Dr Shamal Ramesar, head of research at DF-SA, highlighted that communities are at risk, and the economy is significantly impacted due to this market. 'Recent testing with the University of KwaZulu-Natal found that many illegal products contain dangerous substances like methanol, which can cause serious harm. Unless we shut down illegal producers and educate consumers, lives will continue to be at risk.' Protecting people Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, Hardin Ratshisusu, said it is important to make people aware of the illicit alcohol market; in doing this, more people will be protected from fake and unsafe products. He highlighted that people have the right to know what they are buying and consuming. 'Tackling this issue takes teamwork through better information-sharing, stronger partnerships, and public education.' To find out how illicit alcohol was distributed and consumed, Euromonitor surveyed the product's prevalence in retail and independent traders, as well as the habits and preferences of consumers. Through desk research, store visits and surveys across multiple geographic and income demographics, Euromonitor illustrated how the illicit trade makes up 18% of the country's overall alcohol market. This 18% amounts to the consumption of 773 000 hectolitres — or 77 million litres a year— with an estimated price tag of R25 billion. ALSO READ: SA loses R30 billion in revenue due to illicit trade in cigarettes and liquor Counterfeiting is a big problem Benjamin Rideout, research consultant at Euromonitor International, stated that illicit alcohol in the country is no longer a minor issue. 'Unlike some countries where homebrews are the issue, South Africa is facing large-scale counterfeiting. The situation demands better control over production inputs like ethanol and much stronger enforcement.' Jan-Harm Swanepoel, Partner at Adams & Adams, highlighted the importance of organised crime in fighting against the problem. 'We have the legal tools to fight, but what is now needed is alignment and action.' Symptoms of poisoning from fake alcohol According to Interpol, the below are the symptoms of poisoning from fake alcohol: Confusion Loss of coordination Vomiting Irregular or slow breathing Blue-tinged or pale skin Low body temperature (hypothermia) Stupor (being conscious but unresponsive) Unconsciousness (passing out). How to spot fake alcohol Think about the '4 Ps': Place: Only buy your alcohol from reputable and licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets. Do not buy alcohol from unlicensed market traders or from customers in bars. Price: If the product is being sold significantly below its normal price or does not appear to include normal taxes on liquor, then it is likely fake. Packaging: Check for poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes, and unusually shaped bottles. Look for the contact information and address of the manufacturer. If it is missing, the alcohol is fake. Inspect the seal on the bottle. If the seal is broken or damaged, the contents may have been compromised and are not safe to drink. Check for fake bar codes. If you have an app on your mobile device that scans barcodes, scan it and see if it lists the correct product. Product: Beware of bad smells! If it smells like paint stripper or nail polish remover, then it's likely to be one of these products. If it contains particles or sediment, or the contents have separated in the bottle, then the product is likely to have been thinned with tap water. NOW READ: Budget 3.0: Alcohol and cigarette prices will increase — here's by how much
