Slower mining growth expected for 2014

After a year of growth in 2013, SDV Mining, a division of Bollore Africa Logistics, expects to see an increase in mining activities in North East Africa, West Africa and South Africa, says the company’s global accounts manager for mining in Africa, Caroline Brownson. “We expect that 2014’s mining growth will be a little slower compared to 2013 due to the decrease in certain commodity prices and mine owners looking at cutting operational costs,” she told FTW, adding that the forecast projects for the regions mentioned are also dependent on various factors like sourcing funds, mining licences and environmental approval. “A good deal also still hinges on the pace of China’s growth to support the supply and demand,” Brownson said. SDV is working on 250 mining projects in Africa in different phases. Bolloré invests over ¤300 million per annum in the African continent in rail and port concessions as well as country infrastructure that supports the social environment, she said. “Infrastructure in Africa has always been a challenge when constructing mines in remote areas, and while there has been improvement in certain countries, we are still faced with difficult road conditions due to rainy seasons and little or no maintenance,” said Brownson. Port and rail facilities also need to be upgraded to sustain development in certain countries but infrastructure improvements don’t always coincide with the various developments within the country, she added. “For example Mozambique has developed its Moatize and Riversdale Coal Mine but the country’s infrastructure does not support the volume of coal that needs to be mined and exported.” INSERT & CAPTION We are still faced with difficult road conditions due to rainy seasons and little or no maintenance. – Caroline Brownson