The MiningWrap BriefNo. 9
Gareth Penny's consortium is the right fit for De Beers, says Botswana Diamonds boss
The week in African mining — 29 January 2026.
1DiamondsGareth Penny's consortium is the right fit for De Beers, says Botswana Diamonds bossBotswana Diamonds managing director James Campbell says the Gareth Penny-led consortium is the only bidder with the industry knowledge and government relationships needed to revive De Beers.
2MarketsGold's record run tops out near $5,589 an ounceGold touched an all-time high of about $5,589 an ounce on 28 January 2026, and Sibanye-Stillwater shares closed at a record high the same week.
3Energy & InfrastructureRichards Bay Coal Terminal exports jump above 10% as Transnet's turnaround pays offRichards Bay Coal Terminal exported 57.66 million tonnes of coal in 2025, up more than 10%, and CEO Alan Waller says a consistent 65-million-tonne annual rate is achievable in 2026.
4GoldGold price tops $5,000/oz for the first time, driving rand to three-year highGold broke through $5,000/oz in January, sending the rand to its strongest level since 2022 and boosting profitability across Harmony, Sibanye-Stillwater, Gold Fields and Pan African.
5CoalRichards Bay Coal Terminal exports jump more than 10% as rail recovery takes holdRichards Bay Coal Terminal exported 57.66 million tonnes of coal in 2025, up more than 10% on 2024, as Transnet's rail recovery and reduced cable theft lifted volumes.