Category Archives: Mining & Metals

Diamond Prices Firm Slightly with U.S. Optimism

All, Industry, Mining & Metals December 6, 2016 admin

Diamond trading slowed in November as Indian liquidity dried up and manufacturing shut down for Diwali. U.S. jewelers completed their inventory purchases and focused on selling during the holiday season rather than buying from overseas suppliers. Sentiment improved as the season began. Stock markets rallied to record highs on Thanksgiving weekend and the dollar strengthened after the surprise election of Donald Trump as U.S. President. Polished prices firmed despite slow dealer trading. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat, RapSpec A3+ diamonds gained 0.5% in…

AngloGold Ashanti Says Third-Quarter Free Cash Flow Soars to $161m

All, Industry, Mining & Metals November 14, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti announced a significant jump in third-quarter free cash flow to $161m, further improving its net debt position despite a decline in ore grades at some of its operations and a challenging operating environment for its South African business. Free cash flow was $161m, before the $30m once-off cost incurred for the early repayment of its high-yield bond, the Company’s most expensive debt. The free cash flow generation for the three months through September 30 was a significant improvement on the $50m outflow in…

Trump Victory Improves Outlook for Diamonds and Jewelry

All, Industry, Mining & Metals November 10, 2016 admin

Trump’s election victory coupled with Republican control of Congress is expected to set the stage for improved economic conditions that will support increased demand for diamonds and jewelry. Lower taxes, higher domestic employment and the end of Obamacare will increase disposal income and encourage investment in local businesses. This will fuel new domestic economic growth. “The diamond and jewelry trade will benefit as the new policies create a more prosperous middle class and greater numbers of wealthy consumers. Global uncertainty will also increase demand for…

Diamond Prices Decline in October

All, Industry, Mining & Metals November 2, 2016 admin

Diamond markets were quiet in October with wholesale businesses closing for the respective Chinese, Jewish and Indian holidays. Trading slowed as larger U.S. holiday orders were already filled and dealers shifted to accommodate specific requirements from their retail customers. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for one-carat, RapSpec-A3+ polished diamonds fell 2.3% in October. The index dropped 4.3% in the first ten months of the year. RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) October YTD January 1 – Nov. 1 Y2Y Changes at Nov. 1 RAPI 0.30 ct. -0.5%…

Diamond Prices Stable in September

All, Industry, Mining & Metals October 6, 2016 admin

Diamond markets were steady in September. Sentiment improved as trading at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, a bellwether for the industry, was better than expected even though buyers refrained from large inventory purchases. The polished market was supported by relatively high rough prices as suppliers held polished prices firm, preferring to delay sales rather than suffer losses from expensive rough. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for one-carat, GIA-graded polished diamonds declined 0.2% in September. The index dropped 2.7% in the third quarter and…

Diamond Prices Mixed in Slow August Trading

All, Industry, Mining & Metals September 6, 2016 admin

One-carat diamond prices remain under pressure with low trading volume during the August vacation period. Polished inventory is increasing with steady manufacturing and sluggish demand as dealers prepare for the fourth-quarter holiday season. Some improvement in under-the-carat goods as Chinese bridal demand stabilizes. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat diamonds fell 0.8% in August. RAPI for 0.30-carat was flat and RAPI for 0.50-carat rose 0.2%. RAPI for 3-carat increased 0.2%. RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) August YTD January 1 – September 1 Y2Y Changes at…

AngloGold Ashanti Trebles Free Cash Flow to $108m, Cuts Net Debt 32%

All, Industry, Mining & Metals August 15, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti said it more than trebled free cash flow generation in the first half of the year to $108m and lowered net debt by almost a third, as costs fell and it took advantage of a higher gold price. AngloGold Ashanti has delivered on a range of self-help measures over the past two years to reduce debt using internally generated funds. In focusing on improving the quality of its production, the Company has sold some mines, closed others and made significant reductions to all…

Rapaport to Provide 100% Natural Untreated Diamond Melee

All, Industry, Mining & Metals August 2, 2016 admin

August 2, 2016, New York…Rapaport Auctions and Trading is pleased to offer clients the opportunity to purchase parcels of melee that are 100% natural and untreated. Every single diamond in these parcels is tested using the latest Gemological Institute of America (GIA) equipment and testing technology. In addition, Rapaport will offer parcels that have been statistically sample tested at a 99% significance level to a 1% tolerance level. The first 100% natural and untreated melee diamond parcels and sample tested parcels will be offered for…

Rapaport Press Release: Diamond Prices Decline in July

All, Industry, Mining & Metals August 2, 2016 admin

Polished diamond prices softened in July continuing the downtrend in the second quarter. Diamond markets were seasonally quiet with U.S. wholesalers taking their annual summer vacation. Overall polished demand remains weak. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for one carat diamonds fell 1.7 percent in July. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds dropped 1.8 percent and RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds declined 0.5 percent. RAPI for 3-carat diamonds fell 1.5 percent. In the first seven months of 2016, RAPI for one carat diamonds dropped 1.1 percent, down 4.7 percent…

Fatalities at Kopanang and TauTona Mines

All, Industry, Mining & Metals July 30, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti regrets to announce the death of two employees, a Rock Drill Operator and a Crew Supervisor, who were fatally injured in fall of ground and tramming incidents at Kopanang and TauTona Mines this week. The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) was notified of both incidents and in-loco inspections were conducted. Initial Management response has been to stop reef-raise development and all secondary support operations at Kopanang and tramming activities at TauTona. AngloGold Ashanti would like to express its sincere condolences to the families,…

Anglogold Ashanti Trading Statement For he Six Months Ended 30 June 2016

All, Industry, Mining & Metals July 22, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti will release results for the six months ended 30 June 2016 (“the period”) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange News Service on 15 August 2016. With reference to the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, issuers are required to publish a trading statement as soon as they become reasonably certain that the financial results for the period to be reported on next will differ by at least 20% from those of the previous corresponding reporting period. Shareholders are advised that the Company…

Diamond Prices Soften In May

All, Industry, Mining & Metals June 7, 2016 admin

Polished diamond prices declined slightly in May with buyers waiting for the Las Vegas shows. Trading at the JCK Las Vegas show, which took place June 3 to 6, was relatively weak with traffic slower than previous years. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds was flat in May. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds fell 1.1 percent and RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds slid 0.3 percent during the month. RAPI for 3-carat diamonds dropped 1.1 percent. During the first five months of the year, RAPI…

Rapaport Town Hall Meeting to Debate Synthetic Diamonds

All, Industry, Mining & Metals May 25, 2016 admin

JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Show – June 6, Monday, 8:00-10:00 am May 25, 2016, Las Vegas – Rapaport is sponsoring a town hall meeting that will provide an open forum for members of the jewelry trade to respectfully debate the pros and cons of synthetic diamonds. The town hall meeting is free and open to all. It will be held in the Banyan Room, Mandalay Bay hotel on Monday 8:00-10:00 am. Registration is not required but space is limited and registered guests will be provided…

AngloGold Ashanti Generates Strong Cash Flow in Q1; Operations Solid

All, Business, Corporations, Industry, Mining & Metals May 9, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti today announced strong free cash flow in the first quarter as an ongoing focus on cost management, and leverage to weaker currencies, yielded positive results and improved margins. Free cash flow was $70m, a marked improvement to the outflow of $40m in the first quarter of last year. AngloGold Ashanti has delivered on a range of self-help measure to reduce debt using internally generated funds, without diluting shareholders. The company, which has 17 mines in nine countries, has made significant cuts to corporate…

Diamond Prices Soften with Weaker Global Demand

All, Industry, Mining & Metals May 3, 2016 admin

Polished diamond trading slowed in April due to sluggish demand at the start of a seasonally-quiet period. Sentiment weakened as the positive momentum from the first quarter failed to gain traction. Supplies significantly increased due to high rough sales and polished production in the first quarter. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds slipped 0.3% in April. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds fell 1.3% and RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds also declined 0.3%. RAPI for 3-carat diamonds dropped 2.2%. RAPI for 1-carat diamonds rose 1.2%…

Fatality at Savuka Mine

All, Industry, Mining & Metals April 30, 2016 admin

(JOHANNESBURG – NEWS RELEASE) – AngloGold Ashanti regrets to announce the death of two employees who were fatally injured after a series of seismic events, the largest measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale, at its Savuka Shaft. The Department of Mineral Resources has been notified of the incident and an in-loco inspection will be conducted on Tuesday, 3 May. In the meantime, Management has suspended activities at the mine. AngloGold Ashanti would like to express its sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of…

Polished Diamond Prices Stable in March

All, Industry, Mining & Metals April 5, 2016 admin

April 5, 2016, New York … Polished diamond prices were stable in March supported by steady dealer trading even though the outlook for consumer demand remains uncertain. In the first quarter, sentiment improved as polished prices rose and profitability increased on select new production. The RapNet Diamond Index for 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds was flat in March. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds fell 0.6 percent and RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds was unchanged. RAPI for 3-carat diamonds slipped 0.4 percent. In the first quarter, RAPI for 1-carat diamonds…

Rapaport Hong Kong Polished Diamond Auction Sells Over 80,000 Carats for $12M

All, Industry, Mining & Metals March 16, 2016 admin

Rapaport Auctions closed its auction last week at the Hong Kong show achieving $12M for over 80,000 carats. The auction consisted of hundreds of parcels of recycled and finely assorted premium quality diamond parcels in all shapes, qualities and sizes. The diamonds were sourced from retailers, pawnshops and refineries from around the world. “We are very pleased with the results achieved at our auction as it confirms steady demand for smaller size commercial quality natural diamonds. Melee prices have firmed over the past few months…

IFP Offers Message of Support to the Families of Trapped Miners

All, Industry, Mining & Metals March 8, 2016 admin

As the Inkatha Freedom Party, we would like to offer our message of support to the families of the three miners who are still trapped underground at Lily mine in Mpumalanga. We acknowledge that it is now more than a month since the tragedy strike at a Barberton mine with family’s loved ones still trapped in a collapsed and currently unstable mine. We are also aware of the fact that mine management and experts in the field are hard at work to ensure the miners…

Six illegal mining suspects to appear in Palm Ridge Court

All, Crime, Government, Industry, Law Enforcement, Mining & Metals, Society March 2, 2016 admin

Pretoria: A joint police operation looking into illegal mining in Gauteng’s east rand has ended in the successful arrest of six men in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni. The six suspects were arrested by members of the South African Police Service’s National Investigative Unit (NINU) and crime intelligence, together with other colleagues from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department. Three of the suspects are from Lesotho and the other three are South Africans. Their ages range from 33 and 35 and they have all been charged with illegal mining…

Polished Diamond Prices Firm in February

All, Industry, Mining & Metals March 1, 2016 admin

One-Carat RAPI Rises for Fourth Consecutive Month PRESS RELEASE, March 1, 2016, New York … Polished diamond prices rose in February continuing the uptrend evident since November. Shortages continue to support the market while trading slowed during the month as dealers in China and Hong Kong took vacation during the Chinese New Year period. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds rose 0.3 percent in February. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds advanced 0.4 percent and RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds grew 0.7 percent. RAPI for…

AngloGold Ashanti Has $160m Q4 Free Cash Flow, Cuts Net Debt 30%

All, Industry, Mining & Metals February 22, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti today said it cut net debt by almost a third last year after margins increased despite lower gold prices, and the company generated free cash flow of $160m in the fourth quarter. AngloGold Ashanti delivered on a range of self-help measures last year to reduce debt using internally generated funds, without diluting shareholders. The Cripple Creek & Victor mine in the US was sold for $820m plus a royalty, and most of the proceeds were used to buy back a portion of the…

Polished Diamond Prices Rise in January

All, Industry, Mining & Metals February 2, 2016 admin

Shortages Spur Increases in RAPI for 0.30-0.50ct. Diamonds New York – Polished diamond prices rose in January as shortages continue to support the market. U.S. demand is steady after a reasonably good holiday season, while China’s wholesale market slowed as the focus shifted to retail for the Chinese New Year Spring Festival starting on February 8. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds rose 0.9 percent in January. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds advanced 4.7 percent and RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds grew 4.5 percent.…

The Right Way Forward

All, Industry, Mining & Metals January 29, 2016 admin

Statement by Martin Rapaport De Beers is moving forward in the right direction by reducing rough prices sufficiently to enable increased sales of rough diamonds and a resumption of diamond manufacturing activity. This is evidenced by an increase in De Beers rough diamond sales by 118% from $248 million in the tenth sales cycle of 2015 to $540 million in the first cycle of 2016. While there is no official indication as to how much De Beers lowered rough prices, we estimate a drop of…

Fatality at TauTona Mine

All, Mining & Metals January 14, 2016 admin

AngloGold Ashanti regrets to announce the death of an employee at its TauTona Mine in the Carletonville area. The deceased, a Rock Drill Operator, was fatally injured in a fall of ground incident on Monday, 11 January 2016. The Department of Mineral Resources has been notified of the incident and an in-loco inspection has been concluded. Management has suspended development and secondary support operations at the mine until safe operating conditions have been confirmed. AngloGold Ashanti would like to express its sincere condolences to the…

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