MiningWrap Weekly #4 — Automation debate, Sibanye JV, hydrogen platinum demand

The Automation Paradox

Anglo American's FutureSmart Mining programme targets autonomous systems across the majority of its operations by 2030. In Australia or Canada, this is a straightforward productivity decision. In South Africa — 32% unemployment, 460,000 direct mining employees — the calculus is fundamentally different.

Sibanye Forms Palladium JV in France

Sibanye-Stillwater and Eramet have agreed to a 50/50 joint venture to develop palladium deposits in southern France, reducing European supply dependence on South Africa and Russia.

The Hydrogen Platinum Dividend

PEM electrolyser deployment could add 500–700 koz of platinum demand per year by 2035 — but loading reduction technology may shrink that significantly. A nuanced read by Sarah van der Berg.