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By Ben Kudakwashe Mperekwa

Core logging represents one of the most critical control points in mineral exploration, serving as the stage in which geological observations are transformed into structured data that underpin interpretation, modeling and economic decision-making. Every geological model and resource estimate ultimately depends on how accurately drill core is logged, recorded and managed. Despite its importance, core logging is frequently treated as a routine operational activity rather than a data-critical process. In practice, inconsistencies in logging approaches, subjective interpretation and weaknesses in data management can introduce errors that propagate throughout the exploration workflow. These errors often remain undetected until later stages, where they can significantly affect model reliability and project evaluation. As exploration programs become increasingly data-driven, there is a growing need to improve not only how geological data are collected, but also how they are structured and integrated into downstream workflows. This article presents a practical overview of core logging practices, examines the evolution of logging systems and highlights key challenges and opportunities for improving data reliability from field logging through to resource estimation.

Aug 1, 2026

By William Gleason

Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company is the oldest precious metals company on the New York Stock Exchange and the largest primary silver producer in the United States and Canada. An innovative mining method at its historic Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho coupled with a low-cost, high-margin operation at its Greens Creek Mine in Alaska and production growth opportunity at the Keno Hill Mine in Canada’s Yukon Territory has positioned Hecla well for a period in which silver has retraced from its January all-time high but continues to hold above the previous cycle’s peak pricing. And while some precious metal producers have looked for expansion into other commodities, Hecla has turned its focus to its core identity as North America’s premier primary silver producer. In April, Mining Engineering had the opportunity to visit the Lucky Friday Mine. For more than eight decades, Lucky Friday has operated in one of North America’s most productive and geologically challenging silver districts, Idaho’s famed Silver Valley. As mining advanced deeper into the vein system, the same geological forces that created exceptional mineralization also produced increasing seismic hazards at the mine. This challenged the company to find a new way to manage the growing stresses associated with depth. Hecla found its answer with the deployment of the underhand closed bench (UCB) mining method, which was developed and implemented at Lucky Friday. The UCB method uses large-scale, deephole blasts to proactively trigger seismic events. The blasts destress the zone while fracturing the ore. More than 90 percent of the area’s seismic energy is released within a 12-hour window. “The constraint that resulted in the development of UCB was seismicity related to a corner geometry between two stopes,” Chris Neville, vice president and general manager of the Lucky Friday Mine, told Mining Engineering. “It was a well-understood seismically active area and was being managed by a common technique by withholding miners from the area after a blast. A very similar situation in the Lucky Friday vein in the 1990s had been managed using a destressing technique. The destressing would eliminate the need to withhold miners to keep them safe and return the stope back to double-shift rather than single-shift production. A blast pattern was executed and achieved the desired effect but also led to the question “What would happen if there were just a few more holes in the blast?” Hence, the UCB concept was sparked, which eventually spread to the rest of the seismically problematic mining areas and the main mining front on the Gold Hunter 30 Vein.” The UCB method changed the way things were done at Lucky Friday and the method received a number of industry accolades, including the prestigious Robert E. Murray Innovation Award from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) in 2022. The story of UCB is one of the most recent advancements in a decades-long effort to push deeper into one of the world’s most complex underground mining environments while improving safety, productivity and workforce utilization.

Aug 1, 2026

By D. Bugarin, V. Kecojević, A. Cvjetić, N. Stanić, M. Gomilanović, L. Žujović, T. Stanković

In addition to unfavourable weather and working conditions, incidents and injuries in the mining industry are not uncommon. Factors such as extreme weather conditions, heavy machinery, and unstable terrain make mining a high-risk occupation. To mitigate these risks, there is a growing need for ongoing improvements in employee safety protocols and training programmes. This paper presents a conceptual framework aimed at enhancing the safety training of employees working in surface mining operations. The proposed solution integrates virtual reality and “serious games” as innovative tools to improve safety awareness and preparedness among mine workers. Specifically, a serious game was developed in two versions: a desktop application and a fully immersive virtual reality experience, both using the Unity3D game engine. These applications are designed to simulate real-life mining environments and address various workplace safety scenarios, offering employees an interactive and engaging way to practice their responses to potential hazards. The use of serious games and virtual reality allows for a deeper level of engagement in training, helping workers to retain critical safety information while reducing the risks associated with traditional on-site training methods.

Jul 3, 2026

By T. Chauke, J. M. Maponya, I. P. Dikgwatlhe

Accurate mineral resource estimation is crucial for optimising mining operations, reducing financial risks, and ensuring efficient resource utilisation. Various spatial modelling techniques have been developed to estimate ore grades and geological continuity, among which radial basis function interpolation and sequential Gaussian simulation are widely used. This review paper provides a comparative analysis of these two methods, examining their theoretical foundations, applications, strengths, and limitations in mineral resource estimation. Radial basis function is a deterministic interpolation method that models spatial relationships based on radial distance functions, making it effective for capturing smooth geological trends. Although kriging techniques have historically dominated the mining sector, new developments have brought to light their shortcomings, especially when handling sparse datasets and grade uncertainty. The paper examined case examples that demonstrate the usefulness of radial basis function and sequential Gaussian simulation in estimating mineral resources, with an emphasis on how they can model grade distributions, measure uncertainty, and maximise financial results. There is a substantial study gap dealing with the comparison of both methods; despite their respective advantages, a head-to-head comparison of radial basis function and sequential Gaussian simulation is still not well-studied. Their relative advantages, computational effectiveness, and compatibility with other geostatistical methods should all be assessed in future research. Guidelines for selecting estimating techniques based on geological conditions and project objectives are given to practitioners. The review emphasises how geostatistical techniques must be continuously improved to improve resource estimation precision and facilitate well-informed mining sector decision-making.

Jul 3, 2026

By S. W. Jacobsz, F. O. Abimaje

Internal stability is a key consideration in the design and long-term performance of granular filters, as it precludes particle migration and internal erosion. This study evaluates the internal stability of coal discard material in coal co-disposal facilities. Reusing coal discards could reduce mine waste volumes and mitigate associated environmental impacts. However, coal discard material differs from most soils in terms of particle strength and density, with possible implications for hydraulic stability. Laboratory seepage tests were conducted on coal discard material under varying void ratios, subjected to a range of hydraulic gradients, and the results were used to confirm the applicability of the widely used empirical Kenney and Lau filter criterion to coal discard. Findings revealed that particle loss increased with higher void ratios. Nonetheless, particle migration remained minimal, with a maximum particle loss of only 0.2%, suggesting that coal discard exhibits sound internal stability under the tested conditions.

Jul 3, 2026

By R. Minnitt , D. Fourie, P. le Roux

This study proposes that the moving search neighbourhood used in ordinary kriging selects a subset of data surrounding each estimation block, and that this subset represents a local subpopulation of which the distributional parameters can be used to determine local, spatially-adaptive outlier capping values. This paper introduces a distance-weighted capping method applied within the kriging search ellipse after kriging weight calculation, transitioning from one-dimensional point estimation to two-dimensional block estimation for Witwatersrand-type gold deposits. Accurate ore grade estimation is essential for mine planning and economic evaluation, particularly in deep-level gold mines where extreme grade values (outliers) may distort resource assessments. Traditional capping methods, which apply a uniform threshold to outliers, often fail to account for spatial and geological variability, leading to biased estimates. A high-resolution simulation generates a synthetic ‘ground truth’ orebody, subsampled to mimic real-world data scarcity. A two-parameter lognormal distribution models grade variability, with capping values optimised by minimising the mean squared error between estimated and simulated block grades. Comparative analyses against traditional capping techniques demonstrate that the dynamic method improves regression fit, reduces conditional bias, and aligns more closely with production reconciliation data. Validation using swath plots, QQ-plots, and mine call factor comparisons confirms that the spatially adaptive capping technique mitigates over- and under-estimation, particularly in high-grade zones. Results indicate superior performance over conventional domain capping, with higher R² values and better alignment with actual production metrics. This approach offers a reproducible, scientifically rigorous framework for resource estimation, reducing reliance on rigid sub-domaining while enhancing decision-making in complex ore bodies. The study underscores the importance of integrating geological information with advanced geostatistics to optimise grade estimation and mine planning.

Jul 3, 2026

By Taylor K. Kruger, A. H. Basson , S. Fataar

The mining industry remains heavily reliant on mineworkers, whose working conditions are typically more arduous than in most industries. With recent technological developments in mining and other industries focusing on the digitalisation of workspaces, mineworker safety should be at the forefront of the digital transformation. Underground mines should be viewed – and developed – as human cyber-physical systems, where digital technologies are integrated with human roles to enhance safety and coordination. Contributing to this vision, this paper presents a set of functional requirements to guide the development of human cyber-physical systems that improve the safety of mineworkers in underground mines. The formulation of the functional requirements is informed by an analysis of the current context of underground mines and an exploration of opportunities for improved human-system integration within such environments. The functional requirements are related to the real underground mining context through an illustrative example, which demonstrates how a human cyber-physical system could monitor mineworker and environment states, perform predictive safety analyses, and coordinate operations. The proposed functional requirements serve as a starting point for the development of human cyber-physical systems within complex underground mining environments; however, further research (supported by real case studies) is required to refine and obtain specific target values for the functional requirements, and to formulate accompanying performance requirements.

Jul 3, 2026

By L. Xingwana

Mining operations face challenges like declining ore grades, rising costs, labour shortages, and aging infrastructure, necessitating increased efficiency. However, achieving operational efficiency in underground mining is complicated by inherent limitations, non-value-adding tasks, and inconsistent methodologies. This study examines the application of the integrated operational excellence model to improve operational efficiency in South African gold mining operations. The research conducted a combined quantitative and qualitative analysis, presenting a framework that illustrates the application of the theory of constraints and Lean Six Sigma in enhancing operational efficiency and excellence within the mining sector over six months in 2018. The study identifies key limitations, inefficiencies, and inconsistencies that impede operational excellence within the integrated operational excellence model. Successful implementation requires a deep understanding of the interdependencies between personnel, processes, and technology. These insights are valuable for mining executives, engineers, and policymakers seeking to modernise operations and improve sustainable productivity. Furthermore, the research paves the way for broader adoption of integrated excellence frameworks across South Africa's mining sector.

Jul 3, 2026

By Mike O'Driscoll

The future for the industrial minerals sector, and of mining in general, is being shaped by a new order of geopolitical and environmental factors. Last year’s foreword focused on an example of the former (U.S. tariff impact). Here, we shall focus on the latter, and in particular on mineral recycling. Mineral recycling is one of the two missions of the mineral industry right now; the other is decarbonization. Get these right and the industry will be more resilient to the challenges to come, plus making much-needed improvements to our environment. But mineral recycling should not be viewed as simply responding to environmental pressures, a checkbox on the corporate portfolio to allay fears and protests of damage to the environment, leading to charges of so-called greenwashing. While mineral recycling will be an important contributor to the circular economy and assisting in climate protection, it will also evolve as an essential alternative source of raw materials, presenting opportunities in mineral recycling project developments, and increased innovation and supply of pertinent processing and sorting technologies. This new era of industrial mineral recycling is already underway and gaining momentum. But it is not plain sailing, mindsets need to be adopted and correct processes employed. Key questions raised include: • How to go about getting involved in this sector? • Whether to vertically integrate? Invest for an in-house business/plant? • How much and how far to invest? What kind of processing/sorting technology is required? • Partner with/acquire an independent recycler? Join forces with same-sector end-use players? • What kind of logistics are involved? Permits for handling/transport? Costs? • Crucially: making grade acceptable, consistent and economic for customers?

Jul 1, 2026

By SME

The 44th Annual American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Banquet and Fundraiser, sponsored by the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation (MMEF), will be held Dec. 5, 2026, in Tucson, AZ. Proceeds from the event will fund an Education Outreach Program managed through The University of Arizona School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. Each year, the MMEF honors a slate of individuals and companies who have made notable contributions to the advancement of the mining industry.

Jul 1, 2026

By Justin Vandenbrink, Ray DeLuna

In many mine development schedules the critical path is generally defined by ore definition, permitting, infrastructure design, equipment procurement and initial production. While permitting is recognized as a schedule driver, water-related baseline characterization and permitting are often underestimated within that process. When addressed explicitly, they can be reduced to a single line item scheduled to conclude shortly before operations begin, rather than treated as the long-lead dependency they often become in practice. That assumption has delayed projects, inflated capital costs and in some cases stopped development entirely. Water-related permitting is not a discrete step. It is a sequential, datadependent regulatory process that begins with baseline characterization, proceeds through multiple layers of agency review and often across multiple overlapping state and federal regulatory pathways. This article examines the disconnect between how mine development critical paths are typically defined and the influence water-related decisions ultimately have on schedule, capital and longterm liability. The evidence comes from two case studies: an ISR uranium project in Wyoming navigating a threetrack permitting process, and an abandoned copper mine in California where water liability is still being resolved years after operations ceased. Together, they illustrate a consistent principle: water is always on the critical path. The teams that manage it well simply start earlier.

Jul 1, 2026

By D. Morgan Warren, David Hanson, Alice Alex, Tom Meuzelaar, Heather Lawson, Sam J. S. Wright

Dynamic failures, or “bumps,” are a category of ground failure occurring in underground coal mines that involve the sudden expulsion of coal and rock debris into a working area of an active mine. They are an imperative safety concern for the global coal industry. Dynamic failure events have occurred in nearly every coal mining nation of the world, and there have been an estimated greater than 30,000 fatalities as the result of dynamic failure events globally (Bodziony and Lama, 1996; Kidybinski, 2011). Kidybinski (2011) describes them as “the most dangerous natural phenomenon creating a threat to life and health of miners working in hard coal mines.” In the United States, dynamic failures are significantly less common than in many other coal mining countries. However, when they do occur, they result in a proportionately extremely high rate of accidents and fatalities, with more than 60 percent of cases reported to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) resulting in worker injury up to and including death (MSHA, n.d.). The driving mechanisms behind these events are not yet fully understood. Research aimed at optimizing pillar design and mining practices has resulted in a significant decrease in ground control related fatalities including dynamic failure occurrence over the past three decades (Mark, 2024). However, events continue to occur, and new research focused on engineering controls has failed to yield continued, measurable results. It is likely that to produce a further reduction in the rates of dynamic failure accident occurrence, novel research must be pursued. Recent research performed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD) has sought to address this need through a focus on the complex interaction between mining induced stressors and risks innate to the host rock mass through improved incorporation of geologic variables into hazard assessment.

Jun 1, 2026

By Carrie Smith

Inside a mountain in Idaho Springs, CO, a century-old mine is taking on a second life. The Edgar Experimental Mine (EEM), once a key producer of valuable ore, now trains engineers and soon may host quantum experiments that could reshape computing. Edgar began as a working underground operation where miners extracted ore from narrow veins deep in the rock. What once produced silver, lead and gold now generates something less visible. In 1921, the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) transformed the mine into an educational facility for mining students, preserving the underground workings as a hands-on training environment. More than a century later, the same tunnels built for extraction are supporting a different kind of industry. Instead of chasing mineral deposits, researchers are using the mine’s depth to study quantum systems, particle physics and train engineering students. Today, a growing network of research laboratories operate inside Edgar. Among them, a new quantum facility is taking shape, where the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE) will turn the mine into a hub for high-scale physics research. The development of the new underground facilities would not have been possible without the hard work of the CSM’s mining engineering department. Over the course of a year, the department worked tirelessly to create a suitable space for future experiments. “The mining engineering department provided the mining expertise, planning and student labor necessary to excavate and prepare the underground spaces required for the quantum laboratory,” said Lee Fronapfel, mine manager of the Edgar Experimental Mine. That work included drill-and-blast excavation, ground support installation, shotcrete application, concrete floor placement, ventilation systems and electrical infrastructure, among other necessary adjustments. “To support quantum research activities, larger underground excavations were created in areas of the mine with the greatest depth of rock cover,” Fronapfel said. “These locations were selected to help minimize environmental interference and provide the stable underground conditions required for sensitive quantum experiments.” Unusual coordination between physicists and mining personnel occurred. Two fields that rarely intersect worked together to create an underground environment capable of tackling some of science’s most complex questions. Now, these departments collaborate closely to ensure all work is carried out effectively. “Because the laboratories are located in relatively isolated areas of the mine, vibration and noise impacts are generally limited,” said Fronapfel. “However, occasional coordination is required to manage activities that could affect sensitive experiments. This is handled through direct communication between mine personnel and quantum researchers.”

Jun 1, 2026

By Gregory Abramov

Borehole mining (BHM) is a remotely operated waterjet mining method carried out through wellbores drilled and cased from the surface directly into the production interval. Mining operations are performed using a waterjet tool composed of at least two concentric tubular columns, which create two hydraulic passages: one for pumping high-pressure water down, and the other for transporting the produced slurry to the surface. At the lower end of the dual column, a bottom head is installed, equipped with a hydromonitor that generates a powerful water jet, and an eductor (jet pump). The tool is suspended from a drill rig via a swivel, enabling its rotation and advancement along the borehole. While the waterjet continuously cuts the rock and produces slurry, the eductor lifts the slurry to the surface. In a slurry collection tank or pond, the cuttings are separated and the clarified water is recycled. As ore is extracted, BHM stopes are typically formed that may remain open for an extended time before caving in.

Jun 1, 2026

By Greg Rankin

With commodity prices rising across the mining sector, from gold to strategically critical rare earth elements, more material has moved back into economic consideration. This has placed greater emphasis on reliable and defensible analytical results. When gold reached record levels earlier this year, material long considered marginal was suddenly worth another look. Stockpiles were revisited, lower-grade zones returned to the model, and economic assumptions were recalculated in light of a new price reality. That recalibration narrows the margin for analytical uncertainty. As projects operate closer to economic thresholds, small differences in assay results begin to carry greater weight across exploration programs, grade control and processing decisions. In many operations, the line between sending material to the mill or to the dump hinges on fractions of a gram per ton. This is true in gold projects adjusting cutoff grades or in rare earth deposits managing complex elemental distributions. At that scale, analytical data do more than confirm grade; they shape classification, recovery modeling and longterm resource estimates. No reserve is declared without defensible analytical data supporting the underlying resource model. In projects operating near cutoff, those laboratory results directly influence economic classification decisions. “The difference between a viable project and a marginal one can come down to analytical precision,” said William R. Sattlegger, P. Geo., chief executive officer of i2iVestcom Advisors Corp. and executive director of the Critical Minerals Conference. “Those numbers drive metallurgy, recovery and valuation models. If you lose confidence in the data, you lose confidence in the project.” Consider a deposit processing 20 Mt (22 million st) annually at a cutoff near 0.5 g/t. A shift of just 0.05 g/t in reported grade, whether from sampling variability or calibration bias, can alter how large volumes of material are classified. Across that scale, even small analytical differences can translate into meaningful economic consequences.

Jun 1, 2026

By Z. M. Beiranvand, M. Moghaddasi, A. Naeimi, Y. Naami, M. Raoufi

Titanium iron oxide and nickel-chromium coatings were applied on low-carbon steel substrates using the high-velocity oxygen fuel thermal spraying process. The microstructure, phase composition, and hardness of the coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and microhardness tests. The phase analysis confirmed the formation of oxide compounds in the coatings. The average microhardness values for titanium iron oxide and titanium iron oxide-nickel-chromium coatings were measured at 580 HV and 970 HV, respectively, under a 100 g load. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated in a 3.5% sodium chloride solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarisation tests. The results indicated that the nickel-chromium composition exhibited superior corrosion resistance, which was attributed to its low porosity, preventing solution diffusion into the substrate. Wear behaviour was assessed using a pin-on-disk test with a tungsten carbide pin as the counterbody. The incorporation of nickel-chromium into the titanium iron oxide coating resulted in an 80% reduction in weight loss, indicating significant improvement in wear resistance. These findings suggest that nickel-chromium-modified titanium iron oxide coatings enhance both corrosion and wear resistance, making them promising candidates for industrial applications.

May 8, 2026

By Z. Duran, M. Genc, B. Erdem, T. Dogan

This study aims to develop a model for particulate matter concentration during the loading process in open pit mining. The researchers conducted simultaneous measurements of particulate matter and meteorological parameters and collected samples to determine the moisture content of the loaded materials. The analysis used 7,895 measurement data points from gypsum and limestone quarries, employing two data analysis programs, SPSS® and Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis, to derive equations for predicting particulate matter release. In the modelling, particulate matter measurements were the dependent variables, while meteorological parameters, laboratory measurement results, and loader bucket capacities were the independent variables. The classical regression models did not adequately capture the dependent variable, thus, the researchers explored the decision tree approach for further modelling. The M5P algorithm was used to generate regression equations for the different data sets, and the findings showed that the models had a satisfactory degree of predictive capability. The number of fine particles released during loading is influenced by various weather factors. Temperature, humidity, wind speed, and station pressure can all affect the dispersal of these particles. Additionally, the moisture content of the loaded material and the capacity of the loading equipment contribute to this process. The M5P decision tree algorithm, which is rarely used in particulate matter concentration models, provides an innovative approach to developing local concentration estimates for non-coal surface mining.

May 8, 2026

By F. Mulenga, S. Ncube

Rock fragmentation methods in open pit gemstone mining have developed to give priority to safety, environmental sustainability, and crystal integrity. Though effective, traditional drill-and-blast techniques can generate vibrations, adverse emissions, and structural damage, all of which could be detrimental in fragile geological settings. Costs, application in hard rocks, and operational inefficiency remain issues, despite the fact that mechanical excavation and evolving thermal and hydraulic technologies have provided some solutions. In response, there has been a growing interest in non-explosive alternatives, particularly soundless chemical demolition agents. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of non-blasting rock fragmentation techniques with an emphasis on the efficiency, economic considerations, and operational constraints of soundless chemical demolition agents SCDAs in gemstone mining. Soundless chemical demolition agents technology has shown promising results in preserving gem purity and reducing environmental impact, despite ongoing challenges. These include increased reaction times that hinder output, decreased performance in saturated or high-stress environments, and temperature sensitivity. The contextual relevance of soundless chemical demolition agent application in lateritic regions, such as Zambia, is discussed based on published studies and reported operational experience. Developments in formulation chemistry, fracture modelling, and borehole design have also demonstrated promise in overcoming current limitations. This review identifies the main factors that affect soundless chemical demolition agent performance and brings together reported strategies that can improve their use in high-value mineral extraction through a comprehensive review of recent studies. Ultimately, this article supports a paradigm change towards excavation techniques based on state-of-the-art non-explosive technology that are safer, cleaner, and more accuracy focused.

May 8, 2026

By W. J. van Wyk, W. I. Mahne, G. Priest, C. du Toit, W. A. Liebenberg

Prior to the Coalbrook disaster in 1960, bord-and-pillar mining of the number two seam in the Witbank coalfields often resulted in small pillars with low factors of safety. At the Goedehoop Colliery, number two seam pillar stability is also affected by top and bottom coaling, while at Greenside Colliery, stability was further reduced by additional loading from a surface mineral residue deposit. This compromised the stability of the number two seam workings, impacting the safe mining of the overlying number four seam reserves. To extend the life of mine of both operations, an alternative risk management approach using designated enhanced monitoring districts was implemented to safely mine the number four seam reserves. This paper presents the use of geophone arrays to monitor micro-fracturing in number two seam pillars and the interburden between number two seam and number four seam, thereby enabling early detection of potential instability during overmining of the number two seam. Risk was assessed using fault and event tree analyses to determine acceptable failure probabilities. Automated seismic data processing distinguished micro-fracturing from noise, supported by extensive evacuation procedures for effective risk management. This approach facilitated the safe extraction of 4.70 Mt of number four seam coal. The study quantifies the efficacy of geophone monitoring in optimising coal recovery over low factors of safety pillars and assesses the application of Van der Merwe’s (2019) time-based formulae for pillar stability analysis for this project.

May 8, 2026

By K. Thambi

Environmental rehabilitation has increasingly become a central concern in the regulatory and fiscal landscape governing South African mining operations. A key issue within this domain is the extent to which mining entities may claim tax deductions for expenditures incurred in fulfilling their environmental rehabilitation obligations. The Supreme Court of Appeal's decision in Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service [2025] ZASCA 16 addresses pivotal questions regarding the tax treatment of such expenditures. The judgment offers authoritative clarification on the interpretation of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962—specifically sections 11(a), 11(c), and 36(11)(e)—as they pertain to mining activities and the environmental responsibilities imposed under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002. This commentary critically examines the multifaceted implications of the Sishen ruling, highlighting the intersection of statutory interpretation, operational realities, and environmental accountability within South Africa’s mining sector.

May 8, 2026