Elias Mac Donald, Director of South African junior mining firm Element Mining, spoke with Energy Capital and Power about the challenges faced by new market entrants in the country’s mining sector and how the company is navigating them.
Element Mining is implementing its second mining project, a self-funded coal exploration initiative in Mpumalanga, following a successful joint venture on granite exploration and production with a Chinese firm.
“The launch of Element Projects – now Element Mining – in 2023 was a major milestone for us. Coming from a disadvantaged background, we saw an opportunity to tap into the vast, untapped mineral resources in our region – not just to empower ourselves but also to uplift our local community,” Mac Donald stated.
Element Mining is combining revenue generated from its first project with funds secured through a service contract with a large mining firm in Belfast to expedite the coal project.
“The first project taught us [a lot] because we managed to build relationships. The second project will be 100% owned by us and we are using it to encourage young SMEs to participate in mining,” reiterated Mac Donald.
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