Could you remind our readers of Ukwazi’s expertise? 

We are known as a multidisciplinary mining advisory company, providing clients with integrated solutions, including multi-disciplinary technical studies, project management and controls, mining engineering, infrastructure engineering, ESG solutions, public reports, financial valuations, and project implementation services. Ukwazi means 'to know' in Zulu, and our specialist teams and industry experts integrate multiple knowledge disciplines.

What have been the main developments for Ukwazi in the last year?

This year we partnered with K-Tec Earthmovers to bring cutting-edge earthmoving technology to the mining industry; we also opened an office in Dubai, and continued growing our footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. We have been involved in several exciting projects, particularly in the uranium space, but also in manganese and PGMs, as PGM producers have been looking at ways to optimize their assets, mining methods and processing technologies in light of the current market pressures on prices. Coal remains an important energy source in Africa, and we do significant work in this space. 

Could you comment on the recent agreement to become the exclusive distributor of K-Tec’s earthmoving equipment in Sub-Saharan Africa? What does K-Tec bring anew in the African market?

K-Tec, a leading yellow equipment manufacturer based in Canada, develops scrapers that reduce fuel consumption, conserve water and maximize productivity. The K-Tec scrapers offer a solution requiring only one operator and one engine running to  load, transport and evenly spread material, which is particularly suited to rehabilitation  and the re-mining of residue deposits. Traditionally, miners used hydraulic mining where a mine residue deposit is mixed with water and the slurry is transported and pumped to a plant to be reprocessed. The K-Tec scrapers allow you to work a residue deposit on a dry basis, saving water, and you can convey the material to a plant without having to pump or pipe it. Based on our studies, the K-Tec technology offers between 30% and 50% savings versus equivalent equipment, and because you are essentially using less equipment, you reduce emissions and your carbon footprint. The K-Tec scrapers’ ability to handle tough terrains also makes them an ideal choice for the demanding conditions often found in sub-Saharan Africa. In the partnership with K-Tec, we can leverage our deep understanding of local market dynamics, regulatory environments, and operational challenges, as well as our extensive distribution network and strong relationships with mining companies, to introduce this solutions in Africa. 

What do you think are some of the key factors with a heavy influence on the mining sector in Africa in 2025?

Two major themes that will affect mining going forward are AI and geopolitical uncertainty. AI is still in its infancy. As a new technological frontier,  we still need  to learn how to navigate its applicability in mining. The mining industry is moving towards digital transformation and some major companies are looking at extremely advanced mechanization and control systems, but I believe it is more of an evolution than a revolution, and it will take time for the industry to integrate these advanced technologies. 

Geopolitical uncertainty and its impact on market prices remains a critical issue, and with half the world and approximately 23 African countries going through elections in 2024, it has been an decisive year. The wars in the Middle East and the Ukraine, as well as the Chinese stimulus that has been announced are particularly important, as is  the recent US election results will certainly have a bearing on which way the world goes. It might also increase mergers and acquisitions in the mining industry as consolidation may become a trend as evidenced by the recent interest in Anglo American from BHP. 

What are Ukwazi’s main priorities for 2025?

Our priority is to continue delivering technical excellence to our clients as we grow our brand and footprint. Attracting and retaining skills is also critical as we diversify our value proposition. We want to make sure we have top-quality and experienced talent who consistently deliver solutions that are pragmatic, cost effective, safe and sustainable.