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Powering Mines & Industry Launches, Outlining Africa’s Pathway to Clean Energy Manufacturing Leadership

Source: APO

ESI Africa is thrilled to announce the release of Volume 6 of Powering Mines & Industry, addressing one of the most critical themes shaping Africa’s future: the intersection of mining, industrial power, and the global energy transition.

This volume is essential reading for professionals navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of mining, industrial electrification, and clean energy development.

Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief of ESI Africa, comments:

“If we want a credible energy future, we must redesign power systems around reliability, resilience, and local value creation, while recognising that mines are now a strategic energy and mineral asset in the low-carbon era.”

Available as a free downloadable PDF, the publication delivers a comprehensive analysis of the critical nexus between mining, industrial power demand, and Africa’s potential to become a global clean energy manufacturing leader.

Woven throughout the volume is a striking energy paradox: while Africa is richly endowed with the mineral resources essential for the clean energy transition, it currently captures less than 1% of the global clean energy manufacturing market.

The publication underscores a central truth: the global energy transition depends fundamentally on mining, and mining operations themselves depend on access to affordable, reliable, high-quality power. This circular relationship is explored in depth, with the volume arguing that mines must electrify intelligently, plan regionally, finance proactively, and mine responsibly in order to become key enablers of climate resilience.

Inside This Must-Read Volume

Readers will:

  • Explore investment trends, policy landscapes, and the role of beneficiation in capturing value onshore rather than exporting raw materials.
    Headline to bookmark: From Raw Materials to Refined Returns
  • Learn about the opportunity to produce low-emission commodities such as green iron and low-emissions ammonia, powered by Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources.
  • Examine the challenges and solutions associated with integrating renewable energy into mining operations, noting that renewables currently supply only 30–40% of total mine energy demand.
    Headline of interest: Renewables at Mines
  • Discover four critical energy lessons from a coal mine that could save millions in revenue, highlighting hidden inefficiencies in electrical systems, Contract Demand management, and the financial impact of maintaining a high Power Factor.
  • Gain insights from industry leaders on the fast-evolving commercial and industrial (C&I) energy and storage market, where private power traders and integrators are delivering cost-competitive, verified green energy solutions.
  • Understand why a “process approach” is key to unlocking energy efficiency in open-cast mining, moving beyond traditional conservation methods to achieve substantial economic gains.
  • Uncover five hidden truths about the minerals powering the green revolution, including:
    • The geopolitical leverage of mid-stream processing
    • The complexities of the “Hitchhiker Problem”, where critical minerals are tied to host-metal production
    • Why the “Recycling Paradox” limits immediate supply

Driving Climate Resilience Through Industry

This volume delivers essential insights and expert analysis for mining and industrial stakeholders seeking to position themselves as cornerstones of climate resilience and sustainable development.

Availability

The latest volume of Powering Mines & Industry is available now as a free downloadable PDF.
Access the publication here:
https://apo-opa.co/3YtDrr8

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact
Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl
Editor-in-Chief, ESI Africa
nicolette@wearevuka.com
www.ESI-Africa.com

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Emirates rolls out retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy to Beirut and Beijing

Source: APO

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) today announced that retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy will serve flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026 and flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing, starting from 1 February 2026. *

Beijing becomes the fourth city in the Chinese mainland to receive Emirates’ latest aircraft and next-gen products, while travellers to and from Beirut will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy and new Business Class cabin in 1-2-1 layout for the first time.

For Lebanon’s capital city, EK953 departs Dubai at 1540hrs, arriving in Beirut at 1700hrs, with the return EK954 departing at 1945hrs and arriving in Dubai at 0050hrs. ** The schedule offers seamless connections to and from major cities with significant Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane as well as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Montreal. Customers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both legs of their journey, with many of these cities being served by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s featuring the airline’s latest interiors.

Emirates’ flight EK306 departs Dubai at 3:20hrs, arriving in Beijing at 14:45hrs. The return flight EK307 takes off from Beijing at 00:40hrs, landing in Dubai at 5:30hrs. ** Travellers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience from Beijing to popular destinations across Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé and Lisbon, as well as key cities in the Gulf region such as Kuwait, Riyadh and Amman.

The refurbished four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft includes 260 of the latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and eight First Class Suites.

Emirates’ Premium Economy has garnered glowing feedback for its unique value and standout features. Passengers can expect a Business Class-like experience at a more accessible price, featuring spacious leather seats with a generous recline, full leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, and a 13.3-inch TV screen. Premium Economy also includes generously sized pillows and blankets, complimentary amenity kits on select flights, and globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class cabin has also been redesigned, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration to offer privacy, full aisle access, and ample space to work, lounge, and rest. Each seat is wrapped in champagne leather, matching the ones on the latest Emirates A380, with detailed stitching and soft, cushioned headrests.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.Emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. WeChat Pay is available on www.Emirates.com for customers in China.

  * Aircraft deployment may be advanced if released earlier from refurbishment

 ** all times are local 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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President Ramaphosa to chair virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, in his capacity as the interim Chairperson of Southern African Development Community (SADC), address the opening and  participate in a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government. 

The virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit is taking place under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC” , and will be preceded by meetings of Senior Officials and Council of Ministers  respectively. 

The Summit will consider the fact-finding mission report on the political situation in the Republic of Madagascar and the interim Incoming Chairperson of SADC.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied  by  Minister Ronald Lamola of International Relations and Cooperation. 

Extraordinary SADC  Summit of Heads of State and Government opening address by President Ramaphosa will take place  as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
Time: 16h00
Streaming: PresidencyZA 

The opening ceremony  will be live streamed on  PresidencyZA digital platforms.  

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Members of US Senate and House of Representatives

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington| December 16 , 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met today in Washington D.C. with several members of the US Senate and the House of Representatives.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Senator Steve Daines, Senator Roger W. Marshall, Senator Markwayne Mullin, Senator Jackie Rosen, Senator Brian Schatz, Senator James Lankford, and Senator John Cornyn, as well as Representative Jimmy Panetta and Representative Josh Gottheimer.
Discussions during the meeting highlighted the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and explored ways to further strengthen and promote them. The meeting also touched on a number of issues of mutual interest.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Chairman, Member of US House Foreign Affairs Committee

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington| December 17, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Washington D.C. with HE Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives of the United States of America Brian Mast, and HE Member of the Committee Gregory Meeks. 
During the meeting, the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America were reviewed, along with ways to support and strengthen them. The meeting also discussed a number of topics of common interest.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets US Senate Minority Leader

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington| December 17, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Washington D.C. with HE Senator Chuck Schumer, the US Senate Minority Leader.
Discussions during the meeting highlighted the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and explored ways to further strengthen and promote them. The meeting also touched on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, the US Senate Minority Leader expressed his appreciation to the State of Qatar for its efforts that contributed to reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and for its role in securing the release of a number of American citizens detained in Afghanistan.

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President of Hungary Receives Credentials of Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Budapest, December 16, 2025

HE President of Hungary Tamas Sulyok received Tuesday the credentials of HE Radi bin Sowayed Al Ajami as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Hungary.

HE the Ambassador conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HE the President of Hungary, expressing His Highness’s hopes for His Excellency’s ongoing health and happiness, as well as for the continued advancement and prosperity of the government and people of Hungary.

In response, HE the President of Hungary extended his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing him enduring health and happiness, along with continued progress and prosperity for the State of Qatar.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Members of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, December 16, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Washington on Tuesday with members of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

The meeting discussed close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America and ways to support and develop them. It also discussed a number of topics of common concern.

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Qatar Grants 30 Buses to Lebanon to Boost Public Transit

Source: Government of Qatar

Beirut, December 16, 2025

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Transport, has provided the Republic of Lebanon with a grant consisting of 30 buses, in support of the efforts of Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport in developing the infrastructure of the country’s public transport sector.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani took part in the official handover ceremony, held under the patronage and in the presence of HE Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Republic of Lebanon Fayez Rasamny, with the participation of a lineup of ambassadors and diplomats.

In a speech during the ceremony, HE the Ambassador affirmed that this step embodies the deep-rooted ties between the State of Qatar and Lebanon and stems from both countries’ sisterly relations.

He added that this initiative falls within the framework of Qatar’s continued support for the efforts of Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport in developing the country’s public transport sector’s infrastructure and strengthening its ability to address current challenges.

His Excellency stressed the State of Qatar’s constant commitment to Lebanon’s stability and prosperity, standing by it across various fields.

For his part, HE Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Republic of Lebanon Fayez Rasamny expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar, saying that it did not stop at good intentions, instead Qatar translated them into practical commitments, turning words into action and ideas into reality, as is the case today with the buses entering service on Lebanese soil.

Rasamny added that the buses will directly contribute to alleviating citizens’ suffering and activating the role of public transport in Lebanon.

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Special Envoy of Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Acting Under-Secretary-General for UNOCT

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, December 16, 2025

HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, met on Tuesday with HE Acting Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Alexandre Zouev, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation and strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and the UNOCT, in addition to issues of common interest.