Escalating platinum strife needs political fix 12 Sep 2012 Spreading labour unrest has forced Anglo American to halt platinum production at big mines in South Africa. Angry unions’ wage demands cannot be met without cutting jobs or closing duff digs. But that’ll inflame tensions. Miners need government help to break the impasse.
South African mine unrest reflects stuck economy 24 Aug 2012 The poor have gained little in 18 years of democracy. The gulf with the rich is huge, growth isn’t what it could be, and newly wealthy leaders are complacent. It’s no surprise that as, say, in pre-1917 Russia, militant opposition is rising. The ruling ANC has its work cut out.
Lonmin needs to go big, or go away 23 Aug 2012 The platinum miner was stretched, financially and operationally, before last week’s deadly violence. Investment, perhaps funded by a big rights issue, is needed. It could improve conditions for workers, reduce costs, and secure a future for the company that, at present, is bleak.
S.Africa mining bloodshed has global implications 17 Aug 2012 The deadly union turf war at a Lonmin platinum mine is a sovereign challenge and a global concern. South Africa has most of the world’s platinum, an essential industrial metal. It’s up to the government to restore order. The mining groups are stuck and have no easy options.
New bank plan risks dilution of emerging influence 30 Mar 2012 The BRICS are mulling the creation of an institution with aims similar to the World Bank. But an Emerging World Bank may diffuse the effort, capital, and talent dedicated to global economic development. BRICS may also struggle to secure their rightful influence over the original.