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African Review has obtained images from the new industrial power plant recently supplied to Danone South Africa by Clarke Energy

Commissioned at the end of last year, the facility is now working to power the food giant’s dairy production site in Anderbolt, Boksburg, providing a resilient, grid-connected microgrid solution that embraces a mix of energy systems and technologies.

The project was delivered in partnership with Austrian power generation firm, INNIO Group, and Moshesh Partners, a Johannesburg-based investment fund manager focused on clean energy and infrastructure work.

Clarke Energy delivered the system as a turnkey EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) project, integrating a new INNIO Jenbacher gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant with the site’s existing solar PV installation and diesel backup generators to create what it called a “flexible and robust” energy solution.

The facility utilises two Jenbacher J616 containerised engines and the Jenbacher microgrid controller, providing a total capacity of 5 MWe.

Clarke Energy is an authorised distributor for INNIO’s Jenbacher engines.

Managed by an advanced microgrid controller, the system dynamically balances energy sources based on cost, availability and sustainability – ensuring continuous optimisation around the clock, according to a Clarke Energy statement.

“The microgrid significantly enhances energy resilience, protecting operations from frequent voltage dips and outages in the municipal supply, and enabling uninterrupted 24/7 dairy production,” it noted.

As South Africa’s leading producer of fermented dairy products, Danone also benefits from a more efficient and secure energy supply at a time when power outages have undermined industrial output and economic activity at a national level.

When the project was first announced in late 2023, a Danone executive said the Jenbacher microgrid solution would empower the company to become independent from the electricity grid supply.

It would also allow it to integrate a broad selection of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as renewables and storage devices, while ensuring business continuity, INNIO’s president and CEO Dr. Olaf Berlien noted.

The Jenbacher engines are operating on natural gas but can be converted to hydrogen as soon as sufficient hydrogen is available, Berlien added.

Due to insufficient power-generation capacity, there is “significant interest” in decentralised CHP engine plants, according to an INNIO statement.

The instability of South Africa’s grid, the ambition to reduce carbon emissions and the proposed return on investment motivated Danone to drive energy efficiency with CHP technology while producing distributed power and heat for their industrial process, it added.

Designed with hydrogen-readiness in mind, the power plant solution delivers a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, aligning with Danone’s own Impact Journey, and represents a major step towards its 2050 net-zero target.

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Caterpillar has unveiled its new heavy-duty Cat 980 GC Wheel Loader

Easy to own and simple to operate, the new wheel loader provides an economical solution for a broad range of applications, said Frank Stadelmann, global product application specialist at Caterpillar.

“We’ve built the new 980 GC on a long legacy of high performance and highly reliable wheel loaders with proven components and integrated Cat machine systems,” he said.

“The loader’s simple user interface, intuitive controls and excellent visibility make for comfortable and efficient operation, even with less experienced operators.”

The 980 GC wheel loader offers low fuel consumption with an on-demand fan, load-sensing hydraulics, intuitive controls and Performance Series buckets.

“New features to this model, like our Engine Idle Management System (EIMS), minimise idle RPM and fuel consumption to help deliver low owning and operating costs,” said Stadelmann.

Adding to the full line of medium wheel loader choices, the new 980 GC is powered by the Cat C13 engine. The engine’s Cat Clean Emissions Module works in the background without impacting production.

The EIMS, Auto Engine Idle Shutdown, variable speed fan and load sensing hydraulics all combine to offer low fuel consumption and sound levels on the machine.

Its field-proven automatic planetary powershift transmission also delivers high reliability and long service life. Four forward/reverse speeds reach a maximum 39.8 km/h (24.7 mph) speed to quickly move about the site, and the well-known Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC) shifting system provides smooth, efficient gear changes in all operating conditions.

Available ride control improves operating smoothness over rough terrain while ensuring excellent material retention and increasing efficiency, and the optional limited slip differential axle increases traction in poor underfoot conditions.

The new loader also features convenient service points, one-piece tilting hood with swing-out radiator, and sight gauges for quick and efficient daily maintenance. Hard-to-reach pins have remote, conveniently grouped grease fittings for easy preventative lubrication. An optional Cat Autolube System boasts simple, one-button control and includes fault flash function to alert the operator to issues.

The new 980 GC is built on a legacy of high performance and highly reliable wheel loaders with machine components designed and manufactured to high quality standards. Caterpillar first entered the wheel loader market back in 1959.

The latest machine is also backed by the Cat dealer network to help maximise uptime by providing global parts support and trained technicians.

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Ivanhoe Mines has released its production results for the second quarter of 2025, along with updates on its operational and project activities 

During Q2, the Kamoa-Kakula Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators processed 3.62 million tonnes of ore, resulting in 112,009 tonnes of copper output — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.

The company confirmed that 'Stage One' dewatering measures have been operating according to plan since June 2, 2025. Water levels on the eastern side of the Kakula Mine have started to fall ahead of the 'Stage Two' dewatering phase, scheduled to begin next month. Five high-capacity submersible pumps, currently being assembled in China, are expected to be delivered to site soon.

Mining on the western side of the Kakula Mine resumed in early June. By mid-month, the mining rate reached 300,000 tonnes per month, with copper grades ranging between 3% and 4%.

Consequently, since mid-June, the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators have ramped up to a combined processing rate of 670,000 tonnes per month, equivalent to 8 million tonnes per year.

Ivanhoe also confirmed that underground development of a new mining area on the far eastern side of the Kakula Mine has commenced. Two new access drives are being developed from existing underground infrastructure.

Founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland praised the company’s teams and provided an in-depth outlook: “We commend the hard work and dedication of our management team, mining and engineering crews at Kamoa-Kakula, who continue to work tirelessly to turn around operations at Kakula.

“Operational recovery plans are well underway at Kamoa-Kakula following the decisive and proactive actions undertaken by management in response to the seismic activity first announced on May 20. Safety of our employees and contractors remains our top priority at Kamoa-Kakula and we are now systematically and judiciously increasing development activities to increase the supply of high-grade, fresh ore to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators from mining areas on the western side of the Kakula ore body. We expect to return to mining areas grading approximately 5% copper on the western side of Kakula towards the end of the year, which will drive a further improvement in operating results and efficiency.

“Meanwhile, we have commenced development towards a new high-grade mining area on the far eastern side of Kakula, which is expected to provide additional high-grade ore by Q2 2026. We also expect to transport excess ore from the Kamoa and Kansoko mines, which continue to outperform on all metrics, to further augment feed of fresh material to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators as soon as possible.

“Dewatering efforts of the Kakula Mine are proceeding to plan, which will provide us access to assess additional high-grade ore from the affected workings that can be safely mined to feed the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators.

“We also commend our management team at Kipushi for a strong quarterly operating performance. Kipushi is now well on track as one of the world’s largest, highest-grade, and greenest major zinc mines. Lastly, but certainly not least, we are extremely excited for first production at Platreef later this year which will set the stage for a phased expansion that is set to position the operation as the world’s largest, and lowest-cost producer of platinum-group metals, nickel, copper, and gold. Given the current rally in platinum-group metals prices and the rising interest in these metals, we firmly believe Platreef is positioned to emerge at the right moment in the cycle to deliver exceptional returns for our shareholders.”

Also read: Ivanhoe Mines reports strong Q1 progress

South Africa has entered into a US$1.5bn loan agreement with the World Bank to support the revitalisation of its transport and energy infrastructure and stimulate economic recovery, the National Treasury announced recently

For over ten years, Africa’s most industrialised economy has faced stagnation, hindered by ongoing power outages that have reduced productivity and deteriorating rail systems and port congestion that have impacted key industries like mining and automotive manufacturing.

The government expects the loan to help alleviate transport constraints and bolster energy security, although it has not disclosed which specific projects the World Bank funds will support.

The loan is expected to help manage the country’s rising debt-service burden by offering more favourable conditions than those available in commercial markets, including a three-year grace period.

State-run utilities Eskom and Transnet, responsible for energy and transport respectively, have faced long-standing operational and financial difficulties, contributing to the country’s sluggish growth, which stood at only 0.1% in the first quarter.

The Treasury stated that the interest rate on the 16-year loan from the World Bank is the six-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 1.49%.

This facility is distinct from another US$500mn in funding that the World Bank Group is considering to help mobilise private investment in South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure, which needs to be expanded to accommodate more renewable energy projects.

Last month, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined a budget that includes over 1 trillion rand (US$55.5bn) in investment across sectors including transport, energy, water and sanitation, aimed at driving growth and improving public services.

It aimed for public debt to peak at 77.4% of gross domestic product in the current fiscal year, slowly declining after that.

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has taken a significant step in reinforcing its presence in Egypt with the inauguration of a new integrated warehouse on Suez Road, Cairo

This development marks one of Jumia’s largest investments in the country and demonstrates its continued confidence in Egypt’s strategic role in Africa’s economic and logistical landscape.

Spanning over 27,000 sq m, the new facility is designed to optimise Jumia’s logistics capabilities by improving storage efficiency and speeding up deliveries, particularly to Upper Egypt. The warehouse is equipped with advanced smart systems that enhance order processing and customer satisfaction. As a key component of Jumia’s logistics infrastructure, the centre supports the company’s future expansion and aims to better serve merchants and consumers across the country.

This investment aligns with Jumia’s mission to boost Egypt’s digital economy and enhance its service offerings. It will also provide tailored logistics solutions for local manufacturers and merchants, reinforcing the platform’s support for domestic production.

The warehouse is projected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years, solidifying Jumia’s contribution to national economic development and youth empowerment.

Prime minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly commended the initiative, remarked, "We welcome this move by Jumia, which reflects the trust that major global companies have in Egypt’s investment climate. We look forward to more partnerships that support the state's goals in digital transformation, the development of logistics infrastructure, and the provision of job opportunities for Egyptian youth."

Abdel Latif Olama, CEO of Jumia Egypt, expressed his appreciation for the government’s support, stated, "We are proud of this achievement, which reflects Jumia’s long-term investment commitment in Egypt. We view Egypt as a strategic hub for our operations in the region. This warehouse represents a qualitative leap in the level of services we provide to our customers and partners, and it supports our vision of becoming an integrated platform that combines technology and logistics across the continent. It will also contribute to our growth in the Egyptian market."

Egypt also plays a critical role in Jumia’s tech ecosystem, hosting one of its largest technology hubs on the continent. This centre is home to a skilled team of engineers and developers who are building digital tools and logistics solutions to support operations across Africa.

During the inauguration, Olama delivered a presentation detailing Jumia’s impact in both Egypt and broader African markets. He also outlined plans for future expansion, reaffirming Egypt’s strategic importance to the company.

The launch of this facility is part of Jumia’s wider expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its infrastructure across Africa. Similar logistics centre s have already been established in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing digital commerce and economic development across the continent.