Tshukudu Metals Botswana has signed a deal for a 21 MW solar power plant to be built at its Motheo copper mine near Ghanzi in Botswana

A subsidiary of Australia’s Sandfire Resources, the mining group has agreed a seven-year leasing agreement with Release, a flexible, soft financing venture majority owned by renewables group, Scatec.

Designed to overcome financial and technical barriers associated with adopting solar energy, Release offers a flexible leasing agreement for re-deployable solar PV and battery equipment to deliver clean, reliable power.

It is owned by Scatec (68%) and Climate Fund Managers (32%) via its EU-supported Climate Investor One Fund, a US$1bn blended finance facility focused on renewable energy infrastructure in emerging markets.

The Botswana solar energy project will provide clean renewable energy to Sandfire’s copper producing asset at Motheo, as well as support its decarbonisation ambitions.

In a statement, Release noted that the agreement represents the latest milestone in the expansion of its mining portfolio in Africa.

It also builds on Scatec’s established presence in Botswana following the commissioning of its 120 MW solar portfolio in the country.

“This agreement demonstrates the strength of our lease-to-own solution, where we combine technical expertise with flexible financing to enable our clients to access large-scale solar without upfront capital investment,” said Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Release.

“Bringing this solution to Botswana for the first time and in partnership with mining operation Motheo, is a major milestone for our company.”

Release will now commence project implementation with start of operations expected by the end of 2026.

Once operational the plant will generate approximately 40 GWh annually and cover about 30% of Motheo’s annual electricity demand.

Motheo is located in the central portion of the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana, with output exported via the port of Walvis Bay in neighbouring Namibia.

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Engineered for durability and high machine availability, the new Cat 707 wide body truck is built around a fully integrated Cat powertrain that combines a Cat C13 engine, Cat automatic transmission, and proprietary Cat axles

Designed to handle demanding haulage applications, the truck offers a maximum payload of 66 tonnes and is available in standard or heavy duty configurations, with body options of 40 m3 or 42 m3 to suit varying materials and site conditions.

Developed with Caterpillar’s rebuild focused design philosophy, the 707 wide body truck is intended to deliver consistent mechanical availability throughout its operating life while supporting a second lifecycle through cost effective rebuilds. This approach helps customers extend asset life and manage long term operating costs.

The new 707 wide body truck has been engineered, manufactured, and field tested using the latest technologies to ensure it is ready for work upon deployment. It is the first model in a new wide body truck product family that expands Caterpillar’s hauling systems portfolio.

“We have engineered our new wide body truck with a unique philosophy – it’s built to be rebuilt, offering consistent mechanical availability and longevity through a second lifecycle, which can help lower operating costs.” Angel Gonzalez, global product specialist at Caterpillar.

Performance and lifecycle efficiency

The Cat 707 can be configured with a 400 kW Cat C13B engine that meets China Nonroad Stage IV emissions standards, or a 358 kW Cat C13 engine that delivers U.S. EPA Tier 3 equivalent emissions. Both engine options are equipped with a high rated standard engine brake. Power is delivered through a six speed automatic transmission, with an optional integrated hydraulic retarder available for additional braking control.

To support reliability and uptime, the truck features proprietary Cat axles, integrated Cat powertrain controllers, and Cat designed wiring and electrical harnesses. Three levels of braking and retardation are available, including the engine brake, optional hydraulic retarder, and service and parking brakes. This combination improves downhill loaded control, enhances safety, and supports faster haul cycles.

The 707 wide body truck is designed for effective pass matching with Cat 986, 988, and 988 XE wheel loaders, as well as Cat 350, 374, and 395 excavators, helping to improve site productivity.

Operator comfort and training are supported through a left side operator seat and an optional right side instructor seat. The cab is mounted on a robust four point system and includes a standard falling object protective structure, with an optional rollover protective structure available. A reversing camera can be specified to improve maneuvering safety. Automatic shifting with simplified gear selection helps increase efficiency, while the hoist system delivers fast 20 second raise and lower cycle times to speed up material unloading.

Low operating and maintenance costs are supported by the integrated Cat powertrain mounted on a reinforced chassis. When combined with Cat Customer Value Agreements, customers can achieve higher uptime while maintaining reliable performance across multiple life cycles. Grouped service points reduce maintenance time, while a ground level engine shut off switch allows safe engine shutdown by stopping fuel delivery.

Parts commonality with other Cat machines, including the C13 engine, CX31RT transmission, and common cab, simplifies servicing and inventory management. LED lighting provides longer service life, brighter illumination, reduced power consumption, and improved resistance to vibration and moisture.

T

At Mining Indaba 2026, Ecobank Sierra Leone unveiled two major financing deals that highlight the growing role of African capital in supporting mining projects that promote local beneficiation, economic development and sustainable growth

The first transaction, concluded with Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), the world’s leading producer of rutile, will finance the acquisition and relocation of the Kwale Mineral Sands Processing Plant from Kenya to Sierra Leone. The move supports the development of SRL’s Sembehun Project and represents a significant step in strengthening the country’s position within the global titanium supply chain.

In a second announcement, Ecobank revealed funding for Meya Mining that will support the acquisition and installation of advanced diamond processing equipment, mining vehicles and associated infrastructure. This investment will enable Meya to scale its operations responsibly and efficiently as it moves into full commercial production.

A milestone for Sierra Rutile and African mining finance

The Sierra Rutile transaction, led by Ecobank Sierra Leone with support from Ecobank Ghana, marks a turning point for the country’s mining and financial sectors.

Rutile is a critical mineral used across aerospace, medical and advanced manufacturing industries. By securing the future of the Sembehun Project, one of the world’s largest and highest-grade rutile deposits, the deal reinforces Sierra Leone’s role as a key supplier of titanium feedstock to global markets, ensuring long-term supply stability.

The transaction is also a first for Sierra Leone’s banking sector, demonstrating the maturity of the local financial market and the ability of African banks to structure and lead complex, risk-sharing deals that have traditionally been dominated by international lenders.

In addition, the project offers a practical example of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By reusing and relocating existing high-quality industrial assets from Kenya, rather than importing new equipment from outside the continent, the approach reduces capital costs, lowers carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and logistics, and shortens project timelines.

Supporting growth in Sierra Leone’s diamond sector

Alongside the Sierra Rutile deal, Ecobank Sierra Leone Limited, supported by Ecobank Ghana Plc, announced a US$25mn financing package for Meya Mining Limited. The facility reinforces the bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Sierra Leone’s diamond industry.

The financing will strengthen responsible diamond production, support compliance with international frameworks such as the Kimberley Process, create local employment and contribute to national beneficiation objectives. It also aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader development strategy by linking financial solutions to long-term economic impact.

The transaction is expected to stimulate local supply chains through domestic payment flows, create and sustain more than 400 direct jobs with the majority sourced locally, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s standing in the global diamond market through traceable and responsibly mined stones. It also encourages further downstream investment, including cutting and polishing, to maximise value retention within the country.

Sebastian Ashong-Katai, managing director of Ecobank Sierra Leone, commented, "The Sierra Rutile transaction is a powerful demonstration of Ecobank’s pan-African network in action. We are not just providing capital; we are bridging continental gaps by facilitating the complex logistics and cross-border financing required to move critical industrial assets from Kenya to Sierra Leone. By leading this deal domestically, we are demonstrating that Sierra Leone’s financial infrastructure is ready for large-scale, long-term investment. Our support for Meya Mining shows that domestic capital can mobilise to support key projects that will drive local value addition, employment and growth."

"This partnership with Ecobank allows us to structure and execute a capital-efficient transition to the Sembehun Project, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations. It is a vote of confidence in Sierra Leone’s mining sector and a testament to the capacity of African financial institutions to structure world-class mining deals," stated Sierra Rutile CEO Lima Sufian-Kargbo."

“Ecobank’s support is especially valuable amid current challenges in the diamond market. This highlights the distinct geo-economic potential presented by the Meya deposit in Sierra Leone and further enhances the Company’s vision of what the future holds," said Meya Mining Limited CEO Jan Joubert.

"Ecobank’s facility will support the mine’s shift to commercial production, following an investment of more than US$100 million from shareholders in resource and initial mine development."

UK procurement company Rainbo Supplies is to provide 20 heavy-duty trailers to Ivory Coast after securing financial support from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the British government’s export credit agency

The contract is worth £4mn (US$5.5mn) with the trailers to be provided by an undisclosed UK manufacturer and utilised for the construction, mining and agricultural sectors.

Ivorian company EKDMC is purchasing the goods and services from Rainbo, facilitated by a loan guarantee issued by UKEF to London Forfaiting Company (LFC), creating an opportunity for UK suppliers in one of Africa’s largest economies.

The new contract marks Rainbo’s second partnership with UKEF and LFC in less than six months, following a successful deal with a Ugandan construction firm.

“Securing yet another UKEF-backed deal in less than a year is a tremendous achievement for our team and a testament to the strong, long-term relationships we have built with our clients, suppliers, and partners,” said Steve Quigley, managing director at Rainbo.

“Through close collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, we continue to deliver best-in-class support and services across Africa,” he added.

“This contract with EKDMC opens up exciting new opportunities in the region and reinforces our confidence in continued sustainable growth.”

Its earlier Ugandan contract involved the supply of machinery, vehicles and equipment for the mining, transport and processing sectors on behalf of local construction and consultancy firm IBBI, which is setting up a granite quarry and an asphalt production plant.

Paul Wright, head of UK marketing at LFC, said the latest Ivorian deal supports both the UK exporter as well as the overseas buyer in a developing market.

“This deal is a further demonstration of the value of LFC’s ongoing partnership with UKEF, enabling buyers to access the flexible finance they need to purchase UK goods and services.”

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South Africa has joined the ranks of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), bringing with it an US$8bn country programme that will target industrialisation efforts in the republic, and support projects in sectors like mining, automotives and manufacturing

It becomes the 54th state to accede to the banking group, marking the formal entry of one of Africa’s largest economies into the Bank’s membership, “heralding deeper financial sovereignty,” an Afreximbank statement read.

The bank called the accession a “historic milestone” as the two partners seek to unlock trade opportunities “within a global financial architecture that is rapidly fragmenting due to protectionist policies and shifting trade blocks.”

The US$8 billion country programme aims to enhance industrial development and regional supply chains and boost intra-African trade and investment flows, Afreximbank said.

“We have put together what we consider an important package of US$8bn for South Africa,” said Dr George Elombi, the bank’s president and chairman.

“The country programme is aligned with South Africa's national development plan 2030 and national industrial and trade priorities, and targets key strategic areas.”

He added that Afreximbank’s current pipeline of projects in South Africa, at different stages of review, already exceeds US$6bn, spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy and the industrial and mining sectors.

Leveraging Afreximbank’s trade infrastructure and pan-African reach, South Africa can also more readily diversify export markets and further regional economic integration.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called it a milestone in the quest to realise the economic integration of our continent.

“South Africa’s accession to the African Export-Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across our continent,” he said.

“Once finalised, the South African-Afreximbank country programme will be operationalised with a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster.”

He said one of those areas to receive immediate effect will be the nation’s Transformation Fund with the aim of supporting more black businesses.

“This partnership will strengthen in more ways than one South Africa’s ability to support South African exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains while advancing our continent’s progress.”

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A new report from management consultancy Arthur D. Little warns that rising product portfolio complexity is quietly eroding profitability in the manufacturing sector, constraining digital growth, and limiting operational flexibility.

The study, Rise of Complexity in Manufacturing, highlights that companies must take decisive action to simplify their offerings and leverage modularisation to stay competitive.

“Unchecked complexity is a silent profitability killer,” the report states. “With resources limited and markets increasingly commoditised, companies must reduce product portfolio complexity to drive profitability and innovation.”

Manufacturers often expand product variants to meet customer demand, but without systematic portfolio pruning, these efforts generate hidden costs. Non-customer-facing complexity such as outdated products, excessive SKUs, and intricate internal processes can slow development, reduce scalability, and impede time to market.

The report identifies four key challenges for manufacturers: maintaining profitability amid market commoditisation, differentiating through digital solutions, ensuring supply chain resilience, and balancing legacy systems with emerging technologies such as new materials, battery-powered engines, or alternative fuels.

Arthur D. Little recommends a data-driven approach to complexity, starting with measuring the cost of complexity (CoC) across product lines and functions. A monetary proxy for CoC can capture inefficiencies in development, manufacturing, warehousing, and support, helping firms identify underperforming products for phaseout.

Strategic modularisation is highlighted as a crucial tool for managing complexity. By designing standardised, interchangeable product modules, manufacturers can simplify portfolios, accelerate time to market, and reduce costs while enabling cost-effective customisation.

The report cites Electrolux, which cut component numbers by 40% and reduced development time by 30% through modular design, and Siemens, which applied modularity to its industrial automation systems, reducing design time by 40% and improving scalability.

Arthur D. Little stresses that complexity reduction requires more than technical solutions: it demands cross-functional coordination, strong governance, and a cultural shift away from short-term gains. Companies must embed modular principles in product development, eliminate low-performing products, and ensure that both hardware and software systems are designed with simplicity in mind.

“Reducing product portfolio complexity is not a technical fix — it is a strategic transformation,” the report concludes. “By making complexity measurable, pruning underperforming products, and embedding modular design, manufacturers can release trapped value, improve speed to market, and build more resilient operations.”

The consultancy urges manufacturers to act decisively now, turning awareness of complexity into structured strategies for long-term profitability and innovation.