Op-Ed: Hydrogen – A Fossil Fuel Energy Game Changer, or Not?
(ESI Africa Website Article)In this thought-provoking op-ed, Dr. van der Linde critically assesses whether hydrogen can truly disrupt the fossil fuel-dominated energy landscape. While he acknowledges hydrogen’s abundance and clean-burning nature, he highlights significant challenges in production, storage, and cost, suggesting that hydrogen remains a complementary, rather than revolutionary, solution for now — especially in […]
Future Fuels and Switching to Alternative Energy Sources for Competitive Advantage
(ESI Africa PDF Article)Dr. van der Linde provides a comprehensive overview of future fuel options for mining and industrial sectors, including hydrogen, biogas, fuel cells, batteries, and biofuels. He assesses their technical viability, costs, infrastructure requirements, and environmental impacts, concluding that while no single solution dominates, integrating a mix of renewables and alternative fuels offers […]
New Approaches to the Zama Zama Challenge
(SAM Strung Sep/Oct 2023, Page 15)Addressing South Africa’s ongoing illegal mining crisis, Dr. van der Linde discusses innovative, collaborative models for integrating artisanal miners (or ‘zama zamas’) into the formal mining economy. He advocates for state-private partnerships, formal licensing options, and community engagement strategies as pathways to reducing criminality and unlocking grassroots economic value.
Fuel Cell Use in Underground Operations
(SAM Strung Nov/Dec 2023, Page 41)This article highlights the growing potential of fuel cell technology in underground mining, particularly for improving safety and reducing carbon emissions. Dr. van der Linde details the benefits of fuel cells over diesel engines, including lower ventilation costs and enhanced energy efficiency, while acknowledging the current challenges of high costs […]
Tackling ESG and Energy Use in the Junior Mining Space
(SAM Strung Jan/Feb 2024, Page 31)In this insightful piece, Dr. van der Linde delves into how junior miners are grappling with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) demands alongside soaring energy costs. He outlines practical steps these smaller operations can take to adopt ESG best practices, such as energy audits, renewable energy integration, and stakeholder engagement, […]
Will the New Cadastre System Work for the Junior Mining Industry?
(SAM Strung Mar/Apr 2024, Page 25)Here, Dr. van der Linde evaluates the proposed introduction of a new mining cadastre system in South Africa. While he acknowledges the system’s potential to bring transparency and efficiency to mineral rights administration, he also cautions that unless it’s properly implemented with secure digital infrastructure and skilled oversight, junior miners […]
Will the EU’s CSRD Put More Pressure on the Mining Industry?
(SAM Strung May/Jun 2024, Page 33)This article discusses the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and its potential implications for African mining operations. Dr. van der Linde warns that the directive’s stringent ESG reporting standards will inevitably influence African miners, especially those exporting to the EU. He urges companies to proactively align with global […]
Exploration in South Africa – What Does the Future Hold?
(SAM Strung Jul/Aug 2024, Page 43)Dr. van der Linde offers a candid look at the future of mineral exploration in South Africa, cautioning that while the country holds vast geological potential, outdated legislation, slow permitting, and ESG pressures are deterring investors. He calls for policy reforms, incentives for exploration companies, and the streamlining of licensing […]
Logistics and the Junior Miner – The Make-or-Break Factor
(SAM Strung Nov/Dec 2024, Page 27)This article examines how logistics remains one of the most critical challenges for junior mining companies in Africa. Dr. van der Linde stresses that logistical inefficiencies directly impact project viability and profitability, especially for small-scale miners with limited capital. He advocates for strategic partnerships, regional infrastructure development, and creative logistical […]
Illegal or Artisanal – A Matter of Perspective
(SAM Strung Jan/Feb 2025, Page 35)Dr. Andries van der Linde explores the blurred lines between illegal mining and artisanal practices in South Africa, arguing that whether an operation is considered illicit or entrepreneurial depends largely on perspective. He discusses the socioeconomic drivers pushing individuals into informal mining and highlights how regulatory frameworks and mainstream miners’ […]