Independent consulting firm Snowden Mining Industry Consultants has reported a marked increase in the number of mining projects initiated this year, with particular activity in the platinum group metals (pgm) sector.

Several projects are now underway according to the firm, with a number of deals still being struck.

'We have recently completed a number of projects, including a scoping study regarding the Leeuwkop platinum project in the Bushveld Complex, […] and are now in the process of embarking on some new projects in Africa,' Snowden general manager Africa Marc Struik confirmed.

The firm offers a total management solution to facilitate new drilling projects, which it says has proved successful in keeping productivity high and delivering the required project outcome.

'As we offer a total management solution, we are responsible for all management aspects of the project, whether technical or safety-and-health related,' Mr Struik explained.

Snowden is currently in the process of negotiating its role of independent technical adviser for another pgm project in the Bushveld Complex for a Canadian client.

However, Struik told Mining Weekly he was loathed to discuss concrete details because negotiations were still ongoing.

With pgm production set to increase in South Africa and the wealth of new mining legislation on the horizon, he claims that the platinum industry will increasingly turn to expert consultants in an effort to boost efficiency and ensure companies are well prepared.

'The Minerals Bill, Mining Score Card, the Royalties Bill, capital gains tax, all require a good understanding about the impact on mining companies, properties, whether greenfields or brownfields, and black economic empowerment participation,' he noted.