MTN aims to acquire full control of IHS Towers in Africa through a cash deal worth R35bn to R40bn. Sibanye-Stillwater released its annual mineral resources update, showing stable PGMs but reduced gold reserves. ASP Isotopes is relocating its Quantum Leap Energy unit to Austin, Texas, to advance nuclear fuel production.
MTN Group plans to purchase the remaining 75.3% stake in IHS Towers that it does not own, gaining control over nearly all of IHS's African cellphone towers. This move, valued at around R35bn to R40bn in cash from IHS's reserves and MTN's funds without issuing new shares, seeks to reduce rental costs, boost profits and improve network management amid challenges like power outages and currency fluctuations in African markets.
Sibanye-Stillwater conducted its yearly assessment of mineral resources and reserves. Platinum-group metals (PGMs) remain robust, with platinum reserves increasing due to new projects at Marikana in South Africa, and slight growth at US PGM mines. Gold resources have declined significantly following cuts at Kloof and other operations. For energy metals, uranium now has its first official reserve at the Cooke tailings facility; Keliber lithium in Finland expanded after drilling; however, the Rhyolite Ridge lithium project in the US was abandoned after Sibanye-Stillwater's exit. Zinc reserves at the Century tailings dam continue to deplete, expected to end by 2027, while the Mount Lyell copper project in Australia received its initial long-term mining plan. A comprehensive technical report is set for April 2026.
ASP Isotopes is shifting the global headquarters of its subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) to Austin, Texas, to proximity to US clients, leverage supportive nuclear policies, access talent and lower expenses. QLE intends to establish a nuclear fuel facility with Fermi America, featuring a HALEU enrichment plant and isotope production in Amarillo, targeting future reactors and AI data centres. The company specializes in isotope enrichment for medical, clean energy and advanced reactor applications, collaborating with partners like TerraPower and Necsa, though projects carry technical, regulatory and market uncertainties.