News
South Africa mining output falls 12.7% in August on weak PGMs, coal and iron ore
South Africa's mining output declined 12.7% year-on-year in August, according to Statistics South Africa, with platinum group metals, coal, and iron ore accounting for the largest negative contributions.
Today
Aterian expands copper footprint at Azrar project in Morocco
Aterian has identified multiple copper showings and substantially expanded the known mineralisation footprint at the Amane Target of its 85%-owned Azrar Copper-Silver project in Morocco, following initial exploration fieldwork.
Today
Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources identifies region with largest platinum and palladium deposits
Russia retains second place globally in terms of platinum and palladium reserves, while the largest deposits of these metals are concentrated in Krasnoyarsk Territory, according to the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources.
Today
Tharisa meets FY2026 guidance, Karo Platinum fully funded as net debt swings to $51m
Tharisa has reported full-year production in line with guidance for both platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome concentrates, while confirming its Karo Platinum project in Zimbabwe is now fully funded following a $300 million bond issue.
Yesterday
Israel’s diamond sector poised for revival following tax reforms and De Beers comeback
De Beers, one of the world's major diamond market players, has announced the resumption of its operations in Israel after a nine-year absence, which became the latest sign of revival of the diamond industry in the country.
Yesterday
Pressure builds on the watch industry over green claims
23 february 2022
(ft.com) - Luxury watch companies have made a big play of partnerships with leading conservation agencies. Hublot is helping to save the rhino. And Omega is trying to protect the oceans, as well as clearing up space junk. Close ties to non-profits have a positive effect on consumers — and the bottom line. Being good is good for business. Research published by consultancy Accenture and the World Economic Forum in September found that 66 per cent of consumers were planning to make “more sustainable/ethical purchases” over the following six months. But pressure is growing on brands to come clean about their sponsorship deals with conservation charities. Accusations of companies making misleading claims about their environmental credentials — so-called greenwashing — are never far away.
Makers Dominate the Entry Level Luxury Market
22 february 2022
(therobinreport.com) - The luxury market has been built on exclusivity. The U.S. is still the largest global luxury market and luxury sector sales continue to soar – even through the pandemic. But how we define luxury is changing. First of all, the very tenets that the legacy fashion houses hung their hats on –– exclusivity, high price points, etc. –– are proving less relevant to younger customers. Luxury has always been about status. The concepts of craftsmanship, style, innovation and the desire to be “the person in the know” still resonate with today’s young upscale consumers. However, marketing to them and retaining them as loyal, lifelong customers is no easy feat. For next gens in the U.S., entry level luxury has lower price points than their global contemporaries. We’re talking about entry level luxury brands here –– lower price points and more focus on discovery, while also delivering the transparency that has come to define next gen purchasing behavior. Let’s take a look.
3 Rules for Mastering the Metaverse
21 february 2022
(jingdaily.com) - When discussing the luxury metaverse, I am a big advocate of separating the essence from the noise. While much of its hype stems from an interest in the opportunities it might offer and a fascination with the mystery surrounding it, there are already clear implications for companies, brands, and managers in this realm. The metaverse should be seen as the non-linear acceleration of an already-progressed digital transformation: deeper immersion, more emotional connection, and a shift from two to three-dimensional space. In short, the internet will move from a phone, tablet, or computer screen space to a more realistic, enthralling, and emotional place.
The Butterfly and the Blue Diamond
18 february 2022
(idexonline.com) - It was the American mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz who coined the term "butterfly effect" in 1972. He used it to explain how something very small - a distant butterfly flapping its wings - could have a disproportionate impact on something very big - like a devastating tornado several weeks later. It may sound far-fetched, but the idea remains well-respected in scientific fields, and the term is now widely used in the broader context of any situation where a relatively small incident has unimaginably huge consequences. Like the Blue Diamond Affair.
Are Apple AirTags a Security Risk for Jewelers?
17 february 2022
(jckonline.com) - Last year, Apple introduced the AirTag, a 1.26-inch disc that doubles as a tracking device. Along with Apple’s new “Find My” network, the discs are meant to help users find their lost items, such as wallets and keys. The tech giant was initially slammed for taking the idea from Tile, which created a technology based on a similar idea. But now, critics have raised a far more serious concern, which could affect people in the jewelry industry.
