Having taken a leap of faith in 2015, commodities entrepreneur Ruli Diseko is not going to be rushed into hasty decisions today.His Thakadu Group recently announced the commissioning of a $20m (R298m) nickel sulphate refinery, which is located on the premises of Sibanye-Stillwater’s Marikana platinum group metals (PGM) facilities, near Rustenburg in the North West province.
Nickel sulphate is a refined form of the nickel metal that is of interest to manufacturers of electric car batteries. In fact, one of Diseko’s first calls after deciding to make the investment in 2016 was to Tesla, the US carmaker. The company liked what Thakadu was hoping to offer, and it provided an early signal to Diseko that he was on the right track.
Soweto-born Diseko, a UCT commerce graduate, began working life as a commodities trader before joining Lonmin, the former PGM miner. By the time Sibanye-Stillwater concluded its all-share takeover of Lonmin in 2019, Diseko had already decided to strike out on his own, leaving Lonmin and betting all he had to finance R6m of research work by Mintek, the government-owned research institute, into what became Thakadu’s proprietary process technology.
It is handy, though, that Sibanye-Stillwater is Thakadu’s new neighbour given the mining firm’s interest in acquiring battery metals as part of its diversification plan. It makes Thakadu, via its subsidiary Thakadu Battery Materials, an obvious target for the miner.
This story is from the 9 April 2021 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 9 April 2021 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
How do I protect the value of my investments against inflation?
It is not easy to find the right balance, but a portfolio should be well-diversified and structured to the environment.
Expectation versus reality
Consider the potential outcomes when buying stocks.
Don't panic, but be cautious
The current energy crisis unfolding in the UK is an example of slow-motion market action. Will it resolve itself?
Don't outlive your money
Make the right choices in retirement by keeping a keen interest in your post-retirement investments.
Rebuilding from the unrest
South Africa is exposed to an enormous economic security risk by concentrating most of its trade in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape offers an opportunity to deconcentrate trade.
The lure of retiring abroad
Dreaming of retiring in an exotic destination? Here’s what you need to know.