DRDGOLD's operations in Johannesburg demonstrate how environmental rehabilitation can generate substantial returns. The company processes tailings at a massive scale, producing between 155,000 and 170,000 ounces of gold annually. "This year we targeting just over 5 tons of gold," states Pretorius, highlighting the significant scale of their operations.

Jean Nel has decided to step down as a director of gold producer DRDGOLD, with effect from November 27, after serving on the board for six years. DRDGOLD says it is thankful for his valuable contribution during his tenure and wishes him well with his future endeavours.

DRDGOLD expects additional decreases in costs as the solar power plant and battery energy storage system comes on stream in the second quarter of its June 2025 full year. Construction of the company’s solar plant has already been completed, with commissioning scheduled for the quarter to December.

Cash operating costs per tonne of material decreased by 6% from the previous quarter to R176/t due to the increase in tonnage throughput. The number of mechanically reclaimed sites (clean-up sites), which are more costly to operate compared to hydro mining, have started to reduce. This reduction is expected to continue, resulting in a decreasing cost profile over the remainder of FY2025.

“If we have free cash other than the growth capital then we will continue to pay dividends but the one thing we are not going to do is borrow money to pay dividends,” said Niël Pretorius, CEO of DRDGOLD in August. “We are putting facilities in place for project funding but we do not want to play ‘pretend pretend’ and pay dividends with money that we are borrowing and paying interest on,” he said.

All-in costs were R1.15-million per kilogram, down 56% quarter-on-quarter, mainly owing to a decrease in growth capex. The higher growth capex in the previous quarter is attributable to the cost of the solar and BESS infrastructure.

Shares in DRDGold rose the most in about a month after the company reported improved performance across key metrics in the quarter ending September 30, driven by higher gold prices and improved cost efficiency.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) increased 17% from the previous quarter to R680.8m “underpinned by a 2% increase in the average gold price received”, the gold miner said in a statement.

Niël Pretorius, the CEO of DRDGOLD, which recently raised a R500 million financing facility, yesterday said conditions to access capital in South Africa have eased although banks were being rigorous in their due diligence processes. Pretorius said that conditions for accessing capital in SA were easing, allowing mining firms to expand operations, build infrastructure such as renewable energy and boost working capital.

DRDGOLD Limited (NYSE:DRD) operational efficiency was highlighted by its achievement of 93% of its targeted gold production for the year, despite only reaching 84% of its throughput target. This was made possible through innovations and strategic management, ensuring the company remained competitive even with lower volumes. The company’s decision to invest in a 60-megawatt solar plant, coupled with 60 megawatts of battery storage, is expected to provide long-term energy cost savings and reduce dependency on traditional power sources.

Wayne Swanepoel, DRDGold’s senior manager: human and social capital says Ergo Mining is deeply committed to meaningful social investment in our local and host communities. “This programme is part of our social and labour plan aimed at reskilling our communities, reducing unemployment and ultimately alleviating poverty.”