The board of mining company Harmony Gold has approved the commencement of a R7.9-billion life-of-mine extension project at the rich Mponeng gold mine in the West Wits region of South Africa’s Gauteng province. “Mponeng is an incredible mine with an existing world-class infrastructure,” Harmony CEO Peter Steenkamp enthused during Wednesday’s presentation of superb half-year financial results accompanied by the declaration of a record interim dividend underpinned by 226% higher headline earnings. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.)