Kimberley Smuts

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Kimberley Smuts

Kimberley Smuts is a Creamer Media Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Uranium, diamonds present potential amid challenges

24th February 2017 The biggest potential for growth in the Namibian mining industry is uranium, notes professional services firm KPMG Namibia senior partner Robert Grant, highlighting that the country is facing tough economic conditions in addition to the impact of drought. He tells Mining Weekly that this growth... →

Product testing facility construction to be completed this year

17th February 2017 The construction of Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa’s (Redisa’s) Product Testing Institute (PTI), which started last year, is expected to be completed in the second quarter. →

SATMC emphasises need for tyre homologation

17th February 2017 Tyre manufacturing industry representative the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) says homologation – the process of certifying or approving a product for introduction into a market – of new tyre ranges is crucial, as tyres are a safety critical component in vehicles. →

Structured maintenance programme emphasised

10th February 2017 Introducing a structured maintenance management programme that ensures ongoing effective lubrication is critical in maximising production efficiencies, says technical solutions provider Bearing Man Group (BMG). BMG fluid technology manager Wayne Holton says the company’s efficiency drive, which... →

Company expects increased product demand in 2017

10th February 2017 South African bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) predicts another successful year for the Rocol range of products, as a result of increased interest in the lubricant Rocol Reaming, Tapping, Drilling (RTD) range for reaming, tapping and drilling... →

First organic coolant in the lubrications market

10th February 2017 The correct coolant chemistry is vital in maintaining the longevity of engines, says diesel engine and technology specialist Cummins Filtration technical services support lead - Africa Tim Hayward, explaining that coolants increase the lifespan of engines by removing compounds that are difficult... →

Specialist to supply ten motors to Jhb water plant

27th January 2017 Drive engineering company SEW-Eurodrive will supply ten of its new DRN IE3 premium efficiency motors from its DR series to the extension of the existing Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works south of Johannesburg, in Gauteng, at the end of next month. The company will also supply six 45 kW motors... →

Motors shielded in hazardous environments

27th January 2017 Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) contracting company 52 Engineering, a member of the South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, has employed various methods to protect motors from the dangerous and harsh environments in which they function. 52... →

Company aims to be lead supplier

27th January 2017 Industrial equipment supplier Bearings International (BI) will be proactive this year in its aim of offering one of the most comprehensive power transmission product ranges available on the local market, says BI CEO Burtie Roberts. BI business unit head Ross Trevelyan points out that in terms of... →

EXTENSIVE PRODUCT OFFERING The main benefit of the brands represented by BI is cost saving and reduced downtime

Investors still confident of return on investment in Africa

20th January 2017 The level of investment activity in Africa is still good, but there are high risks involved, says legal firm Hogan Lovells. Despite these risks, various investors remain confident in the return on investment that Africa can offer and are subsequently taking greater risks, but Hogan Lovells... →

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC The current improvement in investor confidence is expected to be sustainable regardless of the risks involved in doing business in Africa

Specialist supplies 20 drives to Liqhobong mine

20th January 2017 Drive engineering specialist SEW-Eurodrive has successfully filled an order for the delivery of 20 drive systems and a gear motor from its X series range for the newly constructed Liqhobong diamond mine, in Lesotho. The drives and gear motor were installed for a conveyor application.... →

COMPLETE CUSTOMISABLE SOLUTION All conveyor systems on the Liqhibong diamond mine have been fitted with SEW-Eurodrive products

Crippled Zimbabwe the leading African lithium producer

20th January 2017 Zimbabwe, a country which is facing a food security disaster, high levels of unemployment, skilled and semiskilled emigration and a cash-starved economy, having issued its own bond notes in November to solve its liquidity crisis, is leading Africa in lithium production. Bikita, a district in... →

DEMAND TO INCREASE The battery market accounts for about 36% of lithium demand and is expected to grow to 73% by 2025

Zambian copper mine to receive upgraded refuge chambers

20th January 2017 A Zambian copper mine is set to receive delivery of 12 MineSAFE underground refuge chambers from manufacturer and supplier MineARC, incorporating its new System Intelligence package, including the GuardIAN remote monitoring system, compressed air management system and Aura-FX digital gas... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ENHANCED SAFETY The GuardIAN secure online interface is hosted on an internal server within the refuge chamber so that no client software installation is required

New laboratories opened based on demand

20th January 2017 Oil and fuel analysis expert WearCheck has shown considerable growth in Africa in 2016 establishing three new laboratories around the continent’s mining hotspots, a move largely driven by demand from mining operations looking to cut operational costs. As a result of this expansion, the company... →

Iron-ore consumption dependent on population and economic development

2nd December 2016 The biggest potential for growth in the iron-ore industry lies with countries in the ‘Next 20’, which refers to the 20 growing non-Bric bloc developing economies, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Philippines, and several sub-Saharan African nations, including Nigeria, Ethiopia,... →

Photo by Anglo American
INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS REMAIN Lack of infrastructure remains the biggest hindrance to growth in African iron-ore projects

South African iron-ore industry remains weak

2nd December 2016 Stagnating growth in China and low domestic demand continue to pressure the iron-ore mining industry in South Africa, which needs a coordinated approach by government and the private sector to attract investment, states privately-owned consultancy Core Consultants. Political uncertainty and... →

LARA SMITH It is not clear if the commodity super cycle will return in the near or medium term, but there are signs of improvement and some acquisition activity

Introducing change could yield financial value

18th November 2016 Introducing a proactive blast design approach and new technology can be intimidating for mining companies, as it requires change, but they should keep an open mind as downstream improvements are a catalyst for financial value, says international blast engineering and consulting firm RA McClure... →

Photo by Bloomberg
EXCAVATION EFFICIENCY Overcoming blasting inaccuracies improves all the downstream processes

Importance of using lightning prediction networks emphasised

18th November 2016 Globally, every year there are about two recorded explosions at opencast mining operations due to lightning strikes during blasting activities, explosives firm BME blasting science director Tony Rorke tells Mining Weekly. He adds that if lightning strikes a blast area that has been charged, the... →

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY Modern electronic delay detonators are equipped with effective protection barriers to prevent them from being initiated by the majority of nearby or direct lightning strikes

Mobile technology helps eliminate blasting obstacles

18th November 2016 Explosives firm BME explored how mobile technology and centralised data could provide mine managers with an edge to comprehensively eliminate potential blast problems, through among others management of blast inputs, thereby improving blast results, at its annual Drilling and Blasting Conference.... →

Committee concerned by lack of contracts in construction

11th November 2016 The lack of awareness among smaller, and so-called emerging building contractors in the civil engineering and construction industry about protecting their interests through proper contract documentation is alarming, says the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC). “At least 100 000 people are... →

LOW STANDARD OF QUALIFICATIONS Emerging contractors lack communication and administrative skills

Hesitancy in the construction industry owing to lack of funds

11th November 2016 Engineering professional services consulting firm WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff highlights that there is a fair amount of uncertainty in the construction and infrastructure industry given the negative influences affecting it as a whole. WSP divisional director Michael Bouwmeester points out that... →

INVESTMENTS REMAIN STAGNANT Mega projects in the infrastructure industry are subdued at the moment owing to the lack of funds

Company targets major construction contracts

11th November 2016 Construction, civils and housing company Motheo Construction Group is upgrading the on- and off-ramps at the Engen Blockhouse on the R59, in Vereeniging, which is scheduled for completion in January. Having started in September, the project comprises earthworks that mainly consist of the... →

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Motheo Construction civils division specialises in the construction of roads and earthworks

Organisation responds to skills shortage in industry

11th November 2016 Credit and investment insurance solutions provider Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) highlights that its belief in the socioeconomic development potential of the country has led it to adopt skills development for the construction industry as one of the focus areas at its... →

Effective construction materials delivered to Dukathole project

11th November 2016 Concrete brick, block and paving machinery manufacturer Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA) supplied a new PMSA VB4X plant to Dukathole Brickworks, in the Eastern Cape, that will manufacture M9, M6, M4, Maxi, Stockbricks, 80 mm paving, 60 mm paving and 50 mm paving for the project. The company details... →

COMMUNITY BENEFITS One of the major benefits from the Dukathole project is the employment opportunities brought to the community

S Africa shifts towards 100% renewable energy

28th October 2016 This year’s Windaba conference and exhibition, which will take place during Wind Energy Week, aims to discuss ways in which South Africa could work towards achieving 30 000 MW of renewable energy by 2050. The conference – themed Towards 100% Renewables – will be held at the Cape Town Convention... →

100% RENEWABLES This years theme has been informed by developments in the renewable energy industry

Further potential for wind energy

28th October 2016 Global professional services firm WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa highlights that there is great potential for wind energy as a suitable energy source for South Africa. The company notes that the first wind farms are already on the grid and contribute to South Africa’s energy supply. Three... →

SUITABLE ENERGY SOURCE Wind energy is a cleaner fuel source as wind turbines do not produce atmospheric emissions

Windaba exhibitors showcase energy portfolio

28th October 2016 Global providers of wind energy services to wind farm developers, owners, investors and others, UL-Dewi South Africa, which is part of US-based Underwriters Laboratories (UL), will exhibit at this year’s Windaba. Having participated in the Windaba for the past two years, the company points out... →

Company sees potential for growth in wind energy

28th October 2016 Owing to Southern Africa’s vast coastline and high winds, energy distributor Vert Energy believes that there are plenty of opportunities for the wind power division of its business to grow, in both the residential and independent power producer (IPP) sectors. Vert Energy MD Grant Robertson... →

GRANT ROBERTSON Vert energy has positioned itself at the forefront of the energy sector in Southern Africa

Wind energy investments increase future renewable energy plans

28th October 2016 Although the Department of Energy (DoE) has initiated the highly successful Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in South Africa, which has led to the rapid expansion of renewable energy, both wind and solar, integrated professional and technical services... →

MORE RENEWABLES ON THE GRID South Africa and many other African countries are fortunate to have abundant wind resources

Municipalities need to prioritise water infrastructure – KPMG

7th October 2016 With infrastructure being a vehicle for economic development, global consulting firm KPMG says government and municipalities should prioritise infrastructure projects, especially in the water sector where there is a growing demand. “The challenges in the water industry have not changed that much.... →

Sewer pipes’ difference key in fitting and installation

7th October 2016 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene water reticulation and drainage pipe and fitting systems manufacturer DPI Plastics warns that the South African market needs to be aware of the differences between PVC sewer fittings and polypropylene (PP) sewer fittings, as a fitting... →

Plastic pipes integral to water infrastructure

7th October 2016 The plastic pipe industry is arguably one of the most important in South Africa as infrastructure such as water distribution, waste disposal, irrigation, telecommunications and a myriad of other services rely on pipe infrastructure to work effectively, says Southern African Plastic Pipe... →

SaaS solutions reduce water loss

7th October 2016 With almost 40% of municipal water supplied in South Africa being lost before it even reaches the public, information and communications technology solutions provider Jasco Group states that there are tools and technologies available, such as big data, analytics and Software as a Service (SaaS),... →

Infrastructure crucial to water availability

7th October 2016 Global professional services firm WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa says various factors contribute to the operating efficiencies of existing water infrastructure in South Africa, which affects the country’s availability of water resources, including management thereof. WSP environment and energy... →

Infrastructure overhaul could boost consumer expenses

7th October 2016 South Africa is in dire need of infrastructure upgrades to better manage available water resources and ensure that water can be distributed to where it is needed. However, to undertake the massive infrastructure overhaul needed, funds for capital investment will be required. Like with... →

SCBA launched for SA market

30th September 2016 Safety products manufacturer MSA Africa launched the AirXpress 2 Fire – a new economical self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – onto the South African market last month, officially unveiling it to the public at the 2016 Electra Mining Africa Expo that took place from September 12 to 16, at... →

Specialised workwear meets industry needs

30th September 2016 Safety-wear manufacturer MB Workwear is focussed on providing specialised and technologically advanced garments using the latest and best fabric innovations, including new antistatic inherently flame-resistant coveralls to meet the evolving needs of the industries it serves. The company is... →

Company offers software system to manage PPE across industries

30th September 2016 Health and safety solutions group Bramhope is offering a first-of-its-kind software system that measures, assesses, evaluates and manages personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge to contracted customers. “Since the system’s initial launch in 2007, many improvements have been introduced.... →

Solutions sharing at heart of Las Vegas international mining show

23rd September 2016 This year’s MINExpo International event is themed Technology and Solutions for Today and Tomorrow, which is ultimately what the event’s more than 1 900 exhibitors of equipment, parts and services for the global mining industry will showcase, national trade organisation National Mining Association... →

OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT MINExpo incorporates live demonstrations, product displays, technological revelations and education sessions

Canadian distributor expected to increase healthy export sales

23rd September 2016 South African manufacturer of high-quality conveyor systems for the mining and bulk handling industries Megaroller is expanding its footprint into North America, launching its Canadian distributorship at this year’s MINExpo International at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, in Nevada, in the US,... →

ENSURING GROWTH Megaroller aims to produce supplies that will be longer lasting, belt friendly and user friendly

Pump drive solutions provider exhibits for first time

23rd September 2016 Mobile hydraulic solutions provider Stiebel-Getriebebau continues to develop new pump drives to tackle the continuously growing challenges in mobile hydraulics and cope with the harsh operating conditions to which equipment is subjected in the mining environment. Stiebel drive technology North... →

MARK JOHNS The company continues to progress the development of new high-technology pump drives

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