Robyn Wilkinson

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Robyn Wilkinson

Robyn Wilkinson is a Creamer Media Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Pumping solutions positioned to address most pressing needs

2nd February 2018 Mining equipment supplier Weir Minerals Africa has invested heavily in developing its infrastructure and resources to meet the challenges that the mining industry has faced over the past five years, modifying its products and streamlining its service offering to ensure that its pumping solutions... →

Natural gas boilers coming to the fore

26th January 2018 As environmental protection pressures increase globally and the quality of coal being supplied to the local market decreases, Johannesburg-based gas reticulator Egoli Gas and one of its technology partners Steam Generation Africa are confident that interest in natural gas as an alternative fuel... →

CLEANER TECHNOLOGY Steam Generation’s heat recovery boilers are fully insulated and clad, complete with valves and pipework, to ease site installation

Efficient boiler inspection saves downtime at power station

26th January 2018 Inspection and certification services provider TÜV SÜD South Africa’s successful completion of an outage inspection project at State-owned power utility Eskom’s Medupi Unit 5 has ensured that the power station’s boiler meets the highest standards in terms of quality and safety. →

ENSURING GOOD FUNCTION The detection of wear and damages plays a key role in preventing costly equipment failures

Natural gas boilers offer hidden benefits

26th January 2018 The benefits of natural gas as fuel for boilers in industrial processes are too often overlooked by companies who continue to favour traditional coal-fired boilers, which they erroneously believe to be a more cost-effective option, says oil, gas boiler and burner specialist Combustion Technology... →

Photo by Reuters
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS While coal appears to be the more cost-effective boiler fuel option, there are a number of overlooked benefits of natural gas, which must be considered in cost calculations

Legal expertise advances local gas investment

26th January 2018 Law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has helped Norwegian oil and gas company Statoil navigate South Africa’s myriad legislative requirements to acquire a participating interest in two gas exploration blocks offshore of South Africa’s east coast. →

LIZEL OBERHOLZER Although an abundance of gas has been discovered in Mozambique and Tanzania, Africa has generally been slow to make the most of the potential of the trend towards gas

Zinc miner secures its position in global top ten producers

15th December 2017 Zinc miner Trevali Mining Corporation has added high-quality zinc production to its existing portfolio and expanded its asset and geographic diversification this year, securing its position as a global top-ten zinc producer. →

ROSH PINAH Namibia is an attractive mining jurisdiction, hosting many operating mines, including Rosh Pinah

Fast-paced developments at Prieska benefit all stakeholders

15th December 2017 Australian minerals explorer Orion Minerals’ activity at the Prieska zinc/copper mine present an “unparalleled” value creation opportunity for investors and shareholders while promoting and supporting critical socioeconomic development in the Northern Cape, says Orion Minerals MD Errol Smart. →

PROJECT ADVANCES Sixteen drill rigs are operating on site in a dual-focused drill programme that aims to confirm the extensive historical drilling database on the remaining mineralisation at Prieska

Quality reprioritised in local battery market

8th December 2017 With its battery anti-theft solution successfully protecting more than 15 000 lead acid batteries in South Africa, battery and related-components supplier Aztec is seeing an increase in demand for premium quality batteries with a longer operating life. →

POSITIVE RESPONSE NorthStar ACE was launched in South Africa this year and Aztec has seen a positive local market response to its advanced capabilities

Electric vehicle growth puts pressure on nickel supply

8th December 2017 Global research and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie estimates that nickel demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries will increase from about 40 000 t in 2016 to 220 000 t in 2025, as demand for hybrid, plug-in and full EVs grows in developed countrie →

SEAN MULSHAW An increase in demand for passenger electric vehicles will be driven predominantly by the Asia-Pacific region – especially China – as well as Europe and North America

South Africa must prepare for oil and gas supply gap

1st December 2017 South Africa needs to bridge the growing supply and demand gap in its oil and gas sector, says global research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie research associate Jon Lawrence. →

Photo by Bloomberg
WAYS AND MEANS South Africa could channel additional gas imports from Mozambique either through a pipeline or by shipping liquefied natural gas down the coast

Policy certainty needed to drive oil and gas in South Africa

1st December 2017 The large-scale production of oil and gas has the potential to stabilise South Africa’s economy, relieving unemployment and poverty challenges while driving growth across industries, but government must provide policy certainty and an assertion of future contract stability, says South African Oil... →

Photo by Bloomberg
IMPORT NEED South Africa must prioritise the import of liquefied natural gas to establish a gas market while indigenous reserves are explored onshore and offshore

Oil and gas a key market for specialist steam trap

1st December 2017 Cape Town-based steam system provider Delta Steam Systems (DSS) is gearing up for a large uptake of orders for its specialist steam traps, following the successful completion of several one- and two-year trial studies at oil and gas plants worldwide, including in South Africa, says DSS MD Bryan... →

POISED FOR GROWTH As companies in the oil and gas sector have started to reap the tangible benefits of DSS’s steam traps, they have become bulk-buyers of its products

Unique repair solutions have ‘unlimited’ applications

17th November 2017 Applications for industrial lining solutions provider Groupline Projects’ (GLP’s) Armacoat and Armasteel composite repair systems seem to be “unlimited”, as the company embarks on a quest to tailor the repair solutions – tried and tested in the mining sector – for other industries, says GLP GM... →

BEFORE Armasteel and Armacoat have proven successful in a range of applications, including repairs on industrial tanks

Monitoring system streamlines maintenance activities

17th November 2017 Global test equipment manufacturer Fluke is enjoying significant market success following the launch of Fluke Connect ™, which combines high-quality test tools and digital technology to help small, medium-sized and large industrial companies streamline critical maintenance operations. →

INSTANT INFORMATION Measurements obtained from Fluke Connect enabled tools can be viewed simultaneously at the inspection site and from an off-site location

Focus on flooring helps companies save

17th November 2017 Demand for the floor inspection services and maintenance programmes provided by concrete flooring solutions provider Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF) has doubled in the last six months as companies grow increasingly aware of the importance of basing operations on solid ground, says CLF manager Angus... →

SMOOTH OPERATOR CLF provided a seamless 200-mm-thick, fibre-reinforced concrete floor for Value Logistics

Specialised welding enhances refurbishment capabilities

17th November 2017 Having proven the benefits of laser beam welding for the refurbishment of industrial components in a range of experimental projects, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR’s) National Laser Centre (NLC) is working to commercialise this specialised technique for the South... →

PRECISION WORK Laser welding is best used in combination with other welding processes for applications that require the highly specialised capabilities

Maintenance programmes crucial for mine cost management

17th November 2017 In challenging economic times, mining companies are looking to ‘sweat’ their assets, and a key cost management strategy in this endeavour is the implementation of sustainable cost management programmes with structured and proactive maintenance programmes, says mining, materials handling and... →

UPGRADE AND IMPROVE TAKRAF Africa’s redesign of a bucket-wheel reclaimer features three bolted segments that enable maintenance to be carried out only on the worn parts of the bucket wheel

Digitalised in-house communications to benefit African mines

10th November 2017 Mining companies operating in Africa need to think innovatively about how to reach their workforces and consider different access and communication models to ensure healthy and effective employee relations that can significantly improve their bottom lines, says communications provider Wyzetalk... →

GYSBERT KAPPERS There is a strong focus on employees, communities and investing in technology that contributes towards empowerment, inclusivity and sustainability in mining operations

Room to improve stakeholder collaboration in African mining

10th November 2017 African mineral resources Ministers speaking at this year’s Africa Down Under Conference reiterated the importance of creating meaningful stakeholder collaboration, achievable only through continued efforts to open dialogue between government, the private sector and civil society, stresses law... →

NTSIKI ADONISI-KGAME Empowerment has many layers and companies need to be attuned to this if they are to make a meaningful contribution to host communities

In-house focus ensures continued growth

10th November 2017 Industrial minerals and construction materials producer Afrimat is developing new marketing initiatives to strategically reposition some of its established products as it navigates the effects of rand volatility, market contraction and regulatory uncertainty in South Africa, and continues to... →

A FORGOTTEN TREASURE CLC Builders Lime produced at Afrimat’s Cape Lime business, in the Western Cape, has been identified as a marketing priority

Africa’s first coltan smelter established in Tanzania

10th November 2017 Mining and metals company AB Minerals is partnering with the African Minerals and Geoscience Centre (AMGC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to establish the first columbite-tantalite (coltan) smelter in Africa. →

Tailored equipment advances mine safety in Africa

10th November 2017 With a growing global health and safety culture developing, large mining companies are driving new safety standards in African mines, creating opportunities for mine safety equipment producer DEZEGA to extend the reach of its fit-for-purpose, self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) equipment on the... →

MODIFIED FOR MARKET Dezega is confident that demand in Africa for its SCSR products – which have undergone some key improvements over the past year – will continue to grow

Madagascar graphite mine poised for global success

10th November 2017 Proving its growing strength in the graphite market, Australian industrial mineral concentrate producer Bass Metals – the only graphite producer currently listed on the ASX – last month sold, in advance, 50%, or 3 000 t/y, of flake graphite concentrate from the first stage of its Graphmada mine’s... →

A MODERN MINE In addition to the establishment of a new processing plant and significant earthworks and site works, a new modular drying system has been implemented at Graphmada

New Alliance to ensure responsible cobalt supply from Africa

10th November 2017 Joining other international businesses and organisations at the inaugural World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Summit, held in New York from September 18 to 19, diversified miner Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) helped launch the Global Battery Alliance. →

CONFLICT-FREE OPERATION ERG’s Metalkol Roan Tailings Reclamation project will supply 14 000 t/y of responsibly mined cobalt to the global market in 2018

Bold steps taken to ensure growth in West Africa

10th November 2017 With the development of a strong project pipeline and exploration prioritised in the underexplored Birimian belt, in West Africa, gold miner Endeavour Mining is on a clear path to achieving its 2019 goal of becoming a premier African gold producer, says Endeavour Mining CEO Sebastien de Montessus. →

FLAGSHIP PROJECT Once in production, Houndé will rank among West Africa's top-tier cash-generating mines

Manufacturer expands international reach

27th October 2017 Having secured its reputation for cost-effective, but high-quality and fit-for-purpose stainless steel hydraulic products in South Africa, manufacturer Wekaba is expanding its reach and targeting new international markets. →

STRONG BASE Wekaba is a top manufacturer in South Africa of one-piece 90° and 45° stainless steel fittings, producing hose fittings and collars for industrial markets

Steady demand for customisable stainless steel products

27th October 2017 Owing to its strong reputation for customisable turnkey solutions, there is steady and strong demand for stainless steel processing equipment manufacturer Anderson Engineering’s products throughout the African markets that it serves, says Anderson Engineering deputy MD David Nienaber. →

CUSTOM DESIGN Anderson Engineering developed several unique processing steps to ensure AR Brands can meet expected demand for its mayonnaise over a five-year period

Local stainless steel industry remains optimistic

27th October 2017 While South African demand for stainless steel is under severe pressure, the potential for growth once the local economy improves is strong and distributors are starting to position themselves strategically to take advantage of this, says stainless steel producer Columbus Stainless CEO Lucien... →

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM The global stainless steel market had a strong run early this year, on the back of substantial chromium and nickel price increases at the end of last year, which continued into 2017

Competition proves long term value of stainless steel

27th October 2017 The winner of the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association’s (Sassda’s) Eiffel Tower life-cycle costing competition was announced earlier this month, having proven the success of the association’s new cellphone application (app) and the long-term value of stainless steel as a... →

A FRENCH AFFAIR Sassda executive director John Tarboton, Sassda chairperson Charles Cammel and Sassda board member Bernard Maguire celebrated the success of the competition earlier this month

Steel company raises the bar in Africa with new technologies

27th October 2017 Taking a long-term view that predicts significant growth in demand for stainless steel products in Africa in the next few years, steel supplier and processing company Allied Steelrode has invested in advanced processing technologies that will cement its position as a market-leader in product... →

FORWARD THINKING Arun Chadha and Warne Rippon are preparing Allied Steelrode to meet future demands for stainless steel products in Africa

Businesses must take action to drive inclusive growth in Africa

20th October 2017 There is a need for a new social narrative that balances generating profits with building social capital to drive inclusive economic growth in Africa, says management consultant IQbusiness CEO Adam Craker. →

ADAM CRAKER South Africa must focus on building a strong home economy if it is to be a participant in regional or continental growth

Clarifying sustainability reporting imperative for modern business

20th October 2017 A clear and shared sustainability reporting framework is integral for enabling companies to demonstrate a positive impact on not only the economies but also the societies and environments in which they operate, says independent international organisation Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) CE Tim... →

Photo by Bloomberg
DRIVING GROWTH GRI is assisting SMEs in Africa to gain access to global value chains by building their capacities for corporate sustainability management and reporting

New security solution effective for African banks

20th October 2017 Technology solutions providers Mint Management Technologies and Microsoft are finalising the first version of an anti-money-laundering (AML) solution to help protect African financial institutions from illegal activities without enforcing cumbersome administration processes on clients. →

PRIORITISING PROTECTION Countries are finding it increasingly difficult to participate in the global economy if they are not engaged in some form of anti-money laundering programme

Company expands African footprint to pursue major projects

20th October 2017 Despite slowing economic growth, political challenges and associated declining investor confidence in many parts of Africa, global project management consultancy Turner & Townsend continues to strengthen its network on the continent as it pursues major projects in mining, oil and gas,... →

STRATEGIC BASE With several of Turner & Townsend’s multinational clients based in Nairobi, the city was an obvious choice for the location of a new hub

Software solutions key to business growth in Africa

20th October 2017 As Africa’s business sector grows in line with a rapidly expanding population, effective software services are becoming evermore vital to helping companies serve their markets on the continent and globally, says open source software solutions provider SUSE Africa regional manager Matthew Lee. →

MATTHEW LEE With the rise of cloud computing, big data and social networking, many businesses are shifting from being a 100% solely run proprietary environment

New business model drives group’s resurgence in Africa

20th October 2017 Economic growth in Africa is ensuring a steady demand for infrastructure development and by tailoring its business model to access this demand, engineering services provider ELB Group has enhanced its activities on the continent and announced a return to profitability. →

ACCESSING NEW MARKETS ELB has been focused predominately on the mineral and metals market and diversification will enable it to better protect its balance sheet during future commodity downturns

Chamber helps Italian companies prosper in S Africa

13th October 2017 Networking events and exhibitions are integral to fostering partnerships between Italian and South African companies, says Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries secretary general Mariagrazia Biancospino. →

MARIAGRAZIA BIANCOSPINO The Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries will host the eighteenth edition of the Business Excellence Awards on November 30

Drainage system helps manufacturer achieve international standards

13th October 2017 Drainage technology provider ACO Systems South Africa has completed the first phase of the installation of its flagship hygienic solution at food manufacturer Simba Pepsico’s production plant, in Johannesburg. →

MARCO CASSOL Effective drainage systems are important for protecting building infrastructure and production plants from the destructive effects of water damage

Open immigration regime central to S Africa’s growth

13th October 2017 Countries seeking to promote economic growth and job creation tend to adopt policies that create flexible and open immigration regimes, contrasting with South Africa’s adoption of restrictive immigration laws, which when coupled with bureaucratic inefficiency creates a barrier to the entry of... →

GARY EISENBERG South Africa’s foreign policy should never lose sight of the historical benefits that have streamed into South Africa from Italy

JV brings suspension products closer to market

13th October 2017 A new joint venture (JV) – National Spring Manufacturers – between Italian suspension products provider Mollebalestra and local auto spring manufacturer Golden Spring & Engineering Services was launched last month, boosting the availability of the international brand and creating employment... →

AUTOMOTIVE ALLIES Mollebalestra and Golden Spring have finalised the JV agreement that will facilitate the manufacture of Italian suspension products in Vereeniging

Italian manufacturer remains committed to quality

13th October 2017 Despite growing competition in the South African geyser market and the generally depressed economic state of the country, global thermic comfort solutions provider Ariston Thermo Group has continued to achieve constant growth in the local market because of its high-quality products, says Ariston... →

ENERGY EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS Heat Tech products are gaining popularity in South Africa owing to their reliability

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