Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage

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Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage

Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Growing explosives sales in a declining market

19th October 2018 Although rising mineral production costs have led to declining competitiveness for the South African mining industry, which has negatively affected the sale of explosives materials company MAXAM regional director Brett Wheatcroft says this has created opportunities for the introduction of... →

CTC sees increase in surface explosives

19th October 2018 Mpumalanga-based training college Colliery Training College (CTC) has noted an increase in enrolments for surface explosives courses, while the number of enrolments for courses pertaining to underground explosives remains constant, says CTC MD Johan Venter. →

Graphex positive common ground to be found

12th October 2018 Australian mineral exploration and development company Graphex Mining submitted a 200-page document to the Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals earlier this month. The submission contains recommendations regarding the new mining legislation that was announced in Tanzania in July 2017. “At one of our... →

COMMON GROUND The future of the Tanzanian mining industry relies on finding common ground between investors and the government

Shanta looking to positive future in Tanzania

12th October 2018 Amid recent changes to Tanzanian mining legislation that has emphasised localisation, Guernsey-based East Africa gold producer Shanta Gold remains optimistic about its future mining prospects in the country, says Shanta Gold CEO Eric Zurrin. “The new legislation has worked in our favour, as we... →

ERIC ZURRIN The changes in mining legislation prompted Shanta Gold to streamline some of its procedures and increase cash flow

Record-high margins for aluminium sales

28th September 2018 Johannesburg-based precision water-cutting and -profiling company AquaJet Profiles noted record-high aluminium sales profit margins earlier this year, owing to the sanctions placed on Russian suppliers exporting to the US, claims AquaJet Profiles director Preeshan Naidoo. The sanctions were... →

Photo by Reuters
TARIFF SEE-SAW US tariffs have had a positive and negative effect on aluminium profit margins

Company diversifies aluminium offering

28th September 2018 Aluminium composite cladding / material (ACP or ACM) is widely used on building facades internationally, and although very much in its infancy in South Africa, it is slowly gaining traction. It is preferred over painted surfaces due to its colour retention, corrosion resistance and low... →

DESIGN VERSATILITY The aluminium composite material panels allow for versatile facade designs

Increased demand for accredited inspection services

14th September 2018 Over the past three years, there has been a significant increase in demand for accreditation in inspection programmes services, such as those provided by conformity assessment bodies (CABs), across the country, says national accreditation body South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).... →

MPHO PHALOANE Many new applicants lack a proper understanding of accreditation requirements.

Investment affected by environmental impact compliance

7th September 2018 South African oil refineries need to be aware of their impact on the environment to comply with changing legislation and to further investment opportunities, states Norton Rose Fulbright insurance litigation director Caroline Theodosiou. “Oil refineries need to ensure that if they are increasing... →

Photo by Bloomberg
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Oil refineries need to take steps to reduce their environmental impact to pacify investors

S African refineries pulled in two

7th September 2018 Local oil refineries will find it difficult to adjust to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) new sulphur cap of 0.5% by 2020 for residual marine fuels, and the Clean Fuels Two Programme in South Africa, says South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) head of strategic... →

Photo by Bloomberg
LOCAL REFINERIES South African oil refineries face two main challenges

Mintek showcases developed water rehabilitation technologies

31st August 2018 South African research and development company, Mintek, showcased the Savmin, NICMembrane, biological sulphate reduction and MetRIX technologies on 14 to 16 March. They use different methods to deal with different types of mine water and rehabilitate water to different standards. At the Mintek... →

WATER WISE Mintek recently showcased its water rehabilitation technologies

Backup power to ensure safety, continuous production

24th August 2018 There has been increased interest in the generator sets of Himoinsa Southern Africa, a subsidiary of Spain-based power solutions provider Himoinsa. This is a good sign from the mines, as it indicates that they are prioritising their safety requirements,” claims Himoinsa Southern Africa services... →

CHRIS DAVISON Service, warranty and maintenance are all part of the Himoinsa package

Rising oil prices fuelling renewables

24th August 2018 The key drivers of an increased uptake of renewable and alternative energy sources by mines in Africa are an increasing oil price and the steadily decreasing price of renewable technologies, claims renewable energy supply company juwi Renewable Energies. This drive for renewable energy... →

GREG AUSTIN Redeployable solar power solutions can be reused, justifying investment in multiple applications on mines

Alternative energy, efficiency augment fossil fuels

24th August 2018 Alternative energy resources, such as natural gas, solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, biomass and energy storage, will play an increasingly important role in Africa’s energy future and particularly for mines, states global engineering, procurement, construction and consulting company Black & Veatch.... →

RENEWABLE PROLIFERATION Renewable-energy sources could transform electricity supply for mines in Africa

Software platform boosts operator performance

17th August 2018 Durban-based global supplier of surface and underground mining simulators ThoroughTec Simulation developed the CYBERMINE WX platform that monitors operator performance and provides targeted training to improve efficiencies. The CYBERMINE WX platform is being tested at local mines where the... →

IMPROVING PERFORMANCE CYBERMINE WX targets operator performance and unsafe practices to improve safety and efficiency in mines

Laboratory to expand services, product range

17th August 2018 Sandton-based chemical reagents supplier and distributor, Axis House, plans to considerably expand its metallurgical laboratory in the Western Cape, as well as its laboratory services and product range, as it believes that using specifically developed chemical reagents in the base metals... →

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FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE Axis House develops specifically designed chemical reagents

Miner looks to meet Southern Africa’s zinc deficit

17th August 2018 While the zinc industry is poised to have a structural deficit until 2022, diversified miner Vedanta Resources' Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) is well positioned to meet the needs of South African zinc users, says VZI and Vedanta Resources Africa Base Metals CEO Deshnee Naidoo. “The feasibility... →

Photo by Creamer Media
COMMITTED TO AFRICA Vedanta Resources has invested significant capital in Africa

South African farmers face tough road to recovery

10th August 2018 Local orchards and vineyards could take between five and seven years to fully recover from the recent drought, provided there is average or above-average rainfall for three consecutive years, says agriculture industry association Agri SA head of natural resources Janse Rabie. “Because of the... →

Photo by Reuters
ROAD TO RECOVERY Drought stricken regions in South Africa need three years of significant rainfall to recover

W Cape focusing on creating certainty in agriculture sector

10th August 2018 The Western Cape provincial government is focusing on creating certainty for the agriculture industry by trying to ensure that farmers can continue farming and save jobs by requesting an increase in the water allocation to the industry from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), says... →

CERTAINTY NEEDED Farmers are positive about recent rains in the Western Cape, but more rain is needed to sustain recovery efforts

Irrigation system reduces water use in orchards by 70%

10th August 2018 Louirrigate’s micro drip irrigation system, Tree Hog, can reduce farmers’ water use by up to 70% in orchards, and save up to 70% of energy costs, claims Tree Hog designer and Louirrigate owner Louis Loubser, who is a wine and fruit farmer in Robertson, Western Cape. The Tree Hog system is... →

WATER CONSERVATION The Tree Hog can reduce water consumption by up to 70%

South Africa has significant potential for biopharming, bio economy

10th August 2018 Judging by the number of patent applications filed for biopharming inventions by local universities, research councils and science councils, there is significant potential for South Africa to create an industry around biopharming, claims intellectual property firm Spoor & Fisher. “Biopharming is... →

Photo by Bloomberg
BIOPHARMING POTENTIAL Maize, potato, and tobacco plants can be used in biopharming

App monitors spread of FAW in Africa

10th August 2018 The Fall Armyworm Monitoring and Early Warning System (FAMEWS) application (app) can save 300-million people in Africa from food insecurity and prevent significant economic losses in maize of up to $4.8-billion, caused by the infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), says Food and Agriculture... →

Photo by Bloomberg
PEST ARMY The invasion of the fall armyworm is threatening the food security of 300-million people in Africa

AECOM focused on funding STEM education for women

27th July 2018 This year, integrated infrastructure delivery firm AECOM’s Educational Trust received more that 4 000 applications for bursaries for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) degrees from universities across South Africa – a significant increase from the 50 applications received last... →

TSHILIDZI LUTSINGE Keabetswe Beverly Sehoole and Nokubonga Lady-Peace Nxumalo will receive funding from the AECOM Educational Trust this year

Conference to address shortage of STEM graduates

27th July 2018 The second annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Conference and Career Expo will aim to address a shortage of technically skilled STEM graduates in South Africa. The conference will be held at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg, Gauteng, from July 27 and 28. STEM... →

Blended learning can improve maths, science results

27th July 2018 Blended learning, a combination of traditional classroom learning and online learning, can assist South African high school and university students in understanding complex formulas in mathematics and science, says wireless connectivity firm Ruckus Networks sub-Saharan Africa sales director Riaan... →

Sappi to combat artisan skills dearth with two new centres

27th July 2018 To ensure an adequate supply of skilled labour and artisans, pulp and paper company Sappi has opened training centres in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Sappi opened a training centre at its Saiccor mill in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal, in January and at its Ngodwana mill near Mbombela, in Mpumalanga,... →

ARTISAN TRAINING The two new training centres aim to combat the dearth of artisan skills in South Africa

Graduate programme ensures pipeline of new talent

27th July 2018 Sixteen graduates have been accepted into Southern African Caterpillar dealer Barloworld Equipment’s two-year graduate programme this year, during which time they will gain industry knowledge and an understanding of the mining, construction and power sectors in which the company operates. “The... →

GRADUATE PROGRAMME Of the 16 graduates accepted this year, only one is male

Hydraulic cylinder manufacturer to focus on expansion, African markets

20th July 2018 Following Germiston-based investment company iSipho Capital Holdings’ acquisition of 90% of Boksburg-based hydraulic and pneumatic manufacturer Anderson & Kerr Engineering in 2017, the hydraulic manufacturer will actively focus on client and market expansion to increase turnover, market footprint... →

SIPHO MDANDA Anderson & Kerr Engineering is working towards becoming a world class manufacturer

West African mining industry shows strong growth potential

13th July 2018 The crowning of two West African mining projects as the winner and the runner-up of Investment Battlefield at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, held in February this year, indicates strong growth potential for mining and investment attraction in West Africa, says Canadian mineral... →

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL West Africa holds potential for further investment, as indicated by the results of the Investment Battlefield at the Investing in African Mining Indaba

Mining pursuing optimisation, innovation to increase profits

13th July 2018 Sandton-based chemical reagent supplier and distributor Axis House believes mining in Africa is moving towards process optimisation through innovation to reduce costs and increase profits, explains Axis House group general manager Justine Stubbs. “Mines are optimising various processes to achieve... →

Zimbabwe has skills, natural resources to support increasing investment

13th July 2018 Zimbabwe has adequate skilled and unskilled labour to support increasing investment and the expansion of mining operations, claims mining, exploration and development company Caledonia Mining. Caledonia owns the Blanket gold mine in Zimbabwe, one of the few operating gold mines in the country.... →

EMMERSON MNANGAGWA The new Zimbabwe government is taking steps to attract investment in the country

Artisanal mining, geopolitical milieu remain challenges

13th July 2018 Artisanal mining in West Africa, as well as an unstable geopolitical environment, remain core challenges to mining investment in the area, states Western Australia-based project developer Sarama Resources. “As noted by a number of key industry players, artisanal mining is becoming pervasive and... →

Asanko focusing on Esaase development to expand production

13th July 2018 As part of its near-term organic growth strategy, Canadian junior gold producer Asanko Gold is focusing on expanding production at the Asanko Gold Mine (AGM) in Ghana, with the development of the Esaase gold deposit, within the 2018/19 calendar year. The AGM, commissioned in early 2016, comprises... →

IoT, new technologies can solve challenges, increase competitiveness

13th July 2018 Although the Internet of Things (IoT) is creating “a huge wave” in Africa, as smart connected devices are being deployed at mines, there is further potential for smart devices and IoT to positively impact on mining operations in Africa, says pan-African law conglomerate Centurion Law Group CEO NJ... →

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NEW TECHNOLOGY African mines can implement the Internet of Things to improve efficiencies and increase their competitiveness

Seifsa expects 1.7% expansion in local steel industry

6th July 2018 Following its initial forecast of a 1.1% expansion of the metals and engineering cluster at the beginning of the year, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) says upon review, preliminary data now suggest a 1.6% expansion of the sector, with all sub-industries... →

Photo by Creamer Media
MICHAEL ADE The local steel industry should look to new markets in the rest of Africa, given existing logistics constraints to servicing external markets

New division to focus on diversification, innovation

6th July 2018 Midvaal-based structural and reinforcing steel supply company Fabcon Steel is developing a new engineering division to diversify into different market segments. The company provides turnkey solutions based on engineering services, such as drawing, design and certification, followed by the actual... →

ANDREW VAN GOOL Fabcon Steel will focus on innovation, with its new division focused on specialised products

Growth potential of B grade steel in Africa evident

6th July 2018 The growth of various economies in Africa and the reliance on agriculture, means there will be a growing market for B grade steel for use in agriculture equipment, fencing and security in addition to its traditional use in decorative additions, says steel supplier Edenvale Steel and Tube Co. B... →

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OPTION B B grade steel can be a cost-saving method for non-essential construction

Africa expansion can boost local industry growth

6th July 2018 With South Africa being under new leadership since Cyril Ramaphosa became president, Alberton-based steel supplier and value-added processing company Allied Steelrode executive director Warne Rippon says that policy direction now finally appears to be heading in a positive and clear direction,... →

WARNE RIPPON Slow and steady is the name of the game for the future of the steel industry

Alternative solution for composite construction

6th July 2018 Construction industry supplier Hilti South Africa’s Hilti X-HVB system – an alternative composite deck shear connector – makes composite construction more convenient and cost effective, says Hilti South Africa head of engineering Christiaan Davel. Composite construction consists of a concrete... →

WELD FREE The Hilti X-HVB shear connector system does not require welding

Bell Equipment extends excavator range, Kobelco partnership

6th July 2018 South African earthmoving equipment manufacturer and supplier Bell Equipment is expanding its partnership with Japanese excavator specialist Kobelco Construction Machinery (Kobelco) with a range of three mini excavator models and three larger models launched in April. Bell is the exclusive... →

EXPANDING RANGE Bell Equipment is extending its excavator range with the addition of new Kobelco excavators

Automation, technology integral to competitiveness

6th July 2018 Benrose-based cutting consumables and capital equipment distributor First Cut believes it has a role to play in educating the downstream steel industry on the possibilities offered by new technology and the scope of automation. “Technology is changing and advancing at a rapid pace and the current... →

ANDREW POOLE Automation relies on consumer confidence to make technology investment, even in tough markets

Bell Equipment enters tipper truck market with Kamaz partnership

22nd June 2018 South African materials handling equipment supplier Bell Equipment has entered the Southern Africa tipper truck market through a partnership with Russian heavy duty truck manufacturer Kamaz. The new partnership was celebrated at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018, held in March, in Johannesburg, where the... →

KAMAZ TRUCKS The Kamaz tipper trucks were formally introduced to the South African market at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018

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