Anna Moross

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Anna Moross

Anna Moross is a Creamer Media Features Journalist for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Technology assists agriculture sector

13th May 2022 Agriculture input prices have risen by about 100%, but using technology provides farmers with an opportunity to save on costs, such as fuel and downtime issues, says agricultural equipment manufacturer and distributor AGCO Africa field service manager Zack Janse van Rensburg. →

Smart logistics required for efficient movement of goods

13th May 2022 To ensure the efficient and effective movement of goods in the agriculture sector, the implementation of technology, such as SMART logistics, is imperative, says South African Association of Freight Forwarders CEO Dr Juanita Maree. →

Innovative greenhouse built

13th May 2022 Building materials supplier Trumod has designed an innovative greenhouse, which has been constructed and developed as a light steel frame (LSF) indoor cultivating warehouse structure used for growing microgreens or hemp products, such as cannabis, in a controlled environment. →

Tech essential in agriculture sector

13th May 2022 Water remains the key element in irrigation and agriculture, but rudimentary technologies, pollution and an ever-growing need for water across different sectors are a few of the current challenges facing South Africa, says fluid handling and steel products supplier Stewarts and Lloyds irrigation... →

Technology assists in grade control

6th May 2022 Grade control is an important part of any mining operation, and software company Seequent technical services manager Kathryn Gall says Seequent’s key products, such as Leapfrog Geo, Leapfrog Edge and Seequent Central, provide value for grade control workflows. →

GRADE CONTROL The impact of having a more accurate grade control model is a better understanding of the variation in grade and geology at certain depths

Project aims to boost gas industry in SA

29th April 2022 Natural gas and helium producer Renergen is securing financing for Phase 2 of its Virginia gas project the completion of which it hopes to achieve by 2025. The project comprises exploration and production rights for 187 000 ha of gasfields across Welkom, Virginia and Theunissen, all in the Free... →

STEFANO MARANI With there being “a great need” for energy and gas in South Africa and Virginia gas project has paved the way to smooth the path for the rest of the industry, hopefully clearing significant amounts of red tape for other producers.

Gas industry gearing up for growth

29th April 2022 Decisions and announcements made last year by a number of state owned entities have inched South Africa closer to the implementation of a successful gas-to-power programme, says engineering consultancy WSP regional director Martin Mkhabela. →

MARTIN MKHABELA The biggest constraint to the gas programme in South Africa has always been the availability of gas volumes to support the future growth of the industry

Energy mix required to assist with power generation challenges

22nd April 2022 All possible creative and innovative energy solutions must be explored to mitigate the challenges faced by State-owned power utility Eskom while it tries to diversify the energy mix and reduce the reliance on coal-powered generation, says strategic research and advisory company Birguid senior... →

INNOVATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS South Africa’s solar industry has potential and is a sector that could greatly change the subregion’s energy mix over the next 20 years

Delaying projects puts pressure on limited skills

22nd April 2022 The delay of emergency-generation capacity projects – all part of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) – because of the powership court case, will not only affect independent power producers but also have a knock-on effect on demand for local skills and... →

WAYNE ALCOCK Considering the commencement of BW5, as well as the delayed emergency-generation capacity projects, the upshot is that there will be numerous projects all looking to recruit local resources

Maintenance needed for ageing infrastructure

22nd April 2022 The ageing electrical infrastructure in South Africa highlights the need for constant monitoring and maintenance to ensure daily functioning, says electricity utility company South Power Maintenance business development executive Thamie Nyembe. →

LOTUS SUBSTATION This project involved sourcing out the necessary material for cable swinging, and implementing a new switch gear that South Power Maintenance and SKA Electric had been working on

IT system can help industry to stay competitive

15th April 2022 Edge computing can provide the automotive assembly industry in Africa with a competitive edge, through industry’s effectively implementing the latest technologies, says energy management and automation company Schneider Electric secure power solutions architect George Senzere. →

EDGE COMPUTING To truly leverage these technologies requires the implementation of bespoke IT systems and edge computing architecture is the best choice

Association commits to developing automotive sector across Africa

15th April 2022 The automotive assembly industry in Africa has “great economic potential” and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is focusing on ensuring this potential is realised, says AAAM CEO David Coffey. →

AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY INDUSTRY By working with governments to shape policies that create an enabling and attractive investment environment, the automotive industry in Africa can advance

Growing uncertainty around local coal industry’s future

1st April 2022 While the decision to phase out coal in the global economy has put a damper on the South African local coal industry, geological consultants Gemecs MD Nico Denner says all is not lost for the Southern Africa coal industry. →

DEAD END? A lot of uncertainty persists, with no clear direction on the road ahead, especially for junior and midtier coal mining companies, many of which are Gemecs clients

Detection system ensures safety on coal mines

1st April 2022 The Drill Platform Detection system aims to assist that coal mine personnel on or around the drill platform are safe while the drill is in operation, says safety and monitoring solutions provider Monitech chief sales officer Nick Murray. →

DRILL PLATFORM DETECTION SYSTEM The system can be adapted to suit the application and the mine. Monitech collaborates with clients to find solutions to problems and resolve their challenges regarding safety

Mining conference to highlight key coal research topics

1st April 2022 Research institute Coaltech’s Colloquium – to be held on May 27, 2022, at the Ridge Hotel and Casino in Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga – will showcase the most recent research topics and projects that the institute has been pursuing. →

COAL RESEARCH The colloquium presentations are all current research projects, and the completed project reports are accessible on the Coaltech website

Drones used in measurement systems

25th March 2022 Licensed remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) operator LS of South, under associate company RPAS operator LS Multi Copter Projects and Services, develops measurement systems which are integrated into drone technology. →

LS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S RPAS FLEET The integrated measurement systems that we provide include centimetre flight accuracy, with correction of roll, pitch and yaw parameters, while the line-of-sight paths from an aerial position allow for unobstructed absolute measurements

Advanced tech effective solution for inspection projects

25th March 2022 Advanced drone technology has many benefits and can be used in various inspection projects. →

ADVANCED DRONE TECHNOLOGY This technology can capture high-resolution images or 4K videos that explicitly reveal cracks, damage, displaced wires and additional defects.

Tech company optimistic of drones future

25th March 2022 Despite the drones and defence sectors being adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of the global slowdown it triggered, global aerospace and technology company Paramount Advanced Technologies is optimistic about the future. →

DRONE TECHNOLOGY Drone applications are diverse, with widespread acceptance of drone applications in surveying, photography, entertainment, the military and policing applications, Connolly points out

Company offers remote pilot licence training

25th March 2022 Operating a drone legally in South Africa for commercial purposes requires complying with legal requirements, and obtaining a remote pilot licence (RPL), says leading training organisation Drone Safety and Legal (DSL) GM Bridgette Tucker. →

PILOT LICENCE TRAINING DSL is able to assist with this approval process and we train students for the RPL

Third-party access to create jobs

11th March 2022 Third-party access to the rail networks in South Africa will help to not only revitalise the rail industry but also have a ripple effect in ensuring job creation and economic growth, says local industry body African Rail Industry Association (ARIA) chairperson James Holley. →

RAIL NETWORK South Africa has “an enormous rail network”, with State-owned freight utility Transnet having a route network of 23 000 km

Rail revamp on cards

11th March 2022 Galvanized steel and zinc products provide several benefits for rail infrastructure and can help to revamp rail infrastructure in South Africa, says International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa Desk senior consultant Simon Norton. →

GALVANIZED STEEL AND ZINC PRODUCTS The key benefit of using zinc galvanized steel in rail infrastructure is that it has a longer lifespan than ungalvanized or just painted stee

Investment, maintenance can restore infrastructure

11th March 2022 While there are still many challenges, State-owned freight utility Transnet believes that, through investment and collaboration, rail infrastructure can be revitalised. →

SHRAVEEN RAMDHAR With historic under-investment in the network and mechanical equipment, locomotives and wagons that need to be maintained, bad weather conditions, as well as vandalism and theft, the network has started to suffer

Acquisition to boost company’s steel aspirations

4th March 2022 With the acquisition of steel producer COMIR Industrial SA in November 2021, specialised importer and distributor of industrial and electronic products in Southern Africa, Actum Group, aims to expand its steel products range and become a valuable player in the steel processing industry. →

ACTUM GROUP As a specialised importer and distributor of industrial and electronic products Actum group decided to acquire COMIR Industrial SA

Company proposes solution for steel plants

4th March 2022 Steelmakers globally are being pressured to reduce their carbon emissions, and the enhanced blast furnace is an “interesting solution” to ensure a reduced carbon footprint for steel plants, says plant supplier SMS group South Africa MD Pieter Bezuidenhout. →

Changes in steel industry create challenges

4th March 2022 The steel sector has evolved over the past few years and steel and tube supplier Stewarts & Lloyds branch manager Richard Horsley says this is evident from the supply chain to the end-user. →

STEEL SECTOR Stewarts & Lloyds is committed to providing the best products and services they can offer and will continue to innovate to give their best to customers, the industry and South Africa

Investment into battery minerals increases

25th February 2022 Namibia has consistently maintained its position as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s primary mining investment destinations, with increased investment in minerals such as cobalt, lithium and co →

WARREN BEECH Namibia’s increased investment in battery minerals is attributable to its extensive deposits and its stable and mature mining subsectors

Namibian chamber positive about 2022

25th February 2022 While the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on Namibia’s economy, industry organisation the Chamber of Mines of Namibia believes that the mining sector is well positioned to support the country in its economic recovery over the next two years. →

BLUER SKIES AHEAD The outlook for Namibian mining is extremely positive in a commodity price environment that remains favourable for investment in mining and exploration

Provider aims to create Namibian footprint

25th February 2022 Mining sector training courses help to ensure increased safety, efficiency and productivity in the mining environment, and mining sector specialist training solutions company Prisma aims to launch itself in the Namibian mining industry this year, says Prisma MD Jacques Farmer. →

JACQUES FARMER Prisma’s courses are customised to incorporate the mine’s operational standards and procedures, ensuring that a competent workforce becomes a safe, efficient and productive workforce

Mine expansion cultivates positive community sentiment

25th February 2022 Aim-listed mining company AfriTin Mining is implementing the expansion of its Phase 1 Uis tin mine operation in Namibia. The expansion will result in a 67% increase in monthly tin concentrate production, from 720 t/y to 1 200 t/y. →

UIS OPERATION AfriTin Mining is implementing the expansion of its Phase 1 Uis tin mine operation in Namibi

Company achieves Level 1 BBBEE accreditation

11th February 2022 Forklift distributor Masslift Africa has announced that its Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) accreditation will help to expand business for the company and its distribution of products. →

FORKLIFT DISTRIBUTOR Masslift is currently the only original-equipment manufacturer with a Level 1 rating, consequenlty providing the company with a competitive advantage

Key development strategies need implementation in logistics industry

11th February 2022 So-called last-mile delivery, an aspect of logistics that has transformed significantly in the past two years, is one of the most prominent ways of promoting sustainable development goals and minimising carbon emissions, says research and consulting firm Frost and Sullivan research director Craig... →

LAST MILE DELIVERY To achieve the goal of sustainable development in South Africa, there is a need for a reduction in carbon emissions; however, the last-mile delivery landscape in Africa is littered with ‘smoking’ vehicles and two-wheelers

Company highlights key industry exhibitions for 2022

4th February 2022 Despite the exhibitions industry having been curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic during the past two years, exhibition company Specialised Exhibitions MD Gary Corin is excited about the portfolio of the company, a division of Montgomery Group. →

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA Hundreds of exhibitors will also showcase their latest innovations, products and services at Electra Mining Africa – Southern Africa’s biggest mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power and transport trade exhibition

Events require innovation and communication to reignite in 2022

4th February 2022 Through open communication and innovation with industry role-players – such as organisers, government departments and other associations – nonprofit organisation Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) believes the events and exhibitions industry can be reignited this year. →

LEE-ANN ALDER Once the first few events and exhibitions have taken place, and people see the safety of having exhibitions and events, we are certain that other companies wishing to organise events and exhibitions this year will follow

Water treatment system designed for Mauritius Island

21st January 2022 Industrial water treatment solutions company Watericon has been tasked to design, build, transport and install a containerised water treatment system for the island of Mauritius. →

CONTAINERISED WATER TREATMENT PLANTS Without the containers, the capturing, treatment and storage of river water cannot be done and Mauritius would face a water shortage

River upgrade wins excellence award

21st January 2022 The Kuils river upgrade project for the City of Cape Town recently won the Consulting Engineers South Africa AON Engineering Excellence Award 2021 for projects with a value of less than R50-million. →

OFFSET WETLAND The wetland improved biodiversity and water quality, as well as a reduction in the flood peaks, as the wetlands would act as compensatory flood storage areas

Technology offers solution to S Africa’s water issues

21st January 2022 Technology, such as global energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric’s Aquavanced Software Suite, can play an important role in alleviating some of the pressure on South Africa’s ageing water infrastructure, says Southern Africa international operations water and wastewater... →

Geosynthetics implemented in oil storage facility

26th November 2021 Fibertex South Africa has supplied geosynthetics for the reinforcement, protection and leak detection of the oil tanks at an oil storage facility in the Port of Saldanha, in the Western Cape. →

Oil Tanks Once completed, the facility will consist of twelve 1.1-million barrels of crude oil storage tanks, which will all be interlinked, consequently allowing for the on-site blending of different crude oil

Accolades prove company’s local commitment

19th November 2021 Truck manufacturer FAW Trucks’ commitment to the South African market is reflected in the various achievements and accolades it has received this year, with the most recent being a Silver Award in the 2021 National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey. →

FAW TRUCKS FAW Trucks plans to further expand its product offering in 2022 with the launch of the JK6 15.220FL 8 ton 4 x 2 freight carrier

New tender contracts, dire consequences

19th November 2021 Subsidy and contract regime changes are necessary to transform the public transport industry after nearly two decades of policy uncertainty, but the new tender contract DRT 35/11/2019, issued by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) to transform the public transport system, may... →

Transport Industry Changes to the subsidy and contract regime for the public transport sector requires proper engagement with the industry

System aims to improve driver performance, safety

19th November 2021 Software company 5DT’s (Fifth Dimension Technologies’) new DriveVUE is an automated artificial intelligence (AI) driver behaviour improvement system that aims to improve driver performance and safety. “DriveVUE, [our] latest AI product, is a device mounted behind the rear-view mirror of a... →

DriveVUE When the DriveVUE device detects an event, it gives the driver an audio warning –essentially speaking to the driver

Consulting engineers influential in mining success

12th November 2021 Consulting engineers play an important role throughout the mining process, from the exploration phase to the construction and operation of the mine, says Consulting Engineers South Africa CEO Christopher Campbell. →

CHRISTOPHER CAMPBELL Consulting engineers, play a major role in ensuring the entire ecosystem functions at peak performance

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