Lumkile Nkomfe

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Lumkile Nkomfe

Lumkile Nkomfe is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Sustainability, community focus integral to agricultural business

15th November 2024 To demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, Stellenbosch wine producer Spier Wine Farm highlights the importance of remaining mindful of its environmental impact beyond the activities required to farm and produce wine. The company recently embarked on regenerative... →

Company champions local craft beer potential

15th November 2024 The imperative of facilitating growth within the country’s craft beer market could catalyse social and environmental sustainability, highlights Johannesburg-based craft brewery Tolokazi Beer. The company says that the advent of craft breweries has played a defining role in magnifying the call to... →

APIWE NXUSANI-MAWELA As the craft beer industry grows in other parts of the country and away from the main economic hubs of Johannesburg and Cape Town, there is also an opportunity to gradually tap into the potential of domestic and international tourism

Company highlights immigration compliance challenges

15th November 2024 An examination of the legal obligations of employers when hiring foreign workers was communicated during corporate law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s Immigration Compliance and Workplace Enforcement webinar which took place on October 11, under the themes of assessing the intersection of... →

IMRAAN MAHOMED So far, from what the firm has observed, there have been fines worth more than R10-million in, for example, the hospitality industry

Industry well placed to capitalise on international demand

15th November 2024 Despite the improved performance of the rand, wine festival Standard Bank WineX founder Michael Fridjhon highlights that the South African wine market has increasingly become an exciting and attractive destination for global consumers. Fridjhon notes that South Africa’s wine industry is poised... →

MICHAEL FRIDJHON There has been a lot of feedback, including by a Chinese judge at this year's Trophy Wine Show in Paarl, about the appeal of Cap Classique in the Chinese market

Women-centric protective equipment key to safety, comfort

8th November 2024 Following efforts by the mining industry to cater for the increased employment of women in the industry, women’s safety wear manufacturer Sisi Safety Wear is taking into account these trends and addressing challenges through their design of workwear that is well suited to a woman’s body type.... →

ANETTE THOMPSON Podiatrists have determined that at least 10% to 13% of the working population have foot problems

College contributes to improving safety standards

8th November 2024 Increased public interest in environmental and safety issues has accelerated the demand for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals, thereby creating opportunities for individuals with varying levels of experience, highlights registered private learning institution Optimi College. The... →

ELOISE NOLTE Women have played instrumental roles in conducting research, designing and implementing safety protocols and effective preventative measures, and educating employees about potential risks in their respective industries

Tackling substance abuse indispensable to workplace safety

8th November 2024 Efforts to reduce alcohol and drug abuse among mining employees can help mitigate health-related issues that they could face, explains breathalyser specialist Alco-Safe. The mining sector, with its stringent health and safety measures, has been integral to Alco-Safe’s efforts devise a business... →

RHYS EVANS The mining sector has been quite receptive to alcohol and drug testing as the Department of Mineral Resources continues to ensure that it has very good auditing policies and procedures in place

Payment incentivisation to promote safety

8th November 2024 Amid varying macroeconomic challenges affecting employees in the mining sector, greater emphasis should be placed on incentivising good safety behaviour at mining facilities in South Africa, suggests physical and digital prepaid card solution provider adumo Payouts. The company explains that... →

STEVE MALLABY Incentivising safety protocol adherence to meet safety milestones should help employees stay focused and motivated

Changing mindsets, behaviours for safety focus

8th November 2024 The prioritising of efficient health and safety practices through operational coaching is key in embedding the required habits and work routines for consistently safe working conditions and to enhance operational excellence, highlights operational improvement management specialist OIM Consulting.... →

ELEVATING SAFETY STANDARDS Added impetus is placed on ensuring that mine supervisors are well equipped to meet challenging mine safety demands

Private renewable-energy projects accelerating energy sector growth

25th October 2024 The removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation has boosted the renewable-energy market by allowing private-sector companies to procure energy directly from independent power producers (IPPs) and thereby facilitating greater investment across the renewable-energy landscape, says... →

GROWTH IMPETUS An increase in private-sector generation projects is required to meet rising energy consumer demand requirements

Application specifics to drive new product development

18th October 2024 Developing products under proper environmental conditions is being emphasised by mining equipment manufacturer The Baughan Group as providing sustainable commercial solutions to South Africa’s coal mining sector. The range of products in the company’s portfolio includes various bulk materials... →

COMMERCIAL OBJECTIVE The Baughan Group is focused on improving its products to their optimal capability to boost miner's valuable uptime

Improving safety, efficiency in supply chains

18th October 2024 Noting the complexity of South Africa’s mining environment, which is typically associated with its sizable value chain, telematics solutions provider Webfleet sales director Justin Manson advocates for greater safety and efficiency for mining vehicles to help accelerate sector growth.... →

JUSTIN MANSON Accurate reporting and the ability to detect drivers who exceed certain speed limits in particular zones is a key solution that Webfleet provides

Specialised skills demanded by evolving industry standards

11th October 2024 Noting the significant mining developments taking place in West Africa and the requirement for new mines to comply with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), global engineering consultancy SRK Consulting is well positioned to offer specialised skills and mining expertise.... →

SKILLS IMPERATIVE An emphasis on skills development has been highlighted as a necessary imperative towards addressing mining compliance challenges in West Africa

Added regional focus key in miner’s strategic priorities

11th October 2024 Canadian precious metals miner Fortuna Mining stresses the importance of solidifying its presence in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Burkina Faso as a key strategic priority, owing to the evolving West African mining landscape. Fortuna Mining president, CEO and director Jorge A.... →

CATALYSING INVESTMENT POTENTIAL According to Fortuna Mining, no other region in the world exhibits the kind of growth in gold reserves and gold production than West Africa over the past 20 years

Localisation key to unlocking potential

27th September 2024 Efforts to catalyse the localisation of the automotive component manufacturing sector are critical to economic development, says financial services company Nedbank Commercial Banking manufacturing national manager Amith Singh. Increased localisation efforts facilitate job creation and security... →

AMITH SINGH Nedbank believes that the automotive sector is one of the utmost importance and, as such, partners with industry associations to aid the manufacturing ecosystem

Push to increase component volumes gains impetus – NAACAM

27th September 2024 The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) says the local production of automotive components must increase to foster sustainable economic growth. While the association laments the sizable energy and logistics challenges, it takes comfort in the strategic... →

BETH DEALTRY We need to double our production volumes and get to producing 1.4 million vehicles by 2035

Increased local content, skills transfer attainable targets

27th September 2024 The Nedbank Manufacturing Roundtable, held on July 11, in Johannesburg, has highlighted the imperative of greater localisation opportunities and the need to facilitate comprehensive skills transfer in the manufacturing sector. The speakers at this event included financial services company Nedbank... →

OBJECTIVE OUTLOOK Private sector manufacturing stakeholders remain hopeful in the sector’s ability to reach its production targets, despite the pressing logistical and energy challenges

Governing framework adherence key to HVAC-R development

20th September 2024 Contractor association the South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (Saracca) highlights the imperative of setting fair and feasible governing standards to establish a common framework for collaboration in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and... →

CATALYSING SAFETY Prioritising the health, safety and the environment epitomised in industry attitudes

Dewatering pumps selection bolstered

13th September 2024 Heavy-duty centrifugal pump manufacturer Schurco Slurry is prioritising the inclusion of comprehensive dewatering pump solutions in its product range to mitigate the challenges that the mining industry is facing. This endeavour will result in a wider spectrum of applications for the sector, with... →

COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS Emphasis is placed on finding a favourable balance between developing quality pump products and providing cost-effective solutions for the mining industry

Sustainability, longevity embedded in strategy

6th September 2024 Having anticipated the future demands of the mining sector, global refractory and industrial solutions company the Dickinson Group of Companies’ (DGC Africa’s) key strategic objectives are aimed at developing lasting solutions for more sustainable mining practices and integrating advanced... →

GROWING WORKPLACE CAPABILITIES Dickinson Group of Companies Africa has developed a robust strategy to leverage its partnerships with mineral processing companies to significantly enhance its engineering capabilities for the mining sector in Southern Africa

Boosting value of South African-mined minerals

6th September 2024 Collaborative efforts undertaken with the mining industry - focusing on developing research and technological expertise - are driving new economic value in various commodities including gold, iron-ore, chrome, lithium and cobalt, highlights minerals and processing research organisation Mintek.... →

SKILLS SUCCESSION A focus on skills development underscores the legacy of Mintek's mineral processing division

Company catalyses gender transformation

23rd August 2024 Amid the efforts to attract, progress and retain women across key sectors of the economy, rail sleeper and infrastructure products manufacturer Colossal Concrete Products CEO Gwen Mahuma-Madida highlights the imperative of providing greater opportunities for female participation in the rail and... →

GWEN MAHUMA-MADIDA Women should be aware and receptive to ensure they can identify suitable opportunities for meaningful participation

Resilience key to career growth in logistics

23rd August 2024 Amid the gender challenges in the freight and logistics sector, Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) CEO Dr Juanita Maree stresses the importance of women developing a persistent, determined and undeterred mindset, citing this as an essential ingredient for sustained... →

JUANITA MAREEToday, the rhetoric must move as women progress beyond barriers on the strength of their skill sets

Renewables firm spotlights commitment to gender diversity

23rd August 2024 Having recognised that gender diversity fosters creativity and innovation, green energy supplier G7 Renewable Energies highlights the importance of harnessing the full spectrum of human skills across all its operations to garner positive socioeconomic outcomes. G7 encourages women to take on... →

Empowerment initiatives advancing careers

23rd August 2024 With a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and a concerted focus on maintaining a gender balance at all levels of the organisation, specialised chemicals, adhesive and sealants manufacturer Henkel South Africa stresses the importance of developing credible programmes and... →

NATASHA NAIDOO A diverse workforce, including a balanced representation of women, enhances creativity and problem solving

Embracing diversity an ironclad requirement

23rd August 2024 To overcome gender-biased stereotypes and preconceptions in the workplace, concerted efforts to embrace diversity and inclusion should be a non-negotiable hallmark of corporate strategy, highlights international banking group Standard Chartered Africa and Middle East financing and securities... →

MARIA JENNER The financial services industry has a responsibility to serve a highly diverse society, which can only be done through it having a diverse workforce

Transformation integral to development

23rd August 2024 Amid the operational challenges of the country’s transport sector, freight forwarding solutions company Tswalanang Logistics highlights the necessity of creating educational opportunities and upskilling women to realise positive long-term economic and social outcomes. While there are sizable... →

ORATILE SEKELE Women should be more receptive to collaborative opportunities and engagements with other women, and should nurture their ability to build and harness relationships, as this is key to the overall longevity of logistics businesses

Women’s participation key to economic growth – investment firm

23rd August 2024 Efforts to facilitate the greater participation of women in key sectors of the economy, such as the transport sector, are viewed with the utmost importance by women-led investment firm Identity Partners. The impetus for developing this business, established in 2008, was the desire to increase... →

SONJA DE BRUYN Infrastructure projects and partnerships can be integral to enhancing equality, in addition to safe and effective transport infrastructure's facilitating the movement of women, and therefore, assisting in their participation in economic activity

Preferred supplier status key in Australian market

16th August 2024 Efforts to continue supplying customers with high-quality products through valued service are reaping dividends for foundry services and engineering company Thos Begbie, with about R42-million in orders being placed since the beginning of the year, consequently ensuring it remains the preferred... →

SCOTT PATERSON Thos Begbie commits to yearly visits to Australia to see customers face to face to ensure the company is meeting its requirements in quality and service

Explosives manufacturer eyes key market

16th August 2024 The electronic detonator assembly plant of blasting and mining solutions provider BME, in the Kalgoorie area of Western Australia, is an “exciting” initiative that is strategically positioned to best supply miners of key commodities, such as iron-ore, gold, nickel and lithium, the company... →

MICHAEL WISEMAN As BME expands into Western Australia, the company has conducted trials with AXXIS electronic detonators at various mines, with positive results

Innovation, resilience key features in process control – company

9th August 2024 Pressure sensors with ceramic CERTEC measuring cells have proven to be the preferred technology in not only the chemicals industry but also in other industries where reliability and stability are key features in process control, says German instrumentation and control company Vega technical... →

PRODUCT DURABILITY Technology and innovation are at the forefront of Vega's pressure sensors, thereby ensuring maximum efficiency and resilience

Long-standing relationships key

26th July 2024 Engineered Bearings and Industrial Motion product supplier Timken states that its ability to build meaningful business relationships in the railway industry over the past 90 years has provided a key stepping stone for its continued success in Africa. “Local partnerships are critical, as South... →

INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE Local product supplier partnerships complemented with a comprehensive understanding of the railway industry key to growth on the continent

Manufacturer commits to providing innovative solutions

26th July 2024 Specialised industrial rubber moulding manufacturer MasQtec asserts that its ability to harness cutting-edge technology to reverse engineer and develop rail solutions within its manufacturing operations is key in addressing diverse customer needs with precision and quality. MasQtec employs... →

GROWTH OBJECTIVES Increasing the capacity for developing high-performing rail component products outlined in company's overarching strategy

Manufacturer highlights challenges, capabilities

19th July 2024 A lack of access to finance and the fluctuating price of steel is constraining hydraulic equipment supplier Ezindaleni Hydraulics and Engineering’s manufacturing capabilities as it takes on work for mining industry clients that require a quick turnaround. “When funding is not forthcoming, it... →

TECH FOCUS For Ezindaleni, technology plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the manufacturing and design processes within its operations

Skills development, transfer a focus for manufacturer

19th July 2024 The requirement to employ and train young people within its operations, coupled with the transfer of industry knowledge, are focuses of hydraulic equipment manufacturer Ndoukhulu Hydraulic and Mining Supplier, CEO Matome Manenzhe tells Mining Weekly. The idea for this company was developed over... →

UPLIFTING AND UPSKILLING Emphasis is placed on developing and equipping young people with hydraulic equipment expertise

Coordinated approach key to success

12th July 2024 In its endeavours to add projects to its portfolio, diversified mining services group Siyakhula Sonke Empowerment Corporation (SSC Group) focuses on pursuing gold and platinum opportunities. Owing to the cyclical nature of gold mining, SSC Group CEO Fred Arendse highlights that a diversified... →

FRED ARENDSE Gold is doing well in terms of pricing, but the demand space needs to be watched

Miner prioritises value of Zim mine

12th July 2024 In focusing on its Zimbabwean assets, gold miner Caledonia Mining has strongly affirmed its focus on gold in optimising the net present value of its Blanket mine in Gwanda, in south-west Zimbabwe. The company is also open to considering every legal funding option for its Bilboes gold project, 75... →

TANGIBLE PROSPECTS Quarterly dividends affirm gold miners commitment to Southern Africa region

Major eyes steady production growth

12th July 2024 With a well-built portfolio of assets in several countries, gold major Gold Fields is in a strong position to deliver attractive near-term growth underpinned by a steady baseload of production with visibility, while improving the company’s financial stability and operational sustainability. The... →

PRUDENT ENDEAVOURS Mining operations and project activities are continuing at Gold Fields' Salares Norte (pictured), with the focus remaining on the ramp-up of the project

Cutting costs with pumps

12th July 2024 Using efficient pumps that have undergone extensive testing, measured by agreed and approved key performance indicators, can result in operational savings, states slurry pump manufacturer Schurco Slurry. Amid the significant challenges in reducing the operational costs associated with gold mining... →

OPTIMAL GOLD PROCESSES Quality and reliability in slurry equipment is deemed a key aspect of efficient gold mining processes

ESG highlighted in company’s operations

12th July 2024 Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations have evolved beyond the business-as-usual approach to shape its operational ethos, highlights Rand Refinery CEO Praveen Baijnath. Rand Refinery – one of the world's leading gold and silver refiners and an operator of one of Africa's... →

GREEN VALUES Rand Refinery aims to exclusively use renewable-energy sources for its refining operations by 2027, except for the smelter, which will remain grid-operated

Bullion manager aims to restore precious metals as currency globally

12th July 2024 A cost-effective wealth generative solution – BullionGold facility – has been made available by gold bullion dealing, investment and vaulting company SA Bullion, thereby enabling investors from all segments of the market, locally and globally, the ability to establish and grow their gold... →

CLINT O'BRIEN Currently, we're in the final development phase of GoldStore, an app to enable mass delivery of our precious metals solutions globally, focusing on Africa

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