Tracy Hancock

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Tracy Hancock

Tracy Hancock is Creamer Media Contributing Editor for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Continued need for Vesconite overseas as US pumps industry demand grows

21st January 2024 The US pumps industry is showing great demand for wear components supplied by bearings manufacturer Vesconite Bearings, which was recently acknowledged at the 2023 South African Capital Equipment Export Council Exporter of the Year Awards. The company was named exporter of the year in its... →

ADTs major driver of award-winning Bell Equipment’s export growth

17th December 2023 With more than 70% of the articulated dump trucks (ADTs) built by original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Bell Equipment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, being exported, ADTs were a major contributor to the company’s exports increasing by 20% in 2022, says Bell OEM product manager Jeremiah Mokhomo.... →

Joburg-based SMS group subsidiary involved in world’s largest industrial decarbonisation project

3rd December 2023 Metals industry partner SMS group will supply the core technology of two 100 MW rectangular six electrode open bath furnaces through its Johannesburg-based subsidiary METIX for a €1.8-billion first-of-its-kind green steel project being developed by steel producer thyssenkrupp in Germany. The... →

The greenfield project for green high-quality manganese producer Sakura Ferroalloys in Malaysia

After three years in production, the Milcat roars on

19th November 2023 Gauteng-based light armoured vehicle manufacturer Armoured Vehicle Solutions (AVS) has been manufacturing the Milcat for the past three years at its manufacturing facility in Pretoria East. AVS director Michael Booysen says, over this period, the vehicle has proven itself across South Africa. The... →

Local agitator order a world first for global drive engineer

13th October 2023 Drive engineering specialist SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has secured the world’s first order for its new X.e series agitator unit, launched in July, from a participant in the South African mining industry. The order for nine X.e agitator drives was placed in early August. The units are expected to... →

WELCOME RESPONSE The pre-sales launch of the X.e agitator in April at the Hannover Messe trade fair, in Germany, was well received by industry

Vodacom converts Midrand Campus into group’s largest on-site solar power generation system

12th October 2023 More than 11 000 photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed at telecommunications service provider Vodacom’s Midrand campus, in Gauteng, by year-end, converting the commercial office park into a grid-based solar PV plant capable of generating 10.5 GWh/y. The largest on-site solar power generation... →

Pump range accommodates midtier miners’ evolving needs

15th September 2023 There is a sweet spot when selecting the correct pump for a specific application and the KREBS pump range from minerals processing and materials handling technology and systems supplier FLSmidth aims to offer a solution for every stage of a mid-tier mining operation’s life cycle. As mid-tier... →

DIREN LALLA FLSmidth is a strategic technology partner, and its technical expertise is sought after by members of the mining industry

Pump-sizing calculator prevents costly mistakes

15th September 2023 Identifying the correct pump for the job has historically been a time-consuming process. Pump dewatering and dredging solutions company IPR is helping its customers streamline the selection process with the introduction of Atlas Copco’s online pump-sizing calculator, the effectiveness of which... →

RIGHT CHOICE IPR's pump selector algorithm can be used to size any pump in the Atlas Copco range for a customer's specific requirements

Highest demand for IMS Engineering’s Cable Vulcanizer in mining sector

10th September 2023 The mining industry presents the greatest demand for the significant cost- and time-saving Cable Vulcanizer from Gauteng stainless steel and steel products manufacturer IMS Engineering. When using electrical cabling, damage is unavoidable, says the broad-based black economic-empowerment Level 2... →

Common agenda needed to better address gender inequality

17th August 2023 While working conditions for women have improved greatly compared with those of the previous generation, gender inequality is still a considerable issue locally and needs to be tackled uniformly by corporate South Africa. A panel of influential women leaders discussed the topic of gender equality... →

New remote-controlled continuous miner supplied to India

13th August 2023 Original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) JA Engineering has delivered its low-mid-seam, remote-controlled JAE38 Wildcub continuous miner machine to a mining project in India. The Wildcub JAE 38, recently upgraded to include an integrated scrubber system, was showcased at an open day at JAE’s... →

Decentralised drive tech specified for US manufacturer

28th July 2023 Automation specialist SEW-EURODRIVE has secured an order to supply the latest decentralised drive technology in its Generation C range to automate a new storage and retrieval system being constructed for a US-based vehicle manufacturing plant. The facility will feed an existing manufacturing... →

SIMPLIFYING SYSTEMS SEW-EURODRIVE’s MOVI-C modular automation system is capable of every automation task, and in particular, storage and retrieval is made far less complex with the modular MOVIGEAR Performance and the DDI cable

Upgrade pumps first when increasing minerals processing throughput

7th July 2023 The demand for higher production rates is placing greater pressure on minerals processing plants to produce greater tonnages. Pumps play a crucial role in minerals processing and need to be correctly specified to accommodate increased production to maintain cost-effective, energy efficient... →

WARMAN PUMP A Warman mill circuit pump operating in a copper mine

Cloudline airships offer greener, low-cost last-mile logistics, monitoring solution

2nd July 2023 Local deep tech company Cloudline has secured venture funding from the Raba Partnership, 4Di, Enza Capital, and Schmidt Futures (a philanthropic initiative founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt) to develop and launch the first three deployments of its autonomous airship. The team has already secured... →

PDS data evolving beyond original use case

30th June 2023 The data captured by original equipment manufacturer Booyco Electronics’ proximity detection systems (PDS) not only helps enhance safety at surface mining operations but can also be used to improve efficiencies on site when input into a digital twin simulation model. Whether acquired by early... →

IMPROVED MODELLING Booyco Electronics has an extensive footprint of customers facilitating harnessing of technology for digital twin modelling

Increased demand for Hytec South Africa support amid skills shortage challenge, says new GM

21st June 2023 Hydraulics specialist Hytec South Africa is helping its customers bridge the skills gap created by the decrease in availability of skilled individuals locally, with increased demand for the skills and knowledge offered by the company through its aftersales support, says new Hytec South Africa GM... →

Hytec South Africa GM Freddie Kühn

Amtec expands range with Schneider Electric solar benches as renewables sector explodes

4th June 2023 Gauteng educational engineering equipment manufacturer Amtec Techniquip is expanding its range of didactic training benches, in response to the increased need for training in the renewable energy sector, with the development of Schneider Electric solar benches. “Dedicated centres of... →

Machine Tools Africa 2024 to emphasise skills development

29th May 2023 While the machine tools industry experiences daily challenges – such as high energy supply costs, power interruptions, increasing raw material costs, as well as inadequate infrastructure – that threaten its sustainability, education is a bigger concern, says Machine Tools Merchants’ Association... →

Starlink addresses issue of presence in S Africa at Dwyka Tech*Carnival

19th May 2023 The ambition of Elon Musk’s global satellite Internet service Starlink is to be available worldwide, said Starlink enterprise sales director Phillip van Essen at the Dwyka Tech*Carnival this week when questioned about the high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet service provider’s presence, or... →

Starlink enterprise sales director Phillip van Essen at the Dwyka Tech*Carnival, hosted at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand

Company driven to help meet Zambia’s energy efficiency goals

19th May 2023 Drive technology specialist SEW-EURODRIVE is helping industry implement energy efficient systems in line with Zambia’s Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (EESAP), says SEW-EURODRIVE business development representative in Zambia Francis Musaba, a certified energy auditor. The plan was... →

FRANCIS MUSABA The Zambian government is supporting any industry that implements effective energy management and savings and is penalising those which do not

Dwyka Tech*Carnival highlights the importance of adaptability

18th May 2023 The flexibility humans have to deal with the unexpected has become one of the most crucial skills for any organisation today, as technology continues to play a greater role in business globally, emphasises Amy Hervey from think tank Future Crunch. Speaking on the first day of the inaugural Dwyka... →

Dwyka Mining Services MD Jamie van Schoor and Emesent CEO Stefan Hrabar at the Dwyka Tech*Carnival, hosted at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand

Specialist fabricator stronger than ever in tough market conditions

12th May 2023 While the local economic climate weighs heavily on many manufacturers, specialist fabrication company Efficient Engineering’s order book has never looked better. “We've never experienced such an order book at the beginning of a financial year. Our financial year started in March and we have... →

COAL CATALYST There is increasing demand for truck bodies from the mining industry, owing to growing demand for coal in Europe

Venetia prioritises critical skills as first production pressure mounts

12th May 2023 Critical skills are being prioritised at the Venetia training centre to ensure that diamond mining giant De Beers’ $2.2-billion Venetia Underground Project (VUP), in Limpopo, achieves first production this year. “We are prioritising the training of long drill operators, who are key to advancing... →

STOFFEL MOLOKWANE The training centre is continuously evolving as technology advances in line with the progression of the Venetia Underground Project

ACM introduces new tech to grow business offering

8th May 2023 Tier 1 automotive components supplier Algoa Components Manufacturers (ACM) from Gqeberha has developed a fully automated induction brazing process, in conjunction with an automation specialist, to produce components ordered by major vehicle manufacturers. “The original process used to manufacture... →

Increased demand for automation in agri sector

5th May 2023 The growing African population and consequent rising demand for food continues to drive the need for processing equipment that can increase food production in the most efficient manner possible, says drive technology specialist SEW-EURODRIVE. This is especially pertinent considering the need to... →

JASON JACKSON SEW-EURODRIVE is in the fortunate position that industry worldwide depends on the products it supplies to ensure uninterrupted supply and reliable client operations

South African-made Revowrap rehabilitates 56” pipeline in Kazakhstan

24th April 2023 Randburg engineering composite repair company Carbontech Composite Systems successfully rehabilitated a 50-m-long section of a 56” tail gas pipeline in Kazakhstan last month using its high-temperature, carbon fibre-based Revowrap185 rehabilitation system. Nondestructive testing inspections... →

KITE launches New Innovation and Products Awards

21st April 2023 Exhibitors at this year’s KZN Industrial and Technology Exhibition (KITE), running from July 18 to 20 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, are being given the opportunity to flaunt their technological advancements with the introduction of the New Innovation and Products Awards. Presented in... →

SACEEC CEO Eric Bruggeman calling on exhibitors to enter the newly introduced KITE New Innovation and Products Awards at the exhibitor briefing on April 20

Green hydrogen to positively impact sector

14th April 2023 The development of a green hydrogen economy will impact positively on South Africa’s labour landscape as the country continues to adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) while, consequently, certain jobs will become redundant, says recruitment agency Oxyon People Solutions MD Viren... →

POWERING JOB CREATION The jobs created through the growth and development of the local renewable-energy sector, including green hydrogen, will surpass job losses associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution

How to finance the green hydrogen value chain

14th April 2023 Derisking and understanding the technology, its requirements and cost benefits are critical factors that need to be considered when reviewing the financial feasibility of, and support for, the green hydrogen value chain, says South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) renewables... →

MATERIAL INTEREST The on-site workshops hosted by Sanedi, the GIZ and RENAC last month revealed substantial interest and willingness to participate in the local green hydrogen sector across the value chain

Pursuing a future with green hydrogen aircraft

14th April 2023 While Western Cape drone developer FlyH2 Aerospace is making headway with the development of its long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft system hydrogen-electric aircraft, the Dragonfly V, it is establishing a new division, FlyH2 Energy, to develop fuel cells and water electrolysers for... →

ADVANCING AVIATION When done perfecting its hydrogen-electric Dragonfly V commercial drone, FlyH2 intends to focus on general aviation electric aircraft

How automation solutions with AI can help optimise maintenance, production for sustainable manufacturing

14th April 2023 Sustainability can play an important role in acquiring and retaining customers, as well as in developing new market opportunities, says automation specialist Omron. One area where the company wants to shape the market with a sustainable manufacturing approach is battery cell production, which... →

STEERING SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING Omron's goal is to help suppliers of battery cells for hydrogen electric vehicles, for example, save 10% on excess material

MSP’s latest roof supports used by major gold producer

7th April 2023 Mining support systems manufacturer Mine Support Products (MSP) has supplied its new Camprop and Hydroprop underground roof supports to a major gold mining company. The first order was delivered in November last year, with orders being continuously placed as the supports are used in the mine... →

Local interest soars, despite obstacles

7th April 2023 Local deep-level mining equipment manufacturers are noticing increased interest in their product offering on the back of Russian sanctions, but are being weighed down by the country’s ongoing energy crisis and recent greylisting, says industry cluster organisation Mining Equipment Manufacturers... →

DRILLING THE WAY Hydro Power Equipment’s Isidingo Drill is believed to be the lightest high-performance rotary percussive rockdrill in the world and paves the way for female operators

Wireless networks tested at Venetia underground

7th April 2023 US-based Kinetic Mesh wireless networks developer Rajant Corporation conducted digital mining tests in collaboration with multinational engineering company Sandvik to ensure that wireless communication can be used with the teleremote and autonomous vehicles destined for diamond major De Beers’... →

UNDERGROUND NETWORK Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh network is deployed at about 50 mines in sub-Saharan Africa, most of which are underground operations

VUP remains on schedule amid energy crisis

7th April 2023 Major diamond miner De Beers’ $2.1-billion Venetia Underground Project (VUP) is on track to start production in the second half of this year, despite the National State of Disaster, declared to deal with South Africa’s energy crisis, disrupting the country’s business environment. “This disruption... →

A MINE OF THE FUTURE To optimise productivity and enhance safety underground, the Venetia Underground Project will introduce several digitised and mechanised innovations to Venetia’s operation

Delivering a mine of the future while creating jobs

7th April 2023 The Venetia Underground Project (VUP) is vital to ensure that Venetia remains one of the largest diamond producers not only in diamond mining major De Beers’ global portfolio but also for the South African economy, and the hundreds of employees who will work for the mine into the future, says... →

LEVELING UP The training management system being implemented at Venetia will host simulator training results, as well as store all electronic training records of every employee

Local mines adopting Hydrovessel drilling system

7th April 2023 Another two local deep-level mines will completely remove compressed air from their operations over the next 18 months, equipping 120 mining crews with drilling equipment supplier HydroPower Systems’ (HPS’) HV212 EOD Hydrovessel drilling system. This includes operations in both gold and... →

IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY The HV212 EOD helps mines transition from using conventional compressed air, which is proven to decrease crew efficiencies and, ultimately, threatens the viability of underground mines and the livelihood of local communities

Major player moving to secure power purchase agreements

31st March 2023 As South Africa’s energy crisis continues, global renewable resource company Sappi is actively engaging with independent renewable-energy producers to secure renewable energy as and when it becomes available, through power purchase agreements. Buying renewable energy is one of three investment... →

SUSTAINABLE SAICCOR An expansion project at Sappi's Saiccor mill has significantly reduced its reliance on coal-based power

Global demand for paper, pulp and board softens

31st March 2023 Global demand for paper, pulp and board is expected to soften in the first half of this year, compared with the highs of last year, where severe supply chain constraints created paper shortages worldwide, says global renewable resource company Sappi. “This significantly boosted sales orders, as... →

THE GREEN FACTOR The underlying demand for dissolving pulp, packaging, office paper and tissue, in South Africa, and speciality papers abroad, remains strong, driven by global sustainability trends

Local mines adopting Hydrovessel drilling system

26th March 2023 Another two local deep-level mines will completely remove compressed air from their operations over the next 18 months, equipping 120 mining crews with drilling equipment supplier HydroPower Systems’ (HPS’) HV212 EOD Hydrovessel drilling system. This includes operations in both gold and... →

Mining BEVs set to launch

17th March 2023 Underground mining mobile equipment specialist MacLean Engineering is expanding its battery electric vehicle portfolio this year with the launch of three new mining vehicles that further address ventilation-related energy costs, improve health and safety through diesel-free work environments, and... →

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