Kimberley Smuts

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Kimberley Smuts

Kimberley Smuts is a Creamer Media Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

New drills on show

23rd September 2016 Global mineral exploration company Boart Longyear is using the quadrennial MINExpo International exhibition and conference to showcase several new and tried and tested drill rigs. Visitors to this year’s event, being held from September 26 to 28 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in Nevada, US,... →

Advanced mining course on offer, value of event for appraisers highlighted

23rd September 2016 The American Society of Appraisers (ASA), a multidiscipline, nonprofit international organisation of professional appraisers, is offering an advanced mining course, which coincides with this year’s MINExpo International. The course comprises three days of classroom-based education at the Embassy... →

WHERE EXPERTS GATHER The American Society of Appraisers sees MINExpo as one of the best places to be exposed to the latest developments and available technology

S Africa explosives expert building brand awareness in North America

23rd September 2016 Explosives firm BME, as part of its geographical growth strategy, will attend this year’s MINExpo International exhibition and conference from September 26 to 28 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, in Nevada, US. The company’s globalisation strategy includes increasing brand awareness in the... →

DETONATION DEVELOPMENTS BME is working on the development of a new underground centralised blasting system that uses its AXXIS electronic delay detonators

Flooring installation wins safety award

16th September 2016 Kevin Bates Albert Carpets (KBAC) Flooring was awarded its second Master Builders Association (MBA) North Safety Trophy in July for installing the flooring of petrochemicals group Sasol’s new head offices in Sandton, Johannesburg. KBAC Flooring supplied and installed Interface carpet tile. The... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL Every company and person working on site needs to be aware of and trained in health and safety and regulations

Mobile platform enhances safety across industries

16th September 2016 Technological engineer and mobile application (app) provider ttrumpet currently has a number of apps and services that are used to gather information and drive awareness about safety across industries. “Technology is driving innovation . . . particularly changes in existing customer service... →

APP DRIVES SAFETY AWARENESS Active citizenry, coupled with a strong purpose-built platform that brings together relevant parties, has real potential to change the status quo

Development of mobile SHE management tool under way

16th September 2016 Mining consultancy The MSA Group is currently developing a mobile safety, health and environment (SHE) management toolset that integrates with a client’s existing SHE management systems. The company explains that, at present, many small mines and exploration sites run tedious paper based systems... →

Drug testing ensures industry health & safety

16th September 2016 With health and safety being of paramount concern across industrial sectors, owing to the high-risk working environments and frequent use of heavy machinery, employees and contractors are being subjected to alcohol and drug testing before they are allowed to enter company premises, says drug and... →

Importance of nondestructive testing emphasised

9th September 2016 Regular testing and certification of equipment used in the engineering industry remains important to ensure that degradation of equipment is minimal, comments inspection and testing solutions provider Non-destructive Testing and Inspection Solutions (NIS). NIS spokesperson Jannie de Beer details... →

CERTIFICATION REMAINS CRUCIAL All pressure equipment has to be inspected by a competent person every three years

Vendor certification for resellers emphasised

9th September 2016 In the security industry, it is essential for resellers to undergo training and obtain certification from vendors to ensure that a security solution or product is correctly specified and installed, maintained and operated, says mobile and remote closed-circuit television specialist Graphic Images... →

LAURENCE SMITH Training provided by vendors can change the way a system operates, effectively giving the end-user the full benefit of the product

Company encourages ISO 55000 certification

9th September 2016 Multidisciplinary and professional services engineering company Smec is encouraging its clients to become ISO 55000 certified, as this certification will enable companies to realise enhanced value from their assets. Smec explains that good asset management maximises value for money by ensuring... →

ASSET MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY I SO 55000 enhances the possibility of becoming a globally recognised asset management practitioner

Early leak detection equipment installed at power plants

9th September 2016 Local engineering company RTS Africa Engineering is currently focused on the commissioning of manufacturing company Procon's boiler tube leak detection equipment, which tests and inspects the sound of leaking steam tubes within the boiler, at both the Medupi and Kusile power stations, owned by... →

IAN FRASER Early leak detection is essential as it prevents expensive secondary damage

New brake test centre launched for South African market

9th September 2016 Powertrain components and vehicle-safety products developer, manufacturer and supplier Federal-Mogul launched its new brake test centre, which received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) last month. Federal-Mogul operations manager Reegan... →

SANAS ACCREDITED Being SANAS registered ensures credibility as well as legitimate compliance reports

Zim PGMs producer’s accommodation needs met

26th August 2016 African building manufacturer Kwikspace Modular Buildings provided site accommodation capable of housing about 500 project personnel as part of refurbishment works being carried out at the Selous, Zimbabwe-based base metals refinery (BMR) owned by platinum-group metals (PGMs) producer Zimplats –... →

ACCOMMODATING CHANGE Kwikspace prefabricated buildings are manufactured in modules, allowing for future expansion

Remote mining locations continue to offer opportunity

26th August 2016 The biggest potential in the facility services industry currently lies across Africa. This is a result of the remote nature of many of the mining camps that often do not have access to towns or facilities, states Allterrain Services (ATS), a subsidiary of Tsebo Solutions, CEO Sanjay Narain. →

SITE FACILITIES SUPPLIED ATS run labour-intensive facilities and management operations encompassing hygiene, catering and cleaning

‘Green’ gas demand up, shale provides long-term opportunity

26th August 2016 The biggest potential for growth in the gas industry lies in finding additional gas resources that can replace traditional gases used in industrial processes to generate electricity, which waste management company Interwaste is doing by generating methane gas from its landfill sites. “With... →

Photo by Bloomberg
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES Lie in finding additional gas resources that can replace traditional gases used in industrial processes to generate electricity

Solar solutions power up prefabricated housing

26th August 2016 Tailored energy solutions provider ZRW Mechanika is supplying its solar power panels for prefabricated housing on mining sites across Africa, particularly Mozambique, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), receiving positive feedback from mining companies in the process. On the back... →

SOLAR POWERED SITES Hybrid solar power plants are used to power a site manager’s office and several project offices, among other buildings

Supply of LNG increasing despite economic downturn

26th August 2016 Although there has been a global slowdown in economic activity, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply has increased, owing to a surge in supply projects approved before the drop in the price of gas in 2014, says KPMG energy economist Dr Requier Wait. “On the demand side, gas-fired power... →

New crane truck launched at open day

19th August 2016 Fleet and specialised equipment provider Lovemore Bros launched its new 80 t/m crane truck at the company’s open day in June, with its second unit to be in production by the end of the year. The new 80 t/m crane truck has a narrow footprint and can fit into tight, restricted spaces with low... →

FLEET CAPACITY INCREASED The company’s fleet consist of crane trucks with hydraulic cranes and abnormal load rigs with extendable trailers

Software system assists with maintenance schedules

19th August 2016 With logistics companies having to deal with breakdowns and repairs of buses and trucks, loss of income from fees being docked at major ports because of delays in collections, penalties incurred for late deliveries or their simply not being able to service a given route, asset management... →

OVERCOMING LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES The company notes that the RPM software is not only designed for heavy vehicles but is geared for all types of maintenance

Sustainable concrete structures actively reduce energy consumption

12th August 2016 Being active in reducing energy consumption, The Concrete Institute (TCI) notes that concrete is a cost-effective material with low embodied energy and is, therefore, important in contributing to the sustainability of South Africa’s infrastructure. Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of... →

AIR-BORNE TOXINS DISMISSED Use of titanium dioxide in the surface of concrete results in the conversion of harmful compounds when exposed to ultra-violet light

Power Up energy systems boost green development

12th August 2016 With construction expected to begin in September, specialised procurement company Build Africa Corporation will supply its Power Up energy systems to 480 luxury-living housing units in the Acorn Creek complex in Somerset West, in the Western Cape. “This is the largest green residential... →

Dust suppression system in high demand

12th August 2016 Since the launch of environmental management company I-CAT Environmental Solutions’ retractable stockpile dust ring (R-SDR) system last year, market demand has increased greatly, says I-CAT technical manager Morne van Wyk. This demand can be attributed to the R-SDR system having eliminated the... →

Remediation of waste tyres reduces carbon emissions

12th August 2016 The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa) has adopted several tactics to remediate waste tyres and, ultimately, reduce carbon emissions. This includes processing waste tyres using pyrolysis, crumbing and controlled burning in cement kilns. From January last year... →

Company receives environmental certification

12th August 2016 Tile and construction adhesive products manufacturer Tal, in May this year, became the first company in the construction adhesives industry to gain full ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification. Tal safety, health, environment, risk and quality manager Julius McMaster says ISO 14001... →

JULIUS MCMASTER The ISO 14001 certification provides a framework that enables us to manage and enhance our environmental performance

Industry growth in hands of junior explorers

29th July 2016 Diamond exploration enquiries received by mining industry consultancy The MSA Group from small players in Botswana, Lesotho and the Free State have increased considerably since May this year. This includes greenfield kimberlite indicator mineral testing, alluvial diamond mineral resource... →

NEED FOR NEW PROJECTS The diamond industry urgently needs to find new mines, as the supply-demand gap will widen from 2019 onwards and, consequently, drive price increases

Large-diameter drilling at Orapa project may start at year-end

29th July 2016 Exploration company Tsodilo Resources aims to extract between 2 000 t and 3 000 t of kimberlite from BK16, potentially one of the last economic kimberlite pipes in the Orapa kimberlite province in Botswana, during a large-diameter drilling (LDD) programme in the fourth quarter of the year. The... →

BETTER TREATMENT The dense medium seperator plantat Tsodilo's Orapa project is scheduled for an upgrade in the third quarter of this year

Project targets millennial diamond consumers

29th July 2016 International diamond mining organisation the Diamond Producers Association (DPA) is working on a project aimed at tackling the generic marketing of diamonds to attract standard and millennial consumers, otherwise known as the ‘Y’ generation. Rough and polished diamonds trader Blom Diamonds owner... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MARKETING MATTERS The diamond industry is undertaking the first catefory marketing campaign in over five years

Product reduces unplanned downtime, machinery replacement

22nd July 2016 Australian-listed speciality chemicals development company Alexium International has made significant inroads into the resins, films and polymers industry, owing to its newly commercialised environment-friendly flame-retardant (FR) treatment Alexiflam, which is well suited to the mining industry.... →

UNPLANNED DOWNTIME DIVERTED One of Alexiflam's largest applications in the mining sector comprises polymers used to protect the circuit board wiring in machinery against fire

Gas filtration prevents corrosion in plant components

15th July 2016 Air, gas and liquid filtration company Freudenberg Filtration Technologies explains that petrochemical facilities are extremely corrosive environments. Therefore, an oil refinery commissioned Freudenberg’s Viledon ChemControl recirculation system and the Viledon ChemControl deep-bed... →

AIR FILTRATION FIGHTS CORROSION Corrosion in the petrochemicals industry is fostered by the presence of acidic, caustic and oxidising gases

Increased imports and skills shortage threaten industry

15th July 2016 Increasing volumes of questionable quality paint from less regulated countries are reaching South Africa. This could negatively affect profitability and lead to more job losses for the local coatings sector. South African Paint Manufacturers Association (Sapma) executive director Deryck Spence... →

DERYCK SPENCE Cheaper imports in an already saturated market could decrease the volumes of local paint manufactured

Online compressor monitoring system set for launch in September

8th July 2016 Quality compressor refurbishment, new compressors, lubricants and service provider Ntshu Air, member of the PSI Group, is in the final stages of completing its new online compressor condition monitoring system, which it hopes to complete before the planned demonstration at Electra Mining Africa... →

MONITORING SYSTEM The new online compressor condition monitoring system monitors vibration, temperature, pressures and on a compressor

Motor grader incorporates latest technology

1st July 2016 Case 885B series motor graders, locally available from construction and earthmoving equipment distributor CSE Equipment, have been enhanced to offer clients the most recent technological advancements and improved design features for better performance and productivity. “Case continuously improves... →

MEETING MARKET NEEDS The Case 885B series has been designed for minimal downtime and reduced maintenance requirements

Moving ahead with strategy to expand offering

1st July 2016 Materials handling equipment supplier Big Lift Trucks (BLT) has been appointed the official distributor in Africa for global trommel screens and apron feeder specialist MDS International. This development, announced in May, is in line with its “carefully structured” expansion programme - an... →

FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS MDS trommels and apron feeders available from BLT are designed for mineral processing and recycling applications

Liner plates extend life of dump truck bin sixfold

1st July 2016 Chromium carbide (CrC) liner plate expert Rio-Carb has successfully supplied its R-C700 liner plates to be fitted on South African crushing specialist Danoher Construction’s R3.9-million Volvo 30 t dump truck, currently being used on a silica sand mine in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. The R-C700 CrC... →

WORKING LIFE EXTENDED Rio-Carb designed, manufactured and installed the liners to specifically fit Danoher Construction’s 30 t Volvo dump truck

Moatize takes delivery of 212 t surface miner

1st July 2016 Mining services and construction provider Wirtgen South Africa (SA) has supplied its biggest surface mining model, the 212 t 4200SM, to diversified miner Vale’s Moatize coal mine project, in Tete, Mozambique. The 4200SM costs about €5-million depending on client specifications and can mine out... →

REDUCED CONTAMINATION Wirtgen surface miner machinery aims to to mine cleaner coal

UK show sees strong demand

17th June 2016 The Hillhead international quarrying and recycling show is famous for its live demonstrations and 2016 will be no different with a range of equipment being put through its paces in a live quarry environment. Demand for the 2016 event has been strong with every square metre now allocated,... →

UNIQUE OFFERING Hillhead demonstrates real ‘job of work’ in a live quarry environment

Pilot project prepares clients for changing energy legislation

3rd June 2016 Environmental, health and safety consulting and training providers Green Gain Consulting aim to launch its DigiLex SA Energy Suite pilot project by the end of this month. It will be integrated with the Business Intelligence (BI) platform, DigiData BI and clients in maintaining energy savings... →

DIGILEX SA ENERGY SUITE The suite informs and prepares for legal compliance with pending environmental legislation in South Africa

Energy efficient solutions reduce carbon footprint, improve quality of life

3rd June 2016 Solar system specialist and engineering design company ZRW Mechanika has since 2012 supplied and installed up to 25 000 units of their solar direct current (DC) home power solution in low-cost housing units, called Siyakhanyisa. The renewable energy capacity of up to 500 kWp was installed in... →

Photo by Duane Daws
GREENER GATES ZRW Mechanika was involved in the LED retrofitting of the roughly 50 000 m2 mainline toll gate facilities

Laser machine a first in Africa

3rd June 2016 South African manufacturer and distributor of cutting-edge capital equipment and consumables First Cut is aiming to complete the installation of an energy efficient Bystar fibre laser machine for a steel industry customer in November. “In Switzerland, the Bystronic laser range is currently at... →

EPG products ensure consistent transfer of energy loads

3rd June 2016 Energy distributor Vert Energy was in March appointed the distributor for industrial control products supplier ASCO Power Technologies, whose products will form part of Vert’s range of energy efficient electric power generation (EPG) products in Southern Africa. Being a subsidiary of power... →

ASCO TRANSFER SWITCHES Are are the only power transfer switches that conform to the stringent IEC 60947-6-1 regulation

Weighing the effect of mining mechanisation

27th May 2016 Materials handling and hauling company Ncamiso Mining is looking to acquire more mechanised systems, as this should increase its productivity by between 60% and 70%. However, to create jobs, increase profitability and provide sustainable employment for the community surrounding mines, the company... →

REHABILITATION UNDER WAY A restorative project being undertaken by Ncamso involves removing contaminated waste so that land can be developed for hydroponic fish farming

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