Simon Sonnekus

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Simon Sonnekus

Simon Sonnekus is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Legal frameworks key to mining growth in West Africa

29th April 2016 Revised tax rules and regulations have allowed for greater competition for foreign direct investment and pressure from major donors in the West Africa mining sector, according to Pan-African arbitration and commercial litigation law firm Centurion Law Firm. Centurion Law Firm Legal services... →

Generators withstand tough conditions

22nd April 2016 Electrical equipment supplier and manufacturer Zest WEG Group has added adequate filtration on the inlet- and combustion-air side of its diesel generators to ensure that they can withstand harsh environments. Zest WEG Group currently has a canopy generator running in a pilot project at a waste... →

CUSTOM GENSETS Custom generator options offer creative solutions, complemented with aftermarket service

Energy storage possible standby for grid failure

22nd April 2016 While energy storage may seem like a viable option for standby power initiatives during grid failure, several issues first need to resolved for it to be implemented, South African National Energy Development Institute’s Renewable Energy Centre of Research and Development manager Dr Karen... →

High-horsepower generator introduced onto market

22nd April 2016 Multinational power generation equipment manufacturer Cummins introduced its QSK95 generator set to the African market at the Power and Electricity World Africa Exhibition, held at the Sandton Convention Centre last month. The generator set has been designed for critical applications, which... →

RELIABLE BACK UP POWER The QSK95 can facilitate a facility’s full load in less than ten seconds

Innovative power generation projects share award

15th April 2016 To encourage the innovation of a system that generates and transmits power independently, this year’s African Energy Awards, held in Sandton, Gauteng, last month, awarded the innovation prize to a urine-powered battery system and an Eternity power thermal harvesting project. Menlopark high... →

AFRICAN ENERGY AWARDS Both Nicole Barwise and Vuselela Energy were awarded the R300 000 innovation prize

Power factor correction to help lessen load

15th April 2016 The rise in electricity costs and the drop in commodity prices have led businesses across the industrial and commercial spectrum to look at how their electrical equipment converts electric current into useful power output in order to save on power by making use of power factor correction (PFC),... →

Current trends shift company’s focus to IPPs

15th April 2016 Current market conditions and trends within the power sector have enabled heat exchanger supplier Kelvion to focus on supplying replacement heat exchange equipment and maintenance products within the existing power plant installed base as well as focusing on independent power producers (IPPs),... →

Redistribution key for Africa’s power future

15th April 2016 The codevelopment and equal distribution of power between countries in Africa, along with focused research and development strategies around redistribution will provide more Africans with electricity in the future, says State-owned power utility Eskom MD for corporate affairs Chose Choeu.... →

Photo by Duane Daws
CHOSE CHOEU Eskom and other power providers across the continent should also increase efforts to decentralise electrification solutions

Mali gold mine to use SA cooling solution

1st April 2016 Mine ventilation, refrigeration and air-cooling installations provider BBE projects has secured a $16-million order for two mine cooling systems at a deep-level gold mine, in Mali. “The addition of the cooling systems will enhance safety at the mine by improving the underground working... →

MINING MALI The remote location of the gold mine in Mali has led to the cooling systems being designed with minimum maintenance and easy operation in mind

Mine mechanisation gains traction

1st April 2016 More South African mining companies are shifting from using conventional labour forces to mechanising their deep-level operations, as they are exposed to increased seismic stress and the subsequent seismic activity, higher temperatures and time-consuming travelling to the rock face, says... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DECLAN VOGT Mines and mining corporations have shifted their focus to improving production efficiency and maintaining steady productivity to prevent capital expenditure amid the commodities slump by means of using machinary

Shaft solutions to address commodities crunch

1st April 2016 Some of the most exciting opportunities are in deep-level mining, says Hatch Goba associate and Africa, Europe and the Middle East mining director Kevin Seyfried. The scarcity of capital, lower operating costs and the reaffirmation of safety by mining companies have prompted multinational... →

DIGITAL MINING TECH Hatch Goba has highlighted an increase in mechanised mining and the subsequent need for such solutions

Locally produced flocculants provide cost-effective solutions

25th March 2016 With increasing productivity and water availability being the biggest challenges for sugar and ethanol plants, chemicals group AECI’s wholly owned water, energy and air solutions subsidiary ImproChem has reaffirmed its focus to provide sustainable solutions for the sugar industry. →

SIMON TRESTON The new SENFLOC range of products is suited to the market as it has a unique property in uncurling to reach maximum expansion

Expected decline in sugar cane crop

25th March 2016 The drought in the eastern part of South Africa will lead to a projected decline in sugar production of 500 000 t, says South African Sugar Association (Sasa) executive director Trix Trikam. “The strategic crop, which is grown in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, yields an average of 2.3-million tons... →

RAIN NEEDED Since November 2014 to date, producers have noted an average decrease of about 60% of the required rainfall

Corrosion cures for sugar cane industry

25th March 2016 Coatings manufacturer Kansai Plascon has reaffirmed its position in the sugar industry by providing holistic coating solutions that will prolong inevitable corrosion at sugar mills and refineries through implementing established specifications and seasoned systems. Kansai Plascon industrial and... →

Photo by Bloomberg
CORRISION CONTROL Kansai Plascon supplies anticorrosion solutions to sugar millers and refiners across Southern Africa countries

Drought, low oil price weighing down ethanol industry

25th March 2016 The ethanol industry in South Africa remains lacklustre, owing to various issues, including low Brent crude oil prices, the persisting drought in the sugar cane-producing regions and the lack of policy implementation, says Ethanol Producers Association of Southern Africa chairperson Peter... →

Photo by Bloomberg
DETREMENTAL DROUGHT The end of the current drought will ensure crop production is restored fully

Drives provide maximum capacity for mills

25th March 2016 The South Africa branch of German engineering company SEW Eurodrive is focused on producing energy efficient drives that can maximise the load and capacity of mills and refiners in the sugar industry. “A key point in the sugar industry is its need for motors and gearing solutions to provide... →

TAILORED DRIVES SEW Eurodrive has reaffirmed its focus to tailoring its motor and gearing options for sugar producers

Supplier boosting productivity with new casting machine

11th March 2016 Screening and vibrating equipment supplier Aury Africa intends to boost its productivity this year with the acquisition of a new polyurethane casting machine. The multimillion-rand machine will enable the Boksburg-based company to produce its own polyurethane screening panels, liners and wedges... →

Photo by Duane Daws
STOCK IS DEAD MONEY The new machine will enable Joest Kwatani to reduce its stockholding as it will be able to produce screening panels as and when needed

Surge enables analytics company to go on Africa offensive

11th March 2016 The 400% growth rate of Witbank-based coal analysis company Umzamo Analytical Services (UAS) last year has prompted the company to broaden its reach into Africa despite the current challenging mining market. According to UAS CEO Audrey Ndlovu, this sudden surge in business is attributed to the... →

AUDREY NDLOVU Umzamo Analytical Services has become synonymous with providing uncompromised, accurate, analytical results

New CEO holds stock in coal

11th March 2016 Coal is the future of power generation worldwide, emphasises Australian exploration company Minergy’s newly appointed CEO Andre Bojé. “Coal remains the cheaper option . . . and I believe that while the commodity is currently struggling with a low price, it will soon pick up,” he states. →

ANDRE BOJE The market points to the fact that it is not conducive to open greenfield projects to produce thermal coal for the international or regional market

Company renames asset, invests in renewables

11th March 2016 Sandton-based coal mining company Delta Mining Consolidated (DMC) has renamed its flagship Rietkuil coal asset, near Delmas, in Mpumalanga, the Nsele coal project after the re-evaluation of the project, which will now supply coal to State-owned power utility Eskom instead of exporting B-grade... →

HEINE VAN NIEKERK Delta Mining Consolidated will be able to supply State-owned power utility Eskom's Matla, Kriel, Kusile and Kendal plants with in spec coal

Coal production remains lucrative for South Africa

11th March 2016 Coal industry role-players remain confident that the commodity will continue to play a crucial role in energy production in South Africa and worldwide amid and despite the depressed coal market, which could drive more mines to closure. The low commodity price has resulted in local mines having to... →

BUILT FOR TONNAGE Joes Kwatani MD Kim Schoepflin and CEO Derrick Alston

Energy storage system to be launched at conference

4th March 2016 American automotive and energy storage company Tesla’s highly anticipated Powerwall energy storage system will be launched onto the African market by energy solutions provider Dako Power at the 2016 Power and Electricity World Africa exhibition, held from March 15 to 16 at the Sandton Convention... →

INSTANT ENERGY Two variants of the Tesla Powerwall system have been launch globally, the 7 kWh and 10 kWh variant, but currently only the 7 kWh Powerwall is available in Africa

Rural areas could benefit from decentralised energy

4th March 2016 Autonomous and stable supply of decentralised energy might be the answer for Africans who are often without electricity because of unreliable energy sources, says energy storage systems supplier Battco director Gerhard Swart. “Many of the electricity problems in Africa stem from the concept of a... →

GERHARD SWART In most African countries, the electricity grids are failing and generation capacity is degrading rapidly

Storage a key component for modern energy supply

4th March 2016 Rapid growth in yearly power demand and the high cost involved in expanding national power grids in rural areas are some of the biggest challenges regarding power and electricity supply in African countries, says University of the Western Cape associate professor Bernard Bladergroen. Bladergroen... →

BULK STORAGE Bulk energy storage will be advantageous for African power and electricity providers, as increased wind and solar energy is being absorbed by national grids

Conference to attract twice as much footfall

4th March 2016 This year’s Power & Electricity World Africa conference will host twice as many delegates as last year, with utilities, independent power providers (IPPs) and government officials confirmed from more than 33 African countries. The event will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in... →

TWICE THE SIZE Guests from 33 African countries will visit the Power and Electricity World Africa showcase being held at the Sandton Convention Centre

Africa viable option for investment in power infrastructure

4th March 2016 Expanding Africa’s power and electricity infrastructure remains a viable prospect for investors and businesses, with numerous investment opportunities available owing to new developments, says infrastructure investment and asset management company African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)... →

Photo by Bloomberg
NATURAL ENERGY The migration from traditional to renewable-energy sources has encouraged foreign investment opportunities

Reality programme used for welding training at AIDC

19th February 2016 Students who want to work in the production sector of the automotive industry can submit their curriculum vitae to the Automotive Industry Development Centre’s (AIDC’s) Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre to participate in an augmented-reality welding programme. Eight Soldamatic welding simulators... →

Photo by Simon Sonnekus
SOLDAMATIC WELDING SIMULATOR Trainees will be able to practise more than 93 different welding lessons on the simulators

Bumpy ride for South African motorists

19th February 2016 The expected rise in Brent crude oil prices, and geopolitical decisions by South Africa will influence the petrol price and vehicle prices in 2016, says the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa. According to audit, advisory and tax services firm KPMG automotive sector partner Gavin Maile,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PETROL PRICE HIKE Motorists could pay about R20/ℓ for petrol this year

Automotive industry highly unlikely to show growth in 2016 – KPMG

19th February 2016 The lacklustre economy, consumers’ desparate financial position and affordability of vehicles are three key areas that will stunt the growth of the South African automotive industry this year, says audit, advisory and tax services firm KPMG. According to KPMG automotive sector partner Gavin... →

Photo by Duane Daws
GRIM YEAR AHEAD FOR MOTOR INDUSTRY The weakened economy has made the auto motive market less conducive for buying and even operating vehicles

Support services drive expansion into Africa

19th February 2016 German truck and bus manufacturer MAN has added support services in the form of a new service centre and a workshop in Kenya and Zambia respectively. MAN’s resolve to expand into Africa has come after its steady rise in sales across Eastern and Central Africa. “Our partners have provided a... →

MODULAR DESIGN WORKSHOP The new modular design workshop allows for quicker workshop construction at a fraction of the cost of regular brick-and-mortar workshops

Swedish motorcycle brand launches 701 bike range in SA

19th February 2016 Swedish motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna launched its 701 Enduro and Supermoto models at wholesaler Puzey’s Biker’s Warehouse, in Gauteng, last month. The range will spearhead the new range of Husqvarna road motorcycles. The company, which was acquired by Austrian motorcycle company KTM from... →

HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO Husqvarna has introduced the flagship models the 701 Enduro and Supermoto

Triton-Leo focusing on growth amid fickle oil prices

12th February 2016 Despite influencing factors, such as the rand:dollar exchange rate, and the stagnant prices of fuel and raw materials, lubricants producer Triton-Leo believes that the market will remain stable this year as it focuses on growing its business and product sales. →

SIMON SMITH Triton-Leo maintained double digit growth for the past seven years

Knowledge of tribology key for lubricants industry

12th February 2016 The focus in the oils and lubricants industry is constantly being shifted to address regulations that arise, which, in turn, creates a need to establish a better understanding of tribology for the industry, says the South African Institute of Tribology (Sait). →

THOMAS SURMON Sait is working with the Department of Science and Technology and the South African Bureau of Standards to make sure local lubricant standards match international standards

Skills development and blue economy prioritised at CIS 2016

12th February 2016 Having identified the lack of training opportunities as a rising concern in the oil industry, the biennial Cape Industries Showcase (CIS), scheduled to take place from July 13 to 15 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will focus on skills development and training in the sector. →

JOHN THOMSON The focus on training at the CIS will provide useful networking platforms for employers, government, training organisations and other stakeholders

Castrol supplies lubricants for record-chasing Bloodhound SSC

12th February 2016 Global industrial and automotive lubricants brand Castrol will be on the forefront of innovation when the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) attempts to break the land speed record by reaching 1 609 km/h this year. →

THREE POWER SOURCES The engine from a Eurofighter Typhoon fighter plane will bring the Bloodhound from standstill to 563 km/h before the H2 O2 rockets are powered

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