Robyn Wilkinson

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Robyn Wilkinson

Robyn Wilkinson is a Creamer Media Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Event drives partnerships at the highest levels

13th October 2017 This year’s South Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba will advance the work of the previous three years’ events in building a community of business and governmental leaders from South Africa and Italy that will seek to reinforce strategic business relationships and actively explore new opportunities for... →

Pan-European bank celebrates 45 years in SA

13th October 2017 Pan-European banking and financial services provider UniCredit will celebrate 45 years of successful service in South Africa this year, having provided support for European companies entering African markets from its Johannesburg-based representative office since 1972. →

FAR-REACHING NETWORK Headquartered in Milan, UniCredit has a unique Pan-European network that provides expertise to 25-million clients globally

Italian company ensures engineering success in KZN

13th October 2017 As it celebrates its sixtieth year in South Africa, Italian multinational engineering solutions provider Maccaferri will complete the construction of one of the country’s largest surfaces of mechanically stabilised earth walls to date – at 10 000 m2 – at the Mount Edgecombe interchange, in... →

MAMMOTH TASK Careful project management ensured that each of the nine mechanically stabilised earth walls was constructed and delivered to site as it was needed

Dialogue drives development

13th October 2017 With the second-largest manufacturing economy in Europe and unique expertise in many sectors, Italy is ideally positioned to help South Africa step up in the global value chain – but foreign companies need to be guided by local role-players to understand the needs and expectations of the country,... →

Supply chain management key to industry success

6th October 2017 The effective management of financial and physical supply chains is a key differentiator for South African automotive companies wanting to survive in an uncertain market, with access to technologies that can assist in streamlining these functions critical to success, says import and working... →

GREG CLINE Automotive aftermarket imports are growing owing to the depressed state of the economy shifting buying behaviour

Local innovation key for growing automotive industry

6th October 2017 Key to realising the growth potential of South Africa’s automotive sector is local innovation, albeit with due consideration to conditions and operating environments, as local companies are not always able to use international innovations and technologies, says enterprise resource planning (ERP)... →

PAULO DE MATOS South Africa is no laggard when it comes to the uptake of new technologies, especially in the automotive sector

Industry trying to reduce reliance on imports

6th October 2017 High quality, increased productivity and cost reduction are vital for success as the South African automotive industry works to reduce its reliance on automotive component imports while growing its export potential in a slow economy, says industrial equipment supplier Germ Africa director Robert... →

LOCAL PRODUCTION Recent investments in South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector demonstrate the faith of international investors in local producers

Mobile workshop enhances interactions with automotive OEMs

6th October 2017 Science and technology company 3M South Africa has launched its new mobile workshop – Abrasive Solutions On the Move – which will provide easy access to its technologies and services for its original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) clients in the automotive sector. →

ON THE MOVE 3M's mobile unit features a full test laboratory, training facilities and capabilities for providing all of the company's abrasive solutions on site

Intra-industry dialogue crucial for components advancement

6th October 2017 Given the multifaceted nature of South Africa’s automotive sector, intra-industry dialogue and collaboration are crucial to advancing the industry’s ability to provide high-quality products and much-needed employment in a rapidly evolving world, says Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI)... →

Photo by Bloomberg
KEEPING PACE Advancing education and training in the automotive sector is crucial for keeping up with changes in technology and the local demand for skilled technicians

Software makes complex data accessible for geologists

29th September 2017 Amid the hype surrounding the proliferation of disruptive technologies for the mining industry is a real need for the effective collaboration of information. Global technology company ARANZ Geo’s latest user-friendly software offering – Leapfrog Geo 4.0 – provides a key advancement in this... →

INFORMATION AT A GLANCE Leapfrog Geo 4.0 comes with a complete set of intuitive and highly visual tools and workflows to unlock the value of structural data

Event catalyst for critical engagement

29th September 2017 Government, labour and business need to restore mutual trust through transparent and honest engagement, with The Joburg Indaba providing an ideal platform through which to forge a way forward in this endeavour, says mining and industrial services provider Fraser Alexander business development... →

TAILINGS AT THE FORE The adoption of international best practice guidelines is influencing the design, operation, closure and rehabilitation of mining waste disposal sites in the Southern African Development Community

South African mining industry must prepare for future

29th September 2017 It is critical that the South African mining sector works unceasingly to make government understand the need to remain competitive with global miners through upskilling people so that they are capable of functioning and prospering in a technologically-advanced environment, says Neil Jacobsohn,... →

BETTER, FASTER Drones are successfully being used in the mining industry to reduce costs and save time through aiding the three-dimensional modelling and the analytics of orebodies

Stakeholder cohesion crucial to change trajectory of South African mining

29th September 2017 Chamber of Mines of South Africa (CoM) CEO Roger Baxter will consider the role that the CoM and mining companies can play in increasing investment in South Africa’s mining sector, despite current challenges, by creating an enabling business environment through the building of trust between mining... →

ROGER BAXTER Key to encouraging cohesion between mining stakeholders is a continued commitment to driving transformation in the industry at all levels

Trust and confidence key to advancing S African mining

29th September 2017 With uncertainty reigning in the South African mining landscape, it is imperative that the private sector maintain a positive approach to transformation, says consulting engineering and scientist firm SRK Consulting partner and principal consultant Andrew van Zyl. →

ANDREW VAN ZYL The mining industry needs to prioritise the rebuilding of reserves, the stimulation of new exploration and the process of consolidation

Event a platform for ‘blunt debate’

29th September 2017 Mining stakeholders from various sectors – including leaders from society, government, industry and labour – will engage in “blunt debate” about the many challenges currently facing the sector when they congregate at The Joburg Indaba 2017, says event organiser Resources4Africa CEO Paula Munsie. →

VALUABLE DEBATE With a maximum of 500 delegates, The Joburg Indaba will provide an intimate networking environment where stakeholders can openly air their views and give constructive inputs

Labels assist in reducing domestic energy use

15th September 2017 With all common household electronic appliances now required to display new energy efficiency labelling, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is confident that there will be a marked improvement in energy use and cost savings in South Africa, says NRCS communications and... →

Photo by Bloomberg
CUSTOMER PROTECTION Updated labelling informs end-users of the energy performance of household appliances, which must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards to be sold in South Africa

New acid gas scrubber up to standard

15th September 2017 Testing, inspection and certification services provider TÜV Rheinland Quality Services South Africa has ensured that the design and fabrication of a new 15-m-long acid gas scrubber for one of South Africa’s largest fuel refineries has met all quality and safety requirements for pressure vessels. →

Photo by Rolf Bille, TUV Rheinland AG
QUALITY AND SAFETY ASSURANCE The inspection process drew on the requirements of national pressure equipment regulations and international health and safety standards

Toolkits help companies navigate standards upgrades

15th September 2017 Inspection, verification and certification company SGS South Africa has developed toolkits that have been circulated to all its clients to assist them with the transition process required to meet the updates in the International Organisation for Standardisation’s (ISO’s) three core management... →

MITIGATING RISKS Companies across all industries must ensure compliance with updates to health and safety, quality management and environmental standards by September next year

Rope access ensures successful inspection of cyclone

15th September 2017 Using rope access, inspection company Skyriders Access Specialists overcame height challenges, as well as confined-space and limited-access options, to conduct critical routine inspection of a cyclone at a Northern Cape-based cement producer. →

TOTAL-SOLUTIONS APPROACH To perform the inspection of the cyclone, the Skyriders team had to gain access to the ducting from the top, at a height of 30 m

Drones ensure effective tower inspection

15th September 2017 To ensure efficient gathering of relevant data without any risk to human life, international drone services provider Delta Drone Group is using multi-rotor drones with optical sensors, operated under automatic flight plans, to conduct inspections on cellphone towers. →

NEW APPRAOCH The Delta Drone Group is responsible for inspecting 563 cellphone towers in France this year

New local engineering education standards internationally recognised

15th September 2017 The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is preparing for a routine assessment by the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) for continued recognition as a signatory of the Dublin and Sydney accords, which will ensure that ECSA-accredited new engineering technology and technician... →

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION The new higher education qualifications subframework seeks to help students gain professional qualifications through a variety of pathways

Importing refined fuels quicker and more financially viable for Africa

8th September 2017 Rather than focusing time and finances on establishing new oil refineries, African countries should enhance their focus on a niche market strength that will enable them to become competitive in a global market, accepting that the import and storage of refined fuels is a quicker and more... →

RODRICK NAIDOO Countries that have their own crude resources and established mega-refineries could never be outpriced by a South African refinery

Retractable spray injectors important cost savers

8th September 2017 Retractable spray injectors not only increase the ease and safety of performing inspection and maintenance activities at oil refineries but can also potentially reduce operational downtime and contribute to significant cost savings, says spraying systems provider Monitor Engineering MD Grant... →

KEY COOLING Spray injectors inject liquids or gases into process streams, providing critical cooling, mixing, quenching, washing, humidifying, gas cooling or chemical reactions

Mobile units ensure flexible fire protection at oil refineries

8th September 2017 Fire protection equipment supplier DoseTech commissioned a second firefighting trailer-mounted (FTM) unit for a South Africa-based crude oil storage depot last month, providing a highly portable and flexible solution to complement the depot’s existing large-scale foam and water cannon system. →

SAFETY MADE EASY DoseTech has seen eager demand from South African oil refineries for its mobile fire-protection equipment

Well-managed upgrades essential at African refineries

8th September 2017 With demand for cleaner fuel products driving refinery upgrades in Africa, turnaround planning must be carefully managed to eliminate the risks of costly overruns and production losses, which can threaten the economic viability of the projects, says project management consultancy Turner &... →

CHEAPER TO IMPORT Although Africa has the potential to produce more refined oil than it consumes, it remains a net importer of refined products owing to ageing refinery infrastructure

Improve efficiencies before adopting new energy solutions

25th August 2017 For many mines, there is still significant work to be done in terms of improving operating energy efficiencies, and a sound understanding of the benefits of digitalisation could be the key to unlocking considerable value in this endeavour, says professional services firm EY South Africa advisory... →

Photo by Duane Daws
WIM HOOGEDEURE It is easy to get lost in the idea of digital – companies need to be clear about the fundamental business problem they want to solve

Modular, mobile dry-type transformers ideal for Africa

25th August 2017 As mining projects move into ever more remote locations in Africa, modular and mobile energy solutions – such as dry-type transformers – are gaining popularity, says transformer supplier Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen. →

SAFER OPTION Dry-type transformers are completely flame-retardant and emissions free, using resin and vacuum-pressure impregnation to insulate windings and air as a cooling agent

Corporate and govt cooperation needed to drive energy stability

25th August 2017 There needs to be ongoing open dialogue between the corporate sector and government to ensure that energy supplies for mining projects are secured and stabilised timeously to take advantage of valuable economic opportunities in Africa, says Johannesburg-based consultancy Core Consultants founder... →

LARA SMITH Governments’ lead times for approving new power plants in African countries are often too long, resulting in a failure to realise the full potential of valuable mining projects

Incremental improvements now leading to energy efficiency

25th August 2017 Having reached an advanced stage, power generation technology development has slowed worldwide, with companies instead intensifying their focus on the cumulative energy savings that can be realised through intensive equipment modifications and the disciplined application of existing technologies,... →

LONG-TERM VALUE Zest WEG Group’s robust IE3 premium-efficiency motors are lowering operating costs through energy savings at mines throughout Africa

Mines realise commercial, social gains of off-grid power

25th August 2017 Mining companies in Africa are beginning to realise the full potential of standalone power solutions as they strive to improve operational efficiencies and meet the social obligations governing their ventures in emerging economies, says engineering consultant WSP Africa power director Dinesh Buldoo. →

Rental generators bridging solution for African mines

25th August 2017 Energy solutions provider Aksa Power Generation expects a high demand in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, for its new range of generators, as the mining industry begins to show signs of recovery and companies look to expand their operations in remote areas. →

READY TO GO Aksa’s new generator rental fleet is well stocked and designed to operate in harsh conditions, providing the ideal interim power solution for mines expanding in Africa

Telematics fleet management solutions guarantee increased profitability

18th August 2017 When fleet operators are suitably equipped, they are guaranteed to see an increase in profitability as a result of improved fuel consumption, driver behaviour and equipment use while ensuring the safety of their employees and security of their vehicles, says fleet management solutions provider... →

INFORMATION AT A GLANCE The MiX Journey Management tool presents all information relating to cargo’s journey in a clear and efficient manner to facilitate quicker decision-making

Attention to detail crucial for conveyor belts

18th August 2017 Stringent adherence to safety protocols and a fit-for-purpose design are important factors governing the successful use of conveyor belts to increase production rates in mining, say industrial rubber products manufacturer Dunlop Industrial Products product managers Paul Nel and Dave Pitcher. →

SAFETY FIRST It is imperative that a risk assessment be performed prior to working on conveyors and that all operators are educated on the learning points identified

Focus needed to maximise S Africa’s export potential

18th August 2017 The future of the South African materials handling sector will be impacted on significantly by sub-Saharan Africa development and the ability of South Africa to leverage its export capabilities on the subcontinent, says engineering consultant WSP Africa transport and infrastructure divisional... →

VISHAAL LUTCHMAN Business and government must align and work together to realise South Africa’s export potential

Comprehensive service support adds value to forklifts

18th August 2017 Industrial equipment supplier Smith Power Equipment (SPE) is ensuring that the value-add on its range of imported forklifts meets customer requirements while balancing performance and cost to help companies manage the economic challenges. →

FIT FOR PURPOSE Kipor forklifts were supplied to Icon Bricks with additional filtration systems to protect the engines from fine dust particles

Advanced wear technology stands to set new benchmark

18th August 2017 Following the successful introduction of its locally manufactured zirconia-enhanced alumina ceramic products for wear protection applications in South Africa, industrial lining and materials handling solutions provider Groupline Projects is exploring options to expand the availability of the... →

ENHANCED PROTECTION Zirconia-enhanced alumina offers superior mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and fracture toughness in wear linings protecting components such as inlet heads

Materials handling still a key focus for businesses

18th August 2017 Even in times of slow economic growth and uncertainty, business continues, with materials handling remaining a crucial operation for companies, especially those operating in the e-commerce, food and beverage and distribution sectors, says global internal logistics products and services supplier... →

ADDING VALUE Businesses are investing in upgrading existing materials handling equipment and eliminating problem areas to maximise efficiency

Modern materials handling systems support operational improvements

18th August 2017 With the Internet of Things driving large-scale automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, drive engineering company SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa national sales manager Norman Maleka believes that materials handling systems will become increasingly integral for improving... →

NORMAN MALEKA Technologies like SEW-EURODRIVE’s MOVITRANS are paving the way to the fully integrated and automated future of materials handling

Education and training imperative for modern supply chain management

18th August 2017 Increased automation in the South African manufacturing sector could aggravate the country’s unemployment rate if supply chain management education and skills training initiatives are not prioritised, says supply chain and logistics consultancy Industrial Logistic Systems (ILS) chairperson Martin... →

FUTURE-FOCUSED Companies are increasingly upgrading their manufacturing facilities to streamline operations and remove constraints through automation

Creative farming methods ensure sustainability

11th August 2017 Amid extreme weather, regulatory barriers and import competition, South African farmers need to think creatively about farming practices – not only to reduce costs but also preserve an environment that is struggling under the pressures of a growing global population, says agriculture... →

PLANT PROTECTION Haygrove’s multispan polytunnel structure provides a controlled environment for the aquaponic and hydroponic systems

Small farms an economical option in South Africa

11th August 2017 While many medium-sized farms have been unable to weather the challenges facing the South African agricultural industry and have consequently been absorbed by larger commercial farms, smaller farmers are proving that it is possible to generate a sustainable income from a modest operation through... →

MAXIMUM BENEFIT Hinomoto’s small-scale tractors ensure that farmland is used in the most efficient way possible, maximising yield sizes

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