Sascha Solomons

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Sascha Solomons

Sascha Solomons is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Gas-to-power programme to play significant role in power grid

26th August 2016 Although demand for power has decreased, owing to stagnation in the economy, meaning less demand from key industries such as mining and manufacturing, engineering and design firm WSP⎪Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa believes that the Gas-to-Power Programme (GTPP) has a substantial role to play in... →

LPG an affordable energy alternative

26th August 2016 While the cost of electricity continues to increase quite substantially, the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic use, which is regulated by the Department of Energy, and its efficiency, make it a viable alternative energy carrier, says the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety... →

DANGEROUS DYNAMIC Failing to maintain or refill gas cylinders correctly is illegal and could cause injuries

Risk assessment pivotal in fire prevention

19th August 2016 To achieve its aim of preventing business destruction caused by fire, Gauteng-based fire detection and suppression equipment solutions provider ASP Fire says that thorough analyses of businesses’ fire prevention points are needed. “ . . . to mitigate the risks of fire, it is important to complete... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PREVENTING FIRES Extinguishing fires before it starts is accomplished by proper analyses

Company emphasises importance of fire detection maintenance

19th August 2016 Although fire detection is generally seen as a grudge purchase and done only when it becomes a legal requirement, fire and electronic security solutions systems integrator FS-Systems points out that building owners have a moral obligation to ensure that all occupants of their facilities are kept... →

Correct fire system implementation could save businesses

19th August 2016 To minimise financial losses as a result of fire destruction, engineering and design firm WSP⎪Parsons Brinckerhoff states that organisations have the responsibility to develop and implement effective fire safety management plans. “One of the main challenges in the engineering industry is... →

FIRE-SAFETY STRATEGIES PROVIDED Fire-safety engineering might be the only viable way to achieve a satisfactory standard of fire safety in some large and complex buildings

Implementation of change in industry increases legitimacy

12th August 2016 Amid the challenges faced by the South African logistics industry, materials management and logistics consultancy Greiner Mendi MD Lars Greiner notes that logistics companies should consider change to mitigate inefficiencies in their operations. He comments that logistics has always been a highly... →

Manufacturing equipment locally proves to be beneficial

12th August 2016 Following two years of research and preparing for the local manufacturing of new innovative materials handling equipment, Pretoria-based materials handling company Wuhlf started manufacturing last month and has reached full production. Engineering News reported in January that the company would... →

QUALITY OUTCOME PREDICTED Inputs and outputs of the expected end product can be controlled

Fuel efficient equipment launched

12th August 2016 Following the launch of its fuel efficient robust Hyundai Robex R180LC-9S excavator in South Africa earlier this year, earthmoving equipment distributor and manufacturer High Power Equipment Africa (HPE Africa) plans to market the product, owing to its fuel efficiency in the local environment.... →

MEETING INDUSTRY DEMANDS The Hyundai Robex R180LC-9S excavator can generate bigger digging power in proportion to its working pressure and cylinder bore size

Freight networks boost industry development

12th August 2016 The biggest potential for growth in the materials handling industry lies in the bulk, or freight, rail networks, with a sizeable amount of the country’s planned investment in rail infrastructure projects aimed at maintaining it as the key global player it is, says engineering and design firm... →

VISHAAL LUTCHMAN The best training ground is the project itself and more projects mean more training and growth for technical talent

Company implements new logistics system

12th August 2016 Amid the challenges of cost transparency and inefficient vehicle use, food and beverages producer and distributor Pioneer Foods implemented solutions provider Resolve Solution Partners’ in-house transport management system PLATO at its plant. The PLATO system helps generate an optimised... →

Integrating supply chain systems the future of warehouse efficiency

12th August 2016 With warehousing and logistics becoming increasingly complex and fast-moving, resolving operating issues regarding materials handling, data capturing, order fulfilment and software technology have become business imperatives, asserts beverage company Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA). “As... →

Beatrix social and labour plan delivers R6.2m investment

29th July 2016 South African gold producer Sibanye Gold has funded, project managed and delivered a R6.2-million multipurpose hall to the Free State Department of Education (DoE), as part of its social and labour plan (SLP) agreements with the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman... →

Photo by Bloomberg
GOLD GIVES BACK The Beatrix mine's social and labour plan has delivered a school hall to the town of Theunissen

Gold alive and kicking, Brexit may boost projects activity

29th July 2016 Gold is a vibrant industry and remains a safe haven in times of economic turmoil, despite proposals over the years for the yellow metal to be commoditised, asserts worldwide minerals processing and metallurgical engineering products and services provider Mintek. “There is strong activity in the... →

Photo by Bloomberg
BOUNTIFUL BREXIT Two South African gold mining companies are expected to head for huge free cash bonanzas owing to Brexit

Damang, Tarkwa to receive major cash injection until 2027

29th July 2016 South African gold mining firm Gold Fields asserts that a planned $2.5-billion investment in its Tarkwa and Damang operations in Ghana, from now until 2027, will ensure the longer-term sustainability of these mines. Damang will absorb an estimated $500-million, of which a significant portion... →

Photo by Bloomberg
GREAT GOLD INVESTMENT Gold Fields will likely invest about $2-billion in its the Tarkwa mine – one of the largest openpit mines in Africa - over the next 11 years

Yaramoko commercial production to start in third quarter

29th July 2016 Gold mining company Roxgold expects its key asset, the high grade Yaramoko gold mine, located in the Houndé greenstone region of Burkina Faso, in West Africa, to reach commercial production in the third quarter of this year, as ramp-up activities continue to progress well. "We have poured over 14... →

MOMENTOUS MILESTONE Over 14 000 oz of gold was poured in the six weeks since production started at the Yaramoko gold mine

Nurtured skills to benefit engineering sector

22nd July 2016 Owing to there being a lack of welders, technicians and fitters, nonprofit organisation TEACH South Africa (TEACH) believes that nurturing pupils’ skills in mathematics, science and English in primary and secondary schools could significantly help to address the challenges in the engineering... →

TEACH SOUTH AFRICA To address challenges in the engineering sector

Computer-based training tool developed for process operators

22nd July 2016 Electrical engineering services provider Matra has developed a computer-based training (CBT) tool to demonstrate how multiple variables affecting one another can be applied to any process in the chemicals and pulp and paper industries. Matra sole proprietor David Leigh highlights that the... →

COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING Is beneficial because expert knowledge of process engineers can be encapsulated in graphic format

Mentoring entrepreneurs produces sustainable businesses

22nd July 2016 Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand a better chance of success if large businesses share their skills and expertise with SMEs, says global consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G). “We have often heard . . . that the innate creativity and enthusiasm of South Africans means that... →

Training courses improve engineering skills, businesses and future stability

22nd July 2016 South African Energy and Water Skills Education Training Authority-accredited training provider Terra Firma Academy believes that South Africa’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and its intention to provide a sustainable energy and water supply can be supported through appropriate short... →

Photo by Duane Daws
SHORT COURSES Offer engineers quick and intense training sessions on specific topics

Improved Stem curriculum can benefit engineering sector

22nd July 2016 A nationwide need for improved curriculum delivery in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) education in primary and secondary schools, which skills and enterprise development organisation ORT South Africa (ORT SA) has responded to, will see more pupils studying... →

Developing existing skills to benefit businesses

22nd July 2016 To upskill professionals with degrees in the engineering industry and natural sciences, the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) has added an expert level course in Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) to its range of offerings that already includes Energy... →

Rapid transformation required to avoid revised Mining Charter risks

15th July 2016 Companies in the mining sector will need to respond quickly to avoid the risks resulting from the impact of the revised Mining Charter on South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) Codes of Good Practice. Therefore, they will need not only the services of black... →

Photo by Bloomberg
EXPRESS CHANGE CRITICAL Conventional management consultants should implement sound business architecture methods to facilitate rapid business transformation

Working towards improving confidence in black-owned businesses

15th July 2016 Black-owned companies servicing the mining industry are faced with challenges owing to the demand created for their services by the existing Mining Charter, which stipulates the need for black empowerment of emerging companies servicing the sector, says materials handling and hauling expert... →

Photo by Duane Daws
FIKILE MASHININI Mining houses have little trust in 100%-black-owned companies, which is influenced by South Africa’s political background

Fear strangling transformation, but BEE aids specialist’s growth

15th July 2016 Black economic-empowerment (BEE) transformation in South Africa is not as successful as it could be, as BEE engagement is challenged by previously advantaged individuals not understanding the benefits of growth driven transformation, including the transfer of skills to the previously... →

Photo by Duane Daws
EMBRACING BEE ENGAGEMENT Part Solutions Interactive’s restructuring includes substantial black ownership at holdings, subsidiary and associate levels

Plant-based packaging gains popularity

1st July 2016 Food processing and packaging solutions provider Tetra Pak produced the world’s first package made entirely from plant materials, the Tetra Rex Bio-based, using a combination of Forest Stewardship Council-certified paperboard and certified bio-plastics materials. The company is expected to... →

TETRA REX BIO-BASED PACKAGES The first fully renewable carton made entirely from plant materials

Technology redefines warehousing

1st July 2016 With labelling and barcoding being critical elements of the packaging process, companies are increasingly exploring innovative technology to unlock economies of scale and the potential of space, says beverage manufacturer and distributor ABI Bottling. “The process of getting one’s product to... →

Photo by Duane Daws
A SYSTEMS APPROACH Allows accurate real-time reporting on various activities, increasing the workflow capacity of warehouses while reducing costs

Company’s new design opens more doors for pipe manufacturers

24th June 2016 Amid government spend on big water projects and the ongoing, urgent need for water infrastructure development, pipes manufacturer DPI Plastics’ latest addition to its existing 630-mm-diameter range, the new 630 Class 16 modified polyvinyl chloride (mPVC) pipe, has enabled the company to make... →

Ensuring relevancy by remaining competitive

24th June 2016 Apart from being heavily committed to educating various industries on the benefits of using high-quality branded and approved products, engineering supplies specialist Incledon also strives to remain abreast of the latest trends and developments in the industry by remaining competitive. Incledon... →

LEADING EDGE Represents the top brands, the longevity of the company, and the active role it assumes in the industry

No-dig pipeline renovations an efficient alternative

24th June 2016 Needle punch products manufacturer Fibertex asserts that the Fibertex KAVI felts, which is a textile that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing fibres together, has numerous advantages over conventional open trench pipe repair procedures. Fibertex South Africa business development... →

FIBERTEX KAVI FELTS Manufactured from polyester fibres, which form the basis for effective coating, and installation of cured-in-place pipe

Innovative technology boosts productivity and job site safety

24th June 2016 Mechanical pipe manufacturer Victaulic has introduced the FireLock Installation-Ready Fittings system to the pipe and fire protection industry, which reduces installation time and job site inventory, boosting productivity and safety. Victaulic Africa regional manager Barry van Jaarsveld asserts... →

FIRELOCK INSTALLATION-READY Reduces installation time and job site inventory, boosting productivity and safety

Impeller redesign improves efficiency

10th June 2016 Pumps manufacturing company Walter Meano Engineering has improved the efficiency of its VersaFlo vertical spindle electric (VSE) 100 pump by redesigning the solution’s 30-year-old impeller. The VSE pump is used at mines in Africa to pump water and now offers customers enhanced pumping... →

EFFICIENT PUMP SERVICES Using a standard impeller across a range of pumps results in low efficiency; it is important that each model’s impeller is enhanced

South African pumps enter Israeli market

10th June 2016 Centurion-based slurry pumping solutions provider Hazleton Pumps has entered another market, supplying an Israeli company with its locally manufactured Hippo pumps range, which is designed to meet the needs of projects worldwide. Hazleton Pumps CEO Thys Wehmeyer highlights that the family-owned... →

ROSSING URANIUM MINE The Hippo duplex stainless steel vertical slurry submersible pump used at the Rössing uranium mine, in Namibia

Upgrading, broadening industry services to facilitate growth

10th June 2016 With better prospects for the pumps industry, owing to the favourable exchange rate, the Southern African Pump Systems Development Association (Sapsda) is encouraging its members to take advantage of export opportunities during this time, Sapsda treasurer Holly Smith emphasises. “There are vast... →

COMBINED STRENGTH Sapsda training courses combine the expertise of individuals working in the pumps industry

Improving froth pumping solution

10th June 2016 Specialist slurry equipment solutions provider Weir Minerals is introducing the next- generation WARMAN horizontal froth pump, which features a continuous air removal system that can be applied to the company’s froth pumps already in the market. This is in line with Weir Minerals’ focus on... →

RUI GOMES Being able to develop and implement changes to produce greater efficiency is important in the pumps industry

Australian pumps for harsh environments introduced into South Africa

10th June 2016 There is a dire need in South Africa for a pump rental company that understands the specific needs of the end-user; therefore, pump rental company Integrated Pump Rental aims to ensure that it continues to introduce fit-for-purpose pumps and products that will meet the changing needs of the... →

MAINTENANCE MATTERS Maintenance and repairing equipment is as important as supplying efficient pumping solutions

Recertification still limiting industry growth

10th June 2016 Centurion-based slurry pumping solutions provider Hazleton Pumps notes that the South African pumps industry continues to be hampered, losing out on export opportunities, owing to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) certification still not being internationally recognised. “The matter of... →

Glass recycling adds overall value increase

3rd June 2016 Extending the focus of glass recycling adds value to consumers, communities, the industry and corporate South Africa, asserts glass recycling organisation The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC). “Glass is still one of the most preferred packaging forms amongst brand owners, especially among the more... →

SHABEER JHETAM The glass industry presents a platform for constant potential growth

Contractor finds value in gold mine dumps

20th May 2016 Although tailings retreatment is not new to South Africa, the country’s mine dumps, especially those of the gold mining sector, still hold immeasurable value that could increase the profitability of mining projects for clients and contractors, says materials handling and hauling expert Ncamiso... →

Photo by Duane Daws
FIKILE MASHININI Ncamiso Mining's outsourcing services facilitate job creation and the eradication of illegal miners in some of the communities in which it operates

Greater demand for outsourced service providers possible

20th May 2016 Mining projects in South Africa have been placed on hold, owing to the current commodities oversupply and price slump, as well as the shortage of funding for projects, but the concern is whether South Africa will be able to ramp up production when the industry recovers, states specialist... →

BRIDGING THE GAP Mining companies operating in South Africa might employ contractors to fill skills gaps once business conditions improve

Contract mining offers edge in depressed market

20th May 2016 Historically, mining was a highly protected industry and had a low propensity for outsourcing, but more operations are being outsourced across Africa, says global consultant and adviser Deloitte. This is owing to mines not having access to robust mining systems and processes, expertise and the... →

MAHENDRA DEDASANIYA There is a direct correlation between the market size of contract mining and the commodities cycle/prices and investment patterns in capital projects

Consulting firm calls for privatisation of power utility

13th May 2016 State-owned power utility Eskom needs to be operated more like a private-sector business by people who have knowledge of the energy sector, experience in bureaucratic processes, business acumen and political influence, says global growth consulting firm Frost and Sullivan. “Bringing politics... →

JOHAN MULLER Privatisation of power utility will allow Eskom to have more flexibility to focus on other arears of the power value chain

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