Nica Schreuder

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Nica Schreuder

Nica Schreder is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Welding key in driving economic growth

15th September 2017 Welding has been dubbed the “miracle career” by Johannesburg-based training institute, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW), owing to the number of opportunities associated with it. Manufacturing is essential for economic growth and with welding forming a significant part of... →

Lighting equipment eliminates glare

1st September 2017 Lighting plays an important role in mining, as it is vital to be visually aware of potential mine and machinery-related safety hazards, as well as to allow for accommodating working conditions in the dark. →

ZERO GLARE A lack of industry standards in mining lighting led to the development of Hella Minings Zero Glare optical system

Opportune time to invest in Botswana

1st September 2017 The subdued global mining industry, owing to depressed commodity prices, has prompted Botswana to find alternative economic growth areas in other sectors of the country’s economy, simultaneously providing a prime investment opportunity, says Botswana Chamber of Mines (CoM) CEO Charles Siwawa.... →

CHARLES SIWAWA Economic diversification will strengthen Botswana’s economy and prepare it for future challenges

Botswana event provides notable sales platform

1st September 2017 Spurred by the Electra Mining Botswana conference and exhibition’s growing popularity, bulk materials handling solutions company Martin Engineering will exhibit at the event for the first time, says marketing leader Fran van der Berg. Electra Mining Botswana will be held at the Gaborone... →

CLEANSCRAPE DIFFERENCE Unlike conventional cleaners mounted perpendicular to belt travel, the CleanScrape design addresses the belt diagonally

Heavy industries equipment supplier adapts to stay relevant

1st September 2017 Botswana’s decision to diversify its economy away from diamond mining towards coal resources and base metal beneficiation should prompt businesses to adapt to service the changing needs of the market to remain relevant, emphasises global supplier and manufacturer of special mobile equipment for... →

HEAVY DUTY Hencon Vactech’s under belt cleaning vehicle offers efficient solutions for spillage cleaning and high-value material recovery

Show expected to achieve further growth

1st September 2017 The number of exhibitors and visitors taking part in the Electra Mining Botswana exhibition and conference, since its inception in 2013, has increased by 17% and 8% respectively, with this years’ event expected to attract further key industry players in the mining, industrial and power generation... →

PROMISING PODIUM Electra Mining Botswana is said to be fast becoming a major mining exhibition and networking platform

Technology to aid fleet management

25th August 2017 South Africa-based, international information technology and communications provider T-Systems says technological improvements in sensors, software and management solutions indicate that commercial vehicle owners, such as fleet management and logistics organisations using trucks and bakkies, can... →

DERESHIN PILLAY The influence of technology on fleet management is important for industry growth and consumer satisfaction

Platinum company advancing women

25th August 2017 Platinum mining and marketing company Impala Platinum’s (Implats’) programmes and initiatives to advance women in mining have received good participation, with the company reporting that women comprise 11% of its workforce. Implats, which has five main operations in South Africa’s Bushveld... →

Mining to continue to support valves industry

11th August 2017 Mining will remain the primary long-term source of revenue for the valves industry on the African continent, says valves and actuator technology manufacturer and supplier AR Controls director Julien Van Niekerk. He is confident that, with the cyclical nature of commodities, prices will improve... →

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND Commodity prices are expected to improve and give rise to a massive mineral-processing plant expansion across Africa

Local valves company employs competitive strategy

11th August 2017 Over the past two years, the African valves market has experienced trying conditions when dealing with the mining industry; however, the business environment is now slowly recovering as a result of improved commodity prices, South African valves industry manufacturer AR Controls director Julien... →

PRODUCTIVE PLAN AR Controls has broadened its product and services offering, and thereby gained entry into niche industries

Growth aids new sales platform

11th August 2017 There is cautious optimism worldwide in the future demand for valves, owing to investment in major industries, such as, besides others, mining and oil and gas, as well as related infrastructure, which has prompted growth in the valves industry this year. Industry players are hoping that this... →

COMPLEXITY Despite the sophisticated nature of valves, ValveConnect emphasises that they are still commodity items accessible through an online platform

Mentors ease entry

4th August 2017 Finding a mentor who has extensive experience in the industry is one way of mitigating challenges facing women in the mining industry, says multinational mining company Anglo American production section shift supervisor Prianka Padayachee. Women in mining face many challenges in a traditionally... →

PRIANKA PADAYACHEE The mining graduate is advocating for female mentors to ease the challenges faced by women in mining

Service provider encourages development

4th August 2017 Hard work, practical experience and knowing the industry are key factors needed to succeed as a woman in the mining sector, 24-year-old workshop technician at specialist safety and monitoring solutions provider Monitech Zukiswa Mkhulisi tells Mining Weekly. “Do well and prove your worth. It is... →

ZUKISWA MKHULISI The 24-year old has had a very different experience to most women in the mining industry, having received support and acknowledgement for her achievements

Women need to put change in motion

4th August 2017 To change the attitudes towards women working in the mining industry, women need to abandon their ‘victim’ mentality to affect empowerment, says Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) president-elect Sehliselo Ndlovu. “Women need to understand the company culture and the... →

DAPHNE KNOSI One of the proactive women in mining showing young women that a career in mining is a viable option

Employee diversity fosters innovation, creativity

4th August 2017 Global engineering consultancy Aurecon geotechnical engineer Dr Gabrielle Wojtowitz advocates for cross-gender, -cultural and -border teams in the workplace, as this stimulates diverse thinking and creativity. Within her role at Aurecon, Wojtowitz works within the built environment space as well... →

GABRIELLE WOJTOWITZ Aurecon is exposing young women to the subjects of science, technology, economics and mathematics to increase the number of women in the mining industry

Role models essential for women in mining

4th August 2017 When multinational mining company Anglo American mine overseer Lorraine Nndwambi first entered the mining industry 2013, female mentors were scarce. This made acclimatising to the working environment in the mining industry more of a challenge and made it difficult for her to determine “how to... →

AUTHORITY FIGURE Assertiveness may sometimes be perceived as being arrogant, especially when a female has to show authority

Gas industry will provide foreign investment opportunity

28th July 2017 From a fuel and foreign investment perspective, growing a gas industry is a major direct foreign investment opportunity for South Africa, says engineering consultancy WSP Africa power generation director Wayne Lindecke. He adds that the gas-to-power programme (GPP) is a catalyst to significantly... →

Shale gas still a power resource option

28th July 2017 Global leading engineering, consulting and construction company Black & Veatch sub-Saharan Africa business development director Webb Meko says successful exploration for shale gas could make up for South Africa’s lack of natural gas as a power resource. “Concerns about the possible detrimental... →

Photo by Reuters
PICTURESQUE POTENTIAL A large amount of untapped shale gas in the Karoo basin provides both opportunities and challenges for South Africa’s gas economy

Gas-to-power a more favourable alternative energy source

28th July 2017 The nuclear procurement programme was rejected in the High Court earlier this year and opens the way for greater advocacy around the gas-to-power programme, says oil and gas specialist Lizel Oberholzer. “The focus on nuclear energy generation has come at the cost of the development of other... →

LIZEL OBERHOLZER The importation of LNG remains the biggest opportunity for growth in the gas sector, says Oberholzer

Coega IDZ preferred location for the gas to power programme

28th July 2017 The Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has initiated an environmental impact study for South Africa’s gas-to-power programme, and has strategically explored the IDZ’s full potential beyond its gas power plant’s current allocation of 1 000 MW. “The foundation of South Africa’s readiness... →

Photo by Duane Daws
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The construction and operation phases to accommodate a gas economy in South Africa will provide job opportunities and economic growth

Investment in gas economy tough if risk exceeds appetite

28th July 2017 Gas infrastructure for electricity generation requires key investors to get involved in this capital-intensive endeavour but if the perception among investors is that of risk exceeding reward, investment is unlikely to emerge, says oil and gas equipment supplier Energas Technologies project... →

HEATER SKID Energas technologies’s heater skid contains a thyristor controller, which monitors gas temeperature at the outlet of the control valve

Gas beneficial in diversifying energy mix

28th July 2017 Gas can be used to supplement the variable nature of renewables, thereby adding to a steadily diversifying energy mix in South Africa, says advisory firm KPMG South Africa energy economist Requier Wait. Variable renewable energy (VRE) is nondispatchable, owing to the fluctuating nature of, for... →

Photo by Duane Daws
VARIABLE ENERGY Using gas as an energy source could assist in balancing out the variable nature of renewables such as wind and solar power

Computational fluid dynamic simulation in steam and power generation plants

21st July 2017 Numerical modelling of bulk processes using computer-based models provides a quicker and more beneficial method than manual calculations for complex steam generation systems →

Accelerating growth of services in Africa

14th July 2017 Mining services company Fraser Alexander is focused on expanding its presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, both prime locations of high-grade copper deposits. With more than a century of experience, the company has been expanding into most gold- and copper-producing... →

CONTRACTS CAPTURED In the past eight months, Fraser Alexander has secured two new hydraulic mining contracts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and one tailings deposition contract in Zambia

Burundi rare earths project on track for first production

14th July 2017 Rare-earth element mining company Rainbow Rare Earths says it has made significant progress towards achieving first production at its Gakara rare earths project in Burundi, East Africa, with about $6-million has been invested in the project to date. Bolstered by Rainbow’s completion of an... →

MAIN VEIN Rainbow Rare Earths is focused on exposing Gasagwe’s main vein, at the Gakara project’s initial mining site

Greater demand for rope access

14th July 2017 Inspection and maintenance work is increasing for rope-access technicians across the African mining industry, says industrial rope-access solutions company Skyriders, which boasts a zero-fatality rate. Maintenance and inspection budgets are under strain due to the current tough economic... →

EFFECTIVE INSPECTION Inspections carried out by means of rope access offer a safer, more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional inspection methods

Industrial gear gaining traction across Africa

14th July 2017 The X Series is quickly establishing a footprint in Africa, as it is the preferred industrial gear unit specified by drive engineering specialist SEW-Eurodrive for the mining industry, says the company. SEW-Eurodrive head of projects Rudi Swanepoel notes that the completion of a project for a... →

Golden prospects following exploration in Mali and Senegal

14th July 2017 Privately owned UK-based gold exploration company Cora Gold believes there is strong potential to ultimately increase the scale of the discovery at the Sanankoro project to a size suitable for consideration as a standalone gold mine hence the project being the primary focus of the company’s... →

SANANKORO ARTISINAL MINING Cora Gold’s Sanankoro project is currently its primary focus, and it anticipate further discovery to yield over one-million ounces of in-situ gold

Pockets of potential bode well for future

14th July 2017 The expected turning point in the African mining sector has not yet occurred, owing to continued soft economic growth in emerging economies allied to uneven global economic recoveries, divergent monetary policies and significant geopolitical/social issues, which continue to create further... →

PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY The boiler emission abatement plant at platinum miner Impala Platinum’s refinery, in Springs is believed to be the first of its kind in Africa

Africa remains tough but attractive mining destination

13th July 2017 Despite potential risk factors associated with mining in Africa, mining services provider Fraser Alexander executive business development head Ken Bouch says the rewards make it worth investing in the mineral-rich continent. →

RISING DEMAND The hydraulic mining, or hydro mining, of old tailings dams is on an accelerated growth path

Locally produced engineering steel declining

7th July 2017 It has become cheaper to import finished products manufactured overseas than to manufacture engineering steel in the country, which has resulted in more than half the country’s foundries closing down, laments specialised steel and industry expertise company Special Steels MD Byron Ferguson. He... →

HIGH PROFILE Hydraulic cyclinder components being cut from a 300 mm carbon steel plate at Special Steels

Steel remains invaluable commodity, despite decline

7th July 2017 Despite the decrease in demand in the local steel industry, the industry remains invaluable to South Africa’s economy, says local provider of high-quality global electrical, automation, mechanical, consumable and capital equipment products, Elquip Solutions MD Mike Cronin. He explains that steel... →

DYNAMIC AUTOMATION Tooling and machinery company Elquip Solutions’ dynamic bandsaw, the Behringer HBE 312

Tight market conditions put demand for LSFB under pressure

7th July 2017 The light steel frame building (LSFB) industry is experiencing the same hardship as the building and construction industry. According to Statistics South Africa, the area of buildings completed during 2016, excluding additions and alterations, matched that of 2015, meaning that no growth was... →

A 12-storey office block in Summit Place, Pretoria. The building’s external façade consists of light steel frame

Automation pivotal to steel industry’s future

7th July 2017 Owing to its customers requiring cost-effective, faster and better solutions, capital equipment manufacturer First Cut MD Andrew Poole says automation coupled with innovation is pivotal to the future of companies in the local steel industry. The prospect of automation threatening the livelihood... →

Indaba critical for policy engagement

23rd June 2017 With the policy environment changing as a result of global and local competition, consulting firm Cova Advisory believes that this year’s Manufacturing Indaba can play a significant role to assist industry in staying abreast of the changes. Cova Advisory has been a sponsor of the Manufacturing... →

CONVERSATION STARTER The fourth annual Manufacturing Indaba is an important platform for debate and discussion to grow South Africa’s manufacturing industry

R&D incentives pivotal for sector growth

23rd June 2017 The direct correlation between successful economies and their investment into research and development (R&D), is the reason consultancy firm Cova Advisory joint MD Duane Newman says it is important that local manufacturing sector and government continue to engage in the R&D incentives made... →

Photo by Paulo Jorge Photograpy
DUANE NEWMAN Cova Advisory joint managing director and co-founder is a respected sustainability strategy and business consultant, with an expertise in grants, incentives and tax in the green economy

Indaba to focus on emerging sector developments

23rd June 2017 With the 2017 Manufacturing Indaba’s focus being on the development of emerging manufacturers, event organisers Siyenza Management MD Liz Hart says the event will continue to provide new and innovative content as well as showcase the latest in local and global trends in manufacturing. She notes... →

Photo by Cumulus
DEBATE FOR CHANGE Department of Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies and paper and plastic packaging business Mpact Limited CEO Bruce Strong participate in a panel discussion at the Manufacturing Indaba

Revolution draws mixed reaction from industry

23rd June 2017 Although the fourth industrial revolution is set to disrupt almost every industry globally by transforming production, management systems and governance, Department of Science and Technology advanced manufacturing technologies acting director Sechaba Tsubella says for the manufacturing industry,... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MANUAL SACRIFICE The fourth industrial revolution will disrupt labour practices in the manufacturing industry

Initiative addresses barriers to expand aerospace manufacturing

23rd June 2017 The aerospace industry has, among others, two important international players – Airbus and Boeing. This applies to local aerospace as well as international aerospace manufacturing industries, all competing to be part of the global supply chain. Aerospace manufacturing in South Africa is dependent... →

TO INFINITY European aircraft manufacturer Airbus plays an important role in the world’s aerospace manufacturing industry

Lighting solutions company adapts to changing technology

23rd June 2017 Leading lighting solutions company Beka Schrèder is succeeding in adapting to rapidly changing lighting technology, in its manufacturing process, while maintaining focus on cost benefits for consumers. Beka Schrèder product development manager Daniel Kasper says the company prioritises cost... →

Caption: HIGHMAST LIGHTING Beka Schrèder completed a highmast lighting project on the N3 national route connecting Johannesburg and Durban

Expansion ensures greater manufacturing capability for Hydra-Arc

23rd June 2017 Steel fabricator Hydra-Arc has recently expanded its machining capability allowing them to take on work previously done by international manufacturing and engineering companies. Founded in 1987 by Jose Maciel, Hydra-Arc has grown from a supplier of specialised welders into a leading refinery... →

BEACON OF HOPE Mshiniwami trainees do practical training by assisting with the less complex welds on Hydra- Arc’s water tank projects, helping water-scarce rural communities

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