Nadine Ramdass

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Nadine Ramdass

Nadine Ramdass is a Creamer Media Senior Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Resilience pays off when mining in Africa

12th July 2024 While the African mining industry faces several challenges, the potential rewards of investing in the continent are significant, with companies willing to navigate the complexities of the region for the opportunity to unlock vast resources and drive substantial economic growth, according to North... →

NDT testing expert launches vendor inspection services

5th July 2024 Non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection provider DEKRA Industrial South Africa (SA) has launched local vendor inspection and expediting services, leveraging its global vendor inspection network and NDT and inspection expertise, to service various industries, including power generation,... →

TAILORED SERVICES DEKRA Industrial's vendor inspection and expediting services can be customised according to business, and industry, requirements

Companies face compliance hurdles

5th July 2024 Despite various efforts to align South African standards with international standards to facilitate trade and international collaboration, challenges such as lack of compliance and enforcement, and an inability to keep pace with technological advancements persist, says consultancy firm World Wide... →

INTEGRATING STANDARDS Companies typically integrate industry standards through a combination of internal policies, regular audits and management systems

Skills refocus required for green hydrogen development

28th June 2024 To address persistent mismatches between technical and vocational skills, and industry requirements, and meet future skills requirements for South Africa’s local green hydrogen economy, the industry needs to integrate “skills foresight approaches” throughout the skills development system,... →

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE Forward thinking approaches to skills development need to be integrated to ensure the future hydrogen sector has the skills needed to support it

Miner champions local business, youth employment

14th June 2024 Amid a challenging economic landscape marked by scarce job opportunities, platinum group metals (PGM) mining company Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) remains committed to fostering local business growth and opening employment avenues for its host communities. “The primary challenge in... →

BIGGER PICTURE Implats' school support programme at Impala Rustenburg assists 19 primary and 12 high schools

Youth empowered through manufacturer’s YES commitment

14th June 2024 Automotive manufacturer BMW Group South Africa onboarded its 2024 cohort at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Training Academy on May 7, marking its ongoing commitment to the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment. During the event, BMW Group South... →

ONGOING COMMITMENT BMW Group CEO Peter van Binsbergen reaffirmed his commitment to the YES Initiative during the onboarding event for the 2024 YES Programme students

Enhanced steel grade meets demanding needs

7th June 2024 Stainless steel producer Columbus Stainless, based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, has improved on the “workhorse” 3CR12 utility steel by adding the high-strength 3CR12HP400 version to meet the requirements of demanding applications. 3CR12HP400 offers the necessary corrosion resistance, along with the... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
WIDE VARIETY Columbus offers a variety of stainless steels that can handle various environments, including the temper rolled 301L grade

Cost-effective corrosion technology excels in harsh climates

7th June 2024 Corrosion control specialist Cortec’s migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCIs) technology offers a cost-effective solution to extend structural service life in high-temperature areas, such as those in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, says Cortec public relations manager Ana Juraga. The high... →

REINFORCED FROM WITHIN MCI technology protects structures from corrosion including increased activity in coastal areas, salt-laden air, chloride presence or high water tables

Specialist expands in sub-Saharan Africa

31st May 2024 Following its acquisition of chain solutions manufacturer IWIS Drive Systems South Africa in November last year, industrial supplies specialist Bearings 2000 (B2K) has become the exclusive distributor of IWIS in sub-Saharan Africa, bringing IWIS brands, including Elite, Flexon and Jwis, to B2K’s... →

NEW OPPORTUNITIES B2K MD Ross Trevelya and IWIS Drive Systems Germany CEO Dr Frank Mitzschke signed the IWIS distribution agreement in Germiston during February

Operations resume at coal mine

24th May 2024 Coal mining and trading company Minergy Coal has resumed production at its Masama coal mine, in the Mmamabula West coalfield of southern Botswana, after successfully entering a mining contract with a new end-to-end services mining contractor, Meropa Resources – a consortium of four Botswana... →

BACK ON TRACK Masama Coal Mine has resumed production following an unplanned shutdown in March 2023

Diamond miner progresses move to underground

24th May 2024 Ahead of its fifty-fifth anniversary, Botswana-based diamond miner Debswana Diamond Company is undertaking an expansion project at its flagship Jwaneng mine, in the south-central part of Botswana, to extend its life-of-mine and generate new value for shareholders, says Debswana deputy MD... →

MOVING BELOW GROUND Debswana Diamond Company is undertaking an expansion project at its Jwaneng mine to extend the mine's life

Committed to strategic growth goals amid industry challenges

24th May 2024 Despite encountering various challenges – including commodity price volatility closely linked to global economic conditions and supply chain dynamics – metallurgy and process engineering company Multotec Botswana remains committed to pursuing strategic growth and expanding its reach in the... →

RELIABLE SUPPORT Multotec Botswana offers clients dedicated support, ensuring a smooth delivery process for products and equipment

Virtual training key to cost-effective skills development

10th May 2024 The mining industry is increasingly turning to virtual reality (VR) training to equip employees with essential skills in a simulated environment that mimics real-life conditions while reducing risks, reports consultancy firm World Wide Industrial and Systems Engineers MD Muhammad Ali. VR training... →

MUHAMMAD ALI Companies can achieve additional cost savings through integrating virtual reality training

Hosted learnerships allow for collaborative skills development

10th May 2024 Hosted learnerships play a crucial role in addressing the skills gap in the mining sector, particularly in areas with high unemployment rates, by upskilling local talent, providing additional workforce and offering employment opportunities outside the sector, says training services provider... →

CULTIVATING TALENT Hosted learnerships enable a three-way collaboration approach to skills development, ensuring various businesses can play their part in cultivating talent

Access to farming equipment boosts mechanisation

3rd May 2024 Agricultural technology company Hello Tractor, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, aims to improve small-scale farming practices through its app Hello Tractor, which facilitates increased access to farming equipment. With a core focus on improving African agriculture through... →

FARM MECHANISATION Farm equipment can supplement the need for physical labour, minimising the impact of labour shortages on small-scale farms

Job, cybersecurity concerns cloud 4IR transition

26th April 2024 While mining companies are exploring the integration of data analytics and other artificial intelligence (AI) systems into their operations, job-loss concerns, compounded by cybersecurity concerns, cloud the cost-effectiveness and optimisation benefits of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)... →

FOCUSING ON POSITIVES Artificial intelligence can improve the efficiency of a mine and reduce corruption

Enhancing efficiency

26th April 2024 Software solutions provider GEOVIA, a brand of software company Dassault Systèmes, has introduced two new roles to its portfolio, which facilitate improved collaboration, and fast-track work processes to ensure increased efficiency across departments. The two new roles comprise the GEOVIA... →

STRATEGIC MINE PLANNER ROLE The role can create an optimised and robust mining schedule that prioritises value and ecological responsibility

Scanner finds copper-rich mineralisation

26th April 2024 Mining technology provider Veracio’s TruScan core scanning system has facilitated the generation of geological insights instrumental to discovering diversified explorer and developer Foran Mining’s Bridge target zone, which is adjacent to Foran’s McIlvenna Bay copper development project, in the... →

DEEPER INSIGHT The TruScan system integrates various sensors to collect real-time, high-resolution geochemical data

Concurrent rehabilitation improves community relations

19th April 2024 Midtier gold miner Pan African Resources’ concurrent rehabilitation at its Mogale tailings retreatment (MTR) project, located at the Mintails site, near Mogale City in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, is taking the steps required to repair relations with community stakeholders while ensuring value for the... →

HIGH VOLUMES Pan African's operations process up to 900 000 tonnes of material a month to ensure profitability

Fibre optic cables improve monitoring, safety

19th April 2024 Innovative applications of fibre optic cable technology can provide a proactive solution to detect potential tailings storage facility (TSF) risks and improve protection of the associated environment, thereby vastly improving monitoring solutions, reports test and measurement solutions specialist... →

STEWART CHAPERON Fibre optic cable technology provides a proactive solution to detect potential TSF risks and improve protection of the associated environment

Tailings equipment security, integrity spotlighted

19th April 2024 The industries involved in tailings retreatment and the rehabilitation of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are increasingly moving towards more sustainable and socially responsible practices, which are driven by technological innovation, says installation and monitoring of instrumentation... →

MAINTENANCE MATTERS Maintenance at regular intervals can assist in prolonging equipment lifespan

Agreement extends stainless steel reach

5th April 2024 Austenitic stainless steels specialist N’GENIUS Materials Technology has reached an agreement with UK-based stainless steel manufacturer Project Pipeline Supply (PPS) to sell and distribute pipeline and piping packages with products made from the N’GENIUS Series of high-strength austenitic... →

COVETED SPECS The N’GENIUS 316LM4N grade boasts significantly higher minimum yield and tensile strengths

Drone potential hindered by regulatory hurdles, lack of funding

29th March 2024 While the South African drone manufacturing sector could increase its participation in the international market, regulatory hurdles, as well as a lack of funding and government support, are some of the challenges hindering market growth. South Africa has relatively positive geopolitical... →

READY TO LAUNCH South Africa boasts a talented drone manufacturing industry that is impeded by lack of support

Regulations need to adapt to evolving industry – drone specialist

29th March 2024 A collaborative approach between industry authority the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and drone operators is critical in further easing regulations for new and existing drone operators while achieving airspace safety, says drone-based services specialist RocketDNA quality... →

TAKING FLIGHT Drone pilot training can range from two to three weeks, based on a trainee’s capabilities

Zimbabwean gas project spurs regional interest

22nd March 2024 Following the discovery of the Mukuyu gas field in the Cabora Bassa basin, in northern Zimbabwe, oil and gas explorer Invictus Energy is confident further discoveries will be made in the basin. The company aims to tap into the growing demand for energy in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries, and... →

PROJECT GASSED UP Invictus Energy has made two discoveries of gas in the Cabora Bassa basin of Zimbabwe

Gas industry undergoes shift amid depleting supply

22nd March 2024 The South African gas industry is experiencing pressure as gas supply from energy company Sasol’s Pande and Temane gas fields, in Mozambique, is expected to decline from 2026, while liquified natural gas (LNG) might be too expensive for the local market given international pricing and demand,... →

CHANGING LANDSCAPE Liquid natural gas imports through Matola in Mozambique and connecting to the ROMPCO pipeline remains the most viable option to replace current gas supplies in mid-2026

Environmental concerns cloud mineral sands mining

8th March 2024 With the mineral sands mining industry continuing to grow in South Africa, noncompliance with environmental regulations could become significantly costly for the environment and mining companies. Addressing these concerns requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to ensure sustainable... →

TRUE COST The potential risk of irreversible damage because of mining operations must be weighed against commercial interests

Low demand threatens sustainability

1st March 2024 The South African steel sector is facing significant challenges, primarily because of oversupply, in addition to very little demand, coupled with economic constraints. Resolving these issues requires strategic alignment among steel mills, downstream merchants and policymakers to optimise... →

SPARKING GROWTH A stable, supportive business environment is essential for the long-term viability of the steel sector

Customs increase aims to level out steel products field

1st March 2024 Industry association Southern Africa Coil Coaters Association (SACCA) has applied for an increase in the general rate of customs duty on certain coated or plated flat-rolled steel. The proposed increase, from duty free to the World Trade Organisation-bound rate of 10% ad valorem, has gained... →

LEVEL FIELD The proposed tariff increase aims to eliminate loopholes exploited and enhance the competitive position of domestic manufacturers

Association remains steadfast amid challenging conditions

1st March 2024 On the back of the energy crisis and poor economic growth, steel consumption has decreased, resulting in the steel and steel-related industries contracting over the past decade. Despite these challenges, industry association Hot Dip Galvanizers Association Southern Africa (HDGASA) remains... →

MEETING NEEDS HDGASA offers an array of training programmes tailored to industry needs

Ringrollers brings its expertise to new sectors

1st March 2024 Leading steel products manufacturer Naledi Ringrollers has, for more than 50 years, been committed to high-quality standards and is making significant strides in the railway, general engineering, automotive and petrochemical industries. Through increased production capacity, Ringrollers has... →

Equity facility to facilitate innovation

23rd February 2024 The newly launched Defence Equity Facility (DEF) aims to bolster private equity and venture capital funds in European companies that are developing innovative technologies with dual-use components, within the European Union (EU), over the next four years. The facility was launched by financial... →

Photo by Oscar Romero
BUILDING BLOCKS The Defence Equity Facility is the first step in improving access to finance for the defence sector

Industry faces expertise shortage amid international competition

23rd February 2024 The South African defence industry continues to grapple with diminishing skills availability amid a competitive market dominated by international defence companies. However, increased government support could reinvigorate the industry, enabling it to compete on a global scale, says defence... →

KEY PARTNERSHIPS Soteria's partnership with DroneShield enables Soteria to provide cutting-edge technology

Hybrid solutions to boost energy efficiency

2nd February 2024 Hybrid energy solutions combine various technologies that mining companies can integrate to establish a more reliable source of power, decrease operational costs and enhance their sustainability metrics. Such solutions are particularly useful amid mining companies’ encountering several challenges... →

NEW DEVELOPMENTS Emerging customised hybrid energy solutions can address various industry challenges

Standardising best practices to develop better project managers

26th January 2024 Through its commitment to advancing the profession, project management authority Project Management Institute (PMI) is focusing on improving efficiencies and ethical standards of asset-intensive industries by increasingly standardising best practices through its project management certifications.... →

Project management skillsets highlighted

26th January 2024 Developing projects in the mining industry, and other industries, demands a unique and complex set of skills. These skills are often more specialised compared to those typically required for core mining operations. Possessing these advanced skillsets is crucial for facilitating growth within the... →

Loadshedding could increase in 2024

19th January 2024 Loadshedding is expected to continue in 2024, possibly at even higher levels than those of 2023, says tertiary institute Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) chief engineer Monique le Roux. State-owned power utility Eskom struggled to improve its... →

MONIQUE LE ROUX Substantial investment is necessary to upgrade the transmission grid to accommodate large amounts of renewable power

Hydrogen implementation remains limited

19th January 2024 Following global trends, discussions in South Africa on hydrogen, its production and use have gained momentum, although actual implementation remains limited, says power technology provider Cummins Africa and Middle East hydrogen and fuel cell business director Alan Zhao. Aligned with other... →

ALAN ZHAO A nuanced approach to hydrogen production is needed in the low-carbon energy transition

Gold miner eyes significant growth with project

15th December 2023 Midtier gold miner Pan African Resources aims to increase gold production by about 50 000 oz/y by 2025 through its Mintails project, which will increase the miner’s yearly production to about 250 000 oz. The project consists of the Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) plant which will process the... →

ELIKHULU TAILINGS RETREATMENT PLANT Pan African has modeled the Mogale Tailings Retreatment plant after plants at its Elikhulu and Barberton sites

Developer progressing Gauteng project

15th December 2023 Gold explorer, developer and producer West Wits Mining’s Witwatersrand Basin project (WBP) is set to reinvigorate the gold mining sector of west Johannesburg, says West Wits Mining COO Rudi Deysel. The project involves the development of three mining reefs –the Main, Kimberley and Bird reefs. →

STRIKING GOLD The Witwatersrand Basin project comprises a declared resource of 4.28-million ounces of gold

Startup elevates local production, aims for rapid growth

8th December 2023 To promote renewable energy and local manufacturing, lithium battery manufacturing startup IG3N produces battery storage systems to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy while providing an alternative to imported batteries and its associated challenges. A drawback of solar... →

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