Jessica Oosthuizen

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Jessica Oosthuizen

Jessica Oosthuizen is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Commitment crucial to achieving transformation objectives – law firm

25th January 2019 The local mining industry needs to commit to achieving the transformation objectives of the country, says law firm ENSafrica natural resources and environment director Ntsiki Adonisi-Kgame. “Although the transformation of the mining industry continues to progress, the pace at which the industry... →

Consultancy plans to expand mining capability

25th January 2019 Multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy Knight Piésold aims to expand its mining capability and market share, especially in tailings, as well as assist mines in developing renewable-energy projects in remote areas where grid power is unavailable or unreliable, says Knight... →

AWARD WINNING Knight Piésold won a South African Institution of Civil Engineering award for the design of the tailings storage facility of diversified miner Vedanta’s four-million-tonne-a-year Gamsberg zinc project

Step change for Indaba

25th January 2019 The twenty-fifth anniversary of the annual Investing in African Mining Indaba will have a major focus on how growth in Africa and African mining can be supported and achieved, says event organiser Mining Indaba content director Harry Chapman. The theme of this year’s event is Championing... →

DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS There is a major focus on gender diversity, with more women actively participating throughout the event

Tech company exhibits for fifteenth year at Indaba

25th January 2019 Spectrometer and analyser supplier Spectrometer Technologies will for the fifteenth consecutive year exhibit at the Investing in African Mining Indaba held at the International Cape Town Convention Centre from February 4 to 7. The company supplies products such as those of biotechnology product... →

NITON XL2 PLUS The Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Plus handheld X-ray fluorescence analyser will be showcased at the Investing in African Mining Indaba

Mining Charter III empowers women, implementation uncertain

25th January 2019 Although the Mining Charter III has made great strides in empowering women, it remains to be seen how well these measures will be implemented, says law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr corporate and commercial director Mmatiki Aphiri. “The charter now has several provisions specifically catering for... →

MMATIKI APHIRI With Africa’s rich resources, mining will continue to be central to the growth of most African economies

Continued investment and development in Africa expected

25th January 2019 International metals and minerals consultancy Roskill expects continued interest, investment and development in Africa as the electronic vehicle (EV) revolution continues, says Roskill director Jack Bedder. “Africa has a significant role to play in the lithium-ion battery and EV story. The... →

Photo by Bloomberg
INCREASING DEMAND Cobalt demand is set to grow significantly and prices are expected to remain high

Bisie tin project on track for commissioning in H2

25th January 2019 Construction on tin exploration and mining company Alphamin Resources’ Bisie tin project, in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is about 90% complete and is on track for commissioning and first production in the second half of this year, says Alphamin Resources CEO Boris... →

Photo by Creamer Media
BORIS KAMSTRA After commissioning, Alphamin Resources aims to reach nameplate capacity and maintain it for six months

Sustainable development the golden thread for DRDGold

25th January 2019 JSE-listed gold recovery company DRDGold applies its business model to create value commercially, socially and environmentally, with sustainable development the golden thread that informs the company’s strategic thinking, says CEO Niël Pretorius. Companies that practise sustainable development... →

LIVELIHOODS PROGRAMME Launched in 2015, DRDGold’s broad-based agricultural livelihoods programme is providing food security to 877 households

Medical services can evolve with mining project life cycle

25th January 2019 Scalable and innovative on-site and telemedicine services can evolve with a mining company’s project lifecycle to help manage health at every stage, says global medical and security assistance provider International SOS Africa regional medical director Dr Fanie Jute. International SOS can... →

HEALTH SERVICES International SOS provides health-impact and health-risk assessments, consulting for mines in all phases, including exploration, feasibility, operation and rehabilitation

More investment expected, despite policy uncertainty

25th January 2019 Political and regulatory uncertainty will continue in the lead-up to local elections and will impact on investment decisions in the mining industry, says law firm Hogan Lovells partner and mining head Warren Beech, but he believes that sentiment will improve in the third and fourth quarters. He... →

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT Mechanisation, automation, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence could present opportunities to reskill and upskill people to make mining operations safer

Company aims to grow African footprint

25th January 2019 Southern and North Africa hold immense potential for software company CCS Mining and Industrial (CCSMI) to expand its client base, and the company will use the Investing in African Mining Indaba as a platform to target companies in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the... →

Company to exhibit at Mining Indaba for third year

25th January 2019 Underwriting managing agent Cenviro Solutions, which is underwritten by its parent company Centriq Insurance Company, will for the third consecutive year exhibit at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, to be held at the International Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 4 to... →

LEENTIE SMIT Cenviro Solutions is confident that it can add value to any mining house in South Africa requiring a flexible, cost-effective and customised solution

Cornubia bridge opened to traffic

14th December 2018 The new Cornubia bridge that crosses over the N2 to uMhlanga, in KwaZulu-Natal, has been partially opened to traffic, says construction design and engineering services provider Royal HaskoningDHV project engineer Brian Downie. The project was a joint venture in which Royal HaskoningDHV designed... →

ONE STRUCTURE The Cornubia bridge forms one structure, carrying six mixed-use traffic lanes as well as pedestrian sidewalks and two bus lanes

N12 bridges expected to open in February 2019

14th December 2018 The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has identified two bridges on the N12 outside Hopetown, in the Northern Cape, that are being widened and improved, thereby increasing their life span, and the bridges are expected be opened to traffic in February next year, says project... →

BUILDING BRIDGES The original bridges were built in 1958 and 1985, spanning 31.2 m and 320 m respectively

E Cape project to be completed in July 2019

14th December 2018 The Qiti bridge forms part of a roads safety upgrade project that is expected to be complete in July next year. The project’s purpose is to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, says global multidisciplinary management, engineering and development consultancy Hatch professional engineer Peter... →

Supplier expands Cavex hydrocyclone footprint across Copperbelt

7th December 2018 Mining equipment supplier Weir Minerals Africa is expanding its Cavex hydrocyclones footprint across Africa with its two most recent orders of hydrocyclones to be installed in the Central African Copperbelt next year, says Weir Minerals Africa hydrocyclones product manager Sheldon Gabriel. Weir... →

GLOBAL REACH There is a large installed base of Cavex hydrocyclones in copper applications across the globe

Tax and royalty issues hindering opportunities in Copperbelt

7th December 2018 Increasing mining taxes and royalties in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are creating a climate of uncertainty, international metals and minerals researcher Roskill copper associate consultant Jonathan Barnes tells Mining Weekly. “Copper demand globally generally increases... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MINING DUTIES Zambia will introduce new mining duties and increase royalties as the country aims to reduce its budget deficit

Keeping abreast of trends and technologies crucial

7th December 2018 With the annual Caminex trade expo being the only mining, agricultural and industrial trade expo that takes place in the Copperbelt – in Kitwe, Zambia – event co-organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery mining and industrial portfolio director Charlene Hefer says the event offers visitors the... →

EXPO EXHIBITORS This year, the show hosted more than 140 commercial and international exhibitors

Axis House develops new product for electrowinning

7th December 2018 Chemical reagents supplier and distributor Axis House has developed the ALC9, a new type of smoothing agent that can provide smoother cathodes than any other product, even at densities of 450 A/m2. Expected to run at industrial level early next year, the new product will be used in the... →

LABORATORY TESTED The new smoothing agent has been extensively tested on laboratory scale and has shown positive results in all aspects of the electrowinning process

ERG’s Metalkol Roan Tailings Reclamation project Phase I nearing completion

7th December 2018 Phase I of diversified miner Eurasian Resources Group’s (ERG’s) Metalkol Roan Tailings Reclamation (RTR) copper and cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is nearing completion and is expected to reach initial production rates early next year, says ERG CEO Benedikt Sobotka.... →

METALKOL PROJECT The Metalkol Roan Tailings Reclamation project comprises the reprocessing of old cobalt and copper tailings from previous mining operations around Kolwezi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Circular economy presents opportunities for Africa

30th November 2018 The circular economy, as a reformative system, presents significant opportunities for Africa to deliver on more inclusive economic growth, which includes job opportunities and the positive environmental practices that are in dire need for sustainable growth, says waste management company... →

Photo by Creamer Media
GROWING SECTOR The waste picker sector is growing and plays a key role in South Africa’s recycling strategy

Court sets aside decision permitting mining in protected area

30th November 2018 The North Gauteng High Court earlier this month set aside a 2016 decision of former Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane and late Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa that permitted a new coal mine to be developed in the Mabola protected environment, in Mpumalanga. Under the... →

CHRISTINE REDDELL The Centre for Environmental Rights has been continuously campaigning for administrative penalties to be introduced as part of South African environmental law

Alignment of solutions needed for water security

30th November 2018 Nature-based and engineering solutions should be aligned and the value of ecological infrastructure must be recognised for water security, says South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) ecological infrastructure director Mahlodi Tau. In May, Sanbi launched a R90-milllion Ecological... →

COMBINING INFRASTRUCTURE The R90-million water security project seeks to illustrate the complementarity and the support that ecological infrastructure offers built infrastructure

Lack of funding worsens skills shortage

16th November 2018 A lack of government funding is exacerbating the shortage of skilled coating technologists and accredited paint applicators, says paint industry representative South African Paint Manufacturing Association (Sapma) executive director Deryck Spence. The Chemical Industries Education and Training... →

LEAD FREE Sapma is advocating for the removal of lead from all paint

Building slump causing disputes

16th November 2018 The economic slump in the building industry has led to desperation, resulting in contractors and other parties involved readily accepting work without protecting themselves contractually, says nonprofit industry representative the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) CEO Uwe Putlitz. The... →

BUILDING BLOCKS Those seeking or offering services in the building industry should deal only with reputable clients

IRP could revive struggling construction sector

16th November 2018 The Integrated Resource Plan 2018 (IRP 2018) could revive South Africa’s struggling construction sector, says engineering consultancy DBI Consulting Engineers executive director Monty Ditibane. The draft IRP 2018, which outlines the plan for South Africa to meet its growing national electricity... →

Photo by Creamer Media
OPTIMUM OPPORTUNITIES Although the construction industry is facing challenging times, it must be realised that there are many opportunities and initiatives to uplift the industry

Project to have major economic impact

16th November 2018 The Motherwell Passenger Rail Corridor (MPRC), one of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA’s) largest rail projects, will have a major economic impact, with significant benefits, says multidisciplinary engineering and architecture company GIBB railway engineering associate Nico... →

MOTHERWELL PASSENGER RAIL CORRIDOR The construction of the railway line and associated infrastructure is scheduled to start in 2022/23

Repair, maintenance vital for infrastructure life span

16th November 2018 Preventive maintenance and the timeous repair of infrastructure can save significant costs and extend the life of infrastructure, says specialised construction products supplier a.b.e. Construction Chemicals general construction sales manager Warren Trew. “Unfortunately, many players in the... →

BRIDGE RESORATION a.b.e. Construction Chemicals is involved in the restoration of bridges on the N17 and N14

Industry should use slowdown to train staff

16th November 2018 The construction industry should use recessions to train staff to gain a competitive edge when work volumes increase, says cement and concrete technical services provider The Concrete Institute’s School of Concrete Technology senior lecturer John Roxburgh. “It is crucial to have competent people... →

CONCRETE COGNITION Concrete is extensively used in all civil and construction projects and sound concrete technology knowledge is important

Construction industry depressed, but upturn expected

16th November 2018 South African thermoplastic valves supplier Astore Keymak depends on project and maintenance work, as the civil engineering and construction sector is depressed, says Astore Keymak compression fittings and saddles manager Aldrin Velan. However, he believes that there will be an upturn,... →

Industry body supports economic recovery plan

16th November 2018 Industry body Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) welcomes government’s focus on infrastructure development in support of economic recovery and job creation, as illustrated in Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) last month, says Cesa CEO Chris... →

CHRIS CAMPBELL We are in a position, as the private sector, to partner with government to develop and build infrastructure to a level that supports good service delivery

Valve repair and refurbishment present vast opportunities

9th November 2018 The repair and refurbishment of critical valves present significant opportunities in the South African valve industry, says mechanical engineering company Brimis Engineering MD Andile Nqandela. The company can manufacture in-house components required for repair and refurbishment of critical... →

TEST BENCH Brimis Engineering has procured a pressure relief valve test bench to service 90% of the installed pressure relief valves in the local market

Demand increases for thermoplastic valves

9th November 2018 Demand for thermoplastic materials over conventional alloy metals has increased since engineering consumables and components distributor BMG was appointed exclusive distributor of UK-based manufacturer SAFi Thermoplastic Valve Solutions’ (SAFi’s) products, says BMG industrial valves national... →

PROCESSING PLANT BMG’s SAFi range of valves can be used in mining, energy, environmental, process plant, agriculture, and food and beverage applications

Modernisation presents opportunities in industry

9th November 2018 Despite the challenges experienced in the South African fluid power valve market, international motion and control technologies manufacturer Parker Hannifin believes that there is opportunity for further modernisation and development of fluid power valves. “The local fluid power valve industry... →

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY Parker Hannifin Sales Company South Africa has identified the integration of electronics into its range of hydraulic and pneumatic valve products as a growth opportunity

Business confidence recovering amid looming challenges

9th November 2018 Business confidence in the local valve industry seems to be rising; however, some concerns remain, says South African Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association (Savama) chairperson Pamela du Plessis. “The concerns include the exchange rate volatility, generally low productivity levels amid... →

LOCAL MANUFACTURE Member companies of the South African Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association account for about 80% of the valves and actuators manufactured and/or assembled locally

Company extends life span of critical steam systems

9th November 2018 Professional services and project management company SNC-Lavalin completed a 40 bar high-pressure steam isolation valve replacement project last month for South African integrated chemicals company Sasol’s Group Technology division. The company was awarded the project in May of this year and the... →

SASOL STEAM SYSTEM The steam system on the Sasol refinery is the main steam header which links the steam generation plant to the rest of the factory

Lack of valve traceability hampers local industry

9th November 2018 The local valves industry has become extremely competitive, especially since there has been an influx of products that have no traceability, says industrial automation, valve and control supplier Fluid Control Services owner Allen Maguire. Many products are entering the local market from the... →

VALVE STANDARD The local valves industry needs to conform to a certain standard in terms of traceability

Valve companies upgraded to Level 1 BBBEE status

9th November 2018 Valve manufacturer Ainsworth Engineering and its sister company valve distributor United Valve Company (UVC) are under new ownership and have been upgraded to Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) status. The initiative was funded by the Industrial Development Corporation and... →

United Valves Company GM Ruben van Loggerenberg

Surface-mining opportunities lie in market-related commodities

26th October 2018 Johannesburg-based mining equipment distributor Vermeer Equipment Suppliers is starting to focus on certain market-related commodities and associated opencast mines to market its Surface Miner surface excavation machines, says mining and pipeline sales segment manager Gareth Cramond. The... →

ALL ACCESS Vermeer’s surface excavation machines can access areas of opencast mines where drilling and blasting cannot be done

Reutech Mining plans to expand product range

26th October 2018 Mining technology and geotechnical slope-stability-monitoring radar systems supplier Reutech Mining plans to expand its product range in 2019, says executive manager Jan de Beer. The company provides equipment that can assist in real-time monitoring of the mine walls in opencast mines to provide... →

QUICK SCAN The Reutech Mining Movement and Surveying Radar is the fastest scanning real aperture radar capable of detecting submillimeter movement of up to 4 000 m away from the rock face

Change management crucial for automation

26th October 2018 There is a need for effective change management in the opencast mining industry to assist clients in adapting to new technologies and technological capabilities, says equipment supplier Epiroc surface and exploration drilling business line manager Hedley Birnie. “Challenges facing the South... →

SMART DRILL RIG The Epiroc Advanced Drilling Solutions division supplies surface drilling machines that are autonomous

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