Mc'Kyla Nortje

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Mc'Kyla Nortje

Mc'Kyla Nortje is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Blast software boosts productivity, reduces costs

13th March 2020 Commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems manufacturer Orica launched its SHOTPlus Underground solution, two months ago. SHOTPlus Underground is the company’s latest blast design and modelling software which specifically targets “advanced underground blast design” and “complex... →

Companies sign MoU for rail development on the continent

6th March 2020 Multilateral development finance bank African Export-Import Bank and local railway services company Thelo DB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop, finance and operate railway projects in Africa. Thelo DB is an incorporated partnership between Thelo Ventures and Germany-based... →

Photo by Ben Bergh
GREATER COLLABRATION Thelo DB and African Export-Import Bank will collaborate to support the modernisation of Africa’s railways

South African rail manufacturing sector needs to reinvent itself

6th March 2020 Despite South Africa’s having a strong presence on the railway scene – claiming almost 30% of the continent’s kilometres and more than 60% of its rail freight – the country’s rail manufacturing sector has not leveraged this position to lead in the manufacturing of rolling stock on the continent,... →

Photo by Creamer Media
CONTINENTAL BENEFITS Through the AfCFTA, the benefits for South Africa and its African peers will be easier distribution, new export markets and new business opportunities

Regulator plans to increase safety awareness

6th March 2020 Owing to various safety-related challenges that the South African rail industry has faced in the past year, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) plans to increase its safety awareness activities to mitigate the risk of operational occurrences. According to the ‘State of Safety’ report 2018/19, a... →

SAFETY FIRST improved maintenance systems are crucial in addressing the current safety challenges within rail sector

Need for change to address challenges in rail sector

6th March 2020 Despite the local rail industry in South Africa constituting a sizeable and critical portion of the economy, and being well developed, compared with the rest of Africa, the rail infrastructure is not properly maintained, says rail equipment manufacturer Evorail GM Daniel Tchengoue. “The biggest... →

Mines’ demand for hybrid energy increases

28th February 2020 As the mining industry is continuously striving for sustainable extraction – and with high electricity costs and environmental impact as key factors – power provider Aggreko has seen increased interest in its hybrid energy microgrids, says Aggreko Africa MD John Lewis. Since launching the... →

LIGHT IT UP The Aggreko power project at Banro Resources

Gold strong despite dip in demand

28th February 2020 Despite gold demand declining by 1% to 4 335 t in 2019 – as reported by international association the World Gold Council (WGC) – central bank demand for gold and gold exchange traded fund (ETF) purchases remained strong, says WGC member and market relations director John Mulligan. Referencing the... →

CUSTOMER UNCERTAINTY Rapidly rising gold prices often cause uncertainty among consumers

Societal and other pressures affecting gold

28th February 2020 Apart from the generational shifts in attitude towards gold in some key markets, notably China, a bigger risk facing the gold industry is its perception by society and how it responds and adapts to societal expectations, says international association World Gold Council (WGC) member and market... →

JOHN MULLIGAN Key changes across the mining supply chain has been the growing awareness of the need to ensure industry acts sustainably and responsibly

Price outlook does not offset gold sector’s challenges

28th February 2020 Despite the challenges that the local gold sector faces, the gold price remains strong, which is likely to continue in the short term, notes multinational professional services firm EY Africa energy and natural resources leader Wickus Botha. He points out that these challenges primarily lie in... →

WICKUS BOTHA The success and sustainability of mining companies depends on their ability to engage, and provide sufficient response for all stakeholder needs

Industry remains in decline

14th February 2020 Although the civil engineering and construction sector is the backbone of the economy and contributes significantly to employment and growth in the country, it continues to experience a slump, says engineering procurement and construction (EPC) firm COENG founder and CEO Casian Dendere. “The... →

CASIAN DENDERE The sector remains under pressure, with margins remaining tight amid a generally low market performance

Demolition works under way at Melrose Arch

14th February 2020 Construction company ICON Earthworks, a subsidiary of the ICON Group, was awarded a R2.5-million contract by property development company Amdec to demolish four buildings at the end of November last year for completion next month. ICON is the principal contractor for the demolition, safety and... →

BIGGER AND BETTER The area will make way for the expansion of the Melrose Arch Precinct

CESA remains hopeful about the future

14th February 2020 Despite the country’s current economic uncertainty, consulting engineering firms association Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) president Sugen Pillay believes that the country is in the “catharsis phase” and that there is a sense of regeneration and renewal looking towards the future. “The... →

COLLABORATION CESA calls for greater collaboration between its member firms and government

Products reduce construction time

14th February 2020 Two products of construction connection technology supplier Peikko South Africa – the bolted column connections and DELTABEAM slim floor structures – contributed to reducing overall construction time at a project of food manufacturer Continental Brands, in Johannesburg. By using DELTABEAM, the... →

Pile solution cost effective, saves time

14th February 2020 Piling contractor Geopile – a subsidiary of South African exploration and geotechnical services provider GeoGroup – has saved its client about R2-million and more than a month’s worth of construction time by installing its driven ductile iron-pile solutions for a six-storey mix-use development in... →

IN ACTION Geopile rig in action installation

Correct policies, equipment vital for substance testing

7th February 2020 Without the correct drug-testing policies and correct testing equipment in place, companies can face serious legal implications, warns workplace testing company ALCO-Safe MD Rhys Evans, adding that these policies serve as guidelines for employees and employers. “Having policies in place ensures... →

WELL INFORMED Policies ensure employees understand the drug-testing equipment better and eliminate misconceptions

Conferences still vital despite tough trading conditions

31st January 2020 Despite a challenging trading environment over the years, trade shows are well supported, which indicates their relevance across various industries, says event organiser Specialised Exhibitions MD Gary Corin. “Although exhibitors are cautious about the way in which they participate at... →

TRENDS When planning events, it is important to be aware of the prominent trends in all the sectors

Coal conference addresses challenges

31st January 2020 The planned phase-out of coal in South Africa and other developed countries is one of the biggest challenges facing the coal industry, says London-based global information provider IHS Editor Markit Southern African Coal Report editor in chief Randy Fabi He notes that top government officials,... →

GOING STRONG The yearly conference is the longest running and most well received coal industry event in Africa

Indaba to shape Africa energy policies

31st January 2020 The Africa Energy Indaba conference provides a yearly programme that shapes energy policies for the continent. The conference will take place this year from March 3 to 4 at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg. →

LIZ HART The Africa Energy Indaba 2020 will shed light on what is required of municipalities

Events and exhibitions crucial for South African economy

31st January 2020 The Exhibitions and Events Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) strives to increase the significance of exhibitions and events in the marketing mix to demonstrate the power of face-to-face marketing while promoting and growing the Southern Africa exhibition and events industry. EXSA represents... →

INCREASED EXPOSURE Exhibitions and events also have a direct and positive financial impact on entrepreneurs and their exposure in the tourism sector

Acceptance could boost Tanzanian mining

17th January 2020 The mining sector, one of Tanzania’s most important sectors from a total exports perspective, has “tremendous potential”, says strategic advisory firm Africa Practice associate director Dr Margarita Dimova. “As a source of government revenue, mining is expected to make a more considerable... →

MARGARITA DIMOVA Like any transition, the immediate process is likely to cause some readjustment and teething problems in the industry

Illegal mining, environmental compliance, concerns for Tanzania

17th January 2020 The potential consequences of illegal mining, including health and safety, environmental, and social and socioeconomic impacts, are significant. It is an unfortunate reality that, often, illegal miners take the most risk when they extract minerals, working under “appalling conditions” often... →

WARREN BEECH There are certain aspects which should be non-negotiable, such as compliance with environmental laws

Gas could spur African development

17th January 2020 Sub-Saharan Africa’s gas resources are vast, with ongoing developments highlighting the potential magnitude of the emerging gas sector and its ability to transform the region. These developments include recent discoveries such as petroleum company Total South Africa’s Brulpadda prospect, in the... →

LEVEL OF CERTAINTY Oil and gas investments tend to be long term, and require a level of continuous certainty from the ecosystems in which they exist

Gas project beneficial for local economy

13th December 2019 Emerging natural gas producer Renergen’s Virginia gas project is a good example of how effectively small amounts of gas – if they are indigenous – can be used in the local economy, says industry body South African Oil and Gas Alliance (Saoga) executive director Niall Kramer. Renergen is an... →

STUNT DEVELOPMENT that South Africa’s lack of policy certainty is hindering the development of it is on- and offshore oil and gas resources

Company appointed as EPC contractor for Virginia gas project

13th December 2019 Engineering consultant EPCM Bonisana, a subsidiary of EPCM Holdings, has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) and helium producer Renergen’s Virginia gas project, in South Africa. EPCM Bonisana is responsible... →

Cost calculator developed for industry

6th December 2019 To assist companies in fully understanding the financial impact of a power outage or load-shedding on their businesses and operations, power solutions manufacturer Himoinsa developed the opportunity cost calculator, which is an interactive tool that consists of a template that clients can... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
TAILORED PRODUCTS Himoinsa’s detailed knowledge of the market has enabled it to develop increasingly tailored products for clients

Generators remain a valuable solution

6th December 2019 Generators will remain important in supplying power during power outages owing to their flexibility and affordability, says industrial power solution provider Master Power Technologies sales and marketing director Rory Reid. “When companies need power for extended periods (several hours)... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Mc'Kyla Nortje
ENGINEERED POWER SOLUTIONS Master Power Technologies specialises in the supply, installation and after-sales servicing of a comprehensive range of engineered power solutions

Foundry company plans further expansion into Zambia

4th December 2019 South Africa-based foundry and engineering company Thos Begbie’s Zambian branch will expand its workshop into a fully equipped heavy machine and fabrication shop with fabrication facilities to cater for other industries. Thos Begbie Zambia MD Piet du Preez highlights this as the medium- to... →

INDUSTRIAL USES Fabricated pressure rings for use in industrial smelters

Heat exchanger offers cutting-edge solutions

29th November 2019 Heat exchangers solution provider Kelvion’s new advanced diffusion bonded heat exchanger – K°Bond – offers a cutting-edge solution for the most challenging processes. Oil rigs, liquefied natural gas and regasification facilities, hydrogen and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) stations depend on... →

Demand for heat exchanger range increases

29th November 2019 Over the past decade, there has been an increase in demand for industrial heat exchangers manufacturer Vitherm’s WeldPack range, owing to the strength and durability that it offers, says Vitherm SA director Tristan McLaren. “We have seen increased demand for our WeldPack in diverse industries.... →

LOCK AND LOADED WeldPack model WP75/600 loading for delivery.

Equipment supplier overcomes vats challenge

29th November 2019 Industrial equipment supplier Turnmill Proquip Engineering mitigated challenges that were presented by the installation and manufacturing of four leaching vats at a vanadium mine. The vats form part of a chemical process to extract vanadium. The project was completed in August 2019, in... →

JOINING MODULES The vertical and overhead welding to join these modules were done with all- positional Flux-Core welding

Company installs leachate tank at landfill

29th November 2019 Industrial and commercial steel water-tank manufacturer SBS has recently installed a 500 m³ capacity landfill leachate storage tank with a floating cover at a landfill site in Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal. The ST21-03 SBS tank measures 14.33 m in diameter and 3.17 m in height. →

SAFELY CONTAINED Once the leachate liquid is safely contained, it requires further processing to obtain an environmentally safe liquid

Steel tube exports grow despite poor domestic demand

8th November 2019 South Africa’s carbon steel and low-alloy-steel tube and pipe manufacturing industry exported about 221 000 t in 2017, compared with 278 000 t in 2018, an increase of 26%. This increase has been largely buoyed by a sharp increase in seamless pipe exports in 2018, says Steel Tube Export... →

KEITUMETSE MOUMAKOE The South African steel industry, including the steel tube and pipe sub-industry, requires an export strategy that is supported by government policies

Drones provide cost savings for plants

1st November 2019 Drone technology presents a major cost-saving opportunity for companies, compared to traditional methods of inspection, highlights industrial rope access company Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn. Skyriders’ Elios SkyEye drone is designed specifically for indoor application, enabling the... →

YING AND YANG Skyriders demonstrated the synergy between drone technology and traditional rope access during an inspection project

Remote pilot aircraft system used for firefighting

1st November 2019 Fire protection systems provider Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has introduced a single source solution for all remote pilot aircraft system (RPAS) solutions for fire, rescue, hazardous material and disaster-management environments, as well as incident command and control. Industrial Fire and... →

SKY MATIS Using the RPAS allows for live footage with a bird’s eye view of the current situation

Outsourcing mine health, safety aspects more practical

25th October 2019 While safety is a key concern, mining companies are realising that it is not always one of their core competencies, says mine safety systems and equipment manufacturer Schauenburg Systems sales and business development director Martin Marais. Outsourcing aspects of mine health and safety tends to... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
AVERTING DISASTER Schauenburg Systems offers both tag-based and tagless collision avoidance systems

Canyon implements carbon tax mitigation measures

25th October 2019 The South African government has put pressure on industries to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the Carbon Tax Act, which came into effect in June. The Act provides for the imposition of a tax on the carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse-gas emissions, and addresses matters connected... →

PHALANNDWA OPERATION The Phalanndwa opencast operation's plant is fitted with carbon-reduction technologies, among other measure to mitigate environmental impact

Supplier aims to meet demands through tech

11th October 2019 Owing to lower commodity prices and higher input costs, construction equipment supplier Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa’s diverse business units have enabled it to adapt to the huge shift by the construction and mining industry to assist customers. This was achieved by reducing operating... →

Distributor remains positive, focusing on automation

11th October 2019 Statistics South Africa’s report on the construction industry last month shows a drop in activity related to nonresidential building, as well as construction work being constrained in the second quarter. “When comparing the construction industry of today to what it was five years ago, it is a... →

BETTER AND BETTER Automation in the construction industry will drive efficiency and performance

Split spherical roller bearings offer replacement benefits

4th October 2019 Bearings and rotation specialist SKF Coopers’ new range of split spherical roller bearings will help clients, specifically those in the mining sector, reduce maintenance and boost safety, says SKF Cooper split roller bearings product line and sales manager Richard Law. The 231 Series, available... →

STAYING PUT During bearing replacement, the drive coupling and gearbox do not need to be dismounted, limiting unwanted costs

Lighting specialist expands MAGLED bulkheads range

4th October 2019 Industrial lighting specialist Magnitech launched its MAGLED MINI light-emitting diode (LED) bulkheads in July, after being in development for more than a year, says Magnitech technical manager Mark Vigus-Brown. He notes that the product was developed for use in industrial and mining plants,... →

LIGHTING THE WAY The product was developed for use in industrial and mining plants, especially conveyor lighting applications

Company provides quality power supply amid energy uncertainty

20th September 2019 Amid South Africa’s rising energy uncertainty, industrial power solution provider Master Power Technologies supplies backup power solutions that ensure not only uptime but also good quality power that will not compromise critical equipment. The company offers turnkey solutions that include... →

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