Theresa Bhowan-Rajah

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Theresa Bhowan-Rajah

Theresa Bhowan-Rajah is a Creamer Media Reporter for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Stricter compliance regulations for chemical disinfectants

7th August 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in the demand for disinfectants to help mitigate the spread of the virus, which, in turn, has prompted the need for strict compliance in industrial and domestic cleaning companies and chemical cleaning suppliers. →

New technology increases valve life

31st July 2020 With more than 28% of valves used and supplied to the metals and mining sector in South Africa, industrial valves supplier Brimis Engineering is collaborating with Swiss engineering company VENTRADEX AG and incorporating DISTRAN leak detection technology to service several mining projects. →

MOEKETSI MPOTU The DISTRAN Ultra Pro imaging device is being used by the largest air-separation plant globally

Local sourcing of valves reduces impact of lockdown

31st July 2020 Owing to the company’s ability to source products from local manufacturers, neither its operations nor its customers have been impacted on by the pandemic, says Valve Solutions Africa sales director Niven Persad. →

BRIGHT HORIZONS RGR Technologies aims to increase its product offering for the heavy-duty services and applications sector going forward

PVC manufacturer emphasises proper use of plastic

17th July 2020 While the world is moving towards using less single use plastic, Durban-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compound manufacturer Innovative PVC Compounds (IPC) CEO Mubeen Siddiqi says the world cannot function without certain types of plastic, and people rather need to be more responsible in using... →

CURIOUS COMPOUNDS The medical-grade compounds that the company produces are supplied to vendors in the healthcare industry and have been in constant supply

PVC compounder continues supply despite pandemic

17th July 2020 Owing to its heavy investment in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market, KwaZulu-Natal-based PVC compounder Continental Compounders has been able to continue supplying products to essential services during Covid-19. →

GREAT EXPANSION The expansion and establishment of the engineering division was prompted by the South African Automotive Masterplan

Lithium feeling pandemic pinch

3rd July 2020 The lithium market is declining as a direct result of electric vehicle (EV) plans being pushed back and EV production plummeting, says international commodities consultancy Core Consultants. →

ON HOLD South America contains 61% of global lithium reserves and is feeling the effects of the decline in the commodities performance

Bigger, stronger filters advance tailings solution

3rd July 2020 Mining equipment manufacturer Metso has sought to advance its tailings management solution by launching the bigger and stronger VPX filter. →

OPTIMAL FILTRATION The VPX filter treats slurry materials, thereby increasing economic efficiency and social responsibility

Community relations vital for thriving mining operations

3rd July 2020 With South America being rich in natural minerals, and communities having a strong relation to the land, mining companies have to approach communities correctly if they want projects to be sustainable, Washington-based law firm Miller & Chevalier tells Mining Weekly. →

MATTESON ELLIS There are significant economic implications if a sophisticated approach to handling community relationships is not taken

Supplier saves mining industry time, money

19th June 2020 Power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is supplying bearings manufacturer Dodge ISN bearings to the quarrying sector to address contamination – the leading cause of premature bearing failure in the industry. →

Boiler inspection easier with drones

5th June 2020 Using drones, in addition to rope access, can result in boiler inspections being done at a fraction of the cost and much quicker, notes rope access specialist Skyriders. →

TAKING FLIGHT The drones have been designed for indoor use

Cogeneration next step in energy and heat supply

5th June 2020 Steam boilers supplier and services provider Steam Generation says clients are aiming to decarbonise their production processes by 2030 through cogeneration as part of integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into their operations. →

BOILING HOT Heat recovery systems that Steam Generation supplies minimise production losses, increase plant energy efficiency and save on boiler running costs

New technology, remote functionality advancing materials handling

29th May 2020 The shift towards a technological revolution in the mining sector has occurred just in time to facilitate functionality in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, explains mining logistic solutions provider Mixcorp. →

SHIFTING UPWARDS The technological revolution in the mining sector has occurred at the perfect time

RealWear makes working remotely easier

29th May 2020 Maintenance of conveyance equipment and other regular fixed and mobile asset inspection is made easier with remote assistance through RealWear products, technology service provider Dwyka Mining Services tells Mining Weekly. →

JAMIE VAN SCHOOR Mission-critical breakdowns, remote technical support and mentoring are just some of the applications of the RealWear products

Technological strides in S Africa audiology

22nd May 2020 The advancement of technology in South Africa has enabled audiologists to treat patients in remote regions and has allowed for the increased mobility of audiologists, says speech and hearing practice NK Speech and Audio founder and chief speech therapist and audiologist Nabeelah Kathrada-Seedat. →

BETTER TO HEAR YOU There are a variety of hearing devices with a variety of technological features

Pandemic prompts diverse solutions development

22nd May 2020 The outbreak of Covid-19 has prompted identification and traceability solutions company MITAS Corporation, to develop solutions that aid clients during and after the pandemic. →

LABELLED AND COVERED MITAS Corporation plays an active role in the monitoring of goods throughout the lockdown period

Video laryngoscope makes for easier breathing

22nd May 2020 With functionality, affordability and applicability requirements causing a significant deficit of tools in the video laryngoscopy sector, airway management solution provider SmartBlade has developed a video laryngoscope to assist with the intubation of difficult airways. →

LABELLED AND COVERED MITAS Corporation plays an active role in the monitoring of goods throughout the lockdown period

Waste management vital during pandemic

22nd May 2020 With Covid-19 infections on the rise, waste management company Averda plays an active role in the removal of contaminated waste products while following strict disposal regulations according to legislation. →

CLEAN RIDES Vehicles transport the waste to one of eight hazardous waste sites in the country

Water cleaning system modified for SA’s AMD

8th May 2020 Following its attendance at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in February and, having previously conducted research on the country’s acid mine drainage (AMD) problem, Finland-based company EPSE is now involved in several mine water purification projects in South Africa. “The mining industry... →

TESTING 1, 2 Lab-scale tests are constructed and the chemical recipe is adjusted

Spillway gates increase dam capacity

8th May 2020 Increasing the capacity of return water dams results in additional water for mine use, particularly when considering the water-intensive nature of mining activities, and the consumption of water by staff and residential communities in and around a mine. Automatic water control equipment supplier... →

FREE FLOWING A dam can be raised up to 6 m and can double its capacity with the addition of spillway gates

Water-related planning essential for mines

8th May 2020 As mining operations are extremely water-intensive and -dependent, it is important to have a good understanding of water sources, movement and discharge at the mine, say engineering consultants WSP, adding that the funding to treat and transfer water is equally important. “Maintaining an accurate... →

KAREN KING Maintaining an accurate process flow diagram and water balance are key to mine water planning

Long-term treatment vital for water supply

8th May 2020 With the delay in the long-term treatment or desalination of acid mine drainage (AMD) in the integrated Vaal river system and the delay in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II, interventions are required to reduce the risk of water restrictions, states mining environmental activist... →

TOO SALTY Additional salinity, owing to the current rate of treatment, creates water security risks

Water heating now a sustainable solution

1st May 2020 Power management technology supplier PowerOptimal manufactures products that are specifically designed to provide more sustainable energy solutions in South Africa. →

RICHARD FEARON The PowerOptimal Elon solar photovoltaic (PV) water heater allows for the direct connection of solar PV modules to a standard South African electric geyser

Energy uncertainty an opportunity for private sector

1st May 2020 Owing to power generation and energy supply uncertainty in South Africa, renewable-energy solutions provider Economic Development Solutions (EDS) believes that this creates opportunities for private-sector participation in energy supply. →

Photo by Bloomberg
RENEWED AND ENERGISED There are obstacles hampering the growth of the renewable-energy sector

Rope access ensures optimal maintenance of petrochem tanks

22nd November 2019 The highly explosive nature of the petrochemicals environment requires trained personnel, and often the scope of the work involves a work-at-height and or confined space element, which puts rope-access specialist Skyriders in the frame with its capabilities in performing maintenance and repair... →

UP, UP AND AWAY Skyriders’ projects and safety team assesses the task at hand and determines the type of equipment needed to carry out the task safely

Welding safety extends to petrochem industry

22nd November 2019 Welding fumes are known to be particularly poisonous and a contaminant to the surrounding air, which is why welding solutions provider Unique Welding focuses on advanced welding safety, particularly in the petrochemicals industry for companies such as integrated chemicals and petrochemicals... →

BREATHING EASY The powered, air-purifying respirator system not only eliminates welding fumes, but also petrochemical fumes

Retail expansion an attainable goal

22nd November 2019 Listed as an overarching strategic focus, Sasol’s Retail division forms an integral part of the Sasol Groups’ investment strategy. Sasol Energy Retail and Corporate Affairs VP Mohamed Carrim, says that the organisation aims to substantially grow its market share in the foreseeable future as it... →

Photo by Sasol
FILL ‘ER UP Sasol has 409 Sasol Convenience Centres nationally each consisting of a forecourt, a convenience store, and a bakery

Shaft capping prevents illegal mining, improves ground safety

15th November 2019 Redundant mine shafts are becoming a growing risk for mining companies, owing to a sharp spike in illegal mining activities. →

COVER UP Shaft capping and sealing is undertaken to reinstate land to unrestricted use

Shaft maintenance integral to operations

15th November 2019 Mining solutions provider United Mining Services (UMS) suggests placing significant emphasis on the operational maintenance of a mine shaft, as this can ultimately optimise the functionality of the mine, negating the potential financial and time-based losses that occur when shafts are not... →

MAINTENANCE OPTIMISED United Mining Services aims for mining houses to save on capital costs and downtime when conducting maintenance on the shaft infrastructure

Climate change serious challenge for mining industry

8th November 2019 Climate change and population growth have significant potential to be destabilising factors in Africa and can affect water sources, agricultural land and subsistence farming adversely, resulting in population displacement. →

Photo by Bloomberg
A SCARCE RESOURCE Water shortages create an increased level of competition for this resource among mines, government and local communities

Investing in West Africa a veritable gold mine – consultant

8th November 2019 With West Africa boasting some of the highest grades of gold deposits globally, averaging about 1.8 g/t, it has become the investment hub for gold projects over the past seven years. →

Photo by Bloomberg
LONG LIVE GOLD West African gold mines have a high average life of mine remaining

Digital transformation will benefit African mines

8th November 2019 Commodity pricing volatility and global demand variability are two profitability pressures mining companies, especially Africa-based mining companies, have to deal with. This creates a need for smarter and more efficient operations, which can be engineered through the application of leading-edge... →

TECH SAVVY Wabtec’s technologies can enable miners to optimise people, processes and technology

Roof bolt placement critical to safety

8th November 2019 Roof bolts, in helping to create a stable rock structure, are the first line of defence to protect mineworkers from fall-of-ground-related hazards, which highlights the importance of correct roof bolt placement in underground mining, South African mining safety and monitoring solutions provider... →

NICK MURRAY The principal objective of roof bolting is to help the rock mass support itself

Co-opting Canadian strategies to create investor awareness

8th November 2019 International commodities consultancy Core Consultants states that African mining jurisdictions can create investor awareness through initiatives that have been successfully carried out in Canada. →

Photo by Creamer Media
BE AWARE, BE VERY AWARE Investor awareness can be created in Africa through initiatives that have been successfully carried out in Canada

Robust fiscal regimes needed to grow African mining sector

8th November 2019 The success of Africa’s mining sector is determined by a combination of the quantity and quality of resources, commodity prices, and the domestic policy and regulatory environment’s ability to attract and retain investment. →

Photo by Bloomberg
MY PRECIOUS For large-scale bauxite resources, an infrastructure deficit has crippled the development of high-quality mining assets

Continuous position sensor leads to predictive maintenance methods

18th October 2019 The move towards Industry 4.0 by motion and control technology leader Parker Hannifin’s pneumatics division will allow for “outstanding” condition monitoring and maintenance strategies, says Parker Hannifin Motion Systems Group account manager Selina Naidoo. →

HIGH-TECH With Industry 4.0 and more sophisticated and smarter technologies, Parker has developed the P8S continuous position sensor series

Positive outlook despite sector uncertainty

18th October 2019 Despite the instability in the mining sector, equipment and product sales are on the rise for hydraulic equipment and mechanical tool supplier Power Team South Africa (SA). →

UNTAPPED POWER Power Team SA is the South African distributor and subsidiary of US-based SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies

Wind energy untapped vine of job creation

4th October 2019 The wind energy industry comprises various subsectors, each with its own degree of job creation potential, Cape Town-based wind farm developer G7 Renewable Energies tells Engineering News. →

FINGER IN THE WIND G7 engineers on site deploying Sonic Detection and Ranging instruments to supplement ongoing wind measurement campaigns

Wind energy on the rise in S Africa

4th October 2019 Although wind energy is a long way from being a dominant source of energy in South Africa, consulting engineering company Aurecon tells Engineering News that wind is one of the most competitive forms of electricity generation in the country. →

JANICE FOSTER The contribution of wind energy to the power grid is likely to grow

Atlas pinpoints energy hot spots

4th October 2019 With the prospect of wind energy as a viable source of renewable energy in South Africa increasingly on the rise, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) tells Engineering News that areas have been identified in South Africa with significant wind sources through a wind... →

UP IN THE AIR WASA Wind Measurement mast in Alexander Bay

Upcycling initiative creates employment opportunities

27th September 2019 Through research, innovation, skills development and corporate contribution, carbon tax training and consulting services expert 5inc is well placed to create jobs and skills development opportunities through projects based on waste collection and upcycling. →

YASMINE MIEMIEC 5inc turns corporate waste into new and reusable products

Industry body aims for plastics recycling rise

27th September 2019 Having recycled 46.3% of plastic waste last year, plastics industry association Plastics SA aims to recycle 48% of plastic waste by the end of this year, despite economic challenges. →

BRIGHTER FUTURE Plastic SA wants to prevent plastic waste from ending up in the environment

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