Nadine Ramdass

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Nadine Ramdass

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

Navigating effective project management hurdles

28th July 2023 Project management firms must contend with various challenges, including navigating methodologies that clients may not understand, and shortage of experienced personnel. One of the main challenges affecting project management is implementing a methodology that is aligned with the project goals,... →

Disruptive trends affecting industry

28th July 2023 Nonprofit, for-purpose project management organisation Project Management Institute’s (PMI’s) ‘Global Megatrends Report’ shows that the trends affecting project management the most are digital disruption, climate crisis and labour shortages. Project managers are tasked with the challenge of... →

JOANNA BAIDU Cloud computing and AI have enhanced customer experience, boosted employee efficiency and improved project management outcomes

Project managers must consider ESG factors to ensure success

28th July 2023 Considering environment, social and governance (ESG) factors is imperative and sets the scene for a successful project. Project managers, therefore, should be aware of the specific ESG factors that will impact a project’s development, particularly in the implementation phase of a project, says... →

GIEL BEKKER Modern capital expenditure projects go beyond securing the materials required to construct a project

Strong, positive workplace culture adds value

28th July 2023 Innovation within the construction materials and equipment industry can be cultivated through a strong and positive workplace culture, resulting in an improvement in the quality of products and services, says built environment industry support platform The Engineer's Table director Koketso... →

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES A positive workplace culture can attract and retain skilled workers, improve productivity and contribute to the success and growth of the industry

Compressor control solutions offer optimisation, increased efficiency

14th July 2023 Automation technology and solutions specialist Rockwell Automation offers solutions for controlling and protecting compressors; these solutions improve energy efficiency, optimise machine performance and allow for making data-driven decisions that enable efficient and effective operations. The... →

INCREASED EFFICIENCY The master control solution can provide up to 10% in energy savings

Mobile calibration averts excessive downtime

7th July 2023 Pressure, temperature, level, flow and force measuring technology company WIKA’s mobile calibration vehicles simplify the recalibration of installed instruments; its mobile calibration team comprises trained personnel who provide a faster turnaround for recalibration on site. WIKA South Africa... →

UNDER PRESSURE Interlaboratory comparisons can be time consuming

Skills development changes on the horizon

7th July 2023 A significant shift, from June 30, has occurred in the adult-based education and training sector, owing to the start of the transitional phase of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations’ (QCTO’s) new skills development accreditation process. As a result, all legacy qualifications and... →

Collaboration with consultants ensures effective solutions

30th June 2023 Demolition contractor Jet Demolition’s emergency response team works with consulting engineers to support clients as swiftly and as effectively as possible in demolition projects. This collaborative approach ensures that the most effective, practical solutions are explored and implemented. In an... →

SAFETY FIRST The emergency response team works swiftly and effectively to mitigate unsafe conditions

Consulting engineers critical for resilient infrastructure – firm

30th June 2023 Consulting engineers are necessary to ensure resilient infrastructure and investment viability and should be involved from the pre-investment phase. The convergence of engineering and advisory services provides various benefits for project stakeholders: in addition to technical engineering... →

IMPROVING COMMUNITIES The Zandvliet wastewater treatment works upgrade addressed water challenges in the impacted communities

Extreme weather erodes road networks

16th June 2023 Extreme weather associated with climate change has resulted in many roads becoming impassable, sustaining serious damage or being completely destroyed. The South African roads industry has sought to minimise the impact of climate change on our roads through emergency repair initiatives and... →

KNOWLEDGE SHARING Knowledge-based development is paramount

Structural demolitions pick up pace

15th June 2023 Requests for proposals for structural demolition have increased recently, following a backlog in maintenance and repairs of critical infrastructure, owing to the temporary suspension of non-critical works during Covid-19. The proposals form part of remedial works or of larger replacement... →

SWIFT DEMOLITION Demolitions that impact in use roads need to occur swiftly to ensure roads are reopened within the shortest possible time

Unlocking opportunities through addressing regional issues

9th June 2023 Despite growth in the Mozambique mining industry, operations continue to encounter challenges – such as poor public infrastructure, inefficient logistics networks, equipment supply constraints and a general distrust of foreign investors by locals – making for a difficult operating environment.... →

OPPORTUNITIES TO SEIZE The local industry also holds numerous opportunities for investment and collaboration

Hurdles stifle sustainable industry growth

9th June 2023 Despite significant growth and investment in recent years in the Mozambique mining industry, ongoing challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development and growth, says commodities market analyst Core Consultants founder and MD Lara Smith. The discovery of vast natural gas reserves... →

HURDLES AHEAD Challenges need to be addressed to ensure long-term viability of the mining industry

DMS test plant launched

2nd June 2023 Minerals and metals process engineering company Consulmet launched its 5 t/h dense media separation (DMS) test plant at its facilities in Modderfontein, in Johannesburg, in March. The DMS test plant offers bulk DMS testing to clients and delivers results suited to their requirements. The plant... →

NEW ON THE BLOCK The test plant offers bulk DMS testing to clients and delivers results suited to their requirements

Leasing agreements preferred for hassle free operations

2nd June 2023 Maintenance lease agreements offered by industrial equipment supplier Shumani enable customers to rent equipment on a long-term basis, with full maintenance programmes as a cost-effective option, particularly as loadshedding continues to negatively impact on businesses’ profit. Loadshedding is... →

VICTOR NEMUKULA Diesel-powered equipment is still, by far, the most popular in the market in terms of overall volumes sold, with Doosan and Crown remaining Shumani’s top selling brands

Improving processing

19th May 2023 Several Zambian copper producers have noted an increase in oxide copper content in the deposits that they are mining, consequently making it difficult for mining companies to extract and process the ores efficiently, says reagents expert Axis House technical manager Bernard Oostendorp. As one of... →

IN DEVELOPMENT Axis House will continue to develop specialised products to meet clients' needs

Much to gain in Zambia with policy rethink

19th May 2023 Zambia, although well positioned to benefit from the increased demand for minerals that support the green economy, needs to improve its regulatory framework and ease of doing business, among other challenges, to fully leverage its resources, according to law firm Beech Veltman CEO Warren Beech.... →

MAKING HEADWAY Zambia will need to fully address concerns to reinvigorate mining industry

Initiatives expected to reinvigorate Zambian mining industry

19th May 2023 Zambia was overtaken by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – as a copper and cobalt mining hub in Africa – owing to the latter being a cheaper and easier mining option. However, efforts made by the Zambian government to restore the industry are expected to attract investors and stimulate the... →

RALPH HEATH Other African countries can learn from Zambia's turnaround strategy

Robust hose meets requirements for various applications

12th May 2023 Global hydraulic and industrial hose products manufacturer Alfagomma’s 740AA 85 bar high-pressure concrete pumping hose offers a range of benefits to customers and has been designed to suit their requirements across various industries. It was first introduced into the Southern African Development... →

ROBUST DESIGN Alfagomma offer customers durability, lower weight, flexibility and high-pressure rating in its hose range

Gugulethu project continues to meet expected timeline

5th May 2023 Coal exploration and mining company Canyon Coal, subsidiary of private investment firm Menar, has made “good progress” on the developmental phase of its Gugulethu project and expects to begin with the installation of the processing plant before the end of 2023, says Gugulethu GM Jarmi Steyn. The... →

JARMI STEYN The Gugulethu mine will reach commercial production by the end of November

Smart grid can mitigate system challenges

21st April 2023 The integration of smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the country’s electricity grid. A smart grid system will be able to effectively manage challenges associated with current electricity distribution systems such as maintenance and breakdowns. The life span of electricity... →

VISION LAUNCH Smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid

Smart grid offers benefits for all stakeholders

21st April 2023 Implementing a smart grid system in South Africa offers a range of benefits for power generators, electric utilities, customers and society, says UP specialist energy industry consultant Dr Willem de Beer. He adds that a smart grid system can also alleviate many of the challenges municipalities... →

INTEGRATED TECH Smart grids allow for the integration of new, intermittent power sources and distributed generation

Recent legislative changes improve mining sector

14th April 2023 Although extensive changes made to the Tanzanian mining laws by the previous administration of John Magufuli disincentivised mining investors, subsequent changes – introduced by Magufuli and current President Samia Suluhu Hassan to address investor concerns – have resulted in Tanzania’s becoming... →

Low infrastructure investment puts local skills levels at risk

7th April 2023 The local consulting engineers sector boasts a high level of skills and capacity, however, lack of investment in infrastructure development has resulted in the industry struggling to retain and maintain its skills capacity level owing to consulting engineers pursuing international opportunities.... →

ANDREW VAN ZYL South Africa’s consulting engineering sector has a high level of skill and capability

Procurement processes should prioritise quality over cost

6th April 2023 Current infrastructure procurement processes are not appropriate for infrastructure development, owing to clients lacking the knowledge to adequately evaluate tenders, says industry association Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) CEO Chris Campbell. This results in an emphasis on choosing... →

CHRIS CAMPBELL Developing infrastructure serves as a catalyst for economic growth

Industry needs to address challenges to retain female engineers

6th April 2023 While there have been changes in the consulting engineers industry to drive more inclusivity and diversity, the industry still struggles to retain female workers. Women encounter challenges, such as unconscious bias, a lack of workplace flexibility, unclear promotion paths and limited roles for... →

NAOMI NAIDOO Unconscious biases are changing, as people become more aware and accepting of women in the industry

New recycling methods required for active pharmaceuticals ingredients

31st March 2023 Owing to the highly solvent-intensive processes associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing, a single batch of APIs can use and generate significant amounts of waste. These solvents are also costly to procure and dispose of. API manufacturers continuously investigate and... →

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT API manufacturers continuously investigate and implement suitable alternative materials that are safer for handlers

Climate change-focused conference aims to inspire action

24th March 2023 The inaugural 1.5 Degrees Conference and Exhibition aims to inspire action towards achieving net-zero emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. The conference will take place at the Century City Conference Centre and Precinct, in Cape Town, from March 28 to 30. →

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF The event aims to bridge the gap between high-level climate change conversations and civil society

New approaches to waste needed to alleviate impact

24th March 2023 Establishing a hierarchy to avoid and minimise waste production, following a circular economy model and increasing awareness on the impact of waste can alleviate the impacts of current waste management systems, says waste management service Interwaste marketing director Kate Stubbs. Current waste... →

RE-FRAMING WASTE Waste products can be used to meet other resource demands

Engineered wood a carbon-efficient material

24th March 2023 The international construction industry is moving away from carbon-producing materials, such as steel and concrete, in favour of more sustainable materials. Engineered wood offers a multitude of benefits, including being a more sustainable and cost-effective material while offering shortened... →

WOOD INNOVATION Engineered wood are more sustainable, cost-effective material, offer shortened construction time and are customisable, stronger and uniform panels

New recycling methods required for API

17th March 2023 Owing to the highly solvent-intensive processes associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing, a single batch of APIs can use and generate significant amounts of waste. These solvents are also costly to procure and dispose of. API manufacturers continuously investigate and... →

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT API manufacturers continuously investigate and implement suitable alternative materials that are safer for handlers

Supplier offers on-site training to improve operations

17th March 2023 Chemicals supplier Active Chemicals offers on-site technical assistance and training for operational personnel in the gold plant and water filtration works sector. The service provides customers with valuable knowledge and insights to tackle challenges related to workers who may be unskilled... →

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL Chemicals, like granular activated carbon, can be used more efficiently to improve overall operations

Recycling tech mitigates waste

17th March 2023 Plastic production has increased to more than one-million tonnes a day, resulting in a growing plastic waste challenge, which chemical recycling technologies can mitigate by turning the waste into raw materials that can be used to meet current plastic demand. Chemical recycling company Plastic... →

SEVILLE RECYCLING PLANT Plastic Energy’s recycling process transforms difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into an optimal oil feedstock

Patented reactor doing well globally

3rd March 2023 Metallurgical technology company GoldOre has secured many international clients interested in their patented MACH Reactor. However, despite the success the company has garnered overseas, it has experienced difficulty in expanding in the local market. The proudly South African, 100% black-owned... →

ADRIAN SINGH GoldOre has experienced difficulty in expanding in the local market

Miner soars past hurdles, aims to expand in 2023

3rd March 2023 The refurbished Bibiani mine along with the Chirano mine, located in the north-western region of Ghana, are ahead of their respective timelines and expect to extend their life-of-mine to more than ten years. Gold production, exploration and development company Asante Gold Corporation expects to... →

GROWTH AHEAD By the end of 2023, Asante will have a processing capacity of 7.6-million tonnes a year

Investors pursue bullion over gold stock

3rd March 2023 While investors have slowly moved away from investing in individual gold mining companies, interest in buying gold as an investment increased towards the end of 2022. However, the lack of investor interest in stock, and the resultant lack of capital expenditure for mines, continues to negatively... →

JEFFREY CHRISTIAN The current stock market and economic environment creates good conditions to buy physical gold

Blockchain platform ensures traceability

3rd March 2023 Small-scale miners require market access, capital and expertise to continue to mine and grow their operations, while buyers require traceability. The lack thereof often results in buyers not trusting small-scale miners, which creates a barrier to entry. UK-based technology startup Minexx notes... →

MARCUS SCARAMANGA Prevailing lack of trust prevents much-needed products and services from flowing to supply sites

Solar fitting illuminates loadshedding shadows

24th February 2023 Ongoing loadshedding has put significant pressure on the South African building industry, as productivity can be affected if companies do not have backup power or reliable alternative lighting solutions. It also causes significant damage to electrical products, resulting in them failing... →

FIT FOR PURPOSE Colour temperature changing Easybat LED batten is available in standard, motion sensor and emergency light versions

Infrastructure woes blight mining activities

17th February 2023 The value of minerals available in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is overshadowed by ailing infrastructure such as roads and reliable Internet networks. These challenges make it difficult for mining companies, and companies that support the mining industry, to import and export... →

TRUCKS QUEUE Long wait times at borders cause delays that often last for days

Revised Code still plagues investors

17th February 2023 The Revised Mining Code, and the subsequent attempts to clarify it, has created significant uncertainty for investors in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) mining and natural resources sector. However, it is anticipated that, through initiatives implemented by DRC President Félix... →

WARREN BEECH New initiatives address a multitude of challenges impacting on the DRC mining industry

ASM needs stronger initiatives, regulation

17th February 2023 Owing to the prevalence of the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it has been difficult for government to regulate the industry. However, government is attempting to transform and regulate the industry through new initiatives, says law firm... →

CYNICAL OUTLOOK Artisanal miners are often distrustful of government policies and promises that are aimed at creating responsible cobalt supply chains

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