Tracy Hancock

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Tracy Hancock

Tracy Hancock is Creamer Media Contributing Editor for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Rest of 2022 holds many potential demand outcomes

1st July 2022 Amid heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the remainder of the year holds a range of potential outcomes for gold demand, says World Gold Council (WGC) Europe, the Middle East and Africa senior analyst Louise Street. “Looking at investment demand, there is a ‘push-and-pull’ effect... →

Maintenance of ageing road network a top priority – JRA

24th June 2022 The deterioration of Johannesburg’s roads is a key concern in terms of the general maintenance of the city, with inclement weather, vandalism and theft, as well as ageing infrastructure, the key challenges hindering service delivery, says Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) acting road infrastructure... →

CASH CONSTRAINTS Limited financial resources and rapidly ageing road infrastructure make it challenging to carry out all maintenance activities

Sanral success stories

24th June 2022 Despite the negative impact of its recent tender cancellations, South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says it continues to improve, manage and maintain the national road network. In Limpopo, the R37 improvement project between the Modikwa mine and Burgersfort worth R616-million is... →

CHANGING IT UP The Kokstad Interchange project along the R56 provincial route will take 33 months to complete

Majority of Sanral road network exceeds design life

24th June 2022 With 83.6% of the national road network under South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (Sanral’s) jurisdiction exceeding its 20-year design life, there is increased risk of rapid deterioration during the wet season, owing to the old, cracked surfaces being susceptible to moisture ingress,... →

CUSTOMARY CONDITIONS To be considered a well-maintained road network, it is the in-house norm at Sanral that not more than 10% be in a poor to very poor condition

Local bridge construction of concern

24th June 2022 The quality of new bridges being built generally complies with South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) standards, which are aligned with international best practice, but the quality of the construction of these bridges is concerning, says South African Institute of Steel Construction... →

DEVELOPMENT DRIVERS Pedestrian and vehicular bridge construction is most in demand in South Africa owing to population growth, economic development, tourism and iconic reasons

Improved commodity prices spur AFS knife gate valve demand

19th June 2022 Improved commodity prices have resulted in increased demand for knife gate valves from slurry-related valves manufacturer Abrasive Flow Solutions (AFS), in Gauteng, as mining houses upgrade existing facilities and proceed with previously unfeasible projects. “The rand:dollar exchange rate has... →

Aggregate prices to rise with fuel price

10th June 2022 The rising cost of fuel in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is placing increased pressure on South Africa’s quarries, which are at pains to limit the impact on the price of their aggregates. “Aggregates are low-value commodities with comparatively low profit margins. Therefore, rising fuel... →

THE FUEL EFFECT Quarries can no longer absorb rising operational and transport costs, which will directly impact on the cost of mining per ton

Association tackling quarry safety with handbook

10th June 2022 Trackless mobile machines and vehicles, unfortunately, remain a major cause of accidents on mines, says surface mining association Aspasa director Nico Pienaar. Earlier this year, Aspasa published its Driver’s Handbook under its Best Practices Guidelines series. →

SAFETY MAKES CENTS Employees will always have a vested interest in ensuring the economic sustainability of their employer, as that directly impacts on their livelihood

Quarrying under pressure, owing to lack of road builds

10th June 2022 A lack of genuine infrastructure development over the past ten years has reduced demand for aggregates, placing significant pressure on local quarries, says construction materials supplier AfriSam. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, which is epitomised by the lack of road... →

AVI BHOORA The importance of dealing with a trustworthy supplier cannot be stressed enough

Quarries upgrading to next-gen detonation tech

10th June 2022 Mining explosives and blasting technology supplier BME is steadily upgrading local quarries that have been using its AXXIS GII electronic detonation system for years to its latest-generation electronic detonation technology, AXXIS Silver. “The conversion of one to the other is straightforward, as... →

HENNIE DU PREEZ There was considerable interest in BME’s AXXIS Silver system when the company exhibited at the Investing in African Mining Indaba from May 9 to 12, in Cape Town

Award-winning Optima Classifier supplied for fine coal beneficiation

5th June 2022 Minerals and fines processing specialist Gravitas is nearing completion of a fine coal beneficiation project for which it has supplied two Optima Classifier water-only density separator units to produce clean coal that would otherwise have been deposited into a slimes dam. “Historically, the... →

Truck tyre insurance a local first

3rd June 2022 Dunlop Tyres manufacturer and distributor Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) says it is the first tyre manufacturer in South Africa to launch truck tyre insurance. As of April, the company extended its Dunlop Sure value-added tyre insurance – previously available for only certain passenger... →

TESTED FOR TOUGHNESS The Dunlop 315/80R22,5 SP835A has been extensively tested for African road conditions

Gearing up for Ranger, Grenadier production

3rd June 2022 Towbar expert Brink Towing Systems, in Pietermartizburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is expanding its manufacturing capacity in preparation for the production of automotive manufacturer Ford’s new-generation Ranger pick-up at its Tshwane plant, in Gauteng, later this year. “We are undertaking an extensive... →

BIG IN BAKKIES Brink Towing Systems produces the towbars for almost all original equipment manufacturers, including Ford’s current Ranger, Raptor and Everest models

Local bus sector under the pump

3rd June 2022 The South African bus sector has faced challenges over the past two years, with commercial-vehicle sliding-window designer and manufacturer Widney Transport Components noting a drop in volumes, says sales manager Lucas Mehlape. “Local demand is mainly driven by government tenders, so the more the... →

POWDER COATING PROWESS Widney Transport Components is expanding its aluminium powder coating capability to accommodate mild steel powder coating

Local truck, bakkie markets highly competitive

3rd June 2022 The local truck and bakkie accessory markets are highly competitive, with consumers “not spoiled for choice of brands”, says KwaZulu-Natal-based stainless steel and mild steel vehicle accessories manufacturer Maxe Premium Automotive Accessories, which lost two days of production because of... →

Construction mafias driving away civil engineering skills

27th May 2022 If the scourge of South Africa’s construction mafias is not soon addressed collaboratively by all stakeholders, the country’s civil engineering industry, which already faces limited job opportunities, will continue to lose the skills needed to deliver vital infrastructure projects, says... →

LINDIE FOURIE There is a mixed bag of issues that need to be addressed

Local construction sector continues to struggle

27th May 2022 The fragile South African construction sector is being further weakened by the continuing lack of implementation of the infrastructure delivery plan by government, as well as the demand for residential, retail and commercial buildings from the private sector, says diversified infrastructure and... →

LUCAS TSEKI South Africa’s economic recovery must be structured around infrastructure spend

Certification launched successfully

27th May 2022 Professional project management association Project Management Institute (PMI) has introduced its first industry-specific solution tailored for construction professionals in the African market. Launched locally early this year, the Construction Professional in Built Environment Projects (CPBEP)... →

FOCUSED APPROACH PMI held workshops for six months with stakeholders to create a construction-specific certification that did not replicate, but rather complemented, the existing qualifications available to the market

Versatile bolted column connections in demand

27th May 2022 Construction products and solutions specialist Peikko South Africa’s bolted column connections are helping to fast-track the development of a large residential project in Ferndale, Gauteng. The development involves the construction of a seven-storey building consisting of 204 apartments, says... →

DANIEL PETROV Everyone is looking to optimise their designs and find new methods that can reduce costs and add value, considering the globally depressed construction market

Improvements to corrosion resistance of MSP’s Rocnet could yield new product

22nd May 2022 Mining support systems manufacturer Mine Support Products (MSP) is working on an improved version of its Rocnet modular safety net that will offer better corrosion resistance for longer-term installations that could evolve into a new product, says MSP technical manager Christiaan Nissen.... →

Cobalt development an exciting prospect

20th May 2022 While copper is still the main commodity driving reagent demand in Zambia, mining reagent manufacturer and supplier Axis House MD Justine Stubbs is also excited by the prospects presented by the country’s largely unexplored and unexploited cobalt reserves. Along with copper, of which Zambia is... →

CUSTOM OFFERING Every product and solution supplied by Axis House to specific operations are unique

Zambia’s amethysts, emeralds still tops, but mining could be better

20th May 2022 The state of Zambia’s amethyst and emerald mining sectors has improved after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in poor demand. However, the sectors continue to battle systemic undercapitalisation, while the chamber continues to advocate for amendments to the tax regime to encourage... →

MAJOR MINER Kariba Minerals’ Mapatizya mine produces more than 90% of the amethyst originating from Zambia

OEM supporting sustainable Zambian mining

20th May 2022 As Zambian mines move to adopt more sustainable mining practices, the reduction of energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions – as per global mining trends – is a significant priority, says original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Weir Minerals Africa Rest of Africa sales director Pieter van... →

PIETER VAN DEN BERG Customers want reliable, highly engineered equipment that supports their operational goals

Refinery project makes headway in Zambia

20th May 2022 The ramp-up of the copper oxide and copper sulphide circuit at the Project Roan copper concentrator near Kitwe, in Zambia, was scheduled to start this month, according to diversified metal recovery business Jubilee Metals’ interim results for the six months ended December 31, 2021. Project Roan –... →

TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE Not only is Jubilee Metals addressing the physical legacies of historical mining operations but also the quality of life of those living in proximity of these installations

Webinars provide free practical knowledge for engineers

13th May 2022 There is a growing need to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the minerals processing sector, with metallurgical engineering graduates quickly realising their lack of practical experience once they enter the workforce. By attending the free online training workshops offered by... →

BRENT COMBRINK Multotec’s workshops can provide attendees with an advantage over other engineers in the minerals processing field

Major gold producer orders AZMET Cyanide Reduction Process Technology

8th May 2022 A major gold producer has placed the first order for the award-winning AZMET Cyanide Reduction Process Technology (AZ-CRP) developed by professional engineering design and project management company AZMET Technology & Projects. Following the order in January, earthworks are under way at the... →

Servo-hydraulic tech reduces energy needs

6th May 2022 As most machinery is manufactured overseas, there is not much local demand for servo-hydraulic technology, but “massive” energy savings can be achieved, says local industrial automation solutions provider Motion Tronic director Bradley Douglas. Motion Tronic is the South African representative of... →

ADVANTAGEOUS TOOL Companies can determine the potential energy savings servo-hydraulics can realise for a specific machine by using an online energy calculator Baumüller introduced this year

Market expected to be worth $22.2M by 2030

6th May 2022 The South African hydraulic gear pumps market is expected to be worth $22.2-million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% over the next eight years, says market research and consulting company Future Market Insights (FMI), which recently published a report on the global... →

NIKHIL KAITWADE Compared with other pump types available on the market, hydraulic gear pumps prices stay in an inexpensive range

Actuator can contribute to growth of auto sector

6th May 2022 The Parker Water Retract Actuator (WRA250) can help the welding cell become an important contributor to the plant-wide adoption of lean best practices that support the goals of the South African Automotive Masterplan, says motion and control technologies specialist Parker Hannifin Motion Systems... →

WATER RETRACT ACTUATOR The WRA250 was reintroduced to the South African automotive market in March this year

Hydraulic cylinder manufacturer embarks on African roadshow

6th May 2022 Precision hydraulic cylinder specialist Kappa Engineering aims to navigate the African business environment through a series of roadshows this year to showcase its expertise to key mining companies. With the company already having visited Botswana in February and Mozambique in March, plans are in... →

BIGGER AND BETTER Kappa is working on custom projects which involve a 350 Series design for the handling of greater pressures and loads

Rethink of local waterborne sewage system unavoidable

29th April 2022 As a water-scarce country, a rethink of South Africa’s waterborne sewage system is inevitable, owing to the threat of climate change, with the country’s overall water security partially hinging on its sanitation security. This is according to South Africa’s premier water knowledge hub, the Water... →

QUALITY CONTROL The Water Research Commission is working with several sanitation industry stakeholders to develop a mark scheme that would allow for local ISO 30500 accreditation and certification

Privately run Cape Town wastewater plants in good nick

29th April 2022 To improve the operating efficiency of its wastewater treatment works (WWTWs), South Africa needs to increase the number of plants operated by private companies, such as the Zandvliet WWTW in Cape Town, global water technology company Grundfos Cape Town branch manager Hennie Hanekom tells... →

HENNIE HANEKOM Many wastewater treatment works have no capital to invest and struggle with high operating costs because of old equipment that fails regularly and needs replacing

Local sanitation industry development funding, incentives needed

29th April 2022 Industry development funding and incentives by government for local manufacturers at the forefront of next-generation sanitation products, such as NEWgenerator sanitation system manufacturer WEC Projects, will help achieve the scale needed to alleviate pressure on South Africa’s failing sewage... →

CATERING TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES The NEWgenerator sanitation system provides effective sewage treatment where infrastructure is lacking

Act compliance lacking in municipalities

29th April 2022 Although the purpose and provisions of South Africa’s National Water Act, No 36 of 1998 and Water Services Act, No 108 of 1997 are prescribed, it is the observance and compliance with the obligations under these Acts that is wanting, says law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr environmental, mining and... →

MONITORING MATTERS The welcomed resurrection of the Blue and Green Drop Certification programme will again give the country insight into the status of its municipal sewage plants

Powerstart hydraulic starter overcomes overseas quality concern challenge

24th April 2022 Non-electric engine starting solutions company Powerworks has secured significant orders for its Powerstart hydraulic starter motors from overseas markets this year, despite the challenges faced by South African manufacturers when exporting their goods, says MD Nick Ruberg. “Our export challenges... →

New SAIMC fund to empower local revolution

22nd April 2022 The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control (SAIMC) is establishing a skills trust fund to sponsor individuals in their studies and work experience so that they can step into the industry as professionals and participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and take... →

problem investigation, problem solving, ethical behaviour, environmental issues

I-DAIR hub to boost digital health innovation locally

22nd April 2022 While South Africa is leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Southern Africa, the level of technological advancement in the local medical sector is low, with only some innovation and recognition of its positive use cases. It is hoped that the establishment of an International Digital... →

LEADING THE WAY UJ has positioned itself as a Fourth Industrial Revolution-focused university and has been appointed as the lead of the International Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative hub in South Africa

Mining leader in S Africa’s 4IR transformation

22nd April 2022 While the South African mining industry in many aspects is leading the country’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the manufacturing sector is not as quick to adopt to new ways of working and the use of technology, says professional services firm PwC South Africa industrial manufacturing and... →

PROGRESSIVE The mining industry has been eager to adopt 4IR technology

Africa is a ‘data desert’

22nd April 2022 Data scarcity and the lack of data scientists are the main challenges hindering the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. “Africa is a data desert compared with the US and other developed countries,” professional services firm EY Africa artificial intelligence and advanced analytics... →

KAVISHIN PATHER The uptake of artificial intelligence in Africa has been slow, with the continent not only lagging the developed world but also the developing world

Italian Club chooses Bedfordview specialist to keep lights on

15th April 2022 The Italian Club Johannesburg, in Bedfordview, has invested about R1-million in the installation of a fully automated 275 kVA generator from privately-owned generator specialist Elegen to power its facilities during electricity outages and load-shedding. The club researched several companies... →

Photo by Donna Slater
SUITABLE SOLUTION The Italian Club Johannesburg was advised by several suppliers that a generator would suit its needs best

Generators still reliable, affordable option

15th April 2022 Generators will always be an option as long as standby power is needed in South Africa, says generator importer and distributor Smith Power Equipment national product and sales specialist Michele Cicognani. While companies are becoming more aware of alternative standby power options, owing to the... →

SIZE MATTERS Incorrect sizing is the most common mistake made by companies when buying a generator

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