Nadine Ramdass

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Nadine Ramdass

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

Swift mining, minerals transport required to meet demand

17th February 2023 To fully reap the benefits of the demand for battery-related minerals, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) needs to prioritise mining and export the minerals swiftly, says WSP Africa Earth & Environment MD and mining in Africa head Dr Ralph Heath. The DRC has significant amounts of... →

Small businesses in boiler servicing sector need support

3rd February 2023 With small businesses that service boilers and burners requiring support to manage challenges and grow within an industry that is dominated by larger, established companies and inadequately qualified companies, legislative structures need to be established to support new entrants in the market,... →

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES Improvements in competition, effectiveness and efficiency can result in ripple effects

System efficiently used to detect leaks

3rd February 2023 The Inspecta Automatic Purge System (APS) is a cost-effective, ambient-air purge system that does not require compressed air or an additional power source to remove the fly ash build-up within the Inspecta pipe-sets, for steam leak detection in coal-fired power stations. The Inspecta APS... →

INSPECTA APS The Inspecta APS complements the existing Inspecta acoustic steam leak detection systems

PPPs critical to addressing unemployment, skills development

3rd February 2023 The demand for occupational programmes by both colleges and industry shows that the solution to unemployment as well as producing adequately skilled workers is through public–private partnerships (PPPs), says the Department of Higher Education and Training technical and vocational education and... →

Course enables project management’s full potential

27th January 2023 Not-for-profit professional project management organisation Project Management Institute (PMI) has launched a course covering critical power skills amongst others to assist project managers in bridging the gap between project owners and contractors. PMI sub-Saharan Africa MD George Asamani... →

BRIDGING THE GAP The course bridges the gap between contractors and project owners

Circular economy enables value-added by-products

20th January 2023 Nature-based solutions assist in creating a more circular economy and by-products from the treatment can create further value for the water treatment industry, says Rhodes University’s Institute for Environmental Biotechnology (EBRU) director Professor Keith Cowan. By-products can appeal to... →

NATURAL SOLUTIONS Nature-based solutions create by-products such as biogas and minerals

EBRU’s systems to be used commercially

20th January 2023 Rhodes University’s Institute for Environmental Biotechnology’s (EBRU’s) ongoing research on nature-based water treatment solutions has showcased two possible systems for commercial use that can potentially treat waste water more efficiently while minimising negative environmental impacts. The... →

Photo by Dirk Pieters
KEITH COWAN Two nature-based systems can potentially treat waste water more efficiently while minimising negative environmental impacts

Revamp for two water treatment works

20th January 2023 Consulting engineering solutions provider Bosch Projects has been appointed by the Blue Crane Route municipality (BCRM) as consultants for the refurbishment of the water treatment works (WTW) for the towns of Somerset East and Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape. “Although water of acceptable quality... →

COOKHOUSE WATER TREATMENT WORKS Bosch Projects has been appointed by the Blue Crane Route municipality as consultants for the refurbishment of the water treatment works

HPL threatens industry recovery

9th December 2022 The Health Promotion Levy (HPL), commonly known as the sugar tax, still poses the greatest threat to the continued existence of the sugar industry, says South African Sugar Association (SASA) executive director Trix Trikam. The HPL has resulted in the beverages sector reformulating its products... →

FALSE DAWN HPL threatens the progress that the industry Master Plan achieved

Plan aims to save industry

9th December 2022 The Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan 2030 aims to prevent the sugar industry from collapsing, following its decline in recent years. The industry depends on government to create viable measures to assist with industry growth, but a potential lack of trust between government and the industry... →

FRANCOIS BAIRD Trust needs to be re-established between industry stakeholders and government

Sugar cane loader maximises capabilities

9th December 2022 Original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Bell Equipment’s UltECO 6 sugar cane slew loader was designed to be the lowest-cost, controlled-traffic loading tool globally and incorporates a slewing cab and boom. The 4x4 unit can travel up to 26 km/h, enabling it to cover long distances easily. →

GOING THE DISTANCE The UltECO 6 is able to cover long distances and incorporates a slewing cab and boom

Mining sector aims to reduce carbon emissions

2nd December 2022 Although the global mining sector has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions contribution, the sector needs to thoroughly evaluate how to go about meeting these targets amid various challenges. The sector has pursued a combination of switching to renewable-energy sources,... →

ELECTRIC TROLLEY Equipment alternatives can assist mines in addressing emissions

Decarbonised economy requires diverse approach

2nd December 2022 A decarbonised economy requires not only investment in renewable energy, but also exploring and integrating other options to decarbonise industrial processes that comprise about 75% of total carbon emissions, says financial advisory services company Cresco Group senior associate Dominic... →

DECARBONISED FUTURE Stakeholders need to consider more than renewable energy for a decarbonised economy

Food-safe lubricant reduces health risks

18th November 2022 Health risks associated with conventional lubricants pose a challenge to beverage manufacturers, consequently requiring them to eliminate contamination of final products as much as possible. Lubricant manufacturer Fuchs Lubricants’ range of food-safe lubricants is ideal for beverage industries to... →

JACO KRIEL MOAH and MOSH are harmful for human consumption

Beer manufacturer aims to Brew a Better World

18th November 2022 Beer manufacturer Heineken continues its journey to being a sustainable company through its Brew a Better World strategy. The strategy is built on three pillars: the environment, social impact and the responsible consumption of alcohol. →

SEDIBENG SOLAR POWER PLANT The plant fits into the company's net-zero carbon target

Mining group aims to regain 2021’s safety performance

11th November 2022 Platinum group metals mining group Implats’ immediate focus is on rebuilding the safety performance that it demonstrated in financial year (FY) 2021. The group reported an increase in the number of fatalities in FY2022, relative to its safety record for FY2021. →

Noncompliance culture must be resolved

11th November 2022 Mining companies must address the culture of noncompliance regarding health and safety measures to ensure that all employees respect the measures put in place, and the relevant authorities, thereby minimising risk, says training centre Strat Training MD Edwin Stafford. A recurring challenge is... →

SAFETY FIRST Noncompliance culture must be addressed to minimise risk

Supplement aids miners’ health

11th November 2022 The harsh conditions and exertion associated with mining results in mine workers often not hydrating enough – or in severe cases, becoming dehydrated – in addition to the loss of vital minerals, which can affect their health and ability to work safely, says pharmaceutical company Specpharm key... →

Heineken shows off 6.5 MW solar plant at its Sedibeng brewery

11th November 2022 Beer manufacturer Heineken this week unveiled a 6.5 MW solar power plant at its Sedibeng brewery, in Midvaal. The solar power plant was built as part of the company’s Build a Better World initiative and would contribute to the group's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. →

Course paves way for growth opportunities in GIS platforms

4th November 2022 The growing interest in Geographical Information System (GIS) platforms as the preferred platform for visualising and analysing mining data in multiple dimensions, along with a shortage of qualified specialists in such systems, prompted the University of the Witwatersrand’s (Wit’s) Wits Mining... →

M AHSAN MAHBOOB GIS is an integral part of DigiMine's ongoing and future research and development plans

Integration project creates more value for mine

4th November 2022 Digital automation and energy management specialist Schneider Electric has reached the final stage of its information technology (IT) and operational technology integration project in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, for a South African diversified miner. The project began in 2019 – in... →

CRAIG HUDSON IT and operational technology integration is key to helping mines analyse data

Specialised antennas ensure connectivity in mine tunnels

4th November 2022 Telecommunications equipment supplier Poynting Antennas offers locally designed antennas to ensure robust connectivity in various industries, including openpit and underground mining. The company prioritises quality and performance in the design and manufacture of antennas that are suitable for... →

STEPHEN FRONEMAN Poynting Antennas' stand at the Electra Mining Expo

Heavy-duty seal provides savings for miner

4th November 2022 Mechanical seals and support system specialist AESSEAL is upgrading 14 pumps for a mining company based in Namibia. The upgrade will include installing AESSEAL’s CDPH heavy-duty double slurry mechanical seals, SW2 a water management system and fluid distribution unit (FDU) for the pumps in a... →

CDPH HEAVY-DUTY DOUBLE SLURRY MECHANICAL SEALS The mechanical seal is specifically designed to meet the arduous requirements of slurry pumping applications

Satellite solution links mines to data benefits

4th November 2022 Telecommunications company BT group’s medium earth-orbit (MEO) mining service provides a “game-changing satellite connectivity solution” for mining companies to improve performance, safety and profitability using the large quantities of data generated by their remote operations. The MEO mining... →

ADRIAN COMLEY Low latency performance and guaranteed bandwidth ensures that critical decisions can be made efficiently and reliably

Heineken shows off 6.5 MW solar plant at its Sedibeng brewery

27th October 2022 Beer manufacturer Heineken this week unveiled a 6.5 MW solar power plant at its Sedibeng brewery, in Midvaal. The solar power plant was built as part of the company’s Build a Better World initiative and would contribute to the group's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. →

Inventory system tailored for S Africa

21st October 2022 Supply chain specialist Strategico has developed the Barcode Out’a Box (BoB) system that is tailored to meet the requirements of local warehouses with its barcoding, scanning and inventory functionalities, besides others. The cloud-based, barcode and inventory control system functions as a... →

COMPLETE SOLUTION BoB is a cloud-based, barcode and inventory control system

Poorly maintained roads, rail impact costs of goods

14th October 2022 Badly maintained roads results in the increased cost of logistics which is exacerbated by the unreliable railway system, which results in an increase of cargo transported by road. This cost is then borne by the consumer and drives inflation in addition to making local products less competitive in... →

Pandemic’s shadow hangs over rail sector

14th October 2022 A significant challenge the rail sector currently faces is reinstating its services following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, says Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) CEO Tshepo Kgare. During the pandemic, railway infrastructure was significantly damaged by vandalism and theft. →

TSHEPO KGARE The railway network has seen very marginal improvement over the years despite the decrease in the extent of services provided

Challenges rippling through to subcontractors

7th October 2022 Subcontractors have to contend with numerous challenges – budget allocations, delayed payments, primary contractors running into cash flow problems and navigating tender processes, many of which are often outside of their control – that continue to negatively affect their ongoing sustainability... →

MOUNTING CHALLENGES Sub-contractors face a slew of challenges that affect their sustainability

Company on track to complete furnace rebuild

3rd October 2022 Foundry and engineering company Thos Begbie is on track to conclude the rebuild of the new furnace of multinational precious metals mining company Sibanye-Stillwater’s platinum group metals (PGMs) smelter this month. The first matte tap is set to be conducted also by the end of this month. This... →

FROM THE GROUND UP Thos Begbie built on their role of manufacturing the smelter parts by going on to rebuild the smelter

Humidification solutions to make maintenance easier

23rd September 2022 Maintenance schedules depend on the type of humidifier and the humidifier application. Humidification and dehumidification equipment supplier Humidair owner Pieter Aldred notes that modern humidifiers are sophisticated and can assist end-users in identifying faults or servicing requirements.... →

Maintenance neglected amid economic constraints

23rd September 2022 Economic challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in many companies’ “skimping” on air-conditioning maintenance, as it is viewed as an unnecessary additional expense, says cleaning chemicals developer and supplier O3 Chemicals. O3 Chemicals marketing manager Dave Papenfus... →

Electronic certificate of conformity now compulsory

23rd September 2022 The electronic format certificate of conformity (CoC) became available last month for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems practitioners. The Coc in paper format has previously been available and used within the industry. The CoC is issued to provide assurance that the installation is safe... →

Engineers need to participate in infrastructure decisions

16th September 2022 A reoccurring theme at Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (Cesa’s) Infrastructure Indaba, held last month in Fourways, Johannesburg, was the need for consulting engineers – and engineers generally – to be more involved in decision-making regarding infrastructure. During the event, Engineering... →

STARTING THE DISCUSSION Cesa Ceo Chris Campbell, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Cesa President Olu Soluade at the Cesa Infrastructure Indaba

Municipalities struggle to address key infrastructure challenges

16th September 2022 Dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants pose a health hazard for residents living downstream along watercourses and have a negative impact on the environment, says consultancy firm SRK Consulting partner and environmental scientist Manda Hinsch. →

HIGHER DEMANDS Municipalities are not able to adequately address and adapt to the growth of high-density developments

Maintenance deemed first priority

16th September 2022 The maintenance of infrastructure by local municipalities is critical to ensuring lasting, quality and sustainable essential services for future generations, says industry body South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) president Professor Marianne Vanderschuren. →

PROFESSOR MARIANNE VANDERSCHUREN Municipalities need to raise awareness on the role that communities can play in protecting municipal infrastructure and consumption management

Federation to host first assembly next year

9th September 2022 The first African Welding Federation Annual Assembly and Conference will be held in March 2023, in Egypt. The aim is to focus on different welding processes and, held from 14 to 17 March at the Pyramidal Hotel in Cairo, the event will mark the first in-person meeting of the member countries. →

AN AFRICAN APPROACH The African Welding Federation aims to increase international certified welding training across Africa

Women offer high-quality work in welding sector – institute

9th September 2022 Despite a low number of women working in the welding and related processes sector locally, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) says its members have seen more detail-oriented work, as well as high-quality consistency, from women, or female, employees. SAIW executive director John... →

INCREASING INCLUSIVITY Women are more detail-orientated, particularly in the inspection environment and managerial aspects

Institute charts direction after pandemic

9th September 2022 Despite many industries being significantly impacted by the pandemic, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) used the pandemic period as an opportunity to restructure and enhance itself as well as its offerings. Moving out of the pandemic, the SAIW is set to provide an improved... →

LIGHT IN THE DARK SAIW is a good position to replenish some of its reserves following the impact of Covid

SA poised to benefit from PGMs growth

26th August 2022 South Africa is strategically poised to benefit from the growth trajectory of the platinum group metals (PGMs) sector, as it holds about 80% of the world’s PGM resources. The country demonstrates a unique competitive advantage, as a result of the increasing demand for platinum in hydrogen fuel... →

ZOOMING AHEAD Increasing demand for platinum in cell-powered vehicles offers growth opportunities for local PGM sector

Tech yields beneficial tools for farms

12th August 2022 Software company Aerobotics is pioneering solutions, such as its Aeroview infield mobile application and computer vision for the precision farming of perennial crops, as more growers look to agricultural technology to solve labour and input efficiency challenges. Aerobotics global business... →

DRONES' EYE VIEW Aerobotics' mobile application works with drones to gather information and imaging on crops

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