Nadine Ramdass

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Nadine Ramdass

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

Accurate solution allows for sustainable farming

12th August 2022 Agricultural technology developer Farm21 aims to assist 10 000 farmers worldwide in making better farming decisions by 2024 using its pinpoint accuracy solution, says Farm21 partnership manager Dewald de Vos. He says farmers want to keep their businesses resilient amid the increasingly... →

Innovative tech can change farming

12th August 2022 With there being a need to increase food production by 60% by 2050 in Europe, agricultural technology developers Farm21 partnership manager Dewald de Vos says precision farming tools, such as the solution offered by Farm21, help farmers to make informed decisions, based on real-time data. The... →

BENEATH THE SURFACE Precision farming tools assists farmers in making informed decisions based on real-time data

Sector pursues recovery amid various challenges

5th August 2022 While logistics real estate continues to do well and the office market is slowly improving, the operating environment for real estate owners and occupiers remains constrained. This is further compounded by the upward interest rate cycle that South Africa faces, says commercial real estate agency... →

STACKING CHALLENGES Local sector is dealing with an unprecedented array of economic challenges

Concrete parking lots offer numerous benefits

5th August 2022 While the initial construction cost of concrete parking is slightly higher, compared to asphalt parking, the maintenance costs of the former, for commercial and industrial properties, are minimal, says consolidated industrial body Cement & Concrete SA CEO Bryan Perrie. He adds that concrete... →

BRYAN PERRIE Concrete parking surfaces also offer vaious efficiency and environmental advantages

Strip malls preferred post pandemic

5th August 2022 While the South African retail sector is showing signs of recovery, factors such as fuel costs, inflation and a change in consumer habits throughout the pandemic have led to consumers’ frequenting strip malls more often than larger malls. “We are seeing a host of new retail developments coming to... →

Photo by Timothy Paule
INVITING INCENTIVES Landlords should draw shoppers through emphasising the experience and convenience of malls such as instantly trying on clothes

Vacant office spaces halt development

5th August 2022 The office market continues to struggle, with an oversupply of space, especially in premium nodes, resulting in office development being “at a standstill” as developers diversify into the residential market with large-scale office conversions. Poor office demand was exacerbated by the repeated... →

DATA CENTRE Load-shedding affects the way commercial and industrial properties are being developed

Industrial property faces expansion hurdles

5th August 2022 The local property sector was subjected to a forced slowdown, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, consequently resulting in tension within the industrial property space as industrial tenants that needed to execute growth plans were waiting to evaluate what the real effects of Covid would be on their... →

DEMAND VS SUPPLY Increased demand for property spaces post-covid has led to diminishing zoned land availabilty

Proactive maintenance ensures max efficiency

15th July 2022 With about 45% to 60% of the repair and maintenance costs associated with a tracked machine involving the undercarriage, an effective preventative maintenance programme is essential to ensure operators get the maximum equipment life span at the lowest cost per hour, says manufacturer, distributor... →

BREAKING GROUND Effective preventative maintenance programme ensures the maximum equipment life span at the lowest cost per hour

Prices driving upgrades, maintenance

15th July 2022 The current steep increase in commodity prices has led to mining clients’ upgrading and maintaining their equipment to reduce downtime and maximise output, says steel fabricator Hydra Arc project management office manager Tyrone van Heerden. While rising costs have had a negative impact on the... →

SPARKS FLY Continuously refurbishing equipment can increase the life span by up to 120%

Supply challenges addressed through investment – steel supplier

8th July 2022 While the steel quality from several smaller mills has improved in the past five years, some challenges need to be resolved, prompting such mills to invest in improvements to align with market requirements, says steel manufacturer and supplier Stewarts and Lloyds central purchasing group... →

ICU FENCING The aesthetically pleasing range gives the end-user security and visible

Industry continues to face supply chain woes

8th July 2022 The stainless steel industry has been under severe supply chain pressure caused by rising prices of raw materials, such as nickel, as well as shipping and logistics and energy costs, in Europe and Asia. As a result, stainless steel and valves supplier EMV Africa has had to be creative and... →

STACKING CHALLENGES Rising prices of raw materials, energy costs and shipping and logistics have pressured the supply chain

Positive outlook despite new challenges

8th July 2022 The steel industry is emerging from the challenging period caused by global commodity issues in 2016, followed by Covid-19-related disruptions, and now the Ukraine war. South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) technical director Amanuel Gebremeskel says that the South African steel... →

OUT OF THE WOODS The steel industry is coming out of a difficult period which could be favourable for the industry

Sustainability efforts set to affect steel industry

8th July 2022 The steel industry has been fraught with challenges, ranging from Covid-19-related impacts to supply chain issues, but the move towards more sustainable practices will also result in many changes in steel industry processes, says South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) technical... →

Plant increases production

8th July 2022 The record-setting MIDREX DRI plant of Tosyali Algerie was supplied by MIDREX and SMS group subsidiary Paul Wurth in 2018. This success motivated Tosyali to invest in boosting its production capacity by a further 2.5-million tons with an additional MIDREX plant to complement the existing one at... →

MIDREX DRI PLANT The success of the first plant has led to the development of a second plant to boost production

Increased interest in gas-powered generators

17th June 2022 Since the lifting of the own-generation licence threshold to 100 MW, interest in using gas for embedded power generation has increased significantly, says gas engine and hybrid power plant specialist Clarke Energy business development manager Kara Neale. The high efficiency of gas-powered... →

TAILORED TO GAS CHARACTERISTICS it is important to ensure that the equipment is suited to the particular gas

Gas can meet commercial and industrial energy needs

17th June 2022 While there are various sources of energy, gas remains one of the primary sources that can sustain a large amount of industrial and commercial requirements, says consulting service provider Synergy oil & gas consulting and training GM Ismaeel Fataar. He explains that a strong ripple effect from... →

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE Skills need to be developed now to meet the future needs of the gas-to-power industry

Company shows revenue growth

10th June 2022 Steel manufacturer and supplier Stewarts and Lloyds’ manufacturing division registered an even bigger growth in revenue last year – compared with the previous year – largely owing to the company’s increasing its products range and branches across South Africa. The company also opened a branch in... →

Sector requires support to recover, reap economic benefits

10th June 2022 Despite the manufacturing sector being the fourth highest contributor to the gross domestic product, it has been in decline in recent years, and shrunk, impacting the overall economy. The Covid-19 pandemic has further impacted the sector and its growth. However, through collaborative efforts by... →

VITAL SPARK Petrochemicals, chemicals and metals machinery manufacturing can spark growth in local manufacturing sector

Covid-19 continues to haunt manufacturing companies

10th June 2022 The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its resulting lockdowns continues to be felt in the manufacturing sector despite a move towards eased regulations. Challenges, such as the shortage of electronic components, global shipping delays and overall uncertainty, have impacted on the growth of the... →

COVID DELAYS STRETCH Owing to pandemic-related delays, a MCC can now take up to between 30 and 40 weeks to complete

Manufacturing Indaba welcomes back the physical event

10th June 2022 The Manufacturing Indaba is scheduled to take place later this month as an in-person event for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Event management company and Manufacturing Indaba organiser Siyenza looks forward to using the event as a platform to enable industry... →

MANUFACTURING INDABA This year's Indaba will be in-person for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic

Correct choice of seals, gaskets can prevent failures

3rd June 2022 Seals and gaskets must be correctly selected, as the failure of seals and gaskets can endanger human life, as well as potentially causing significant financial losses, particularly in critical applications, says mechanical contractor Brimis Engineering executive director Moeketsi Mpotu. Brimis... →

CRITICAL PURPOSE Owing to the function of seals and gaskets, customers must be aware of key failures modes and prevention methods

Southern Africa deemed highly prospective for diamonds

20th May 2022 Diamond exploration and project development company Botswana Diamonds regards Southern Africa as one of the most prospective destinations for diamonds globally. The Kalahari region of Botswana has potential for a new diamond mine, while the Thorny River project, in Limpopo, South Africa, has... →

JAMES CAMPBELL Botswana has a long legacy of successful diamond mining

Junior mining regulations need to be amended, says law firm

20th May 2022 Regulations impacting on junior miners must be amended to address the unique challenges and needs of the various types of miners currently classified as juniors, says law firm Beech Veltman CEO Warren Beech. Through more targeted regulations and a streamlined application process, the junior... →

WARREN BEECH Targeted regulations can assist the junior mining sector in growth

Exploration sector has not received enough investment

20th May 2022 The specialised exploration sector in South Africa has not been fully developed or invested in, which has resulted in the junior mining sector mainly comprising of medium-sized producers as opposed to specialised exploration companies, explains mining employers’ organisation Minerals Council... →

GRANT MITCHELLThe exploration sector needs to have a regulatory environment geared towards its growth

New products added to portfolio, renew interest in metrology solutions

13th May 2022 Measuring instruments supplier B&R Metrology introduced new products to its portfolio to counteract the decline in enquiries for metrology products as manufacturing and engineering companies navigate Covid-related impacts, and to pursue new sales tactics and increase its online presence. As a... →

SCANTECH SIMSCAN The Simscan has been popular in the local market since its introduction October last year

Electronic detonators ensure effective blasting

6th May 2022 Opencast mines have to contend with rising costs as they go deeper. Efficiency is required to contain these costs and remain profitable, which is offered by digital technology such as blast planning software and electronic detonation systems. Electronic detonator systems, such as mining... →

AXXIS TITANIUM BME's new detonator system offers many benefits

Pre-owned equipment demand spikes

6th May 2022 The Covid-19 pandemic, and its related impacts, has caused severe delays for mining companies procuring new opencast mining machinery. As a result, mines and related contractors have turned to purchasing pre-owned equipment. Since the beginning of the pandemic, mining contractors have experienced... →

BRIDGING THE GAP Mines have turned to pre-owned machinery as pandemic-related impacts delay new machinery procuremen

Machinery maintenance key to mitigating downtime

6th May 2022 Machine downtime – particularly for drill rigs – significantly impacts on the opencast mining industry, with the loss in productivity caused by scheduled and unscheduled downtime resulting in significant revenue losses for mining companies. Therefore, companies must prioritise the mitigation and... →

DRILL RIG AT WORK ROS assists clients in returning to production and minimising risk

Proactive measures ensure targets are reached

6th May 2022 Coal mining company Canyon Coal ensures that its Khanye Colliery, in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, follows a proactive approach to managing and mitigating the impacts of potential challenges. Implementing precautionary measures has enabled the colliery to continuously mine and process 200 000 t a... →

COAL TO GROW The coal industry significantly contributes to the local economy

Project unpacks 4IR skills-related needs

29th April 2022 Industry cluster organisation Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa’s (Memsa’s) Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Skills Study Project seeks to understand the 4IR skills-related needs of local manufacturers of mining equipment. 4IR and skills development is a relatively new exploration... →

INAUGURAL INNOVATION AWARDS Many industry stakeholders lack awareness of the diversity and innovation taking place in South Africa

Bridging the gap between tech and its understanding

29th April 2022 To unlock the full benefits and capabilities of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and ensure successful uptake, training programmes need to first assist mining operations and their employees in understanding where the challenges in the business operations are, says business management... →

SiMINE SIMULATION CENTRE The centre supports the mining industry through research and training programmes

Precinct pursues implementable solutions

29th April 2022 Public–private partnership Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) has strengthened its focus on developing and sourcing implementable solutions for the mining industry. The precinct has shifted its focus, from an investment and research perspective, towards the “latter technology readiness levels” to... →

MANDELA MINING PRECINCT TEST MINE The precinct is appreciative of the site as it will improve research and development

Precinct follows people-centric approach

29th April 2022 Public–private partnership Mandela Mining Precinct’s (MMP’s) recent mining research has resulted in increased capacity to analyse how modernisation and technology affect the people in the industry or mine-affected environment. The precinct runs the Strategic Application of Technology Centered... →

Photo by Creamer Media
MANDELA MINING PRECINCT The precinct offers guidance to mines navigating new technology impacts

Firm looks to increase investment in outsourced businesses

15th April 2022 Private equity firm Agile Capital continues to search for investment opportunities, including in outsourced mining businesses. Agile Capital CEO Tshego Sefolo explains that outsourced mining services play a critical role in the mining industry. Therefore, the company aims to invest in businesses... →

TSHEGO SEFOLO Outsourced mining services play a critical role in the mining industry

Employment solutions enable companies to focus on core objectives

15th April 2022 Integrated employment management solutions company Quyn provides a range of tailor-made employment management solutions for multiple industries, including the mining sector. These solutions offer significant value to companies, as they can focus on their core objectives while ensuring that... →

WAYNE ALCOCK Outsourced services allow mines to focus in their core objectives

Experts can simplify compliance challenges

15th April 2022 Mining houses need to be aware of tax legislation and compliance requirements to ensure that they are protected, and the most effective and efficient way of doing so is to use tax advisory specialists who are aware of any potential pitfalls in legislative requirements, particularly when procuring... →

Manufacturer prioritises customer needs

8th April 2022 Stainless steel long products manufacturer Wire Products Stainless Steel’s (WPSS’s) experience of more than 30 years in supplying material to produce cold-formed fasteners and complex parts to the market has resulted in a strong knowledge and understanding of customer requirements, says WPSS... →

Stainless steel industry perseveres in challenging conditions

8th April 2022 Despite significant challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and its ripple effects, the stainless steel sector has shown adaptivity, innovation and resilience. It is also showing prepandemic consumption levels, with Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) acting... →

LIGHT AHEAD The stainless steel sector is showing prepandemic consumption levels

Tool distribution for local market simplified

8th April 2022 Through its partnership with South Korea-based original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) YG-1, engineering equipment importer and supplier JTB Industrial Solutions (JTB) can supply the local market with YG-1’s range of cutting tools and indexable inserts. YG-1 is a major global company that exports... →

PROUD PARTNERSHIP YG-1's range of cutting tools and indexable carbide inserts

Stainless steel solutions added to local market

8th April 2022 Industrial equipment supplier Actum Group supplies manufacturing and solutions company Band-It’s range of quality-engineered band and fastening products to the local market. “The importance of using high-quality products is critical for any industry or application,” says Actum Band-It team leader... →

BAND-IT Band-It clamps allows joints to be formed without alteration to the items being joined

African sugar industry needs investment boost

1st April 2022 While the sugar industry has the potential for major growth, the continued lack of investment limits the socioeconomic impact the industry can make, says independent engineering consultancy Sugartech principal consultant Wayne Jayes. “Access to capital funding for sugar projects to establish new... →

FULL STEAM AHEAD The sugar industry requires capital funding to unlock its full potential

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