David Oliveira

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

David Oliveira

David Oliveira is a Creamer Media Senior Staff Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Email: newsdesk@engineeringnews.co.za

SA platinum miners enter recycling market despite ‘mixed’ expectations

22nd September 2017 Despite the mixed performance and expectations of the recycling industry, local platinum producers Sibanye and Northam Platinum this year entered the platinum-group metals (PGMs) recycling market. Platinum recycling is projected to decline by 6% year-on-year to 1.76-million ounces this year,... →

New export cluster aims to improve intra-African trade

22nd September 2017 South African manufacturing received a boost following the launch of the Engineering and Technology Grouping of Export Councils (ETGEC) at Infrastructure Africa, which took place last month at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg. The ETGEC comprises the South African Electrotechnical... →

SA platinum miners enter recycling market despite ‘mixed’ expectations

22nd September 2017 Despite the mixed performance and expectations of the recycling industry, local platinum producers Sibanye Resources and Northam Platinum this year entered the platinum-group metals (PGM) recycling market. Platinum recycling is projected to decline by 6% year-on-year to 1.76-million ounces this... →

Photo by Bloomberg
AUTOCATALYST MONOLITH Automotive catalytic converters are a major market for primary PGM producers and also the primary source for PGM recycling

South Africa’s export strategy aims to boost capacity for value-added goods, services trade

8th September 2017 The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) Integrated National Export Strategy (INES) aims to help improve the global competitiveness of South African exporters and tap the export-led economic growth benefits that have flowed to other developing countries in recent decades. The strategy was... →

Black investor acquires majority stake in precision manufacturing firm

8th September 2017 A recent acquisition of 51% of Johannesburg-based precision manufacturing company Bay Engineering by Black Industrialists Group (BIG) for R6.5-million is being held up as an example of transformation in the manufacturing sector. Bay Engineering MD Etienne Labuschagne points out that the deal,... →

Low-skilled labour plan could provide solution to unemployment challenge

8th September 2017 Industrial research and development engineering company Greville Wood Developments (GWD) is awaiting funding to recreate a 1986 manufacturing proof study and farming plan, called the Warrenton Plan, which could collectively create about 2 300 jobs in Warrenton, in the Northern Cape, then rolled... →

SA’s export strategy aims to boost capacity for value-added goods, services trade

8th September 2017 South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI's) Integrated National Export Strategy (INES) to help improve the global competitiveness of South African exporters and tap the export-led economic growth benefits that have flowed to other developing countries in recent decades. The strategy... →

Ghana officials showcase progress on international airport project

1st September 2017 The construction of a new terminal at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA), in Accra, is expected to transport five-million passengers a year once completed in April next year. The project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), with a $120-million facility, will not only improve... →

Concern raised over lack of support for coal roadmap

25th August 2017 Since the release in July 2013 of the South African Coal Roadmap (SACRM), there has been no impetus by government or coal miners to implement any of its recommendations. The SACRM was developed with a view to identifying possible scenarios that may impact on the coal industry, particularly in... →

AfriSam sees merger as key to surviving cement glut

25th August 2017 Cement manufacturer AfriSam sales and marketing executive Richard Tomes has stressed the need for the cement manufacturing industry to consolidate. On a site visit with members of the media to its Ulco plant, in the Northern Cape, earlier this month, he said the situation in the industry was... →

Supplier development can help create employment in South Africa

25th August 2017 South Africa needs jobs and economic development, but with government coming under increasing pressure to reduce its wage bill and the corporate sector similarly pushing for greater efficiency in a recessionary economy, the only remaining hope for employment growth is in the small, medium-sized... →

Concern raised over lack of support for coal roadmap

25th August 2017 After being released in July 2013, the South African Coal Roadmap (SACRM) has suffered the fate of which it warned industry, effectively ‘falling off a cliff’, with there having been no impetus by government or coal miners to implement any of the study’s recommendations. The SACRM was developed... →

DEMANDING MARKET State-owned utility Eskom’s power stations account for about 60% of South Africa’s domestic coal market

Joburg Council Chamber’s innovative design receives recognition

18th August 2017 The City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ’s) Council Chamber, which is managed by the CoJ’s property portfolio company Joburg Property Company (JPC), has been awarded the Public Services Development award by the Africa & Arabia Property Awards. The JPC will officially receive the award at a ceremony at the... →

AWARD WINNING The City of Johannesburg’s Council Chamber, has been awarded the Public Services Development award by the Africa & Arabia Property Awards

Sustainable partnerships needed to ensure Africa’s food security

18th August 2017 New approaches and sustainable partnerships are required to ensure food security for Africa’s rapidly urbanising population, says financial services provider Absa senior agricultural economist Wessel Lemmer. According to a January 2017 report by The Sustainable Development Goals Centre for... →

WESSEL LEMMER Achieving sustainable food security for urban and rural citizens remains an important priority for governments across Africa

Thermal imaging cameras, speakers deployed in bid to protect rhino

18th August 2017 Swedish security camera manufacturer Axis Communications is showing its commitment to combating the scourge of rhino poaching in South Africa. Axis Communications country manager Roy Alves explains that the company has been involved in several conservation efforts, but highlights a 30 ha rhino... →

C-Cut Phase 1 project 89% complete, three months ahead of schedule

11th August 2017 LSE-listed diamond miner Petra Diamonds’ R4,6-billion C-Cut Phase 1 expansion programme at its Cullinan mine, in Gauteng, is three months ahead of schedule. This is according to Petra Diamonds mining executive Teon Swanepoel, who spoke at an event sponsored by the Southern African Institute of... →

Extent of African economies’ dependence on commodities ‘frightening’ – Deloitte

11th August 2017 Amid hopes that the mining industry has finally reached the bottom of its steady decline since 2008, Africa’s primary industry focused economies may find some respite, however, the focus on natural resources is still a challenge many countries on the continent need to contend with. Speaking at... →

Industrial gas supplier showcases commitment to craft beer market

4th August 2017 Industrial gas supplier Air Products hosted media at Johannesburg-based restaurant and microbrewery Mad Giant in June, where it showcased its support for South Africa’s bourgeoning craft beer industry. As a supplier of gases vital to the brewing process, Air Products plays an important role in... →

NELISIWE DLAMINI AND NDUMISO MADLALA Air Products food grade Freshline gas products have ensure microbreweries such as Ubuntu Kraal Brewery are able to deliver a quality craft beer

Digital transformation may offer remedy to SA’s manufacturing ailments

4th August 2017 According to the Deloitte Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Survey for 2016, South Africa is ranked 27, slipping three places since 2013, and is expected to drop even further in the next five to ten years. “The rising cost of production combined with muted investments in technology are making... →

Digital revolution may quicken advance towards ‘mine of the future’

4th August 2017 The digital revolution may provide the impetus for the mining industry to innovate at an exponential rate, as new digital technologies and developments converge on mining technologies to realise the digital mine of the future. Speaking at the WorleyParsons Supplier Grow conference, held in... →

AfriSam stresses the need for industry consolidation

1st August 2017 Cement manufacturer AfriSam sales and marketing executive Richard Tomes has stressed the need for the cement manufacturing industry to consolidate. On a site visit with members of the media to its Ulco plant, in the Northern Cape, on Tuesday, he said the situation in the industry was “pretty... →

Technology, digital solutions part of Botswana firm’s microfinance arsenal as it expands across Africa

28th July 2017 Botswana-based microfinance company Letshego Holdings, which operates in 11 African countries, aims to use technology and digital solutions to affect economic redress in Africa and provide financial inclusion for the continent’s most underserved markets. Letshego MD Chris Low explains that the... →

CHRIS LOW Savings among many of Africa’s underserved have generally been ignored

Small businesses get a leg up at supplier conference

28th July 2017 To assist the development and success of small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, project delivery and engineering consultancy WorleyParsons South Africa held its Supplier Grow Conference at its offices in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, earlier this month. WorleyParsons... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DENVER DREYER Through dialogue, collaboration and community, we can find a common way forward

Top trends impacting on mining come under the spotlight

28th July 2017 During project delivery and engineering consultancy WorleyParsons’ Supplier Grow Conference earlier this month in Johannesburg advisory firm Deloitte Africa energy and resource leader Andrew Lane discussed ten trends currently impacting the global mining industry. The first trend highlighted was... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ANDREW LANE The mining industry is realising that it operates in an ecosystem where it is dependent on governments for regulatory access and to communities for physical access

LHWP delays threaten water security for 45% of South Africans

21st July 2017 The recent appointment of the Matla a Metsi joint venture for the design and construction supervision of the Polihali dam, part of the larger Phase 2 Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) that was initially forecast for completion by 2020, raises concerns as to whether delays may be placing the... →

Photo by Duane Daws
MIKE MULLER We shouldn’t be relying on good luck with the weather for the water security of so many people

Joburg Property Company showcases city’s heritage

21st July 2017 In a R60-million renovation project, the former post office on Rissik street is being restored to its former glory as one of Johannesburg’s stand-out heritage sites. During a media tour hosted by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) last month, Johannesburg-based Paradigm Architects principal... →

JOBURG CLASSIC GETS FACELIFT The post office in Rissik street, which was built in 1897, is currently undergoing a R60-million renovation

Aveng Mining gets health and safety thumbs up

21st July 2017 Turnkey mining solutions provider Aveng Mining was awarded a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) integrated management system (IMS) certification in May this year from multinational inspection, verification, testing and certification company SGS. Aveng Mining initiated the development... →

Pallinghurst eyeing London listing following Gemfields acquisition

21st July 2017 Following Pallinghurst’s restructuring and successful acquisition of emerald miner Gemfields, the JSE-listed diversified miner will now commence with the preparatory work to potentially obtain a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, with Gemfields delisting from London’s Aim stock... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ARNE FRANDSEN The Pallinghurst CEO envisions Gemfields becoming the De Beers of coloured gemstones

Property development JV announces Sandton mixed-use precinct development

14th July 2017 Property management company Abland and construction company Tiber announced earlier this week that they will join forces to develop the Sandton Gate mixed-use precinct, comprising office, retail and residential building space with the added benefits of highly convenient access, a vast choice of... →

Low grades, high power costs key snags to SA chromite sector’s competitiveness

14th July 2017 Despite South Africa’s rich chromite endowment, the low chromium oxide (Cr2O3) grades in its orebodies and the high cost of electricity are significant barriers to the country becoming the dominant player in the global industry. Mintek metallurgical project development consultant Dr Nic Barcza... →

Inaugural Africa Architecture Awards to take place in September

14th July 2017 The inaugural Africa Architecture Awards, the first Pan-African awards programme of its kind and launched by French manufacturing multinational Saint-Gobain, aims to recognise and reward worthy projects from across the African continent, with the overall winner garnering a $10 000 prize. The... →

New Samrec, Samval codes address the shortcomings of previous iterations

14th July 2017 While the requirements of the updated and improved South African Mineral Resource Code (SAMREC Code) and South African Mineral Valuation Code (SAMVAL Code) are no more onerous that the previous codes, they do reinforce existing principles and endeavour to provide greater certainty mineral assets... →

Farmers still face headwinds despite return to growth

14th July 2017 Despite the recent positive news from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) indicating that the agriculture sector had increased 22.2% in the first quarter of 2017 and that a record maize harvest is on the horizon for this year, the recent sovereign downgrades by credit agencies and news that the... →

Engineering firm appointed for Umhlanga development

14th July 2017 Multidisciplinary engineering firm Arup announced last month that it had been appointed to supply multidisciplinary engineering services to the iconic mixed-use office and retail development Park Square, in Umhlanga New Town Centre, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The project is being developed by financial... →

Smartphone adoption expected to drive investment in Africa

14th July 2017 Driven by significant growth in smartphone adoption, Africa is poised to become the skills pool for the world, underpinned by innovation solutions derived from trends, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics, making the continent an attractive target for international investment.... →

Low grades, high power costs key snags to SA chromite sector’s competitiveness

14th July 2017 Despite South Africa’s rich chromite endowment, the low chromium oxide (Cr2O3) grades found in its orebodies and the high cost of electricity are significant barriers to the country becoming the dominant player in the global industry. Mintek metallurgical project development consultant Dr Nic... →

PREMUS FURNACE Merafe Resources’ Lion Ferrochrome 1 and 2 plants which are using this technology to the maximum extent to reduce energy consumption

Pallinghurst seeks London listing following Gemfields acquisition

13th July 2017 Following Pallinghurst’s restructuring and successful acquisition of emerald miner Gemfields, the JSE-listed diversified miner will now commence with the preparatory work to potentially obtain a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, with Gemfields delisting from London’s Aim stock... →

Pallinghurst chairperson Brian Gilbertson

Sibanye appoints Southern Africa executive VP

13th July 2017 JSE- and NYSE-listed precious metals miner Sibanye Resources has appointed Robert van Niekerk the company’s executive VP for the Southern Africa region. Van Niekerk joined Sibanye in February 2013 as part of the executive team, fulfilling various roles within the organisation, including, most... →

Sibanye's newly appointed executive VP for Southern Africa, Robert van Niekerk

Lack of contractual commitments hindering solar-geyser manufacturing growth

7th July 2017 The current economic climate and a lack of mid- to long-term contractual agreements from the Department of Energy (DoE) have slowed plant expansion and capacity increases by local solar water heater (SWH) manufacturers. Local manufacturer Satchwell Controls Appliance Controls division key account... →

Blockchain will have big impact on electricity sector, KPMG asserts

7th July 2017 A number of new technology developments are expected to impact the global electricity sector, including virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT), however, tax, audit and advisory firm KPMG South Africa senior manager Nevellan Moodley says... →

Lack of contractual commitments hindering solar-geyser manufacturing growth

7th July 2017 The current economic climate and a lack of mid- to long-term contractual agreements from the Department of Energy (DoE) has slowed plant expansion and capacity increases by local solar water heater (SWH) manufacturers. Local manufacturer Satchwell Controls, a division of electro-mechanical... →

Photo by Duane Daws
GREEN STANDARDS SANS 10400 XA states that all new buildings must generate at least 50% of its water-heating capabilities from renewable sources

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