Mamaili Mamaila

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Mamaili Mamaila

Mass timber has competitive building-material qualities

26th March 2021 As the construction industry is moving towards modular construction, University of Pretoria (UP) Graduate School of Technology Management senior lecturer Schalk Grobbelaar says mass timber is one of the few building materials that ticks the boxes in terms of being cost effective, reliable,... →

Association hopeful despite challenging environment

26th February 2021 The stainless steel sector, similar to the rest of the local economy, was under pressure before the onset of Covid-19, says the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda). →

REPRIORITISATION The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association’s members had to reconsider aspects, such as staff deployment, the use of facilities and cost structures

Company adopts ‘three Rs’ approach to reduce environmental impact

26th February 2021 Wear-resistant chromium carbide-clad liner plates manufacturer Rio-Carb has aligned itself with the ISO14001 environmental management system to benchmark its manufacturing processes by following the reduce, reuse and recycle approach. →

JABULILE MLAMBO Rio-Carb’s approach offered an environment-positive option to the mining, steel and cement industries

Association commits to supporting diversity, inclusion

12th February 2021 In December, the national organisation for the Canadian mining industry, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and its members, which include 45 of Canada’s leading mining companies, released a statement denouncing all forms of discrimination, racism and sexism, and committed to eliminating such... →

PIERRE GRATTON It is clear our industry has much more to do to eliminate racism, discrimination and sexism in all its forms

Canada’s potential growth backed by non-traditional demand

12th February 2021 Canada is the second largest country in the world and has vast uninhabited regions with diverse geology, hosting one of the most prolific mineral endowments on the planet, says North American mine developer Fortune Minerals president and CEO Robin Goad. →

GETTING THERE The NICO Project (pictured above) is a near shovel-ready, vertically integrated primary cobalt deposit with a 1.1-million-ounce in-situ gold co-product

Challenges need to be met to further development

12th February 2021 While Canada’s mineral potential is well recognised, it has several challenges that need to be addressed to capitalise on the resource development opportunity, says North American mine developer Fortune Minerals president and CEO Robin Goad. →

GOVERNANCE GOALS Governments in Canada, particularly those provinces responsible for resource development, need to be more aligned with national objectives, priorities and policies

Conducive environs offer lucrative prospects despite difficulties

29th January 2021 Many of Africa’s mineral deposits can deliver good yields to investors, even after the additional costs that are often incurred when operating in regions without sufficient infrastructure. →

ALBIE VISSER The state of the global economy has been an important external factor, leading to weak commodity prices that weighed on mining pre-Covid. However, several commodities have recovered well in recent months.

Industry expected to shoulder heavy responsibility

29th January 2021 Much is expected of pioneer industries, such as mining, which often have to establish themselves and operate in environments that are less than ideal, lacking, for instance, in energy and transport infrastructure, local expertise and reliable supply chains, says independent consulting firm of... →

ANDREW VAN ZYL The African mining sector will, similar to other regions, face uncertainty around supply and demand dynamics

Technology presents opportunities for company, industry

29th January 2021 While it will always be important for people in the mining sector to interact regularly in a forum where they seek new business opportunities, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that virtual events can replace many aspects of physical conferences that representatives were accustomed to attending. →

MARCIN WERTZ As a conference that focuses on business networking, the Mining Indaba is certainly compromised by being limited to a virtual format

Tech keeps MDG going despite Covid-19 pandemic

29th January 2021 South Africa-based drilling company Master Drilling Group (MDG) has always been keen to get involved in the digitisation aspect of technology advancement in the mining industry, with 2020 having shown how important this aspect is, and for the organisation to have an adaptive culture. →

EXPANDED HORIZONS The mobile tunnel borer (pictured above) has expanded Master Drilling Group’s offering into rapid horizontal blind hole development using mechanised methods without blasting

Tech to advance African mining development

29th January 2021 Despite the devastating economic repercussions of the global Covid-19 pandemic, Africa continues to be an integral component of the global financial system, says international technology company Minetec Smart Mining CTO Mustafa Yesilyurt. →

MUSTAFA YESILYURT As long as there is demand for energy, there will be a need for some form of mineral extraction, with clear evidence pointing to an increase in global energy requirements

REIPPPP requires more traction to address challenges

11th December 2020 The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) continues to take years to move through the various phases – from initiating tenders to delivering energy to the end-user – which, considering the challenges that South Africa is facing, is a luxury the country cannot... →

PROCUREMENT ROAD MAP The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will seek to procure 6 800 MW of solar photovoltaic and wind renewable energy from 2022 to 2024

Cloud-based system proves beneficial

27th November 2020 Amid fluctuating fuel prices, it has never been more important for businesses to ensure that they manage this “vital resource” correctly, says mining solutions provider Africa Mining Services Incorporated (AMSI). →

Photo by Bloomberg
FUELLED UP Africa Mining Services Incorporated has ongoing projects across some of the largest copper mines in the world, based in Zambia

Automaker notes industry decline, expands African footprint

20th November 2020 Global automotive company Isuzu Motors South Africa – a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited – expects that domestic vehicle sales will decline by around 30% this year, compared with those of 2019. →

BILLY TOM Isuzu has maintained its number one position in Kenya, to which it exports semi-knocked down bakkies

Consultancy laments construction sector decline

13th November 2020 The construction sector experienced a significant contraction in terms of the change in value added to the gross domestic product year-on-year in quarter two of 2020, at -30.7%, compared to -2.2% in quarter one of 2020 and -0.9% in the fourth quarter of 2019. →

CONTRADICTORY MUCH? There is a paradox in the South African construction sector of large construction firms collapsing amid a housing backlog of about 2.3-million units

Economy to affect home builders more

13th November 2020 The effects of Covid-19 and the sluggish economy remain the biggest challenge for the civil engineering and construction sectors. →

SONGEZO BOOI After almost 12 years, the home-building industry is still struggling to reach its former peak

Infrastructure recovery roadmap mulled

13th November 2020 If South Africa is to have any hope of economic recovery, no sector can afford to do things the way it did before 2020, says the International Zinc Association (IZA). →

REFINED STRUCTURES The construction of a new zinc refinery will reduce dependence on special high-grade zinc imports, and provide a much-needed boost for the construction industry

Collaboration could eliminate challenges

13th November 2020 Although the construction industry offers many opportunities for collaboration between consultants and contractors, these opportunities are often not fully explored. “This results in contractual disagreements, and a disjointed and misaligned approach to projects,” says demolition expert Jet... →

KATE BESTER It would be beneficial if contracting and consulting firms were to align their personnel development strategies and actively encourage young engineers to explore these aspects in the industry, within defined frameworks

Company set for expansion despite difficulties

30th October 2020 Despite Africa’s holding much promise in terms of business development, the business dynamics in African countries have been severely affected by the effects of Covid-19. →

DANIEL PETROV Africa is the future and remains so, even in a depressed economic environment

Private-sector investment key amid challenges

30th October 2020 From an economic perspective, the Covid-19 pandemic has not affected countries in Africa, apart from South Africa, as much as countries on other continents. →

GET IT TOGETHER While there is so much potential in Africa, political certainty is required in conjunction with more streamlined procurement processes

Difficulties heightened during pandemic, company forges ahead

30th October 2020 South Africa’s subdued economic growth has been well recorded – even prior to the pandemic, says industrial equipment supplier Verder Pumps South Africa MD Darryl Macdougall. →

CHECK THIS OUT Verder Pumps South Africa also launched the new Verder HI-Clean AODD and EODD pumps earlier this month, with more announcements planned heading into 2021

Collision avoidance system installed, investment on track for Menar

23rd October 2020 Mining investment firm Menar recently procured a collision avoidance system (CAS), which has been installed in all the company’s opencast mobile equipment, notes Menar chairperson Mpumelelo Mkhabela. →

A BIT OF EVERYTHING Menar is considering other diversification avenues while developing its coal and anthracite projects

Phased approach key for digital twin adoption

23rd October 2020 It is important that the creation of a digital twin be conducted in stages, with every stage building on the previous one, drone survey and inspection specialist Rocketmine business development manager Devon Hasenbroek tells Mining Weekly. A digital twin is a digital replica of an operation that... →

HIGH PRECISION Setting up a digital twin in mining operations starts with a really accurate high-resolution three-dimensional model of the mine or asset in question

Diverse offering key for Australian mines

16th October 2020 Conveyor roller technology specialist Conveyor Products & Solutions (CPS) first sought to change the bulk materials handling market by introducing all-polymer rollers – the Yeloroll product range – to the conventional and stagnant roller industry. →

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT From its humble beginnings in Perth, CPS now ships its products internationally, reinforcing the brand in the global mining industry

Flameproof double pump set installed for mine

9th October 2020 Industrial solutions provider Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) commissioned an underground double configuration flameproof pump set in August, at a colliery in Mpumalanga, to dewater its shortwall coal mining operations. →

EXPLOSION PROTECTION The MRS supplied flameproof pumps are designed and manufactured strong enough to contain an explosion and prevent a flame or heat from escaping that could ignite mine damps

Local provider joins forces with global pumps supplier

9th October 2020 Industrial solutions provider Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) has teamed up with industrial equipment supplier Verder Pumps South Africa as a service and distribution partner. →

EASY ACCESS The Dura range of peristaltic pumps use a one piece flange design for greater strength and integrity as well as an easy access hose change

Customised equipment pleases customers

9th October 2020 Pumps manufacturer and supplier Werner Pumps offers custom-built high-pressure jetting trucks and vacuuming equipment to match customer requirements. →

SUPER FLUID Werner Pumps units are fully customisable, and the company is always willing to adapt to customer requirements

Manufacturer launches customer training programme

9th October 2020 Pump manufacturer and supplier Werner Pumps launched a training programme for customers and their equipment operators on using the Werner Pumps trucks. →

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND Werner Pumps now has a training programme that will be made available free of charge – the first time – to existing and new customers

Components provider launches ‘improved’ chain range

2nd October 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s power transmission division has launched the new Tsubaki Titan chain series, which offers “significant improvements” in wear-life in demanding applications. →

INCORPORATED FEATURES The Tsubaki Titan chain’s use of seamless bushes incorporate lube grooves

Versatile cam clutches ensure broad application

2nd October 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s range of Tsubaki cam clutches comprises the backstop reducer high-torque (BR-HT) series, designed for use in equipment that includes inclined conveyors and bucket elevators. →

SAFETY FIRST Tsubaki backstop cam clutches, which are designed for safety in high- or low-speed applications, meet the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act

Tracker negates challenges linked to conveyor belts

2nd October 2020 Materials handling equipment specialist BLT WORLD’s comprehensive range of bulk materials handling equipment encompasses conveyor components designed to enhance productivity, minimise downtime and ensure extended service life of conveyor systems. →

GAME OVER BLT WORLD’s Scrapetec PrimeTracker eliminates problems normally associated with conveyor belt systems, including misalignment of the belt, which results in costly downtime and abrasion and belt damage

Increased focus on mining sector during pandemic

2nd October 2020 Power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) was heavily focused on the mining sector during all stages of the South Africa’s national lockdown, which was triggered by the global Covid-19 pandemic. →

SHAUN COMBRINCK The main challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic for businesses was also to mitigate the economic impact of the associated lockdown

Company raises bar with innovative components

2nd October 2020 Engineering, mining services and industrial manufacturing specialist NEPEAN Conveyors recently unveiled two ground-breaking conveyor component solutions in South Africa - a conveyor belt monitoring system (ROXON HX270) and an extreme environment liner material (ROXDUR). The company also locally... →

LOCAL IS LEKKER NEPEAN has locally developed a range of standard plant conveyors with the aim of delivering these conveyors in as short as possible time to the market at competitive pricing

Environmental concerns driving industry change

18th September 2020 A disruptive change is currently underway in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) refrigerant market, global safety science company UL states. →

GOING GREEN Driven by environmental concerns, global promoters are advocating the phase-out of traditional refrigerants in favour of new alternatives with a lower global warming potential

Initiative to accelerate technology strategies amid aerospace industry decline

18th September 2020 The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) plans to continue building technology strategies with industry for long-term implementation amid the industry’s decline of late. →

EVEN ODDS Although there are “pockets of excellence”, the local aerospace industry is very small and focuses almost exclusively on exports

HVACR industry at a turning point

18th September 2020 The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry is at a turning point and it is up to all the innovators in the industry to take the lead and set a new standard for South Africa, multinational air-conditioning manufacturing company Daikin South Africa MD Koen Van... →

KOEN VAN WYNENDAELE Before the Covid-19 outbreak, the industry in general was under pressure owing to a sluggish economy with limited to no growth, a difficult political climate and a tough investment climate

Industry’s wings seemingly clipped

11th September 2020 South Africa’s economy is hanging by a thread and this has presented massive challenges for the local aerospace industry, says aircraft design organisation Aerodesigns Africa director Murray Spoelstra. →

GLOBAL SIGHTS SET Similar to the local automotive industry that is manufacturing for European countries, so must there be opportunities to manufacture aircraft under licence for foreign companies

Level playing field key to moving industry forward

11th September 2020 Transformation should be a top priority among the issues that need to be addressed in manufacturing for the aviation industry, says maintenance solutions provider Dynamic Aerotech technical operation and research director Mulalo Neluheni. →

OPEN UP THE INDUSTRY While there is scope for black people with potential to thrive in this space, this needs to take into account the whole value chain in the aerospace industry

Association laments sector decline

11th September 2020 The aerospace manufacturing sector is in a “freefall” and there does not appear to be any parachute in sight, says industry body Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa (Camasa) co-chairperson Themba September. →

AIRING IT OUT In its efforts to ensure that the sector returns to its former glory, Camasa has participated in the process of drafting a sector masterplan

Initiative plans to accelerate tech amid industry decline

11th September 2020 The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) plans to continue building technology strategies with industry for long-term implementation amid the industry’s decline of late. “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely severe on the aerospace industry, owing to the lockdown on air... →

EVEN ODDS Although there are “pockets of excellence”, the local aerospace industry is very small and focuses almost exclusively on exports

Challenges remain as industry forges ahead with transformation

4th September 2020 It is important to acknowledge that the regulatory environment for local mining companies has been instrumental in progressing transformation and inclusion of women in the mining sector, integrated resources business Lurco Group says. →

Photo by Lurco Group
LEE STOKES It is important for us to note that there still are industry barriers that affect the advancement of women in mining

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