Nadine Ramdass

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Nadine Ramdass

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

Smelting oversupply, investment affect copper market

15th November 2024 An oversupply of copper smelting capacity is leading to low treatment and refining charges (TCRCs) and shifting project investment trends are impacting on the longer-term copper mine development outlook, according to data and analytics solutions provider Wood Mackenzie copper supply senior... →

Copper demand spurs innovative mining

15th November 2024 Amid growing copper demand globally, driven by the energy transition, mining companies face significant pressures to increase output amid declining copper head grades. To meet this challenge, companies are exploring advancements in copper mining technologies with the adoption of new processing... →

MEETING DEMANDS Copper miners require a wide range of pumps to facilitate new technologies and processes amid growing copper demand

Solution simplifies ore sorting

15th November 2024 Increased metal recovery, reduced waste, improved water conservation and lower energy consumption can be achieved using original-equipment manufacturer NextOre’s advanced sensor system Magnetic Resonance Technology for large-scale ore sorting, which removes reject material prior to processing,... →

PRECISION GRADING NextOre's magnetic resonance analyser bulk ore sorting solutions are available as a mobile turnkey solution as well as being able to be fitted to the main feed conveyor

Digital tools poised to transform copper mining

15th November 2024 Digital transformation is poised to reshape copper mining through enhancing efficiency, sustainability and decision-making, reports industrial solutions specialist Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC). DGC assists mining operations in navigating the sector’s evolving technological landscape through... →

OPTIMISED OPERATIONS Advanced digital technologies will enable mining operations to become more agile, data-driven and environmentally responsible

Supportive regulatory environment advances BESS

8th November 2024 State-owned electricity utility Eskom, with the South African government, has made significant progress in supporting battery energy storage systems (BESS), which is pivotal in ensuring energy security, load shifting and grid stabilisation at utility scale in South Africa, says independent power... →

ACCELERATING GROWTH Incentives for local and international investors to rapidly deploy and expand BESS projects have created a favourable environment for accelerating energy storage solutions development

BESS supporting renewable-energy integration

8th November 2024 With the South African government's Integrated Resource Plan encouraging renewable-energy integration, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming a critical component in the country’s energy mix, supporting grid-tied and off-grid installations, says energy solutions specialists I-G3N... →

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS Advancements in I-G3N's solutions improve long-term performance while increasing the viability of BESS for large-scale applications

Eskom leads large-scale commercial BESS rollout

8th November 2024 State-owned electricity utility Eskom is leading the large-scale commercial rollout of battery energy storage system (BESS) technology in South Africa, aiming to demonstrate its feasibility and benefits, with Phase 1 currently under way and Phase 2 in development, says Eskom generation group... →

PONGOLA 40MW SITE Phase 1BESS installations are strategically located in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal

Technical project management key to mining project success

1st November 2024 Mega mining projects face several risks; however, these risks can be mitigated with a competent and effective project management approach that addresses all project knowledge areas in a fit-for-purpose manner, reports engineering consultancy VBKOM principal study manager Pieter Olivier. Oliver... →

FIT-FOR-PURPOSE SUPPORT Risks can be mitigated with a competent and effective project management approach

Project complexities rise amid increasing mineral investment

1st November 2024 Amid increased demand for, and investment in, energy transition minerals, project complexities are increasing, says management consulting company McKinsey & Company partner and Africa capital excellence leader Gerhard Nel. Demand and investment in energy transition minerals such as copper,... →

GERHARD NEL The unique challenges of the African mining sector require tailored risk management strategies

Beneficiation should be company-driven – industry body

25th October 2024 With South Africa lacking a clear cut comparative advantage in mineral beneficiation – such as specialised expertise, abundant and affordable electricity, or a competitive manufacturing base – companies should have the discretion to determine whether pursuing beneficiation is economically viable,... →

HUGO PIENAAR The Minerals Council South Africa advocates for a local beneficiation approach that focuses on incentives, rather than penalties

S Africa growing leadership in mining RD&I

25th October 2024 While the global mining sector lags other sectors in terms of innovation spend, South Africa’s mining research, development and innovation (RD&I) stands out as a key contributor within the country’s overall RD&I landscape, says minerals industry organisation Minerals Council South Africa... →

SIETSE VAN DER WOUDE Innovation is crucial in driving the mining sector’s transition to sustainable practices

Procurement process simplifies parts sourcing

11th October 2024 Mining and industrial equipment electronic part procurement challenges are being addressed through products and solutions supplier RS South Africa’s three-tier priority procurement process, which simplifies part sourcing and mitigates significant delivery delays, said RS South Africa sales... →

ERICK WESSELS RS South Africa's shift towards solutions was driven by customer demand

Pace of energy transition cause for concern

4th October 2024 Despite consensus among South African businesses, including integrated energy and chemical company Sasol, on the necessity of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the debate regarding the pace of this transition continues. Speaking at the 2024 Coal and Energy Transition Day, held in July at The... →

FLEXIBLE FACILITIES Sasol’s feedstock-agnostic facility, in Sasolburg, can use alternative materials, as opposed to coal, to produce hydrogen

Solutions boost verification efficiency, combat theft

27th September 2024 Declining coal prices globally have prompted coal producers to optimise costs and improve efficiencies across their value chain, with an increased focus on combating coal theft and quality manipulation, says supply chain security specialists CoalPay chief geologist Tony Cumming. As a result,... →

AI POWER CoalPay's AI-driven operational technology monitors processes, preventing fraud, collusion and the cloning of deliveries

Coal to remain relevant for decades

27th September 2024 Coal will continue to be relevant for decades to come, owing to its continued use in developing countries in Asia and Africa, says coal producer and exporter Thungela CEO July Ndlovu. Ndlovu is also the chairperson of coal representative organisation FutureCoal – previously the World Coal... →

JULY NDLOVU Coal remains the cheapest, most abundant and reliable source of energy

Developer progresses colliery

27th September 2024 Significant milestones have been achieved at coal exploration and mining company Canyon Coal’s Gugulethu colliery, in Mpumalanga. They include the successful mining of first coal, the commissioning of a 400 t/h dense-media separation (DMS) processing plant and the completion of the mine’s first... →

GUGULETHU COLLIERY The colliery successfully mined its first coal earlier this year

Agency refines project implementation processes

13th September 2024 The City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ’s) implementing agency, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), is focused on enhancing its project implementation unit and refining its project delivery model, says JDA acting CEO Themba Mathibe. The updated project delivery model involves a shift from... →

IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY The Johannesburg Development Agency completed 12 bus rapid transit stations to enhance the Rea Vaya bus range

Road reconstruction completed ahead of schedule

13th September 2024 Multidisciplinary professional engineering firm Zimile Consulting Engineers completed reconstruction of the N2 highway, between Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, and Cape Town, in the Western Cape, a month ahead of schedule, following the closure of the route because it had partially collapsed. The... →

PAVING THE WAY Amid various challenges, Zimile completed the repair of a portion of the N2 within two months

Competitive energy sector drives innovation

6th September 2024 The competitive landscape for utility-scale renewable energy has significantly changed over the past decade, with developers driving more aggressive funding terms to remain competitive, says financial institution Standard Bank power head Rentia van Tonder. The shift in the competitive landscape... →

RENTIA VAN TONDER Financing solutions need to be innovative and adaptable

EU targets carbon emissions through import tariff

6th September 2024 The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to come into effect in 2026, is poised to drive companies exporting to the EU to rethink their energy strategies and adopt renewable-energy solutions, such as solar power, says solar installation specialist Solana Energy business development... →

WEIGHING OPTIONS Businesses exporting to the EU will incur import charges according to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism if they do not invest in renewable-energy

Investment company on track to meet net-zero energy goals

6th September 2024 As part of its ambition to achieve Landlord Scope 1 and 2 Net-Zero Carbon by 2030 as well as implement sustainable practices, property investment company Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) has successfully implemented portfolio-wide energy management improvements, says sustainability lead specialist Brian... →

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS L2D produced 6 517 MWh through solar energy in 2023, savings of over R11.8-million in electricity costs.

Emerging solar tech crucial in energy mix

6th September 2024 Solar power integration, through PV, concentrated solar power (CSP) technology in specific applications, and hybrid solutions including battery energy storage systems (BESS), is crucial in South Africa’s energy mix as global energy demands continue to rise, says independent power producer (IPP)... →

SESHNI NAIDOO Solar energy is crucial in ensuring a sustainable, secure and affordable energy supply

Cybersecurity crucial for companies embracing solar

6th September 2024 As more companies integrate solar energy systems to meet their power needs, it is essential that they invest in cyber-secure technologies to protect against cyberthreats and ensure continuous power, says.solar technology specialists SolarEdge Technologies cybersecurity programme director Uri... →

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS Companies must carefully consider future regulatory changes when investing in solar systems

Pipeline enhancement to facilitate LNG distribution

30th August 2024 Johannesburg gas supplier Egoli Gas aims to develop the capacity to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its pipeline network, with plans to expand access to other major metropolitan areas (metros), positioning Egoli Gas at the forefront of natural gas distribution in South Africa, says... →

MNCEDISI MLILO Egoli Gas aims to position itself as a bridge fuel provider

No indefinite end to loadshedding – Eskom

23rd August 2024 While South Africa is experiencing a significant period during which there is no loadshedding, more time is needed before State-owned electricity utility Eskom can confidently declare an end to loadshedding, says Eskom primary energy GM Dan Mashigo. Speaking at the 2024 Coal and Energy Transition... →

DAN MASHIGO It would take about two to five years to fully resolve loadshedding

Eskom committed to sustainable future

23rd August 2024 State-owned electricity utility Eskom is focusing on reducing coal intensity and expanding renewable energy as part of its commitment to a sustainable future. This shift in strategy prioritises maintaining plant health over simply "keeping the lights on at all costs" - a practice that has proven... →

LONG-TERM CONSIDERATIONS Eskom is prioritising maintaining plant health over simply 'keeping the lights on at all costs'

Grid challenges persist amid energy market changes

23rd August 2024 South Africa’s energy market is undergoing various changes, including the unbundling of State-owned power utility Eskom, as well as licence exemptions for independent power producers (IPPs). The latter has eased access for new projects, but has also affected grid access and publicly procured... →

SUPPORTING INTEGRATION Integrating renewable-energy sources, such as solar, require a stable grid

Koeberg Unit 1 licence extended to 2044

23rd August 2024 State-owned electricity utility Eskom announced in July that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) had extended the licence for Koeberg nuclear power station Unit 1, in the Western Cape, until 2044. This extension highlights Koeberg's vital role in providing reliable baseload power while meeting... →

EXTENDED LIFE Koeberg nuclear power station Unit 1's licence extension reflects the utility’s ongoing efforts towards achieving nuclear safety and meeting Esom’s generation recovery plan

Electrotron elevates utility’s conveyor safety through strategic innovations

23rd August 2024 With a specialisation in longer conveyors, original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Electrotron has established itself as a key partner to State-owned power utility Eskom over the years, particularly through its involvement in major projects such as the Medupi and Kusile power stations. This... →

Programme champions women leadership

9th August 2024 Despite the significant changes and challenges seen this year within Petra Diamonds – with cost cutting across all areas of the business, which inevitably affects various initiatives within the business – Petra remains committed to furthering diversity and inclusion, by focusing on empowering its... →

THASHMI DOORASAMY Doorasamy has driven transformative changes with the introduction of a unique Petra culture code

Despite successes, challenges persist

9th August 2024 Despite some progress in empowering women in the mining industry, significant challenges remain, reports lobby organisation Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) chairperson Raksha Naidoo. Focusing on these matters, challenges, successes and opportunities will be unpacked at WiMSA’s inaugural... →

STRENGTH THROUGH COMMUNITY WiMSA has created a community that prepares women to tackle the challenges they face in the mining industry

Leader hopeful of setting precedent

9th August 2024 As the production manager at high-grade anthracite producer Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC), Mmakeng Tabane aims to “break barriers” in the traditionally male-dominated mining industry while demonstrating that women can add significant value. She has set clear goals for the mining operations... →

MMAKENG TABANE Setting clear goals for mining operations fosters a safe working environment, which directly impacts on daily production targets, and boosts workforce confidence and pride

Association eyes sector growth

2nd August 2024 Valve and related components industry association Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Cluster of South Africa (VAMCOSA) is aiming to facilitate industry growth and stability through collaborations with local valve and actuator manufacturers, says VAMCOSA membership champion Julius Frauendorf. While... →

REVIVED EFFORTS VAMCOSA has been reestablished with the aim of facilitating industry growth and stability through collaboration with stakeholders

Product range delivers durability

2nd August 2024 The Cementation Engineering range of high pressure mining products, from valve manufacturer AVK Valves Southern Africa, ensures reliability, quality, durability, innovation and safety, making it ideal for the mining industry, says AVK Valves industrial division manager Riaan Kloppers. The range... →

Tech innovations enhance valve performance

2nd August 2024 Developments in valve technology, driven by several innovative advancements aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety and operational longevity, are meeting the demanding requirements of the mining industry, reports valve manufacturer Dynamic Fluid Control (DFC) research and development engineer... →

VENT-O-MAT The Slurry Air Release Valve ensures more efficient pumping and enhances slurry management

Short-haul logistics should lead EV adoption

26th July 2024 Electric vehicles (EVs) are a viable option for fleets, particularly in the short-haul deliveries sector, and these fleets are likely to drive the adoption of EVs in South Africa, says telematics solutions provider Webfleet sales director Justin Manson. Short-haul deliveries specialise in local... →

ENHANCED CONTROL Companies can use telematics systems to monitor and manage their fleet's power use

Smart truck range meets logistics needs

26th July 2024 Multinational automotive company Tata Motors’ Ultra new-generation smart truck range, launched in February in South Africa, aims to address the diverse needs of fleet owners across a variety of conventional and specialist logistics. The trucks are available in the Ultra T.9 and Ultra T.14 models,... →

ULTRA VERSATILE TATA's Ultra smart truck range is ideal for conventional and specialist logistics in various industries

EV charging network expansion progressing

26th July 2024 Automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is midway through its project with electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider Chargify to expand the local charging network, by investing in 127 charging stations across South Africa, says MBSA Co-CEO and Mercedes-Benz Cars... →

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Chargify have partnered to install EV charging solutions across South Africa

Lubricant prolongs component life, improves efficiency

26th July 2024 Lubrication and industrial equipment specialist ISO-Reliability Partners’ collaboration with lubricants manufacturer Royal Purple brings the manufacturer’s proprietary lubricants technology to the local market, ensuring solutions that protect equipment while improving efficiency. As the lubricant... →

ROYAL TREATMENT Royal Purple's propriety synthetic motor oil offers cleaner operation, better mileage and decreased oil change frequency

Region poised to benefit from energy transition

12th July 2024 Southern and Central African countries have a significant opportunity to benefit from the anticipated high demand for energy-transition minerals, such as those used for renewable-energy systems, electric drivetrains, battery storage and for Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Consequently,... →

WICKUS BOTHA Countries with major deposits of copper, cobalt, manganese, vanadium and chrome are well positioned to capitalise on future investment in the supply of these critical minerals

Tanzania leads ASM legislation, support

12th July 2024 Tanzania has emerged as a leader in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region for its progressive and supportive policies toward artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), demonstrating the significant strides the country has made in formalising ASM activities, according to regional... →

Photo by Simone Liedtke
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL Artisanal, small-scale and junior miners are frequently overlooked resulting in missed growth and development opportunities

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