ScrapeTec – in conjunction with distributors, BLT WORLD – participated at the recent MINExpo, held recently in Las Vagas.

“This prestigious mining event – the world’s largest mining show – is the perfect platform for players in the mining sector to network, showcase new products and share the latest technologies and trends in the industry,” explains Thortsen Koth, ScrapeTec – manufacturers of advanced equipment, designed for the efficient control of dust and material spills during conveyor handling.

“The ScrapeTec and BLT WORLD team was proud to participate at this interactive event and to introduce our advanced dust suppression equipment to mining specialists.

“Companies across the globe are continually looking for more efficient, dependable systems to alleviate problems associated with dust generation and belt spillage, caused by misalignment of conveyor belts. Common difficulties include dust, spills and contamination at the transfer points of conveyor systems. Misalignment, abrasion and subsequent belt damage are other problems industry faces.

Konecranes and Demag South Africa was recently awarded a R20 million crane electrical modernisation contract for an industrial company based in Southern Africa.

The 18-year-old Demag crane was originally purchased from Konecranes and Demag South Africa had started to show signs of wear mid-2024. The company contacted Konecranes in Johannesburg, who travelled to site to conduct an assessment.

“Once at site, we conducted a full electrical and mechanical evaluation of the crane. This assessment showed that the downtime and resulting breakdowns experienced by the client were as a result of the age of the electrical system and which was no longer performing optimally. We recommended an electrical modernisation programme be undertaken” said Alwyn Rautenbach, Modernisation and Sales Support Specialist at Konecranes and Demag South Africa.

Modernisation programme

The modernisation programme included the replacement of all key electrical components as well as the reprogramming of the variable speed drives. “As we hold a large supply of mechanical and electrical components for our products at our premises, we were able to supply all of the parts required to complete the modernisation upgrade from our Johannesburg Distribution Centre” commented Ian Grobler, Sales Manager for Konecranes and Demag South Africa.

Komatsu has introduced the new GD955-7 motor grader to the southern African market. The GD955-7 offers operators the control and precision needed to build and maintain haul roads for truck fleets of 100 tonnes and up, and is an important addition to Komatsu’s motor grader lineup.

This powerful new machine stands out with its ample horsepower and powerful blade downforce pressure for efficient grading performance. With faster working travel speeds compared to the previous model, Komatsu engineered the GD955-7 to increase grading efficiency while helping reduce maintenance requirements and total cost of ownership.

Quick facts

• Horsepower: 426HP @ 1 900rpm (313kW @ 1 900rpm)
• Operating weight: 47 320kg (104 323 lbs)
• Moldboard: 5.5m (18-foot) standard, 6.1m (20-foot) moldboard optional
• 48% higher engine output for up to 19% higher working travel speeds
• Up to 21% reduction in total maintenance time with bearing type circle system and auto-lubrication
• Main component 16 000h overhaul
• Efficient combination with popular trucks from HD785 to 830E

Despite its large size, the GD955-7 offers excellent manoeuvrability. It can execute tight U-turns on a standard 100-tonne class haul road without the need to fully cut the wheel or course-correct. The long wheelbase and large 27-degree articulation angle allow a tight turning radius and provide manoeuvrability for narrow haul road applications in confined spaces and around obstacles.

The newly adopted, long-life circle bearing allows for smooth and precise rotation of the moldboard while eliminating the need for circle play adjustments or replacing wear plates. Coupled with a standard auto-lubrication system, the GD955-7 is engineered to help reduce planned and unplanned maintenance downtime while helping to extend life to overhaul.

The GD955-7 comes standard with Komatsu’s 360⁰ camera system, Komvision, which houses a 5-camera system to provide a view around the vehicle using the Komvision monitor, with an additional rear view monitor for reversing and ripping operation. This system increases visibility for operators so they can get a full view of activity around the grader. The monitor informs them if another vehicle approaches or is in their line of movement – a great safety feature for busy mine sites.

The machine was introduced to customers at a launch event on 22 July, and the first GD955-7 is on its way to a customer.

The world leader in bulk handling solutions, Martin Engineering is marking the 50th anniversary of its invention of the world’s first low-pressure air cannon.

Air cannons have transformed material flows in bulk processing systems, eliminating problematic internal buildups and blockages. After five decades of continuous innovation, Martin Engineering remains at the forefront of air cannon advancements, enabling industrial plants to run more profitably, efficiently and safely than ever.

The company launched the world’s first low-pressure pneumatic air cannon – its legendary Big Blaster® – in 1974. It was devised and developed by Carl Matson, a member of Martin’s senior team and cousin of the firm’s founder, Edwin F. Peterson.

The patented technology was designed to dislodge stubborn material stuck to the inside walls of hoppers and silos by firing precisely timed bursts of compressed air to keep bulk material flowing and preventing the growth of serious build-ups and blockages.

The air cannon was originally aimed at the same quarrying applications as the legendary Vibrolator®, the Martin-patented industrial ball vibrator on which the company’s success had been built since its inception in 1944.

By the 1980s, as Martin Engineering expanded its global presence, the Big Blaster was already being reimagined for use in high-temperature industrial applications to maintain the flow of sticky materials through the process and minimise unscheduled downtime.

Martin air cannons soon proved to be a game-changer for sectors such as cement, for the first time signalling an end to workers having to access the interior of preheater vessels to manually break off hefty material build-ups using a high pressure water jet – one of the most unpleasant and hazardous jobs on a cement plant.

By the 1990s, Martin Engineering had developed an extreme heat and velocity version of the Big Blaster, the XHV, with an all-metal construction capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions.

In the 2000s, Martin became the first to introduce safer positive-pressure firing valve with its Tornado air cannon: technology that prevents unintentional firing if there’s a drop in system pressure, and also allows solenoid valves to be positioned up to 60m (200ft) from the air cannon for easier access and maintenance. Designed with safety in mind, the positive firing valve also delivers a more powerful blast.

Soon after that came the introduction of the Hurricane valve, located in the rear of the air cannon tank rather at the tank and nozzle junction, greatly improving safety and ease of maintenance. The exterior-facing design eliminates the need for removal of the tank so maintenance is a simple one-worker operation requiring only minutes for replacement.

In 2008, Martin Engineering opened its industry-leading Center for Innovation, which accelerated the company’s air cannon technology advancements including:

• SMART™ Series Nozzles with multiple nozzle tips, one of which features a retractable design that extends the 360° nozzle head into the material stream only when firing, protecting it from repeated abrasions and extreme temperatures. Its clever Y-shaped assembly means the nozzle can be installed, accessed and serviced without removing the air cannon or further disruption to the vessel structure and refractory.
• The Martin® Thermo Safety Shield acts as a safety barrier to allow timely and safe maintenance of air cannon systems. It protects workers from exposure to severe temperatures so that maintenance can take place safely and production stays on schedule.

Martin Engineering’s current groundbreaking air cannon designs are the result of the research and development in the Center for Innovation, located at the company’s headquarters in Neponset, Illinois. The centre will open its doors to visitors in 2024 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Brad Pronschinske, Martin Engineering’s global air cannon product manager, says: “From the very beginning, our air cannons were specifically designed to produce a quiet but powerful, high-velocity discharge of plant-compressed air to dislodge buildups and enhance material flow. They were developed to be capable of handling the high temperatures, harsh gases and abrasive, corrosive materials associated with heavy industries, and yet have low maintenance requirements and low costs. Since the launch of the Big Blaster 50 years ago, we have continued to innovate, introducing smarter and ever more powerful air cannon systems that improve efficiency, productivity and safety.

“We’re especially proud that Martin air cannons have become so important in reducing the health and safety risks associated with clearing blockages manually – such as working in confined spaces, working at height, falling materials and working in hot and dusty environments. Our team is always working on new developments and we’re looking forward to bringing the next generation of air cannon technologies to our customers all over the world.”

Copper 360’s School of Mining, launched last year September, has set its sights on developing a broad-based mining skills pipeline while simultaneously developing and growing its offering to existing employees, the community and students.

The first cohorts of students have completed their training in various areas including surface geology, mineral resource management and ore body technician courses.

“When we launched, we never anticipated the overwhelming response and excitement that would follow,” says Quinton Adams of Copper 360. “The appetite for education and particularly the knowledge of the mining sector has grown tremendously, concomitant with the potential that the Northern Cape holds as the next mineral province of South Africa.”

The school has now introduced several additional community-focused knowledge courses including mining law, drone technology, surveying and urban development. These courses were developed, shares Adams, by sector specialists – and while the school is presently in the process of applying for accreditation, he says there is no time like the present to uplift communities and develop individuals. The company has also used the school in its own training programme with more than 90 workers attending and successfully completing solvent extraction and electrowinning courses, among others.

Adams says that while initially the School of Mining was aimed at post-matric students, the company identified the need and desire of learners to further explore and understand the potential that careers in the mining sector holds. To this end, several schools have already been hosted at Copper 360 facilities to further spark interest, while a School Bridging Course was developed in tandem to introduce high school students to the world of copper mining, with firsthand experiences at the Copper 360 processing plant in Nababeep. To date, six schools with around 360 students participated.

“It is highly encouraging,” says Adams, “but at the same time it highlights the plight of many South Africans who may still not have access to further education or the luxury of choice when it comes to determining their futures. I hope we play a small but significant role in positively impacting communities through the School of Mining.”

Copper 360 is committed to further build on early successes. “We are in the process of applying for accreditation and plans are afoot to offer degreed courses in collaboration with international universities,” he says. “We are exploring partnerships with several universities in South Africa and other countries to develop joint projects and distance learning programmes. This will bring international expertise and research opportunities to the Northern Cape.” This includes the possibility of the development of a simplified MBA programme in the mid-term future.

“The process is twofold,” notes Adams. “We intend to build on our broad-based mining skills pipeline and introduce as many learners as possible to the varied career opportunities in mining. Then, as we build more short and longer courses – eventually diploma or degreed and postgraduate fields of study – The School of Mining will not only address the need for sector-related skills in the Northern Cape but it will provide an employable and skilled workforce right on mining’s doorstep.”

It is, he adds, a medium- to long-term project, but the benefits to the community, industry and the province will be tangible.

A recent policy brief, “Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel in South Africa”, produced by Eye for Business, minced no words concerning the need to access and use that plentiful underground resource. As stated upfront, “Among alternatives, there is a compelling case for investing in natural gas as the most prudent steppingstone to a low-carbon future of power generation.”

In its brief, commissioned by the EnerGeo Alliance – a global trade alliance for the energy geoscience industry – Eye for Business makes a good point. South Africa’s continuing power deficits make the case anew each day for expanded extraction and use of the country’s natural gas. A significantly lower-carbon alternative to coal and diesel, this fuel can provide electricity for growing needs while paving the way for renewables and an increasingly lower-carbon future.

The current energy picture

The brief highlights the growth forces that are now at work and expected to push South Africa’s demand for energy to a projected three times the current demand by 2040. These forces include a growing population and a trend toward migration into cities.

South Africa’s current energy sources – coal, diesel, renewables and unpredictable natural gas imports from Mozambique – are inadequate to prevent the daily 6- to 10-hour outages that now hinder business, education, medicine, industry and more.

Residentially, these intermittencies impact poorer households the most. Likewise, the frequent failures of old coal-fired plants and associated maintenance costs result in higher tariffs that hit low-income families hardest.

These stark realities make it imperative that South Africa use its own clean natural gas to transition toward renewables, at a pace that allows its economy to benefit. Moving in that direction will draw more needed outside interest and investment in the country’s natural gas deposits.

As a real-time example, Namibia is wisely using its offshore discoveries in this way, helping that nation move toward prosperity.

For South Africa to likewise gain the economic health needed to increase development of renewables, it must first stabilise its energy supply to reverse disturbing trends in business closures and increased unemployment due to intermittencies. Energy sources such as wind and solar, which are by nature intermittent, cannot provide immediate solutions to these economic and human problems.

With substantial in-country natural gas discoveries such as Brulpadda, prospects like the Karoo shale reserves, and potential offshore discoveries on the horizon, it just makes sense to put those resources to work to achieve energy stability.

Natural gas, the natural solution

“Countries using gas as a source for power generation have seen their electricity supply grow about three times faster in the past 10 years than those not able to use gas,” states Eye for Business’ brief.

As is well known, the wealthy countries around the globe have long made tactical use of their vital natural gas resources for building economic soundness. Once their people and businesses were supported by a reliable supply of electricity, these nations could begin to develop renewables on a large scale.

Importantly, for South Africa’s industrial sector to grow, it needs increased feedstocks such as those used to make fertilisers and petrochemicals. These vital chemicals are produced from natural gas, which can also supply the heat energy needed by the cement, steel and other industries to make their products.

Less cost, fewer emissions

Putting South Africa’s natural gas resources to work during transition will cost less than most alternatives. Comparing the price tag for various types of electric power plants, the costs per kilowatt-hour to build solar, biomass, nuclear, wind and coal plants are all more than twice as high as the cost to build natural gas plants. This difference is largely due to modular construction methods used for natural gas plants, which makes them easier to scale and suit to their locations, thus avoiding the cost overruns typical on larger facility projects.

Another cost-efficient build method for natural gas plants is converting inactive existing coal-fired power plants. These conversions can be done at lower costs than new construction. This is a win-win proposition that utilises unused plants for producing cleaner energy while avoiding unnecessary expense.

As the brief highlights, natural gas emits 50% to 60% less CO2 than coal. This makes it an ideal transition fuel for South Africa that will contribute only a very minuscule amount to global emissions. And even that could be decreased with the use of carbon capture and storage.

To keep a realistic perspective on emissions, it is important to bear in mind that Africa as a whole, with about 17% of the world’s population, contributes only a tiny 4% of global carbon emissions at 1.45 billion tonnes.

Potential employment and exports

Increased investment in and use of natural gas could pay off for South Africa in two very important areas: job creation, and the opportunity to achieve net exporter status.

Growing new jobs is crucial, as South Africa’s unemployment rate is currently hovering around 30%. Jobs will come with the territory as the country’s gas infrastructure is enlarged for drilling, transport and electricity production. Young managers and workers will need to be trained in the necessary skills to run and maintain these operations. In short, revving up the natural gas sector will breathe new energy into the job market as young people see and take advantage of these new opportunities.

On the export front, a sizeable opportunity for boosting the country’s economy has appeared on its northern horizon. Because of Europe’s recent reduction in imports of Russian gas, the vast European market presents an opportunity South Africa could pursue, along with other markets, after its own energy needs are met.

The way forward

To diversify South Africa’s energy mix, government policy support in accordance with the country’s draft Gas Master Plan and the National Development Plan will be needed.

The Integrated Resource Plan aligns with those documents’ goals, supporting, as Eye for Business’ brief puts it, “a significant shift in the energy mix, projecting an additional 29 500MW to the electricity capacity by 2030, with 3 000MW expected from gas.”

With all the benefits they can bring, South Africa must not leave its valuable natural gas deposits stranded while lacking reliable green energy sources. Making steady progress toward a lower-carbon energy mix, while transitioning toward renewables makes sense for South Africa and its people.

NJ Ayuk

Executive Chairperson

The mining industry is facing significant challenges, from financial pressures leading to reduced margins and demanding stakeholders adding to procurement costs. Success in such an environment requires partnering with a supplier that is collaborative, flexible, and forward-thinking. RS stands as the ideal partner to help businesses in the mining sector
achieve their goals while saving time and money.

Optimising supply management

At RS, we are committed to enhancing your supply management performance to drive commercial success. Our suite of next-generation inventory, procurement, and maintenance solutions is designed to reduce costs and optimise productivity. Leveraging advanced data insights, we help you streamline your supply chain, refine your processes, and identify cost-
saving strategies that reduce the total cost of ownership and boost operational efficiency.

Ensuring safety in hazardous environments

Whether open cut or underground, all mining operations present extreme dangers. With stringent Health and Safety regulations in place, the risks associated with dust and other hazards must be meticulously managed. Compliance with IECEx legislation is crucial, necessitating the use of intrinsically safe products. Given the hazardous and arduous nature of the mining industry, safety is of paramount concern. Therefore, reliable PPE and safety equipment specification are critical.

RS offers a rapidly expanding range of PPE and workwear from trusted local and global suppliers, designed specifically for the harsh environments of the mining industry. Our products ensure site safety and security with advanced locks, security alarms and sensors, CCTV, and surveillance systems. In addition, we provide innovative automation and control technology to safely manage and automate processes, including signalling, sensors, and industrial robots.

Advanced energy management

Economic and environmental challenges drive the need for maximum energy efficiency in the mining industry. With carbon net zero on the horizon, energy efficiency has become a crucial topic. Our products, services, and solutions are tailored to help mining clients reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption, thereby lowering overall costs.

We collaborate with you to understand your specific needs and apply a suite of energy-efficient products and services expertly designed to simplify energy management. Our solutions, backed by digital expertise, leverage the latest in energy efficiency technology to minimise energy waste, reduce carbon footprints, and assist you to meet your energy efficiency targets. From LED lighting to energy meters, we provide the right products to achieve your energy efficiency, health and safety, and productivity goals.

Committed to environmental management

Mining, by its very nature, has a significant impact on the environment. The industry is making great strides to mitigate these effects and ensure healthy air, land, and water in the areas where they operate. RS offers a range of products and solutions to help you manage and minimise the environmental impact of your mining operations.

Partnering with RS gives you access to our comprehensive range of solutions designed to support your mission, enhance safety, optimise energy use, and reduce environmental impact. Together, we can navigate the challenges of the mining industry and achieve sustained success.

Be sure to visit RS South Africa at Stand A9, Hall 5, at Electra Mining Africa 2024 from 2 to 6 September.

For more information about RS South Africa’s initiatives and product range, visit their website and follow them on LinkedIn for regular updates on their impactful work.

Mining customers are to benefit from the stronger regional capability being developed by FLS, which is making the company even more responsive to customer needs.

This is one of the key outcomes of the company’s strategic evolution underway, according to newly appointed FLS President Sales and Service for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Bernard Kaninda. As a leading full flow sheet technology company, FLS occupies a distinctive place in the market, says Kaninda, giving it a special relationship with customers.

“Being a partner through all their mineral processing requirements, FLS walks with customers throughout the lifecycle of a comprehensive range of equipment and solutions,” he says. “This engagement gives us greater impact in helping the mining industry achieve its sustainability goals.”

Goals

FLS aligns itself with industry imperatives by committing to energy and water reduction targets, and committing to reach zero emissions by 2030. To achieve these goals, he says, it was imperative to further grow the region’s capability – shifting from the previous regional definition which comprised sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and Southern Asia to a more cohesive EMEA region.

There has been a noticeable uptick in demand for the locally manufactured Booyco HVAC systems by South Africa’s Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

Brenton Spies, Managing Director of Booyco Engineering, says that the upswing is seen as a promising indicator of growth within the South African OEM landscape, highlighting a robust response to local manufacturing capabilities and innovation.

Booyco Engineering, known for its high quality locally engineered and manufactured HVAC solutions, has received an influx of orders from a range of local OEM facilities. Some of these facilities  specialise in producing underground mining machinery such as Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) units and utility vehicles, while other manufacture surface mining equipment and construction machinery.

Spies say that the growing demand for Booyco’s HVAC systems underscores their reputation as a reliable and purpose-built solution, capable of enduring the extreme conditions often found in Africa’s challenging environments.

Blasting and explosives specialist BME has launched its Global Blasting Technical Services (GBTS) as an external and stand-alone offering to customers. Over the years, GBTS has added significant value by enhancing customer operations globally, according to Nishen Hariparsad, General Manager Technology and Marketing at BME.

“We achieve this by unpacking the science of blasting, to enable advanced mining methods and to effectively apply the latest, state-of-the-art technologies,” said Hariparsad. “By delivering these innovative technical services solutions, we help customers to drive efficiencies and unlock value at their operations.”

While GBTS was previously part of BME’s basket of solutions, the company recognised the importance of leveraging its skilled technical capabilities to benefit the market for several reasons, he said.

“As a dedicated partner to the industry, our commitment is to extend our technical services, capabilities and expertise beyond the communities and current customer operations we serve,” he explained.