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.

ACTOM is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Electra Mining Exhibition, set to take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from the 2nd to the 6th of September 2024. As a leading provider of electro-mechanical equipment and services, ACTOM will present a diverse range of products and innovations from its various divisions at Stand OS P44.

ACTOM’s participation in this significant industry exhibition underscores its commitment to being your partner in the “Cradle to Grave” lifecycle of electro-mechanical equipment. From design and manufacturing to maintenance and beyond, ACTOM provides comprehensive solutions that ensure the longevity and efficiency of your equipment throughout its entire lifecycle.

“We are thrilled to present our latest innovations and comprehensive range of products at Electra Mining. This exhibition provides an excellent platform to demonstrate our commitment to delivering quality and advanced solutions throughout the entire lifecycle of electro-mechanical equipment,” stated Group Business Development Executive, Mamiki Matlawa.

ACTOM will showcase a wide range of products from their various divisions, with highlights including:

The efficiency and reliability of transfer points are pivotal in lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) on mines and minerals processing plants. These transfer points, where materials move from one conveyor belt to another, from conveyor to equipment or into storage facilities, are critical junctions that, when optimised, can lead to significant cost savings and operational benefits.

Mark Baller, CEO of Weba Chute Systems explains that transfer points serve as the heart of materials handling systems. “Chute systems ensure the seamless flow of bulk materials such as minerals and aggregates, from one process to another. However, these points are also prone to issues like spillage, dust generation, material degradation and equipment wear. Addressing these challenges is key to reducing maintenance costs, downtime, and overall TCO.”

Innovative solutions

Weba Chute Systems, a leader in transfer point solutions, has been instrumental in assisting mining and minerals handling operations to achieve lower costs and increased reliability. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges in bulk material handling, the company has developed innovative solutions that address the critical issues associated with transfer points.

Baller says that optimised transfer points are designed to minimise spillage and dust creation. “Using well-engineered chutes can greatly reduce material loss through the creation of excessive finds or spillages eliminating the need for frequent clean-ups. This not only lowers labour costs but also mitigates environmental and health risks,” he says.

Supporting customers in achieving optimal plant performance is more vital than ever. These concerns are behind FLS’s service focus at Electra Mining Africa this year, where the company is driving sustainable productivity through its solid and growing support and maintenance infrastructure. According to Alistair McKay, Vice President Mining: Europe, Arabia and Africa at FLS, this includes engaging visitors at the event on the value of the company’s innovative digital solutions.

“In addition to our market leading solutions for mining plants, we will be sharing our extensive foundation of expertise, technical services, spares and consumables to support customers,” says McKay. “The show gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how these resources can lower operating costs and drive profitability.”

Key to FLS’s success in doing this is its understanding of exactly how its solutions are performing in customers’ processing facilities. As the original equipment manufacturer, he argues, the company is best placed to partner with mines to optimise performance and to maintain equipment health at the highest level.

FLS quality portfolio

“There is a global shortage of skills to conduct this important work, making it essential that we continue to both replenish and enhance the necessary levels of expertise for our ever-advancing equipment,” he explains. “This is why we invest so heavily in our training facilities and trainers – to upskill not only our own people but those of our customers.”

Efficient and reliable liquid transfer is critical in various industries, from chemical processing to wastewater management. The Sandpiper® EvolutionX Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pumps have emerged as a game-changer in this field, offering enhanced performance, reduced operational costs, and significant savings on compressed air.

This innovative technology is poised to revolutionize liquid transfer processes across various industries, from manufacturing to agriculture. This article delves into the unique features and benefits of the Sandpiper® EvolutionX AODD pumps, highlighting how they can revolutionize your liquid transfer processes.

Before delving into the EvolutionX, it’s essential to grasp the basics of AODD pumps. These pumps utilize compressed air to operate a diaphragm, creating suction and discharge cycles. AODD pumps are known for their ability to self-prime, run dry without damage, and handle solids-laden fluids.

These features make them ideal for applications in industries such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, food and beverage, and mining. Additionally, they do not require electrical power, making them safe for use in hazardous or explosive environments. While efficient, traditional AODD pumps can be relatively energy-intensive due to compressed air consumption.

By Sujen Balakisson, Business Development Manager for Wärtsilä Africa

In a world driven by the quest for sustainable and reliable energy solutions, the spotlight is increasingly turning towards the role of gas engines in shaping the future of power generation as they provide a highly flexible and effective power source. While renewable energy sources are gaining significant traction, the role of gas engines in the global energy landscape remains crucially complementary.

With their enhanced efficiency, versatility, and environmentally conscious features, gas engines remain a key player in the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.

Here’s why gas engines are the flexible power solution of the future.

Zambia is taking significant steps to enhance its involvement in the mining sector, particularly in the extraction of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. The government, under the direction of Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe, plans to establish a state-owned investment firm that will secure at least a 30% stake in the production of these minerals from future mining projects.

This initiative is part of Zambia’s broader strategy to maximize the benefits from its vast reserves of metals, such as copper, cobalt, graphite, and lithium, which are crucial for the energy transition. The new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will incorporate a “production sharing mechanism,” ensuring that the state receives a significant portion of the output from new mining ventures.

Mission

This move aligns with Zambia’s ambitious goal of increasing copper production to three million tonnes annually by 2031. To achieve this, existing mines will need to double their output, while new projects, such as KoBold Metals’ Mingomba, are expected to make substantial contributions.

Additionally, the Zambian government is pushing for local economic growth by requiring investors in the critical minerals sector to spend at least 35% of their procurement budgets on local suppliers. There are also considerations to revise policies that could limit the export of raw materials, thereby encouraging value addition within the country.