The community of Vosloorus in Gauteng played host to the country’s first-ever recognized auction recently when local bidders went head-to-head for a host of goods ranging from used appliances to equipment and collectables.

Incredibly it has taken thirty years since South Africa’s first democratic elections to hosting formal auctions and judging by the amount of interest it has garnered from the close-knit community it certainly will not be the last.

The icebreaking event was held by the aptly named, Lokshin Auctions, with the full support and encouragement of the South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) and supported by some of the country’s best-known member auctioneers including Park Village Auctions, Auction Operation, Dynamic Auctions and Aucor.

Lokshin Auctions founder and SAIA head of the transformation committee, Tsitso Setai, has made it his passion to bring accredited professional auctions to the townships where the majority of dwellers have not been exposed to auctions and not benefitted from the many advantages of buying and selling assets on auction. Initial investigations by SAIA’s transformation committee had revealed that few people understood the auction process and were sceptical of its trustworthiness.

In the face of declining commodity prices, the mining industry has increasingly prioritised cost saving measures, often leading to the suspension of capital expenditure (CAPEX). While such strategies may yield short-term financial relief, the importance of implementing comprehensive maintenance programmes has never been more critical.

These programmes are essential for ensuring the reliability and performance of existing equipment, timely servicing, repairs and refurbishments, preventing failures that could severely impact operations downstream.

One of the more complex aspects of mining operations maintenance is measuring the wear life of transfer chutes, which involves tracking numerous components. The advantages of accurately gauging wear life are direct and substantial, contributing to enhanced operational uptime and, consequently, to the bottom line.

Customised models

Mark Baller, CEO of Weba Chute Systems, sheds light on how the company’s customised reliability model plays a pivotal role in capturing key wear indicators for each chute. This model, when supplied with the correct data—including regular wear measurements—provides plant operators with invaluable insights into wear patterns.

One of the most important missions of Cortec® Corporation, a global leader in the corrosion protection industry, is environmental responsibility. This commitment is especially demonstrated through the company’s expanding portfolio of sustainable products. Within this range of environmentally-responsible

preventative designed with sustainability and user safety in mind. This compact device consists of a space-saving pad made from more than 50% biobased content and packaged in a vented cardboard box for easy hanging. This allows Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCIs) in the BioEmitter® pad to emit while avoiding direct contact between the pad and metal surfaces.

The VpCIs of BioEmitter®

VpCIs migrate throughout surrounding spaces to form an invisible molecular shield on metal surfaces, inhibiting the corrosive effects of air and moisture. VpCI® molecules automatically protect any metal surfaces that air can reach. BioEmitter® is distinctive in offering a convenient application and delivery method for corrosion protection of valuable multi-metal components or parts within enclosed spaces of up to 1.4 m 3 (50 cubic feet). It attaches to a clean surface by using either the hanging hole on the package or the four removable adhesive patches provided.

The BioEmitter® will provide powerful protection of various assets for at least a year even in the presence of harsh conditions including salt, moisture, airborne contaminants, H 2 S, SO 2 , NH 3 , and others. The VpCIs of BioEmitter® do not contain nitrites, silicones, phosphates, or heavy metals. They have no negative

Starting out 1994 to serve the metropolitan area with a range of low voltage electric motors, WEG Africa’s Cape Town branch has grown in its size and its offerings, according to Branch Manager Marthinus Greeff.

Testament to this is the fact that it has again outgrown its premises, and last year relocated to larger, well-equipped facilities in Richmond Business Park – enhancing its service capability while making life easier for its customers.

“The branch had humble beginnings 30 years ago, with three staff members – the manager, an administrative assistant and a storeman,” says Greeff. “Our dedication and commitment to customers soon put us on a growth path which has continued to this day; the experienced staff complement at Richmond Park now stands at 35 people.”

Another sign of success is the geographical area that the branch now covers – from Cape Town upwards to the north as far as Upington and east to the town of George. Similarly, a wider range of industrial sectors reach out for solutions from WEG Africa’s Cape Town branch. These include mining, cement, petrochemical, water and wastewater as well as building, food processing, materials handling and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). He notes that a particularly exciting recent development has been in agriculture, where the branch serves farmers who want to use more renewable energy.

With its experience in Africa and its agility in executing projects rapidly, Trafo Power Solutions is supplying three mini-substations and two transformers to a copper-zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, says the pressure was on from early in the planning stages to ensure this critical equipment would be available on time – to facilitate the continued mine expansion. From the date of the contract award, the company will deliver the units to the mine site within just four months – despite most of South African industry taking an annual December break.

“We have conducted projects previously with the end-client and the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, so have a good understanding of their requirements,” explains Claassen. “This experience – combined with our history in the DRC and in the mining sector – gave us the edge in expediting the whole process.”

The order was for two 2000 kVA transformers to step down the electricity supply from 6,6 kV to 550V, as well as three dry-type miniature substations. Two of the mini-substations are rated 315 kVA and 6,6 kV to 400 V, while the third is a 630 kVA unit which also steps down from 6,6 kV to 400 V

Capital equipment like pumps operate only as well as their components and wear parts allow, so it makes little sense to risk this performance by installing a replicated part.

“Mining and other industrial applications rely heavily on continuous operations to reach the productivity levels that make them profitable,” says Marnus Koorts, General Manager Pumps at Weir Minerals Africa. “This productivity is in turn the result of decades of partnership with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Weir Minerals, who provide much of the technological foundation underpinning a mining operation.”

Koorts emphasises that the lifecycle cost of key equipment like pumps is many orders of magnitude higher than its upfront capital cost – as they all need a high standard of maintenance that matches the quality of their initial manufacture. As long as the equipment performs to expectation, it will contribute to the mine’s success.

OEM

“What is often not fully understood, however, is that OEM spare parts are as carefully designed and manufactured as the core equipment itself,” he explains. “As an OEM with over 150 years of field experience, we have deep insights into how our parts perform – and can confidently provide our customers with performance predictions and service intervals.”

Epiroc has added a new drill to their lineup of surface radio remote drill rigs. Building on the success of the SmartROC T25 R, this new model boasts impressive features aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency in construction and quarrying operations.

The new drill dubbed the SmartROC T30 R equipped with the Epiroc Rig Control System (RCS), offers advanced technology and automation capabilities within its segment. With 19 kW of drilling power, a wide coverage area, and excellent terrainability, operators can expect to achieve more drilled meters per shift compared to its predecessors.

Features

Marcus Leu, the Global Product Manager of Epiroc Surface division, highlights the rig’s capabilities, noting its ability to tackle big and demanding projects with ease. The increased drilling power of the SmartROC T30 R expands its applicability to additional environments, providing operators with more options.

Key features of the SmartROC T30 R include an automated rod handling system, onboard automation solutions facilitated by RCS, and access to the Hole Navigation System (HNS) for precise drilling and improved safety. These features not only enhance productivity but also contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing the environmental footprint through reduced explosives usage and improved fuel efficiency.

Toubani Resources has announced results from drilling program at Kobada Gold Project in Mali. The firm made significant progress with 2.4 Moz in Mineral Resources and with a substantial strike length according to Toubani CEO Phil Russo, the project appears promising.

Covering an area of approximately 135.7km², the Kobada Gold Project is located approximately 125km south-south-west (SSW) of Bamako, the capital city of Mali, and is adjacent to the Niger River and the border of Guinea. CEO Phil Russo’s remarks suggest optimism about the ongoing drilling program, particularly in terms of confirming significant widths and grades. The focus on derisking and unlocking value underscores the company’s strategic approach.

Kobada Gold Project

Russo’s mention of investigating higher grade zones during resource update work indicates a proactive stance towards enhancing the project’s potential. This aligns with the broader strategy of maximizing value and optionality at Kobada. The emphasis on a bulk mining approach, coupled with the potential for defining higher grade zones, reflects a balanced approach to project development.

Toubani Resources’ commitment to advancing Africa’s next large gold development project underscores its confidence in the Kobada Gold Project’s potential. The company’s experienced leadership and track record in Africa further bolster its credibility in executing its development strategy. Overall, the updates suggest a focused and strategic approach towards realizing the full potential of the Kobada project.

the region.

Trading licence

With this license in hand, the company can now engage in buying, selling, and exporting manganese ores, facilitating its plans to boost production and tap into export markets. The license, valid until December 31, 2024, and renewable annually, not only allows Marula to handle increased volumes from the Larisoro Manganese Mine but also enables it to purchase manganese ores from other mining entities in Kenya. This broader scope aligns well with Marula’s ambition to establish itself as a prominent player in Kenya’s manganese sector.

Marula’s CEO, Jason Brewer expressed enthusiasm about this development, highlighting its importance in advancing the company’s strategy in the manganese industry. He emphasized the potential for strengthening partnerships with local mining sectors and communities, indicating a commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.

Moreover, Marula’s recent stake acquisition in the Larisoro Manganese Mine, through a binding terms sheet with Kenyan operator Gems and Industrial Minerals (GIM), underscores its commitment to growth in the region. This move not only secures a significant commercial interest in the mine but also positions Marula for further expansion and investment in Kenya’s manganese sector.

Kenya has announced it has secured significant investment deals in Kenya, aiming to bolster the country’s mining industry and manufacturing sector.

The Head of State William Ruto revealed the report during the commissioning of the clinker plant in West Pokot County and said these investments align with his strategy to boost Kenya’s mining industry, create job opportunities, and reduce poverty and hunger. He highlighted the importance of utilizing Kenya’s resources to increase exports and revenues.

Scope of deal

These investments include a Ksh4.5 billion into fluorspar mining operations in West Pokot County. If actualized, the material may be used locally or exported to make various items such as insulating foams, gasoline, aluminium, refrigerants and steel among others. Another investor committed Ksh5.8 billion to establish a gold refinery in Kakamega County. This investment comes after the discovery of gold deposits in Siaya County, estimated to be worth Ksh1 trillion.

A third investor will invest Ksh2.5 billion to set up a granite factory in Vihiga County. Granite is utilized for countertops, floors, monuments, construction, sculptures, tombstones, and sinks due to its strength, durability, and attractive appearance.