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.

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.