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.

Highlights

• Copper 360 has delivered the first copper concentrate from the Northern Cape Province in 21 years marking the start of a new era in copper production in South Africa.
• The achievement is remarkable in light of the fact that the record concentrate grades in excess of 30% were produced during the commissioning of the MFP 2 (the Nama Copper plant) that was recently acquired.
• The plant produced 136 tonnes of concentrate over a commissioning period of 3 weeks achieving our plan.
• The plant is forecast to produce in excess of 1,000 tonnes of concentrate per month within 3 months – 2 months ahead of planned production.
• The Company’s second concentrate plant MFP 1 is planned to start production at the end of July 2024, with a target capacity of 1,400 concentrate tonnes per month.
• The SX/EW plant that produces copper cathode, also delivered record performance in March 2024 producing some 60 tonnes of pure copper metal and is well on track to ramp up to 100 tonnes of copper per month within the next quarter.

Jan Nelson, CEO of Copper 360 commented: “Copper 360 is extremely proud of this achievement heralding not only the first copper concentrate production from the area in 21 years but also because it marks the start of a new era of copper production in South Africa. We have delivered on plan and at copper concentrate grades that are world-class. Copper 360 is also the only producer of copper cathode from the area.

Copper 360 is South Africa’s only listed pure copper producer and has made history in terms of being the first major copper producer in the Namaqualand region. We salute the tenacity and spirit of the people of Namaqualand who support us tremendously and the drive and passion of our team. We remain humble but we celebrate this historic success which marks South Africa’s return to being a major copper player. Our focus is now to bring our second concentrate plant into production and ramp up copper output. We look forward to reporting further production results in due course.”

Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement have not been reviewed nor reported on by the Company’s auditors.

On Friday 19 April, in a crucial step towards achieving justice for the children and women who allege lead poisoning caused by a former Anglo American lead mining operation in Kabwe, Zambia, the Johannesburg High Court granted permission to appeal an earlier judgment that dismissed certification of the class action. 

In granting permission Justice Leonie Wendell found that an appeal against her earlier judgment had ‘reasonable prospects of success on at least one ground of appeal’ and that there were ‘compelling reasons to grant the appeal, as class action law is still being developed in South Africa’, and that ‘there are current matters of law of public importance which directly implicate constitutional rights’. The Kabwe Claimants will now take their case against Anglo American South Africa (“AASA”) before the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa later this year. 

This is a major step forward in the longstanding lead poisoning class action claim against AASA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of London headquartered Anglo American Plc. The December judgment effectively blocked access to justice for the people of Kabwe. 

Scope of case

Kabwe was an Anglo American mine from 1925 to 1974. The evidence submitted to the court by the Claimants in support of this claim is clear. From the early 1970s, reports by the Mine doctors showed that several children had died  of lead poisoning from the mine, and a high proportion of  children in the local communities were suffering from massive blood lead levels.