Industrial company LTA Autecon’s metals and minerals division is on track to complete the supply, fabrication, delivery and installation of structural steelwork, mechanical, plate work and piping (SMPP) for the new mineral processing plant, as well as associated overland piping, for the Namakwa Sands East Orange Feldspathic Sand (OFS) project, in the Western Cape.

LTA Autecon GM Marius Botes says that the SMPP portion of the project, which was awarded in November 2023, is on track for completion within the scheduled timeline for commissioning to be completed by November.

"On completion, this project will have included the installation of 700 t of structural steel, 1 000 t of conveyor steel, the entire mill installation complete with mechanical equipment, 530 t of platework, 6 000 m² of grating, 10 200 m of plant piping and a massive 24 500 m of overland piping,” he points out. 

Key project highlights include the completion and handover of the overland pipeline in December 2024, as well as carrying out complex tandem lifts as part of the main construction process.

“Deadlines were also adhered to for outlying areas feeding the main plant area in April,” Botes says.

He adds that this complex project has been challenging owing to the vast overall site layout, as well as the remote location of the site, which made transport and accommodation of staff and delivery of materials to site difficult.

Located at Brand-se-Baai, 385 km north of Cape Town, the Namakwa Sands OFS project is owned by Tronox Mineral Sands, a subsidiary of Tronox Holdings, a multinational mining and chemicals company.

Tronox mines, processes and beneficiates heavy minerals to produce titanium dioxide feedstock (chloride and sulphate grades), zircon, rutile and high-purity iron.

SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY

With LTA Autecon and Tronox having stringent policies in place in terms of sustainability and on-site safety, Botes says LTA Autecon’s “unwavering commitment” to safety aligns with Tronox’s stringent health and safety standards.

“Guided by our company ethos and safety motto of ‘home without harm, everyone, every day’, LTA Autecon prioritises a culture where safety is integral to every operation – as demonstrated by our achievement on this project of 500 000 lost-time-injury-free man-hours.

“This alignment of values – as well as our longstanding SMPP track record in the mining sector – played a crucial role in LTA Autecon securing this project,” says Botes.

“Tronox seeks partners who do more than meet regulatory requirements. They look for companies that deeply instil and embed safety into their operations. Our strong safety protocols, leadership-driven approach, and proven record in maintaining high safety standards reflect a shared commitment to zero harm.”

He also notes that LTA Autecon’s integrated safety, health, environment and quality management system emphasises risk mitigation, proactive hazard identification and continuous improvement principles.

These complement Tronox’s dedication to creating a safe and sustainable work environment. This synergy ensures that every worker is empowered to prioritise safety, fostering a collaborative and vigilant workplace, the company says.

According to Botes, LTA Autecon’s Metals and Minerals division is focusing on mining-related construction opportunities across Africa.

“The division utilises proven, customised systems to manage and monitor quality and progress. This includes sequencing and accurately delivering all project materials – from planning to execution.

“The fact that our systems and processes are solidly underpinned by strong teams of experienced structural, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, piping and plate work professionals – who are very knowledgeable about the supply chain process and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality results in the SMPP and mining sector – also bodes well for the LTA Autecon Metals & Minerals division, as it expands the company’s geographic and operational footprint,” Botes concludes.