Project completed using rope access

Rope access specialist Skyriders completed the removal of a layer of cementitious fireproofing and insulating material from a spherical gas storage tank at a petrochemicals producer, in Mpumalanga,... 

Company goes digital to curb challenges

An increasingly competitive sphere, and a large choice of partners and customers are two of the chemicals industry’s greatest challenges. Specialised chemicals company BASF aims to lead in digital... 

Stricter compliance regulations for chemical disinfectants

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in the demand for disinfectants to help mitigate the spread of the virus, which, in turn, has prompted the need for strict compliance in... 

New technology increases valve life

With more than 28% of valves used and supplied to the metals and mining sector in South Africa, industrial valves supplier Brimis Engineering is collaborating with Swiss engineering company... 

Local sourcing of valves reduces impact of lockdown

Owing to the company’s ability to source products from local manufacturers, neither its operations nor its customers have been impacted on by the pandemic, says Valve Solutions Africa sales... 

PVC manufacturer emphasises proper use of plastic

While the world is moving towards using less single use plastic, Durban-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compound manufacturer Innovative PVC Compounds (IPC) CEO Mubeen Siddiqi says the world cannot... 

PVC compounder continues supply despite pandemic

Owing to its heavy investment in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market, KwaZulu-Natal-based PVC compounder Continental Compounders has been able to continue supplying products to essential services... 

Lithium feeling pandemic pinch

The lithium market is declining as a direct result of electric vehicle (EV) plans being pushed back and EV production plummeting, says international commodities consultancy Core Consultants. 

Bigger, stronger filters advance tailings solution

Mining equipment manufacturer Metso has sought to advance its tailings management solution by launching the bigger and stronger VPX filter. 

Community relations vital for thriving mining operations

With South America being rich in natural minerals, and communities having a strong relation to the land, mining companies have to approach communities correctly if they want projects to be... 

Supplier saves mining industry time, money

Power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is supplying bearings manufacturer Dodge ISN bearings to the quarrying sector to address contamination – the leading cause of... 

Boiler inspection easier with drones

Using drones, in addition to rope access, can result in boiler inspections being done at a fraction of the cost and much quicker, notes rope access specialist Skyriders. 

Cogeneration next step in energy and heat supply

Steam boilers supplier and services provider Steam Generation says clients are aiming to decarbonise their production processes by 2030 through cogeneration as part of integrating the United... 

New technology, remote functionality advancing materials handling

The shift towards a technological revolution in the mining sector has occurred just in time to facilitate functionality in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, explains mining logistic solutions... 

RealWear makes working remotely easier

Maintenance of conveyance equipment and other regular fixed and mobile asset inspection is made easier with remote assistance through RealWear products, technology service provider Dwyka Mining... 

Technological strides in S Africa audiology

The advancement of technology in South Africa has enabled audiologists to treat patients in remote regions and has allowed for the increased mobility of audiologists, says speech and hearing... 

Pandemic prompts diverse solutions development

The outbreak of Covid-19 has prompted identification and traceability solutions company MITAS Corporation, to develop solutions that aid clients during and after the pandemic. 

Video laryngoscope makes for easier breathing

With functionality, affordability and applicability requirements causing a significant deficit of tools in the video laryngoscopy sector, airway management solution provider SmartBlade has... 

Waste management vital during pandemic

With Covid-19 infections on the rise, waste management company Averda plays an active role in the removal of contaminated waste products while following strict disposal regulations according to... 

Water cleaning system modified for SA’s AMD

Following its attendance at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in February and, having previously conducted research on the country’s acid mine drainage (AMD) problem, Finland-based company... 

Spillway gates increase dam capacity

Increasing the capacity of return water dams results in additional water for mine use, particularly when considering the water-intensive nature of mining activities, and the consumption of water by... 

Water-related planning essential for mines

As mining operations are extremely water-intensive and -dependent, it is important to have a good understanding of water sources, movement and discharge at the mine, say engineering consultants... 

Long-term treatment vital for water supply

With the delay in the long-term treatment or desalination of acid mine drainage (AMD) in the integrated Vaal river system and the delay in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II,... 

Water heating now a sustainable solution

Power management technology supplier PowerOptimal manufactures products that are specifically designed to provide more sustainable energy solutions in South Africa. 

Energy uncertainty an opportunity for private sector

Owing to power generation and energy supply uncertainty in South Africa, renewable-energy solutions provider Economic Development Solutions (EDS) believes that this creates opportunities for... 

West African commodities not immune to Covid-19 fallout

With reports of cases of Covid-19 increasing globally, West African commodities are also feeling the negative effects of the pandemic, international commodities consultancy Core Consultants tells... 

Bespoke approach required to mitigate African challenges

Maximising available resources and optimising plant efficiency while minimising environmental impact is just one of the challenges that wet processing equipment manufacturer CDE continues to address.  

Rope access ensures optimal maintenance of petrochem tanks

The highly explosive nature of the petrochemicals environment requires trained personnel, and often the scope of the work involves a work-at-height and or confined space element, which puts... 

Welding safety extends to petrochem industry

Welding fumes are known to be particularly poisonous and a contaminant to the surrounding air, which is why welding solutions provider Unique Welding focuses on advanced welding safety,... 

Retail expansion an attainable goal

Listed as an overarching strategic focus, Sasol’s Retail division forms an integral part of the Sasol Groups’ investment strategy. Sasol Energy Retail and Corporate Affairs VP Mohamed Carrim, says... 

Shaft capping prevents illegal mining, improves ground safety

Redundant mine shafts are becoming a growing risk for mining companies, owing to a sharp spike in illegal mining activities. 

Shaft maintenance integral to operations

Mining solutions provider United Mining Services (UMS) suggests placing significant emphasis on the operational maintenance of a mine shaft, as this can ultimately optimise the functionality of the... 

Climate change serious challenge for mining industry

Climate change and population growth have significant potential to be destabilising factors in Africa and can affect water sources, agricultural land and subsistence farming adversely, resulting in... 

Investing in West Africa a veritable gold mine – consultant

With West Africa boasting some of the highest grades of gold deposits globally, averaging about 1.8 g/t, it has become the investment hub for gold projects over the past seven years. 

Digital transformation will benefit African mines

Commodity pricing volatility and global demand variability are two profitability pressures mining companies, especially Africa-based mining companies, have to deal with. This creates a need for... 

Roof bolt placement critical to safety

Roof bolts, in helping to create a stable rock structure, are the first line of defence to protect mineworkers from fall-of-ground-related hazards, which highlights the importance of correct roof... 

Co-opting Canadian strategies to create investor awareness

International commodities consultancy Core Consultants states that African mining jurisdictions can create investor awareness through initiatives that have been successfully carried out in Canada. 

Robust fiscal regimes needed to grow African mining sector

The success of Africa’s mining sector is determined by a combination of the quantity and quality of resources, commodity prices, and the domestic policy and regulatory environment’s ability to... 

Continuous position sensor leads to predictive maintenance methods

The move towards Industry 4.0 by motion and control technology leader Parker Hannifin’s pneumatics division will allow for “outstanding” condition monitoring and maintenance strategies, says Parker... 

Positive outlook despite sector uncertainty

Despite the instability in the mining sector, equipment and product sales are on the rise for hydraulic equipment and mechanical tool supplier Power Team South Africa (SA).