Ventilation event highlights energy optimisation at deep-level mines

The energy efficiency of ventilation and cooling systems installed at deep-level mining operations will be a central theme of the tenth International Mine Ventilation Congress (IMVC), reports local... 

Fracturing and automation a solution for deep-level mining challenges

The deep-level mining sector is researching and piloting fracturing methods that could help mitigate the three main challenges facing deep-level operations – rock stability, ventilation and time... 

Underground comms system launched

An Ethernet-capable underground communication system, which can ensure improved and dependable underground communication for deep-level mining operations, was introduced to the local mining... 

Deep-level mineworkers need education to flourish

Deep-level mining companies have to consider underground mineworkers’ desire to advance their careers and flourish in the industry, but should recognise that modern South African mineworkers’ life... 

Recommendations to foster greener environments

The international community could make several strides in averting the negative effects of climate change by following the recommendations of the Oxford Martin Commission (OMC) for Future... 

Smaller businesses lack accurate information on green building

South African small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) are not properly informed about measures that are required to create greener and energy efficient businesses, says facilities... 

Access to funds a challenge limiting Joburg’s green environment initiatives

The difficulties of accessing international financial assistance and meeting stringent borrowing conditions were a collective barrier to fully developing and rolling out climate change programmes... 

Upgraded heavy minerals bulk materials handling feeder launched in SA

As the exclusive sub-Saharan distributor for UK-based Samson Materials Handling, local bulk materials handling equipment distributor BLT South Africa (BLT SA) introduced a new Samson materials... 

Foreign demand makes local mineral sands project ‘extremely attractive’

The global mineral sands sector having recently faced a significant increase in demand that it cannot match, coupled with the ever-increasing demand for zircon and rutile, has made South Africa’s... 

Small-scale local farm develops relationship with Nigerian food market

Free State-based cattle, maize and orchard farm Makolobane Farmers Enterprises founder Pitso Sekhoto tells Engineering News that a four-day Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) business trip to... 

Food packaging industry to boost SA recycling capabilities

The South African food packaging industry can make an enormous contribution to the country’s recycling capabilities and simultaneously grow its economy, packaging solutions provider Damax Sebenza... 

Use of gas technology increasing in food preservation

Atmospheric and speciality gas technology manufacturer Air Products South Africa says there has been an increase in the use of modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) – its gas-based food packaging... 

Shortage of qualified specialists in SA food-testing industry

The shortage of food testing specialists in South Africa is challenging, as food and beverage analytical services providers have to train their own food testers to ensure that they meet the... 

Warehouse chain investing in cost effective heating and cooling

Local warehouse chain Makro has been investing in cost-effective ways of heating and cooling its warehouses and refrigeration systems, says store development manager Alan Walker. He adds that Makro... 

First counterflow indirect evaporative cooling system installed at car dealership

In a bid to contribute to energy conservation in South Africa, car manufacturer Ford has installed the first counter-flow indirect evaporative cooling system in the country at its Action Ford... 

Company’s HVAC products now available on three-dimensional software

Mechanical pipe-joining systems manufacturer Victaulic has announced the availability of its full range of global piping systems and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) products in... 

Insulation offers ecofriendly approach to heating and cooling

Eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions provider Eco-Insulation says its passive approach to energy use – stopping heat from leaving and entering building spaces – is the best method of heating... 

SA deprived of platinum’s full potential

The platinum group metals (PGMs) sector will continue to contribute minimally to South Africa’s economy unless the lack of alignment between government and the industry is addressed, says... 

Junior PGMs miner surviving financial downturn

Bakubung platinum mine, the flagship project of JSE-listed junior platinum group metals (PGMs) mining company Wesizwe Platinum, continues to meet the challenges of a new mining project development... 

PGM failures could impact ANC

South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) will bear the brunt of a poor-performing platinum-group metals (PGMs) sector, as the country gears up for its fifth democratic... 

CEO to present on the state of mining at indaba

Consultancy firm CRU Strategies CEO Phil Newman will give an overview on the state of mining and commodities at the 2014 Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will be held at the Cape Town... 

Gold as currency at indaba

Despite gold no longer being circulated as a currency, the yellow metal still has all the characteristics of money, argues online metals trader GoldMoney founder James Turk, who will address... 

African market helping local pipe manufacturer recover

South African plastic pipe manufacturer Pipeflo has been expanding its presence in the African market to recover from the financial downturn that resulted from the high incidence of labour unrest... 

Pipe fittings improved to increase service life span

Mechanical pipe-joining systems manufacturer Victaulic says the launch of its Extended Life (XL) fittings and couplings range, in October 2013, offers greater longevity than ever before. “The... 

South Africa warms to the use of gas energy

South Africa has reached a state of sophistication in using gas as an alternative to using electricity as a source of energy for domestic use in residential developments, says local pipe... 

Partnership to support training and skills development

South African plastic pipe industry facilitator, the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) has signed a memorandum of uderstanding (MoU) in November 2013 with the South... 

Randgold Resources’ Kibali mine could turn DRC’s Orientale into the next Katanga

Newly established gold mining project Kibali – a standalone investment by mining major Randgold Resources – situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) Orientale province – has the... 

Kibali will succeed with continued cooperation from all stakeholders, says Bristow

Nurturing the positive relations that have already been established among all relevant stakeholders of Africa-focused mining company Randgold Resource’s Kibali gold mining project, in the... 

Lack of funding for exploration activities impacts on analytical services – minerals research organisation

There has been a significant downturn in exploration activity in the last few years, which has had a significant impact on the analytical services sector, says State-owned minerals research... 

Growing need for multiskilled geologists, says Venmyn Deloitte

There is a growing need for multi-dimensional and multi-skilled young geologists in South Africa, says Venmyn Deloitte director Neil Mc Kenna. He tells Mining Weekly that local universities need to... 

Mining software developer improves analysis tool

Canada-headquartered mining software and simulation company CAE Mining launched CAE Sirovision 5.1 this month, an improved version of its Sirovision photogrammetric geology and geotechnical data... 

New service-driven geomatics supplier breaking even

Geospatial products distributor Aciel Geomatics has attributed its start-up success to the company’s approach to business and its focus on being more of a service provider than simply a products... 

African geoscience promoted through field trips in 2016

The upcoming thirty-fifth International Geological Congress’s (IGC’s) local organising committee (LOC) has planned various field trips throughout South Africa and Africa as part of the seven-day...