https://www.miningweekly.com

Plastic piping systems help miners meet charter requirements

PIPING IT
Polypipe supplies piping systems for new mining accommodation

PIPING IT Polypipe supplies piping systems for new mining accommodation

29th August 2014

By: Bruce Montiea

Creamer Media Reporter

  

Font size: - +

UK-based plastic piping systems manufacturer Polypipe can assist mining companies in complying with the Mining Charter’s requirements that mineworkers’ housing and living conditions be improved, by supplying piping systems for new mining accommodation, says Polypipe export sales manager Philip Wood.

Historically, a large proportion of the industry’s workforce had been recruited from rural areas and accommodated in single-sex hostels, with large numbers of occupants in each dormitory-type room.

The Mining Charter requires that mining companies improve the general living conditions of mineworkers by year-end.

Polypipe believes it can assist with the charter’s stipulation that mining companies must provide their employees with family-friendly living units.

The company’s piping systems were first introduced to the UK market in the 1950s and were initially used in residential, commercial and general infrastructure applications.

Wood highlights Polypipe’s underground drainage systems, as well as plumbing, ventilation and heating systems, as some of the products that can help upgrade and develop new accommodation infrastructure at mine sites.

“In hot climates where water is in short supply, such as in Africa, the welfare of employees must be ensured through the provision of safe drinking water, the effective removal of waste water, and adequate ventilation and heating,” he explains, adding that mining companies and their contractors also need to consider the environmental impact of their operations.

“Our British-made products are designed to meet current carbon and water challenges. We provide solutions for the total water management process, covering the capture, treatment, reuse, attenuation, soakaway and drainage.”

Wood says Polypipe’s range of above- and below-ground drainage and waste products incorporate all the necessary systems for the disposal and redistribution of wastewater and rainwater. He adds that these products have been successfully installed at residential developments across Africa for the past 20 years, in countries such as Nigeria.

Where heating is required, Polypipe’s three underfloor heating systems combine ease of installation with reliable long-term performance. These systems can be combined with Polypipe ventilation systems, which are energy efficient, as they use minimal power and, therefore, cost less to operate. The ventilation systems also provide the benefit of reduced noise emissions, Wood says.

He adds that Polypipe is aware of mine operators having to deal with different circumstances when installing or refurbishing mine site accommodation. Therefore, the company also offers an application-based range of plumbing solutions with four water-supply systems, with a range of easy-to-install pipe options available.

Wood tells Mining Weekly that, owing to the Mining Charter requirement, positive changes are being made, as residences and living units are being refurbished and redeveloped in mining communities.

Family units are increasing, with sanitation, drainage and water supply also being improved. “Polypipe is a market leader in the manufacture of plastic piping systems that are ideal for housing projects. We have, therefore, also decided to focus on the housing welfare issues in Africa’s mining industry to offer innovative solutions, as well as technical and logistical support, to customers."

“Our understanding of the challenges that the mining industry faces, coupled with our extensive experience in providing plastic piping systems for residential developments, means that our team is ideally placed to advise on the right solutions regarding mine site accommodation, including the upgrading of existing facilities,” concludes Wood.
 

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

Comments

Latest News

Tharisa CFO Michael Jones
Tharisa to undertake $5m share buyback programme
26th March 2024 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Showroom

Universal Storage Systems (SA)
Universal Storage Systems (SA)

South African leader in Steel -Racking, -Shelving, and -Mezzanine flooring. Universal has innovated an approach which encompasses conceptualising,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East
Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East

Weir Minerals Europe, Middle East and Africa is a global supplier of excellent minerals solutions, including pumps, valves, hydrocyclones,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Resources Watch
Resources Watch
27th March 2024

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.117 0.151s - 93pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now