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Fraser Alexander’s structured funding offering to revolutionise mining industry – CEO

By: Mia Breytenbach 26th September 2016 Mining Services and construction company Fraser Alexander has, as part of repositioning its business value proposition, introduced a structured funding offering to its Integrated Mining Service (IMS) for its clients. CEO Velile Nhlapo believes this value proposition will “revolutionise the mining... →

MacLean Engineering to supply battery-powered fleet for Goldcorp’s diesel-free Borden mine

By: Creamer Media Reporter 23rd September 2016 Goldcorp is planning to build what is expected to be the world's first diesel-free hard rock gold mine at its Borden project, near Chapleau, Ontario. The company has appointed Collingwood, Ontario-based MacLean Engineering to provide a fleet of battery-powered mobile underground mining equipment... →

GRE gets contract at Davyhurst

By: Esmarie Swanepoel 23rd September 2016 Gold developer Eastern Goldfields has awarded a A$12.5-million contract to project house GR Engineering Services to refurbish the 1.2-million-tonne-a-year Davyhurst gold processing plant, in Western Australia. The processing facilities have been on care-and-maintenance since 2008, and are being... →

Cash costs plunge below $700/oz at AngloGold’s Mponeng mine

By: David Oliveira 23rd September 2016 South African gold mining major Anglo-Gold Ashanti reported in its six- months through June 30 earnings report, released in mid-August, that its South African flagship operation, Mponeng gold mine, near Carletonville, was one of the lowest-cost producers in South Africa during the first half of... →

Control systems gain popularity in South Africa

By: Robyn Wilkinson 23rd September 2016 Interest in automation, control and safety systems manufacturer Yokogawa’s DTSX fibre-optic distributed temperature sensor range is growing in the South African mining sector, as the industry takes steps to prepare for an inevitable upswing in the commodities market, says Yokogawa South Africa... →

THEKO LETSIE The mining market is always cyclical and Yokogawa is investing in the development of solutions that will be required when the market improves

DG Lab Services

23rd September 2016 This knowledge and experience also encompasses testwork capabilities envisioned for future expansion. →

Earnings from govt contracts only a tiny fraction of total revenue – Oakbay

By: Ilan Solomons 23rd September 2016 In an attempt to highlight that its revenue is largely driven by private-sector deals – with government contracts accounting for only 8.9% of revenue generation – controversial investment holding company Oakbay Investments has released its first annual results for the year ended February 29. The... →

$Earnings from govt contracts only a tiny fraction of total revenue – Oakbay$

Photo by Duane Daws
BRAKFONTEIN COAL MINE Brakfontein supplied 1.49-million tons of coal to Eskom in Oakbay’s 2015/16 financial year

Electra showcases new air-operated pumps range

23rd September 2016 Pumps supplier Letaba Pumps showcased American pumps manufacturer Wilden’s new FIT air-operated pump range, an upgrade of the well-established Wilden original series, at Electra Mining Africa 2016 in Johannesburg from September 12 to 16. →

IMPROVED RANGE The FIT pumps are bolted rather than clamp banded, allowing for easier alignment during assembly with less chance of leaks

Facilitating stakeholder engagement to drive industry growth

By: Aarifah Nosarka 23rd September 2016 Trying to address all the problems the African mining industry faces in two days is a challenge, says Joburg Indaba chairperson Bernard Swanepoel, but he believes that the annual Joburg Indaba mining conference has this “down to a fine art”. A major challenge, however, is ensuring the... →

BERNARD SWANEPOEL Early engagement is the solution to ensuring participation of the mining industry’s key stakeholders at the event

Haulage solution being modernised at Phakisa shaft

By: Robyn Wilkinson 23rd September 2016 Mining and industrial equipment supplier Deebar is upgrading the Deebar Rail-Veyor remote-controlled, electrically powered light-rail haulage solution which it installed in 2005 at gold miner Harmony’s Phakisa gold mine, in Welkom. →

STEAMING AHEAD The Rail-Veyor has not been hampered by the downturn in commodities prices, as the system offers significant benefits in terms of helping mines reduce their operating costs

Increased systemisation of logistics management needed in South Africa

By: Robyn Wilkinson 23rd September 2016 South Africa needs to focus on improving the systemisation of logistics management or risk falling behind global trends and incurring inflated costs, says research logistics team Greiner, Mendi & Associates (GMA) MD Lars Greiner. →

Innovation for transporting heavy loads goes into operation

By: Robyn Wilkinson 23rd September 2016 The self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) widening adaptor for high and wide loads from heavy lifting and transport specialist Mammoet will go into operation for the first time in September in the US. →

HAULING LARGE LOADS Mammoet’s widening adaptor improves the safety of transporting large loads of cargo

Investor confidence ‘concerning’, key to industry growth

By: Aarifah Nosarka 23rd September 2016 The South African mining sector needs policies that recognise the type of investment that mining demands and which reduce the risks related to investing in long-term projects to encourage investment in the sector, says Chamber of Mines (CoM) CEO Roger Baxter. He tells Mining Weekly that the... →

RESILIENT INDUSTRY The mining industry is the foundation on which South Africa’s industrial development was built and continues to contribute significantly to the country’s economy

Limpopo miner chooses rope-based conveyor system to overcome topographical challenges

By: Dylan Slater 23rd September 2016 Limpopo-based platinum mine Booysendal Platinum – a subsidiary of platinum group metals producer Northam Platinum – recently accessed the Booysendal South ore deposit as part of its expansion of mining capacity at the Booysendal concession, which required it to employ an alternative conveyor... →

Local manufacturer launches its first continuous miner

By: Robyn Wilkinson 23rd September 2016 South African engineering manufacturer JA Engineering’s (JAE’s) first in-house designed continuous miner, the Wildcat JAE42, will undergo field tests in November, after which it will be made available for purchase by the South African mining industry. →

WILDCAT JAE42 CONTINUOUS MINER The Wildcat is designed specifically with South African coal mining operations in mind, offering a high cutting forc

Mining companies’ business models in need of radical overhaul – software developer

By: Ilan Solomons 23rd September 2016 Mining companies need to introduce new ways of thinking about their overall business model to ensure more efficient and successful operations in future, says local enterprise software developer NxGN MD Harry Sinko. Speaking at the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s Mining for... →

HARRY SINKO There is now a need to apply new forms of intelligence to the business environment, including ‘systems thinking’

New inverters improve crane control

23rd September 2016 Crane and crane components supplier Demag, a brand of materials handling solutions provider Terex Materials Handling & Port Solutions, launched a new range of Dedrive Pro 880 inverters in August that offers a number of benefits for crane control. →

REDUCED LOAD SWAY The Dedrive Pro 880 reduces load sway using a mathematical model, allowing for safer crane operation in applications such as the handling of molten ore in foundries

New radar to improve underground mining safety, productivity

By: Mia Breytenbach 23rd September 2016 Geotechnical slope stability monitoring radar systems supplier Reutech Mining locally developed the Sub Surface Profiler (SSP) – a compact and convenient ground-penetrating radar system that aims to increase mine safety and contribute to increased productivity and efficiency in operations.... →

Photo by Duane Daws
EASY USE The SSP weighs less than 4.5 kg and has a patented ergonomic design that allows for a one-handed operation by an operator

No future for conventional mining methods in South Africa – Amplats

By: Ilan Solomons 23rd September 2016 To remain relevant in the South African mining industry, mines will have to substantially change how they operate and Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) mining head Frik Fourie does not see any future for conventional mining methods in South Africa. “Conventional mining methods are no longer a... →

IMPROVING SAFETY Mechanisation was intended to remove mineworkers from dangerous work areas and would assist in the sector achieving goal of zero harm

Relook warehouse design to increase storage space, reduce costs

By: Robyn Wilkinson 23rd September 2016 Redesigning the layout of an existing racking or shelving system can significantly improve the amount of storage space available and the operational efficiency of warehouses, says storage and materials handling equipment manufacturer Linvar marketing manager Nicky Farrell. →

BEST USE OF SPACE By conducting feasibility studies, Linvar can advise warehouse managers on the warehouse design most suited to their specific products and operational needs

Shaftless spiral screw conveyors reduce costs

23rd September 2016 Spiral pipe machines manufacturer Spiral Tech says its custom-built shaftless spiral screw conveyors are gaining popularity in the mining industry, owing to their ability to reduce costs and boost productivity, especially in applications involving difficult materials. →

DIFFICULT MATERIALS DEALT WITH Shaftless spiral screw conveyor systems effectively handle bulky and abrasive solids that often cling to the central pipe of a conventional shafted screw conveyor

Synthetic grease delivers huge cost savings for Brazil mine

By: Dylan Slater 23rd September 2016 The implementation of oils and lubricants manufacturer ExxonMobil’s high-performance synthetic grease Mobilith SHC 220 at a Brazil-based mine, has delivered significant performance benefits, leading to an estimated cost saving of $4.2-million over four years as a result of extended component life... →

US pallet truck forklift of the year

23rd September 2016 UK-based materials handling company Crown won a coveted International Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award for the third time. The award was presented at the CeMAT trade fair for intralogistics and supply chain management, held from May 31 to June 3, in Hannover, Germany, where Crown’s RT 4020... →

Hughes Drilling appoints administrators

By: Creamer Media Reporter 22nd September 2016 Queensland-based coal driller and miner Hughes Drilling has collapsed. Jason Preston, Shaun Fraser and Jamie Harris, partners of McGrathNicol, were on Thursday appointed as joint administrators of all the entities controlled by Hughes Drilling, except of its US subsidiary Reichdrill. →

Barrick sees ‘perfect storm’ brewing around cost-effective renewables

By: Creamer Media Reporter 20th September 2016 Renewable-energy sources have reached the stage where they can reduce energy costs as well as emissions, Barrick Gold’s senior manager of energy and greenhouse gases (GHGs), Russell Blades, tells Energy and Mines. “We are seeing a ‘perfect storm’ brewing around renewables. Solar and energy... →

Photo by Energy & Mines
Barrick's 20 MW Punta Colorada wind farm, Chile

Shaft sinking industry group launches, seeks to create new opportunities

By: Ilan Solomons 16th September 2016 The South African Shaft Sinking, Equipment and Services (Sasses) supply group, a subgroup within the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (Saceec), was officially launched at the Electra Mining Africa 2016 tradeshow in Johannesburg, this week. Sasses aims to assist local manufacturers... →

South African Shaft Sinking, Equipment and Services supply group launch

Australian company secures agreement for BCB plant in Witbank

16th September 2016 Australian coal company White Energy’s River Energy joint venture (JV) with investment firm Black River Asset Management has entered into an agreement with a major Witbank coal mine to build a binderless coal briquetting (BCB) plant. White Energy announced in June that, while the major commercial... →

CESSNOCK BCB TEST PLANT The binderless coal briquetting plant is used to turn an environmental liability into a revenue stream

Caterpillar to discontinue some underground equipment ranges

By: Ilan Solomons 16th September 2016 In a “strategic initiative” to restructure and optimise its manufacturing footprint, US mining equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has decided to place its soft rock room and pillar underground equipment production under review and will stop taking orders for this equipment. The company has... →

NEARING THE END Caterpillar may divest of its underground mining room and pillar products and will also discontinue the manufacture of track drills

Completion of fuel cell projects earmarked for 2017

By: Aarifah Nosarka 16th September 2016 Platinum producer Impala Platinum (Implats) is finalising the development of a fuel cell-driven load haul dumper (LHD) prototype, which it expects to be ready for trials in underground mines by the end of next year, fuel cell coordinator Fahmida Smith tells Mining Weekly. Diesel-fueled LHDs are... →

Consultant promotes technology over subsidies to ensure sustainability

By: Nadine James 16th September 2016 Coal mining companies need to embrace the technological revolution if they are to overcome current challenges, including lower commodity prices, rising labour costs and increased regulatory pressures, says commodity and industrial consulting firm Bryanston Resources. According to Bryanston... →

LORENZO TENCATI It is technology, not government subsidies, that will add value to the South African mining industry

Electronic equipment supplier attends Limpopo mining exhibition

16th September 2016 Global engineering solutions distributor RS Components SA attended the Mining & Technical Travelling Exhibition (MTE) Lephalale Mining and Industrial Expo on September 1, at the Mogol Club in Lephalale, in Limpopo, home to Grootegeluk, one of the largest opencast coal mines in the world, along... →

GROOTEGELUK COAL MINE The Lephalale mine is one of the largest opencast coal mines in the world

Firm launches Southern African mine mapping dataset

By: David Oliveira 16th September 2016 Geographical information services and products provider GeoTerraImage launched their Southern African Mine dataset last month, which uses satellite imagery to produce information on mining activity in 12 countries in Southern Africa. The dataset indicates mining activity in South Africa,... →

Foundry and engineering company clinches several contracts

By: David Oliveira 16th September 2016 Foundry and engineering company Thos Begbie & Co received a number of orders recently to refurbish and manufacture furnace and smelting equipment, after orders from Southern Africa furnace operators dropped significantly from November last year to July this year. Thos Begbie & Co outgoing CEO... →

Indicated resources at Tanzania gold prospect up 409% to 205 347 oz

By: Mia Breytenbach 16th September 2016 East Africa-focused gold producer, developer and explorer Shanta Gold has upgraded its Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant resource estimate at the Ilunga satellite deposit at the New Luika Gold Mine (NLGM), in south-west Tanzania, with indicated resources increasing by 409% – from 40 352 oz... →

Photo by Bloomberg
GRADE ELEVATION The indicated resource gold grade rose 17%, from 4.03 g/t of gold to 4.71 g/t of gold

Master Drilling posts 15.4% revenue growth despite tough operating environment

By: Ilan Solomons 16th September 2016 JSE-listed drilling services provider Master Drilling has overcome a challenging economic climate to secure a $208.9-million order book, while its headline earnings a share increased 30.1% year-on-year to 97.6c in the six months ended June 30. At a presentation of the company’s interim results,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DANIE PRETORIUS Master Drilling experienced a slow start to 2016, owing to delayed access to sites, delays in project start-ups, poor ground conditions and economic fluctuations

Mining pivotal to Southern African economies – report

By: Ilan Solomons 16th September 2016 Mining plays a fundamental role in the economic trajectories of Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The contribution of mining to these countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) is substantial. In 2014, mining contributed 33% of GDP in Botswana, 16.2% of GDP in South Africa and 17.5% of... →

INCREASING CONTRIBUTOR The mining industry’s contribution to South Africa’s, Zambia’s and Zimbabwe’s economies has increased since the 2000s

Mining-sector fuel supplier in BEE transaction

By: Ilan Solomons 16th September 2016 Mining industry direct fuel supplier Masana Petroleum Solutions has completed a transaction with a new broad-based black economic-empowerment (BBBEE) consortium. The new partners have attained a 35% stake in the business after two of its founding shareholders exercised their right to realise... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PAUL NKUNA The new consortium consists of three black-owned venture capital firms, namely Ata Capital, Kwande Capital and Identity Capital partners

National project more than halfway to meeting goal

By: Aarifah Nosarka 16th September 2016 The National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Flagship Project, or Hydrogen South Africa (HySA), is more than halfway through its 15-year timeline and 40% of the milestones on the road to achieving the goal of commercialisation of locally developed fuel cell technology on the international... →

MAKHAPA MAKHAFOLA The biggest potential new market will be the automotive sector

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