Diversified project engineering house, Red Metal Mining (RMM), is focused on the specialised design of cast resin dry-type transformers, mini substations, transformer enclosures and electrical automation systems required by mining and associated industries.

“Wherever electricity is generated, distributed, or required, we supply our clients with a custom solution, tailored to their exact requirements. We pride ourselves on delivering complete solutions; from concept and development to commissioning and support.”

As sole appointed agent in sub-Saharan Africa for leading ISO 9001-certified German transformer manufacturer SGB, RMM’s key products include cast resin transformers, power transformers, oil distribution transformers and mini substations.

Founded in 2006, RMM’s head office is based in Honeydew, Johannesburg, with operations across sub-Saharan Africa. Its assembly plant in Chloorkop spans across 3 000 m2, complete with two 14.5 t overhead cranes.

Over the last three years, RMM has grown from humble beginnings to a fully-fledged team of electrical and mechanical engineers, technical and organisational staff.

The company’s engineering team consists of multifaceted individuals, fluent in the latest SOLIDWORKS 3D
design software. Their combined experience and skills translate into several service offerings, including engineering, procurement and construction management; finite element analysis and advanced airflow and heat transfer analysis.

“Since 2016, we have been working hard to expand our manufacturing footprint in the local economy and are looking at growing the local manufacturing of our transformer enclosures and substations further in the near future. In a joint venture with industrial equipment supplier ControlGear Products, we are also focusing on promoting our latest product offering – complete turnkey solutions which include transformers, switchgear and motors,” says RMM CEO, Lionel Wagner.

A patent is pending on the design of RMM’s complete closed-loop system on air-type transformers.
“It is our belief that cast resin transformer technology is the way forward and, together with our partners, we are determined to establish consumer trust within the South African and sub-Saharan African markets,” enthuses the company.

PROJECTS OF NOTE
By implementing trolley-assist, mine hauling activities can save up to 50% in diesel costs and improve the productivity of the fleet by 10% or more.

RMM provided a trolley-assist solution, powered by three customised SGB pantograph cast resin transformers in parallel connection, to one of South Africa’s largest diversified resources groups. The solution entails enabling a dump truck to automatically switch to electric mode when it detects and attaches to an overhead line, powered by a pantograph transformer. Once the truck leaves the line, it switches back to diesel.

Further, the company assisted a copper mine in sub-Saharan Africa in fitting a substation in a mine shaft cage. Conventional cast resin solutions are unable to fit in this cage, due to its cooling system.

RMM solved this problem by designing a closed-loop cast resin underground mini substation which can easily fit inside the man winder cage.