More local laser R&D needed

South Africa is not placing enough focus on laser research and development (R&D), especially in the private sector, but there is hope, says the director of the Laser Research Institute (LRI) within... 

Laser tech key to developing economy

It is vital that South Africa has an in-depth understanding of the impact photonics-based technologies will have on its economic development, as they underpin the communication systems and sensors... 

Increased demand for laser marking

Identification and traceability company Traceability Solutions has seen an increase in enquiries for laser-marking systems despite the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, says MD... 

Ensuring productivity in tough conditions

Platinum group metals (PGMs) strata present some of the most unforgiving digging conditions imaginable for earthmoving equipment attachments, says earthmoving mining equipment and attachments... 

PGMs recovery under way, but uncertainty remains

Many geographic regions active in the platinum group metals (PGMs) sector are in the early stages of recovery, following the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with platinum, palladium and... 

Foundry company ensuring safe platinum smelting

Foundry and engineering company Thos Begbie expects to finalise production of the Phase B coolers for platinum producer Anglo American Platinum’s (Amplats’) Anglo Converter Plant (ACP) in... 

PGMs producer navigating Covid-19 market disruption

‘Business unusual’ is expected to characterise much of the 2021 financial year, owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, says platinum group metals producer Impala Platinum (Implats).    The company expects... 

Pump Optimiser is Shockwave’s solution to remote-controlled efficiency

The national lockdown to curb the Covid-19 outbreak in South Africa has provided smart farming agricultural Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider Shockwave Engineering dedicated time to... 

‘Soil conditioner’ production keeps manufacturer bustling

The processing facility of manufacturer and minerals producer Pratley has been significantly busy producing Pratley Vulture Creek Clino during the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19,... 

Sector welcomes bearing distributor’s new products

Demand for the agriculture-specific products offered by Southern Africa bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is slowly picking up now that lockdown... 

Agricultural engineers are an endangered species

The agricultural industry remains key to the development of South Africa and addressing the country’s prevalent unemployment issues, but local agricultural engineers are a scarce breed, says South... 

New interface’s mobile version coming soon

Data-driven agricultural solutions provider SupPlant has launched a new user interface for its decision support system (DSS), with a mobile version to follow, enabling farmers to keep an eye on... 

Offering diversified with new crop input solution

Environmental management company I-CAT will soon launch agricultural and forestry input solution Cyflo, as part of its product offering, targeting existing and potential clients, says I-CAT... 

Pump rentals effective contingency plan to ensure food security

When a pump used for agricultural applications fails, it poses a significant risk to the food production cycle, revenue generation and, ultimately, the food supply chain during a time when South... 

Stanfra answers need for local quarter-turn segmented ball valve

Meyerton-based valve manufacturer Stanfra Abrasive Solutions is exposing South Africa’s first 100% locally manufactured quarter-turn segmented ball valves to extreme testing in the pulp and paper... 

Local zero-plastics amenities range developed for City Lodge Hotel Group

Hotel chain City Lodge Hotel Group (CLHG) is believed to be the first in South Africa to introduce a zero-plastics bathroom amenities range, which includes a hair and body bar and hand bar made... 

High-mileage drive belt introduced locally

Automotive parts supplier Autobax extended its range of Gates automotive components in March this year by introducing drive belts specifically designed for high-mileage cars. This involved a soft... 

Lower human activity limiting tyre sales

Every business is going to face the consequences of lower human activity and, thereby, commercial activity, as South Africans consume less or differently, owing to Covid-19, says automotive tyre... 

Variable demand requires new strategy

Uncertain demand in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket environments, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, is impacting on short- to medium-term capacity management decisions to... 

Positive mining developments halted by Covid-19

Before the Covid-19 outbreak, major mining companies indicated that, for the first time in many years, government and the mining industry were having meaningful dialogue that could realise positive... 

Moma to move 7 000 t plant along newly built road

The construction of a purpose-built, 23-km-long, 66-m-wide road for the relocation of wet concentrator plant (WCP) B and its dredge at the Moma titanium minerals mine, on the north-east coast of... 

Less demand for outsourced labour

There has been a sharp decline in demand for labour for mining-related construction projects amid the Covid-19 outbreak, with some projects on hold, as mines focus on their core business. This is... 

Food-waste composting aid manufacturer Bokashi Bran eyes US market

With more local residential and commercial kitchens using the Bokashi Bran food-waste composting system and the product readily available from building material retail outlets Builders Warehouse... 

Mines focus on existing assets

Few of the capital projects planned for the development of new African mines will go ahead this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant uncertainty, says project management,... 

Mining without Covid-19 safeguards harmful to communities

Keeping mining operations Covid-19-free is crucial because all mine personnel return to different communities, which can extend the spread of the infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 over long... 

Workforce plan invaluable in crisis

Having an actionable and implementable workforce plan in these uncertain times is more important than ever, says workforce development solutions provider Immersive Technologies Europe, Middle East... 

Coronal capping design being completed for Namibian mine

Rope access specialist Skyriders is preparing to install a new coronal capping, with its design in the process of being finalised, for two smokestacks at a mine in Namibia. The company secured the... 

Smart solution to Covid-19 business recovery

The online Smart Mining resource centre from digital solutions innovation hub Axora has piqued the interest of African mining companies, particularly those in South Africa. Axora chief commercial... 

Compressed air expansion project completed at Mozal smelter

South African engineering, procurement and construction company Lesedi has completed the upgrade of the compressed air installation plant at diversified mining and minerals company South32’s Mozal... 

African interest in reclaimer chain

Southern African bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI), a member of Hudaco Industries, is working closely with the manufacturers of the reclaimer chains... 

Dale Automation emergency ventilator could create jobs amid crisis

While South Africa faces significant job losses amid the Covid-19 outbreak, engineering company Dale Automation expects to create 50 to 60 additional jobs should it receive the necessary medical... 

Subsea cable to improve connectivity in Africa

Submarine communications network supplier Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) has been appointed to build the 37 000-km-long 2Africa subsea cable – one of the largest subsea projects globally, which... 

Cables for corrosive conditions

Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s extensive portfolio of Tsubaki Kabelschlepp cable carrier systems and safety cables includes S/SX steel cable carriers, which have been designed to carry heavy... 

Manganese remains resilient

Manganese prices remained resilient in the first quarter of 2020, even as Chinese imports fell by 18%, with in-country logistics impacted on by the country’s Covid-19 lockdown, says natural... 

Aeris Mask copper filtration face mask takes off

The “slide-in” copper filter inserts for cloth masks manufactured by South African startup Aeris Mask in accordance with government guidelines have had massive interest, with the company selling... 

Energy efficiency part of futureproofing assets

Local building owners are looking to futureproof their assets for the secondary market, and reduce operating costs across all sectors, including the commercial, office, retail, industrial and... 

Great demand for infection control across Africa

The demand for infection control solutions manufacturer SteriTech’s products has increased significantly across Africa since the Covid-19 outbreak, but so have the company’s lead times. “Demand in... 

Cogen technology heating up in Africa

South Africa needs to realise that the rest of Africa is becoming more business friendly, and it may no longer be the sole gateway to Africa, which is showing noticeable demand for co-generation... 

Africa still viable for business

It is possible to work in most African countries, provided there is an investor-friendly fiscal regime, the correct asset, a diverse management team and a flexible execution strategy, says mining... 

Covid-19 compounds challenges in Africa

The legislation put in place amid the Covid-19 pandemic is compounding the “exceptionally challenging” business environment already faced by companies when operating in Africa, where each country...