Hurdles stifle sustainable industry growth

Despite significant growth and investment in recent years in the Mozambique mining industry, ongoing challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development and growth, says commodities... 

DMS test plant launched

Minerals and metals process engineering company Consulmet launched its 5 t/h dense media separation (DMS) test plant at its facilities in Modderfontein, in Johannesburg, in March. The DMS test... 

Leasing agreements preferred for hassle free operations

Maintenance lease agreements offered by industrial equipment supplier Shumani enable customers to rent equipment on a long-term basis, with full maintenance programmes as a cost-effective option,... 

Improving processing

Several Zambian copper producers have noted an increase in oxide copper content in the deposits that they are mining, consequently making it difficult for mining companies to extract and process... 

Much to gain in Zambia with policy rethink

Zambia, although well positioned to benefit from the increased demand for minerals that support the green economy, needs to improve its regulatory framework and ease of doing business, among other... 

Initiatives expected to reinvigorate Zambian mining industry

Zambia was overtaken by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – as a copper and cobalt mining hub in Africa – owing to the latter being a cheaper and easier mining option. However, efforts made by... 

Robust hose meets requirements for various applications

Global hydraulic and industrial hose products manufacturer Alfagomma’s 740AA 85 bar high-pressure concrete pumping hose offers a range of benefits to customers and has been designed to suit their... 

Gugulethu project continues to meet expected timeline

Coal exploration and mining company Canyon Coal, subsidiary of private investment firm Menar, has made “good progress” on the developmental phase of its Gugulethu project and expects to begin with... 

Smart grid can mitigate system challenges

The integration of smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the country’s electricity grid.  A smart grid system will be able to effectively manage challenges associated with... 

Smart grid offers benefits for all stakeholders

Implementing a smart grid system in South Africa offers a range of benefits for power generators, electric utilities, customers and society, says UP specialist energy industry consultant Dr Willem... 

Recent legislative changes improve mining sector

Although extensive changes made to the Tanzanian mining laws by the previous administration of John Magufuli disincentivised mining investors, subsequent changes – introduced by Magufuli and... 

Low infrastructure investment puts local skills levels at risk

The local consulting engineers sector boasts a high level of skills and capacity, however, lack of investment in infrastructure development has resulted in the industry struggling to retain and... 

Procurement processes should prioritise quality over cost

Current infrastructure procurement processes are not appropriate for infrastructure development, owing to clients lacking the knowledge to adequately evaluate tenders, says industry association... 

Industry needs to address challenges to retain female engineers

While there have been changes in the consulting engineers industry to drive more inclusivity and diversity, the industry still struggles to retain female workers. Women encounter challenges, such... 

New recycling methods required for active pharmaceuticals ingredients

Owing to the highly solvent-intensive processes associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing, a single batch of APIs can use and generate significant amounts of waste.... 

Climate change-focused conference aims to inspire action

The inaugural 1.5 Degrees Conference and Exhibition aims to inspire action towards achieving net-zero emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. The conference... 

New approaches to waste needed to alleviate impact

Establishing a hierarchy to avoid and minimise waste production, following a circular economy model and increasing awareness on the impact of waste can alleviate the impacts of current waste... 

Engineered wood a carbon-efficient material

The international construction industry is moving away from carbon-producing materials, such as steel and concrete, in favour of more sustainable materials. Engineered wood offers a multitude of... 

New recycling methods required for API

Owing to the highly solvent-intensive processes associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing, a single batch of APIs can use and generate significant amounts of waste.... 

Supplier offers on-site training to improve operations

Chemicals supplier Active Chemicals offers on-site technical assistance and training for operational personnel in the gold plant and water filtration works sector. The service provides customers... 

Recycling tech mitigates waste

Plastic production has increased to more than one-million tonnes a day, resulting in a growing plastic waste challenge, which chemical recycling technologies can mitigate by turning the waste into... 

Patented reactor doing well globally

Metallurgical technology company GoldOre has secured many international clients interested in their patented MACH Reactor. However, despite the success the company has garnered overseas, it has... 

Miner soars past hurdles, aims to expand in 2023

The refurbished Bibiani mine along with the Chirano mine, located in the north-western region of Ghana, are ahead of their respective timelines and expect to extend their life-of-mine to more than... 

Investors pursue bullion over gold stock

While investors have slowly moved away from investing in individual gold mining companies, interest in buying gold as an investment increased towards the end of 2022. However, the lack of investor... 

Blockchain platform ensures traceability

Small-scale miners require market access, capital and expertise to continue to mine and grow their operations, while buyers require traceability. The lack thereof often results in buyers not... 

Solar fitting illuminates loadshedding shadows

Ongoing loadshedding has put significant pressure on the South African building industry, as productivity can be affected if companies do not have backup power or reliable alternative lighting... 

Infrastructure woes blight mining activities

The value of minerals available in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is overshadowed by ailing infrastructure such as roads and reliable Internet networks. These challenges make it... 

Revised Code still plagues investors

The Revised Mining Code, and the subsequent attempts to clarify it, has created significant uncertainty for investors in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) mining and natural resources... 

ASM needs stronger initiatives, regulation

Owing to the prevalence of the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it has been difficult for government to regulate the industry. However,... 

Swift mining, minerals transport required to meet demand

To fully reap the benefits of the demand for battery-related minerals, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) needs to prioritise mining and export the minerals swiftly, says WSP Africa Earth &... 

Small businesses in boiler servicing sector need support

With small businesses that service boilers and burners requiring support to manage challenges and grow within an industry that is dominated by larger, established companies and inadequately... 

System efficiently used to detect leaks

The Inspecta Automatic Purge System (APS) is a cost-effective, ambient-air purge system that does not require compressed air or an additional power source to remove the fly ash build-up within the... 

PPPs critical to addressing unemployment, skills development

The demand for occupational programmes by both colleges and industry shows that the solution to unemployment as well as producing adequately skilled workers is through public–private partnerships... 

Course enables project management’s full potential

Not-for-profit professional project management organisation Project Management Institute (PMI) has launched a course covering critical power skills amongst others to assist project managers in... 

Circular economy enables value-added by-products

Nature-based solutions assist in creating a more circular economy and by-products from the treatment can create further value for the water treatment industry, says Rhodes University’s Institute... 

EBRU’s systems to be used commercially

Rhodes University’s Institute for Environmental Biotechnology’s (EBRU’s) ongoing research on nature-based water treatment solutions has showcased two possible systems for commercial use that can... 

Revamp for two water treatment works

Consulting engineering solutions provider Bosch Projects has been appointed by the Blue Crane Route municipality (BCRM) as consultants for the refurbishment of the water treatment works (WTW) for... 

Greenfield project deemed feasible

Coal exploration and mining company Canyon Coal’s greenfield Gugulethu project – located south-east of Hendrina, in Mpumalanga – forms part of the miner’s expansion objectives to become a larger... 

Expansion project on track

Investment company Menar’s Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) expansion project is in the shaft development phase and first coal is expected by April 2023. The project will increase production at... 

HPL threatens industry recovery

The Health Promotion Levy (HPL), commonly known as the sugar tax, still poses the greatest threat to the continued existence of the sugar industry, says South African Sugar Association (SASA)...