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Mining construction using safe, quality materials

19th July 2019

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah

journalist

     

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With the extensive range of fully serrated, multi-directional non-slip floor gratings, stair treads and safety handrails that manufacturer Vital Engineering supplies, the company is involved in several projects where it supplies mines with mild steel, galvanised steel and stainless-steel products which ensure the very highest standards of safety and quality.

“The majority of the mines which we supply to, are in South Africa and Africa. These include gold mines, diamond mines, conventional mineral mines such as coal, copper and fluoride, as well as other mineral mines,” says Vital Engineering director Glen Pringle.

These projects entail the construction of new mines, as well as expansions and upgrades to existing mines.

“We are observing a trend . . . in spending on commodities, as well as budgeting for increased throughputs, which is a positive sign for the South African and African mining industries,” he adds, noting that this increases construction projects and, in turn, the demand for Vital Engineering’s products.

Focus on Safety

Pringle emphasises the importance of ensuring that quality and safety are the main concerns for all products which Vital Engineering supplies to mining operations: “All products are meticulously designed because there is no room for error . . . we ensure strict material controls for our products, which results in the benefits of not only minimising the potential for any incidents and accidents due to product quality, but also long life-cycle or life-of-mine and low maintenance costs.”

The company specialises in a range of fully serrated, multi-directional, non-slip floor gratings, stair treads and handrails, providing durable, corrosion-resistant and aesthetically-pleasing solutions for clients.

Its range of floor gratings, under the Vitagrid brand name, reduces the potential for accidents due to slippage. “Manufactured according to international standards, using the highest grade steel, the handrails and gratings are designed with safety as priority, particularly in elevated walk ways,” Pringle comments.

Floor gratings are manufactured in mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and fibreglass, with galvanised mild steel a popular choice because of its corrosion resistance and cost-effectiveness, he points out.

Vital’s Maclock range of handrails – available in mild steel, galvanised mild steel stainless steel and glass fibre-reinforced resin (GRP) – has also been developed in safety applications such as mine walkways.

“The selection of material for handrails and gratings is a critical factor in safety, particularly when used in elevated walkways. By making the ‘Vital’ choice, our mining clients are assured of total safety,” Pringle comments.  

As safety depends largely on the materials that are used, Vital Engineering mainly supplies the mining construction industry with uncoated and galvanised steel, and ferritic (magnetic) and non-ferritic (non-magnetic) stainless steel.

The scope of Vital Engineering products, however, includes GRP moulded gratings and handrails, which are also widely used throughout the mining construction industry, in copper, coal, gold and cobalt mines.

Pringle states that fibreglass is anti-corrosive, fire-retardant, non-conductive, non-slip and virtually maintenance-free, making it a viable alternative.

“The type of material that is used in mining construction is dictated by the environment – acidic or alkaline conditions would require a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel or GRP, while galvanised steel or mild steel with a bitumen coating can be used in less aggressive environments,” Pringle adds.

Vital Engineering is a systems-driven and solutions-based company, and not merely product-driven, or just a manufacturer or supplier. Rather, the company’s decades of experience and innovation have led to the development of products which constantly meet the changing requirements of industry. As such, the company provides clients with a consultative service.

“We offer expert advice and design parameters which will fulfil our clients’ specific requirements; and we also caution them against making ill-advised choices regarding material, which are based solely on price, but compromise human safety,” Pringle concludes.

Edited by Mia Breytenbach
Creamer Media Deputy Editor: Features

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