https://www.miningweekly.com

Search

By

MiningWeekly.com | Mining Sector News | Mining Industry | Mining Services - Page 2

Global Mining News in real time

Advertise on this page? Click Here to Learn More

Consulting Engineers News

Demand for reliable monitoring systems on the rise

By: Halima Frost 20th November 2020 The demand for early-warning systems for tailings facilities and/or dams has increased exponentially, subsequent to the Vale incident, suggests geotechnical civil and mining instrumentation company Terra Monitoring operations director Robin Schmidt. Therefore, the company – a member of... →

Technology helps companies weather storm

By: Cameron Mackay 13th November 2020 Multinational consulting engineers SRK Consulting director Andrew van Zyl stresses that technology, through the efficiencies it enables, is an important tool for retaining jobs in mining. The sector has been in a long period of decline, and technology is an opportunity to arrest that decline by... →

ANDREW VAN ZYL AND MARCIN WERTZ SRK’s in-country expertise has provided many advantages, particularly in instances when cross-border travel has been restricted

High demand for tailings consulting exceeds local capacity

By: Cameron Mackay 13th November 2020 Engineering consultant Knight Piésold is focused on providing technical advice for many local tailings dam facilities, says Knight Piésold technical director for mining services Africa Andrew Copeland. This increase in demand for tailings dam-related consulting can be attributed to several... →

SWIMMING WITH THE CURRENT Owing to Knight Piésold’s dam engineering experience, the company can work with mines in remote areas, particularly in the DRC, to provide hydropower

Improvements in rock engineering reduce accidents

6th November 2020 Rock-related accidents have reduced significantly in recent decades, owing to incremental improvements in rock engineering practice, says independent consulting firm of engineers and scientists SRK Consulting chairperson William Joughin. He states that the company’s contribution in this field... →

Panel calls for more junior mining, exploration in SADC region

By: Simone Liedtke 3rd November 2020 While many of the countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region continue to face various challenges, a panel at this year’s virtual Junior Mining Indaba found that Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to perform well. As an example, Caledonia Mining... →

Licence management software to be aligned with South African law

By: Darren Parker 30th October 2020 Geological services company Minrom Consulting plans to expand the capacity of its new exploration and mining licensing management software (LMS) system to become fully aligned with South African legislation, although a completion date has not yet been confirmed. The LMS system currently complies... →

OSCAR VAN ANTWERPEN Minrom Consulting would expand its licensing management software services to incorporate the national licensing database system if it were made open to all

New tool launched for mining project management

By: Darren Parker 30th October 2020 Industry consortium Construction Industry Institute (CII), based in the US, has launched a project definition rating index (PDRI) tool for mining projects, which was showcased during a CII-hosted webinar last month. The PDRI tool was originally going to be revealed and demonstrated during the... →

IMPROVING THE ODDS Only 2.5% of mining projects globally are considered successful

Legal collaboration critical in mining project management

By: Darren Parker 30th October 2020 In-depth specialist legal expertise and analyses are often not adequately considered or invested in at the outset of mining projects, which inevitably lead to delays and project cost overruns, says Inmiso Consulting director Robert Botha. “Often the operational personnel simply want to get on... →

ROBERT BOTHA The legal team ought to be seen as a critical contributor to the strategic side of project planning

Phased approach key for digital twin adoption

By: Mamaili Mamaila 23rd October 2020 It is important that the creation of a digital twin be conducted in stages, with every stage building on the previous one, drone survey and inspection specialist Rocketmine business development manager Devon Hasenbroek tells Mining Weekly. A digital twin is a digital replica of an operation that... →

HIGH PRECISION Setting up a digital twin in mining operations starts with a really accurate high-resolution three-dimensional model of the mine or asset in question

Nigeria incentivises new mining investment

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 Nigerian Mines and Steel Development Minister Olamilekan Adagbite highlighted the incentives being offered to investors in Nigeria’s mining sector during a webinar on Driving Investment in the Nigerian Mining Industry in a Pandemic Situation, held in August. Government intends to reignite... →

GOING FOR GOLD Nigeria's government looks to reignite flames under the mining investment banner to draw attention to its vast mineral and metal resources

Grande Côte operation achieves ‘excellent’ results

9th October 2020 Multinational mining and metallurgy company Eramet 2020 half-year results, released on July 29, noted that its Grande Côte Operation (GCO) built on the “excellent operating performance” of 2019, producing 371 000 t of mineral sands over the period. Notably, GCO is the largest single dredge... →

NOT SCRAPING THE BOTTOM The dredging operation at Eramet's Grande Côte operation reported an excellent operating performance for the first half of 2020

Study paves way for engaging artisanal miners

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 Environmental consulting firm Digby Wells Environmental Mali country manager Mamadou Dembele says a dearth of opportunities drives the artisanal mining sector in Mali, and in West Africa. He tells Mining Weekly that a study conducted in June 2019 in the region by Digby Wells Environmental, which... →

LEGITIMATE OPPORTUNITY While considered illegitimate trade, artisanal mining space is well organised and financially fruitful

Processing plant progressing well amid slowdown

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 Despite Covid-19 having an adverse effect on the greenfield development of a mine and metallurgical plant, in Sierra Leone, local consulting firm METC Engineering director Dr Steve Cathey says the project is progressing well. He explains that construction on the Tongo diamond project – located in... →

DIAMOND DECLINE The decline on the Tongo diamond project is progressing well as is the fabrication of the diamond processing plant

Freight forwarder growing reach in West Africa

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 Following the successful logistics for a mine in Sierra Leone, deugro, a highly-specialized expert in freight forwarding and an independent company of the deugro group, intends to further expand its offering in West Africa. “We are excited and look forward to engaging with more clients in this... →

IVAN DE SOUZA & SUNELL VAN DER WALT Senior members of deugro's sales and business development team unpack the company's sucess in west Africa

Company notes West African mining potential

By: Halima Frost 9th October 2020 West Africa holds notable mining potential, with exploration and mining consulting services provider The MSA Group principal consultant Mike Robertson noting the company’s short- to medium-term goal of expanding further into the jurisdiction. “MSA sees West Africa as an increasingly appealing... →

TRIAL RUN
One of many sample plants set up in Mali has revealed the great potential the gold mining sector holds in the country

MSA Group principal consultant Mike Robertson discusses the company’s investment in West Africa and the challenges faced in doing so.

Components provider launches ‘improved’ chain range

By: Mamaili Mamaila 2nd October 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s power transmission division has launched the new Tsubaki Titan chain series, which offers “significant improvements” in wear-life in demanding applications. →

INCORPORATED FEATURES The Tsubaki Titan chain’s use of seamless bushes incorporate lube grooves

Worley assists surface miners’ transition to underground operations

25th September 2020 As openpit mines reach their economic end of life, mine owners are considering the viability of transitioning their opencast mining operations to underground, says global engineering firm Worley. Using its deep-level mining expertise in South Africa, Worley assists mine owners around the world in... →

ROBERT HULL Worley's South African operation is recognised for its deep-level shaft experience, and has experience across most commodities

Coal giant empowers through education

18th September 2020 In 2019, JSE-listed diversified miner Exxaro invested a total of R224-million in job-related bursaries and scholarships. As a company that has “empowerment at its core”, Exxaro’s purpose, values and investment are geared toward youth development with the aim of nurturing future leaders. →

EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT Exxaro strives too empower its workers through education opportunities

WCA considers post-Covid-19 trials

18th September 2020 The World Coal Association (WCA), having recognised the challenges in developing recovery pathways post Covid-19, welcomed the emphasis in the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) ‘Special Report on Sustainable Recovery’, which looks at boosting economic growth, creating new jobs, and building... →

JULY NDLOVU & MICHELLE MANOOK Coal has been an essential resource for multiple economies throughout the Covid-19 pandemic

Study demonstrates longwall viability for Sasol

By: Halima Frost 18th September 2020 Despite the challenges wrought by lockdown restrictions, mining and engineering consulting firm Mindset Mining Consultants has successfully completed a comprehensive longwall mining feasibility study for chemicals and energy company Sasol Mining. Sasol Mining sought ways of optimising its coal... →

FOR THE LONG-HAUL
Being able to supply coal over the entirety of the plant's life is key for Sasol Mining

Mindset Mining Consultants MD Alan Gissing and senior mining engineer Ronnie van Eeden discuss a recently completed longwall mining feasibility study conducted for energy and chemicals company Sasol. Camerawork: Darlene Creamer. Editing: Darlene Creamer. Recorded: 30.07.2020

Accommodation for Aus SoP mine on track

28th August 2020 Work on the Beyondie sulphate of potash (SoP) project’s non-process infrastructure, which includes 60 additional rooms for construction accommodation, has continued apace, notes a press release by ASX-listed exploration and development company Kalium Lakes. The Beyondie SoP project initially... →

NO POT LUCK A Beyondie SoP bankable feasibility study was completed prior to the company’s board approving full development of the project

Logistics company branches out

By: Cameron Mackay 28th August 2020 Local logistics services supplier Mixcorp is including renewable-energy technology suited to the mining industry in the scope of its research and development (R&D) department to add renewables-related logistical services to its offering. Mixcorp special scientific adviser Dr Godfrey Gandawa... →

DR GODFREY GANDAWA We are in the process of setting up operations in Zambia and the DRC, working with mines that are considering investing in renewable energy technologies

Foundry company ensuring safe platinum smelting

By: Tracy Hancock 21st August 2020 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 Rustenburg, in the North West, by November this year. This will ensure the interchangeability with the... →

TIMEOUS TURNAROUND Thos Begbie is ensuring the interchangeability of furnace components at the Anglo Converter Plant in Rustenburg

Electra Mining Africa 2020 going digital with Connect – and it’s free of charge

By: Martin Creamer 20th August 2020 The Electra Mining Africa Connect week will enable exhibitors to promote their products and services free of charge alongside industry-related informative webinars, media activations and product showcase opportunities from September 7 to 11. For the first time in 48 years, Electra Mining Africa... →

Specialised Exhibitions MD Gary Corin outlines Electra Mining Africa 2020 Connect plans to Martin Creamer. Video: Darlene Creamer.

Tech-based solutions enable inspections amid restrictions

14th August 2020 Mineral processing experts from research institute Sustainable Minerals Institute’s (SMI’s) Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) have embraced technology to maintain site engagement and delivery of research outcomes to mineral processing plants amid Covid-19 restrictions. →

VIEW FROM AFAR Rather than having a representative attend the site Glencore nominated an on-site representative to ensure they had the information required to perform the survey

Analyser distributor aims for local brand recognition

By: Cameron Mackay 31st July 2020 Analysing and non-destructive testing equipment supplier GammaTec is the exclusive distributor of the handheld X-Ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysers, produced by handheld analyser provider SciAps, in non-Francophone African countries as of... →

MAKING BOULDER PREDICTIONS The portable XRF unit is designed for core analysis to define the mineral content and elements in a sample, or applications requiring high-volume manual testing

Sacred site destruction demonstrates industry's need to improve corporate citizenship

By: Mamaili Mamaila 24th July 2020 Diversified miner Rio Tinto's destruction of a 46 000-year-old sacred Aboriginal site in the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara – which occurred in last month following a misunderstanding during the extension of the Brockman 4 iron-ore mine – demonstrates the adverse environmental and cultural impact... →

Photo by Reuters
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Devastation left in the wake of a tailings dam burst owned by Vale and BHP Billiton in Mariana, Brazil

Africa’s iron-ore sector largely unexplored – consultant

By: Mamaili Mamaila 24th July 2020 Mining projects in Africa, particularly those in the iron-ore sector, require deep pockets, lengthy feasibility studies and complementary infrastructure assets, such as efficient logistics channels, to get products from mine to markets. →

LOCAL IS LEKKER
China imports some of its iron-ore for its steel manufacturing and construction industries from producers in the Northern Cape, such as Kumba Iron Ore

Photo by Kumba Iron Ore
LOCAL IS LEKKER China imports some of its iron-ore for its steel manufacturing and construction industries from producers in the Northern Cape, such as Kumba Iron Ore

Positive mining developments halted by Covid-19

By: Tracy Hancock 17th July 2020 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 outcomes, says diversified infrastructure and services construction company Concor Construction CEO... →

COLLABORATION EXPECTATION A more collaborative approach regarding the development of mining infrastructure is expected in future, as well as more involvement by the State

Moma to move 7 000 t plant along newly built road

By: Tracy Hancock 17th July 2020 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 Mozambique, is on track to be completed in the third quarter of this year, says Ireland-headquartered... →

THE ROAD AHEAD The road for the relocation of wet concentrator plant at Moma has a weight-bearing capacity of 8.4 t/m2

Mines focus on existing assets

By: Tracy Hancock 10th July 2020 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, engineering and consulting company Wood’s mining and minerals business development manager for Europe, the... →

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Wood has received requests from Ghana’s gold mines, owing to the high gold price

Mining without Covid-19 safeguards harmful to communities

By: Tracy Hancock 10th July 2020 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 distances, says global design firm Stantec global mining business line leader Jon Treen. “Several... →

SAFETY MATTERS Masks make up and important part of personal protective equipment in the age of Covid-19

Coronal capping design being completed for Namibian mine

By: Tracy Hancock 10th July 2020 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 contract earlier this year, having had previous experience with this client in 2018 when it... →

TIME’S UP The coronal capping structures for two smokestacks had reached the end of their service life, and it was deemed necessary to replace them

Metso Outotec can drive industries towards responsible use of natural resources

By: Marleny Arnoldi 1st July 2020 Metso Minerals, a subsidiary of global industrial company Metso, has officially merged with Finnish-listed technology company Outotec. The merger has formed a leading process technology, equipment and services company serving the minerals, metals and aggregates industries. The combined company... →

Nature of mining thwarts pandemic response

By: Mamaili Mamaila 26th June 2020 As almost all of South Africa’s gold mines are underground operations, the lockdown essentially brought this sector to a halt for some time, says independent consulting firm of engineers and scientists SRK Consulting. →

MARCIN WERTZ While some work can be done remotely, and meetings can be held online, the lack of access to site has hampered some projects

Organisations say Covid-19 should not further delay universal access to energy

By: Marleny Arnoldi 28th May 2020 In a report, 'Tracking Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Energy Progress', international organisations have warned that universal access to energy by 2030 will fall short unless efforts are scaled up significantly. According to the authors − the International Energy Agency (IEA), the... →

Copper Belt exploration enables diversification

By: Cameron Mackay 22nd May 2020 Renewed exploration interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt, in Botswana, can help the country diversify its mining economy and industrialise, says mining consulting services provider MSA Group principal consultant Mike Robertson. He emphasises that diamond mining has been the mainstay of Botswana’s... →

RENEWED EXPLORATION INTEREST Improvements in exploration techniques have resulted in a pipeline of exploration projects

PEA estimates 'robust' economics for Deep-South's Namibia copper project

By: Donna Slater 21st May 2020 TSX-listed Deep-South Resources reports that, using a heap leach treatment operation, its openpit Haib copper project, in Namibia, demonstrates robust economics. An updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA), conducted by METS Engineering Group, considered an indicated mineral resource of... →

About

Mining Weekly is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Engineering News
Research Channel Africa
Polity

Newsletters

Sign up for our FREE daily email newsletter

Receive daily sector news alerts

More

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on MiningWeekly.com is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options

Subscribe