https://www.miningweekly.com

Search

By

MiningWeekly.com | Mining Sector News | Opencast-Quarries

Global Mining News in real time

Advertise on this page? Click Here to Learn More

Opencast Quarries News

V-shaped economic recovery to help surface miners recover, says economist

By: Donna Slater 9th February 2021 With signs of a V-shaped economic recovery, economist Dr Roelof Botha says the surface mining industry will recover in line with hard lockdown’s ending and increased demand for building materials. Speaking during a recent 250 member attended webinar on behalf of surface mining industry... →

Contractor learns lockdown lessons

By: Darren Parker 29th January 2021 The main lesson learned over the past year is that, regardless of the challenges and new limitations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, good relationships are key to keeping businesses well-enthused and optimistic, says mining services company Basil Read Mining CEO Nathan Williams. “Even... →

BIG PLANS Basil Read Mining aims to diversify beyond the commodities it currently works in, while expanding its geographical footprint

Online hub launched to boost home-grown mining equipment development

By: Donna Slater 12th November 2020 To increase local manufacturing and the attractiveness and attention thereof, the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) and the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (Memsa) have launched the Technology Availability and Readiness Atlas (Tara). The launch on November 12 coincided with the... →

Collision avoidance system installed, investment on track for Menar

By: Mamaili Mamaila 23rd October 2020 Mining investment firm Menar recently procured a collision avoidance system (CAS), which has been installed in all the company’s opencast mobile equipment, notes Menar chairperson Mpumelelo Mkhabela. →

A BIT OF EVERYTHING Menar is considering other diversification avenues while developing its coal and anthracite projects

Aspasa tightens requirements for its members around fair competition, social aspects

By: Marleny Arnoldi 21st October 2020 The Aggregate & Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa) has introduced a new set of policies for members to uphold, which relate to all aspects of surface mining operations. Aspasa director Nico Pienaar says the code documents good, ethical behaviour and says that, while most... →

Mobile pumps prove useful in opencast mining

11th September 2020 The mobility of trailer-mounted pumps has earned them a reputation for versatility and efficiency, according to pump-leasing agent Integrated Pump Rental. The company claims that its range of Sykes pumps in mobile configuration has encountered “enthusiastic” take-up in various markets, from large... →

A MOVING PROPOSITION Customers value the manoeuvrability and flexibility of their on-site mobile pumps

Strategic penetration of pumps market under way

By: Darren Parker 11th September 2020 Engine manufacturer Cummins is strategically targeting the dewatering pumps market in Africa and the Middle East using a two-pronged approach by working with original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users. “We see a lot of opportunity in the pumps sector, with much room for growth. Pumps,... →

GIVING THE POWER BACK The repower project in Ghana saw Cummins installing complete new power packs on the mine’s dewatering pumps

Plug-and-play pumps range launched

By: Darren Parker 11th September 2020 Industrial pump manufacturer Verder Pumps South Africa has launched the Verderflex iDura – a new range of pumps – during the 2020 Electra Mining Connect week online event, hosted from 7 to 11 September. The iDura pump range is a plug-and-play version of the existing Dura hose pump range and... →

EASY TO USE If the user can read the display, then they can use the pump

Rental pump option preserves capital

By: Darren Parker 11th September 2020 Portable air and power rental company Rand-Air, a subsidiary of industrial equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco, has introduced the Weda range of dewatering pumps to its suite of rental options to meet demand from the market. This comes after the range of pumps was added as a purchase-only option... →

NO POWER NO PROBLEM The diesel-driven PAS/VAR range of pumps is ideal for areas where power is not available

Aspasa echoes Minerals Council South Africa’s call to root out corruption

By: Donna Slater 4th September 2020 Surface mining industry association Aspasa has thrown its full weight behind the Minerals Council South Africa’s call for visible leadership in the eradication of corruption. Representing mainly smaller surface mines, Aspasa accounts for a large portion of the overall number of mines in South... →

Aspasa director Nico Pienaar

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

Pandemic prevents further engagement on housing draft

28th August 2020 A call for further engagement with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding the 2019 Draft Review of Housing and Living Conditions Standard has stalled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown in South Africa. The draft standard requires that mines... →

NICO PIENAAR The surface mining sector represents a large part of the overall mining community

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.

Keras acquiring a controlling stake in high-grade Utah phosphate project

By: Donna Slater 31st July 2020 Project developer Keras Resources is acquiring a 51% interest in the Diamond Creek phosphate mine, in Utah, in the US, from phosphate miner Falcon Isle Holdings on the basis that Keras provides a $2.5-million loan facility to Falcon Isle. The loan agreement will be paid in four tranches and... →

Afrimat continues pursuit of UCP

By: Schalk Burger 23rd July 2020 Industrial minerals and construction materials company Afrimat on July 22 announced its firm intention to acquire Unicorn Capital Partners (UCP). UCP’s business comprises of mobile crane hire, exploration drilling services, drilling and blasting, opencast and underground mining and earthmoving... →

Next-generation shovel designed for better performance

By: Darren Parker 17th July 2020 Original-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar opened orders for its next generation Cat 6060 hydraulic mining shovel late last year, although none have been sold in Africa yet. Caterpillar hydraulic mining shovels senior product application specialist Dirk Tegtmeier explains that there are many... →

BUCKET-LOAD OF IMPROVEMENTS The new Cat 6060 features updated engines, improved hydraulics, heavy-duty structures and undercarriage, Cat electronics and a state-of-the-art cab

Automation technology solution can help smaller mines

By: Cameron Mackay 3rd July 2020 Earthmoving technology supplier Caterpillar’s new cloud-based technology platform, MineStar Edge, can be used to manage production cost effectively, particularly on small surface mines. “Many smaller mines rely on people, often haul truck operators, to manually record production information on... →

MINESTAR EDGE Automating the production recording process and provides access to business insights in near real-time. This provides an opportunity to improve operations within each shift

Supplier saves mining industry time, money

By: Theresa Bhowan 19th June 2020 Power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is supplying bearings manufacturer Dodge ISN bearings to the quarrying sector to address contamination – the leading cause of premature bearing failure in the industry. →

Miner works at lower capacity owing to demand, not legislation

By: Marleny Arnoldi 19th June 2020 Demand for premium-grade aggregate material is dwindling and so is production from quarrying operations, says building material company AfriSam. →

AVI BHOORA Demand for aggregate material from the quarrying operations that produce them will continue to decline

Mobile screening plant proves highly efficient

19th June 2020 Earthmoving equipment supplier HPE Africa’s McCloskey S250 screener – one of the largest tracked-mounted mobile vibratory screening plants available – has been designed for highly-efficient aggregate material screening. →

MOVER AND SHAKER The McCloskey S250 is one of the largest mobile screens on the market

New compressors provide faster drilling, reduced fuel costs

19th June 2020 Compressor and generator supplier Rand-Air has acquired two Atlas Copco DrillAir Y1260 variable high pressure (21 bar to 35 bar) compressors. This new technology – from the world’s leading manufacturer of compressor and generator equipment – has been scientifically designed around pressure and... →

CRAIG SWART The new compressor units are ideally suited for applications such as mineral exploration drilling, geothermal drilling, construction and blast hole drilling

This year's Electra Mining cancelled

By: Donna Slater 29th May 2020 Organisers of Southern Africa’s mining, manufacturing, automation, electrical and power trade exhibition Electra Mining Africa, Specialised Exhibitions, reports that the 2020 edition of the trade fair has been cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s show had been scheduled to... →

Nondigital mines losing out on R213bn in value

By: Donna Slater 28th May 2020 An updated version of a 2017 study conducted by professional services firm Accenture in collaboration with the World Economic Forum – the 'Extracting Value and Building Resilience with Data-led Mining in South Africa' report – highlights that, with a combination of seven digital initiatives,... →

Accenture Africa Industry X.0 MD Eric Croeser talks to Mining Weekly about how mines can enhance their digital technologies to unlock further efficiencies, improve safety and cut costs

Afrimat says all its mines will be at full operating capacity in June

By: Marleny Arnoldi 21st May 2020 JSE-listed openpit miner Afrimat says it entered the Covid-19 lockdown with a strong balance sheet that will help it weather the uncertain and volatile business climate that is expected to prevail in the immediate future. The company points out that the partial reopening of the Demaneng... →

Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden

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... →

Miners learning lessons from global Covid-19 experiences

By: Simone Liedtke 12th May 2020 Information gathered from across the globe is paving the way for South Africa’s surface mines to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 disease in the workplace and mitigate its effects during and after the pandemic, Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa) says. With the... →

Aspasa director Nico Pienaar

Aspasa advises on preparing stockpiles for rapid post-lockdown deliveries

By: Donna Slater 6th May 2020 Surface mining industry association Aspasa has advised its members to use the time between the reopening of surface mines and the delivery of products wisely, by preparing smart stockpiles, internal roadway systems and traffic separation measures to deal quickly and safely with a pickup in demand... →

Miner implements enterprise, supplier development

By: Halima Frost 1st May 2020 Ranked as one of the top five coal miners in South Africa, diversified miner Exxaro Resources has sought to implement leading practices in enterprise and supplier development across the company’s core functional areas. Exxaro currently supplies local and domestic markets with thermal,... →

STEADFAST Exxaro's Belfast operation if one of its numerous opencast mines adding to its large coal contribution in South Africa

Autonomous rig to boost safety, efficacy

By: Halima Frost 1st May 2020 Drilling and blasting contractor Blasting & Excavating (B&E) intends to add the REL C650 series of autonomous drill rigs to its portfolio to offer a higher level of safety and efficacy to the opencast operations it services. The first rig is being manufactured in India and will be handed over to... →

PARAMOUNT PARNERSHIPS B&E partners with Paramount Equipment to maximise its efficacy in supply

Zero harm difficult to attain – Aspasa

By: Halima Frost 1st May 2020 Surface mining association Aspasa director Nico Pienaar tells Mining Weekly that the surface mining industry currently faces many challenges that need to be addressed so that mines can achieve the ultimate goal of zero harm. These include illegal mining not being adequately addressed by the... →

HARMLESS Aspasa aspires to achieve a goal of zero harm in all surface mining operations including that of pedestrians

Proper wash-bays prove beneficial

By: Halima Frost 1st May 2020 Investing in a ‘proper’ wash-bay water cannon can save money and time on vehicle upkeep and maintenance for an opencast operation, says fire protection supplier DoseTech MD Mike Feldon. He notes that operations often uses standard fire protection ‘monitors’ or water cannons, which are not fit for... →

WORKING AT THE WASH BAY A well-equipped wash bay has multiple benefits for an opencast operation

Adviser streamlines mine processes

By: Halima Frost 30th April 2020 Specialist mining advisory company Ukwazi Mining Solutions was selected to assist a major mining client with the streamlining and automation of its planning process for a sizeable Southern Africa openpit coal operation last year. “The client had many challenges ranging from inconsistent data... →

COAL-ITION Ukwazi Mining Solution's has partnered with a major coal mining client to maximize the efficacy of its planning processes

Opencast mines may return to 100% of capacity from May 1 – Patel

By: Martin Creamer 27th April 2020 Opencast mines are permitted to return in phases to 100% operation from May 1 but underground mines must continue at 50% of production capacity, Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel said on Saturday. Speaking during a media briefing covered by Mining Weekly on South Africa’s easing from the... →

Openast mines like this one may return to 100% production capacity.

Post-Covid delivery of crane for colliery’s dragline excavator

By: Martin Creamer 22nd April 2020 A contract won by Witbank company GTB Industrial Services will see Condra manufacturing a technically complex crane to service an Mpumalanga colliery’s dragline excavator. Condra will deliver the dragline maintenance crane during the month following the easing of Covid-19 quarantine restrictions. →

Dragline excavator.

Mining may resume at 50% capacity – Minister

By: Martin Creamer 16th April 2020 All mining operations, excluding collieries supplying Eskom which have been permitted to operate at full capacity throughout national lockdown, may now resume at 50% capacity during the remaining lockdown days, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said on Thursday. Thereafter,... →

Photo by Veronica Creamer
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Matashe during virtual media conference.

Satellite imaging helps monitoring of remote mining operations

By: Donna Slater 9th April 2020 Satellite imaging of remote mining operations can be used to track and visually represent surface changes, ranging from the areal extent of surface operations, surface water, surface disturbances and the addition or removal of surface infrastructure – a vital component of mining management amid... →

Moves afoot to 'futureproof' South Africa's drones regulations

By: Donna Slater 20th March 2020 Regulations governing drones, officially referred to as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), have been stagnant since July 2015, when the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) first introduced regulations to formalise the industry. →

Pilot Crushtec launches compact mobile crushing, screening equipment from Metso

By: Schalk Burger 6th March 2020 Mining and quarrying equipment specialist Pilot Crushtec launched a new range from mining equipment manufacturer Metso’s mobile and compact crushing and screening equipment last month that is well suited to local economic conditions. Pilot Crushtec CEO Sandro Scherf says that contracts have been... →

MOBILE JAW CRUSHER The compact, mobile jaw crushers in the range are suited to contract mining and small to medium-sized operations

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