First Mining Drc-Zambia July - August 2022 digital

CENTRAL AFRICA'S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MINING MAGAZINE

VOL 14 | ISSUE 4 | July - August 2022

Robust Pumps, Effective Slurry Handling

In this issue...

Quality ‘cascade’ can optimise water treatment on mines Pg 16

Zambia poised to lead in electric vehicle revolution in Africa Pg 27

www.fmdrc-zambia.com

Dealing with fire risk in a mining environment Pg 30

CONTENTS NEWS

PRODUCTS

EVENTS

TECHNOLOGY

FEATURE

DRC - Zambia border post to be expanded to ease queues

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GoviEx provides Madaouela surface area tax update

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ERG’s Metalkol RTR Clean Cobalt & Copper Report 2022

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ABEL Piston Diaphragm Pump, best Solution for mining applications

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Rosond celebrates one year Zero Harm at Sishen

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Komatsu and Codelco agree to conduct trial of new Mining Tunnel Boring Machine

28

How do you control dust in a crushing plant?

32

The strength of your machine is defined by its pivot joints

36

Africa’s green future is now thanks to thyssenkrupp

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX Abel GmbH..............................................................................................................................21 Agruline................................................................................................................................OBC Aliaxis.........................................................................................................................................44 Ambra Solutions....................................................................................................................06 Ancor Tecmin..........................................................................................................................25 Ata International....................................................................................................................22 Desert King...........................................................................................................................IBC ELGI............................................................................................................................................21

Freebase...................................................................................................................................35 Geo Katanga........................................................................................................................IFC Hardrich Engineering.........................................................................................................17 Lifting Africa............................................................................................................................29 Sam Turbo................................................................................................................................19 CRIMAR/SBC................................................................................................................41-43

FMDZ is a bi-monthly magazine for mining industry incorporating, exploration, oil, power, drilling and other large scale extraction, storage, transport, Market and utilisation of Africa’s Copper Belt wealth and resources.

First Mining DRC-ZAMBIA is published 6 times per annum: Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug Sept/Oct and Nov/Dec.

CENTRAL AFRICA'S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MINING MAGAZINE

TEAM Editor Bertha M. bertham@fmdrc-zambia

VOL 14 | ISSUE 4 | July - August 2022

Sub-Editor Anthony Kiganda Solid handling pumps for mining and mineral processing projects Smart solutions for water management in mining In this issue...

Quality ‘cascade’ can optimise water treatment on mines Pg 16

Zambia poised to lead in electric vehicle revolution in Africa Pg 27

Dealing with fire risk in a mining environment Pg 30

www.fmdrc-zambia.com

Cover Image: ABEL Pump Technology

COVER STORY: PG 18 Solid handling pumps for mining and mineral processing projects Using a traditional pump to handle a slurry is akin to the folly of putting a square peg in a round hole – simply put, it won’t work as desired. Instead, using a specified solid handling pump works wonders. www.fmdrc-zambia.com

Contributing Writer Oscar Nkala, Mfuneko Jack Lindani Mkhize Caroline Thomas Anthony Kiganda Anita Anyango Jeff Kapembwa Sales and Marketing Victor Ndlovu victorn@fmdrc-zambia.com +27 11 044 8986 M. Pikes +260 76 173 0213 mutalek@fmdrc-zambia.com Plot 866A Old Airport Road, Mukubu Natwange, Kitwe, Zambia.

Advertising Consultants Meshack Ndzendevu Polite Mkhize Gladmore Ndhlovu Leslie Nyembe Production Coordinator Kholwani Dube kholwani@fmdrc-zambia.com Art Director/Layout Augustine Ombwa Arobia Creative Consultancy austin@arobia.co.ke Published By Mailing Times Media Circulation/Sales info@fmdrc-zambia.com sales@fmdrc-zambia.com +27 11 044 8986

EDITOR’S COMMENT Africa should strive to grow mining processing capacity

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frica has experienced a boom in extractive commodities since about 2000. The substantial growth in exports of the region’s abundant natural resources— ranging from hydrocarbons such as oil and natural gas to minerals such as gold, copper, and iron ore—significantly contributed to the remarkable turnaround in its economic growth trajectory.

Despite the significant amounts of mineral resources held by the continent, Africa’s production represents only about 8% of the global mineral production. Most of this production is exported in raw form.

Thus, in order to unlock its mining potential, Africa should overcome the obstacles that hamper the development of the industry. Revenues generated from mining can help African economies strengthen their comparative advantage and achieve greater economic diversification.

Low industrialization of the industry is a major impediment to the industry growth.Expenditure on exploration activity in Africa has remained below USD5 per square kilometer relative to an average of USD65 per square meter in Canada, Australia and Latin America. Furthermore, most of the minerals produced in Africa are still exported without downstream processing, thereby reducing their potential value added.

Addressing the challenges facing Africa’s mining industry would significantly improve the outlook of the sector, making it viable and structurally transformative. Investors are searching for better opportunities and Africa with its vast mineral potential offers an attractive environment for mining investment.

Anthony Kiganda

Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made as to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd

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NEWS

Asante Announces First Gold Pour At Bibiani Gold Mine

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Caesar Furnace, Mining Project Processing and Engineering Limited (MPPE), Top Quality Investments Limited, Rand Sandblasting Company, Tesla Electricals, Multigeomatics, Knight Piesold Ghana Limited, Bosch Rexroth (Ghana) and PW International (Gh) Ltd.”

sante Gold Corporation (CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) (“Asante” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the first gold pour at the Bibiani Gold Mine has been completed successfully with process of gravity gold concentrate recovered by the Knelson Concentrator.

Asante acquired the Bibiani Gold Mine in August 2021 and completed its project execution plan that included refurbishment and upgrade of the Process Plant, Tailings Storage Facility and Mine Site Infrastructure.

In September 2021, Asante announced start of the refurbishment process and the Company’s plan to pour gold in Q3 2022.

In early June 2022, Asante announced the start of commissioning and operation of the Bibiani Process Plant. Since July 1, 2022, 24 hour per day operation has proceeded with the Carbon-in-Leach, carbon stripping and elution areas now operating. Hot Commissioning of the Gold Refinery was completed on July 7th. This is the final operating area of the Process Plant to be commissioned.

Scale up of production is continuing as planned, including collection of gold on carbon, leading to delivery of

approximately 175,000 oz gold over the next 12 months.

Asante Gold’s CEO, Dave Anthony, stated: “From the outset of our acquisition of the Bibiani Gold Mine, Asante has made a number of commitments to our stakeholders, including the local community, the Government of Ghana and our investors. We are proud that all of the commitments we made in the past 10 months relating to the Bibiani Gold Mine have been met or exceeded, up to this time.

“The quality and timeliness of work completed by the Asante team is testament to their abilities and commitment to delivering results as planned. We recognize and thank our principal project partners, all of which have been Ghanaian companies, including Harlequin International, Rabotec, KPS, Kozah Construction, iConstruction, Emak, Electrowind, FLSmidth – Ghana,

About Asante Gold Corporation Asante is a gold exploration, development, and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects in Ghana. Asante is currently focused on closing the acquisition of the Chirano Gold Mine from Kinross Gold Corporation and developing to production its Bibiani and Kubi Gold mines located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts.

Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana.

Asante is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and quoted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghana’s Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Company’s website at www.asantegold.com.

DRC to expand border post with Zambia to ease truck queues

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he government of the Democratic Republic of Congo plans to expand its main border post with Zambia in bid to ease truck queues.

Mining trucks have reported this year to be having queues of upto 60km due to increased production and inadequate infrastructure. Congo accounted for 1.8 million tonnes of mined production of the metal last year. However, the turnaround time of trucks has increased substantially taking an extra 45 to 60 days for the products to reach consumption centres in Asia, Europe or North America. This compares to around 15 days in 2019.

The backlog of trucks at Kasumbalesa, a border town and the main exit point for metals exports from Congo, is an example of supply chain disruption that will make it harder to meet future demand for copper, essential for electric vehicles. According to Michel Kibonge Nyekuma, chief of staff for the Minister of Mines increased traffic also affects the long queues of trucks.

However the government is trying to lessen the situation. A construction project for a second Lubumumbashi

- Kasumbalesa road is in the process of being signed and it would take at least 18 months to complete from the date the project is approved.

“More border posts would add “a significant amount of processing capacity, create competition between the different provinces (and) all those customs clearing revenues would improve efficiencies,” said Miners with operations in Congo.

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NEWS

Law firm Allen & Overy advises on first long term funding for captive power in SA The limited recourse financing model is ushering in more affordable captive power finance in SA, ultimately benefiting all industries and end users of green power commercial and industrial space, typically for rooftop solar installations. “In order to optimise the diversification of your risk in the captive power space you can create a portfolio of various similarly sized captive power projects. ” With portfolio funding, a holding company might be established to house 20 different companies’ power projects, all with different power offtakers or customers. If one project fails, the portfolio still stands, limiting the risk to the financiers of the portfolio.

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armony, South Africa’s largest gold mining company is the first to close three captive projects using limited recourse financing - a model that is ushering in more affordable private renewable energy generation in SA. Speaking from the African Energy Forum this week, Alexandra Clüver, a partner in international law firm Allen & Overy’s Johannesburg office confirmed that the firm had advised RMB as mandated lead arranger and lenders to the three projects, enabling Harmony to move away from coal power and, for the first time, independently procure its own stable, affordable green power. These are the first long term financed projects closed under the new electricity regulations.

“What makes the Harmony transactions so significant for the SA mining and renewable energy sectors - apart from turning away from coal or Eskom power - is the long-term financing structure.

These are the first captive power projects in South Africa, both wheeling and onsite, to be funded through long-term limited recourse finance, which now paves the way for the other heavy power users to do the same, and ultimately take advantage of the liberalisation of the energy market in SA,” said Clüver, who specialises in project development and finance in the mining and energy sectors.

Allen & Overy crafted the legal and project financing documentation. “What this means is that you finance the initiative

without recourse to shareholders of the power producer, relying entirely on the revenue stream of the project from the mine to pay off the financing.”

Significance of a changed captive power funding landscape in SA “There was a lot of debate in the market as to whether you could project finance these large captive power projects and on a long-term basis, and if you could, what the terms would look like.

Clüver explains further: “The reason for the initial scepticism was that corporate financing typically runs over shorter terms, but project financings in the renewables space in South Africa are typically based on 20-year concessions with Eskom - paired with Government support. Banks typically would not take credit risk on a corporate client for such long tenors. But the strength of the mine coupled with the liberalisation of the market overall is allowing such structures to be put in place.”

The next stage - portfolio finance As a more liberalised energy sector matures, and power producers have a diversified portfolio of heavy industry and mining offtakers, portfolio financing will potentially unlock more affordable and simplified financing structures, not relying solely on the credit risk of single offtakers.

Portfolio funding has only been done on a small scale in South Africa in the

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Paving the way for more affordable long-term private power in SA Once there is guiding legislation in the form of the amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act, which is currently still in bill form, and as a more mature and freer market develops, it will become easier for renewable energy generators to get longterm finance with less expensive longterm credit in the mix.

“In a liberalised market like Europe, if one offtaker falls away, you can find another one to replace it fairly quickly. It’s encouraging to see SA evolving in this direction.”

“The fact that we can now spread the risk over several baskets will bring down the financing costs, and this will ultimately bring down the price of renewable energy for industries - which is a significant step forward for the country in terms of the widespread adoption of renewable energy.”

Adding to Clüver’s comments, Antoine Haddad, an Allen & Overy energy project finance expert from Morocco, said many companies across Africa were now looking into investing in captive power, not only for their own energy stability and affordability, but also to meet legislative targets and public net zero commitments, and to meet evolving consumer demands.

If captive power becomes cheaper through more innovative finance models, everyone wins - the planet, industries and consumers, said Haddad.

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NEWS

Fortuna reports solid production for Q2, 2022

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ortuna has in the second quarter of 2022, continued their solid performance in the West African operations. At the Séguéla gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, despite the challenges seen in the supply and logistics markets, construction activities are progressing on-time and on-budget with the overall project progress reported at 64% complete as of June 30th. Major equipment packages have started to arrive at site and first gold pour is projected for mid-2023.

Fortuna is advancing its organizational infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire to prepare for the start of operations at Séguéla, as well as establishing a regional office to service both Séguéla and the Yaramoko Mine.

Gold production on target to meet the upper range of annual guidance at the Yaramoko Mine, in Burkina Faso.

The mine produced 24,553 oz of gold in the second quarter of 2022 with an average gold head grade of 5.42 g/t,

which is in line with the mining sequence and Mineral Reserve estimate. Gold production for the first six months of 2022 totaled 52,788 oz. At the Lindero Mine in Argentina, gold production was 29,016 oz, representing a 49% increase year-over-year. Higher gold production is explained by an increase in performance of the three-stage crushing and stacking circuits, which delivered 99% of the 1.5 Mt of ore placed on the pad in the quarter, compared to 46% or 0.7 Mt of the 1.47 Mt placed in the comparable quarter a year ago. Mine production was 2.2 Mt of mineralized material with a strip ratio of 1:1.

In the second quarter of 2022, a total of 1.5 Mt of ore were placed on the leach pad, averaging 0.74 g/t gold and containing 35,784 oz of gold. During the second quarter, the operation was successful at mitigating and reducing the production shortfall of ore placed on the leach pad experienced in the first quarter by 50%. The operation continues delivering a strong performance aligned

with annual guidance. Gold production for the first six months of 2022 totaled 59,084 oz.

As part of the continuous measures to improve productivity, management has implemented various high impact optimization initiatives to capture efficiencies at both the processing plant and the mining operation, some of which were implemented during the second quarter. These initiatives include: the optimization of cyanide recovery at the SART plant to significantly reduce fresh make-up cyanide consumption; lowering the consumption of sulfuric acid at the SART plant, whilst maintaining its efficiency rate and copper balance; and optimizing the mining strategy by implementing additional temporary ramps to significantly decrease trucking distance, improve truck productivity, and ultimately reduce trucking hours and total fleet diesel consumption, supporting the Company´s carbon footprint reduction strategy.

Zimbabwe bans export of unprocessed granite

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he government of Zimbabwe has placed a ban on unprocessed granite exports through the Statutory Instrument 127 which bans all new contracts. The country in June last year gave granite miners 6-months to submit plans to process locally. President Mnangagwa ordered the government to come up with the ban and explained that the country was losing over 300% of revenue due to the export. According to trade data most Zimbabwean granite is sold to Italy, China, Belgium, and Spain.

Granite contributes about 1.6% of Zimbabwe’s total exports according to official data from Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe. In 2020, Zimbabwe exported $47.4M in Granite, making it the 8th largest exporter of Granite in the world. At the same year, Granite was the 11th most exported product in Zimbabwe.

The main destinations of Zimbabwe exports on Granite were Mozambique

($18.1M), Italy ($15.3M), China ($5.25M), Poland ($2.7M), and Spain ($2.16M).

In 2020, Zimbabwe imported $37.7k in Granite, mainly from South Africa ($27k) and Hong Kong ($10.8k).

“When you sell that block it earns US $4.5million, but when you break it into stabs, you earn US $12.9million. What would you want, if you are the owner of the block?” said the Head of State.

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NEWS

Kobo Resources Inc. strengthens its technical team

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obo Resources Inc. is pleased to announce that Mr. Marc-Antoine Audet, Ph.D (Geology), P.Geo., will become Technical Advisor to the Board of Directors and Mr. Chris Picken, MIMMM will join Kobo as its Exploration Manager.

Mr. Marc-Antoine Audet, BSc, MSc and Ph.D (geology) will act as Technical Advisor to the Board. Dr. Audet has over 35 years of geological experience in exploration and developments projects internationally previously having been involved with Xstrata Nickel and Falconbridge in Africa, Brazil and New Caledonia.

He is currently CEO of Sama Resources Inc since March 2010 an emerging Junior co. exploring and developing the Samapleu Nickel-Copper-Palladium deposit in Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa.

He is also founder and lead geologist for SRG Mining, a company developing a graphite project in Guinea, West Africa.

Mr. Audet is also a Consulting Geologist specialized in project management in foreign countries as well as in mineral resource and reserve estimations and reporting. He has offered his expertise towards the implementation and management of greenfield and early development stage projects in foreign

environments (Africa, South America, Pacific, Caribbean, etc.) with experience in environmental, health and safety and social/community aspects.

Kobo is also pleased to announce that Mr. Chris Picken, MIMMM will join Kobo as its Exploration Manager. Mr. Chris Picken has over 35 years’ experience in the mineral exploration industry as a geologist, exploration manager and chief operating officer. He has worked for a numerous of international major, midtier and junior exploration companies in various countries in Africa and South America with a track record of significant mineral discoveries resulting from his participation in exploration programs.

Chris has been exploring Archaean and Birimian gold terranes in West Africa for the past ten years in Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone. He was the geological superintendent for the pre-feasibility and definitive-feasibility study drill programs at the Yaouré Gold Deposit between 2014 and 2018 for Amara Mining and Perseus Mining following their acquisition in 2016. Prior to this he spent time in Tanzania and Uganda targeting greenstone-hosted gold mineralization in the Lake Victoria region.

About Kobo Incorporated in December 2015 and

headquartered in Quebec City, Kobo Resources Inc. is a junior exploration and mining development company focused on acquiring, exploring and developing gold projects located in West Africa, primarily in Côte d’Ivoire.

Kobo has, through its wholly owned subsidiary KOBO Ressources C.I., obtained two research permits for gold covering approximately 449 km2. Kobo’s primary objective is the exploration and development of the Kossou Gold Project, located in the Yamoussoukro and Bouaflé regions of central Côte d’Ivoire, and which covers an area of 147.365 km2. The Kossou project is located 6 km east of the Yaouré Gold Deposit exploited by Perseus Mining since March 2021.

Kobo has filed with the securities regulatory authorities in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Québec, and obtained on May 27, 2022 a receipt for a final amended long-form prospectus (the “Final Prospectus”) for a proposed initial public offering of units of the Corporation (“Units”) for a minimum aggregate gross proceeds of $5,000,000 and up to a maximum aggregate gross proceeds of $10,000,000 (the “Offering”).

The world leader in industrial private LTE networks

www.ambra.co sales@ambra.co 6

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NEWS

GoviEx provides Madaouela surface area tax update

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oviEx Uranium Inc. is pleased to announce that the Government of the Republic of Niger has agreed to a deferment of 50% of the Madaouela project’s surface area taxes payable later this month. According to the terms of the deferment, GoviEx is to pay 50% of the surface area taxes due, or 1,824 million FCFA (US$2.8m), in July 2022 and the remaining 50% in December 2022. The Madaouela project is a mine permitted uranium development project jointly owned by GoviEx (80%) and the Government of the Republic of Niger (20%).

Daniel Major, CEO, commented: “Once again the government of Niger has proven to be an excellent partner and willing to work with GoviEx. We welcome the deferment and look forward to further progress with the development of Madaouela. Our feasibility study is due in Q3 and it represents another step towards Madaouela becoming a producing asset.”

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts

responsibility for the adequacy accuracy of this release.

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About GoviEx Uranium Inc. GoviEx is a mineral resource company focused on the exploration and development of uranium properties in Africa. GoviEx’s principal objective is to

become a significant uranium producer through the continued exploration and development of its flagship minepermitted Madaouela project in Niger, its mine-permitted Mutanga project in Zambia, and its multi-element Falea project in Mali.

Ncondezi Energy launches feasibility study for solar-plus-storage project in Mozambique concession in Tete Province’s districts of Moatize and Chiuta. The selected site is one of three preferred locations that the African company has identified, each with a generation potential of roughly 500 MW.

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frican power development company Ncondezi Energy Ltd (LON:NCCL) has launched a feasibility study for an up to 300-MW solar-plus-storage project within the site of a coal-based thermal power plant project in northern Mozambique. Hanno Pengilly, Ncondezi’s CEO announced the launch and said engineering

services and technical consultancy firm WSP Group Africa (Pty) Ltd will carry out the feasibility study which is expected to take around four months to complete. All required permissions for the investigation are in place.

The photovoltaic (PV) park is planned to be installed within the Ncondezi mining

Ncondezi expects the proposed solar park to be able to deliver first power to the grid as early as 2024. Its plan is to secure off-takers in Mozambique and the Southern African Power Pool. The fully diluted cash flow from the project is seen in the range of USD 130 million (EUR 128.7m) to USD 180 million over its 25-year lifespan.

“Initial financial projections for the Solar Project indicate significant value upside, and we expect it to attract a broad range of investors,” said Hanno Pengilly, Ncondezi’s CEO.

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NEWS

Sable refinery in Zambia to start commercial production in August

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he Sable copper and cobalt refinery, in Zambia is set to start commercial production in August.

Dual-listed Jubilee Metals Group made the announcement and said the move follows the cobalt refining circuit entering commissioning phase in June.

Jubilee is integrating the Sable refinery with its newly built Project Roan copper

concentrator as part of its Southern Refining strategy to produce 12 000 t/y of copper. Commissioning and rampup at the Project Roan concentrator are continuing and it has reached 65% of design capacity. The concentrator is expected to reach full design capacity by the end of this month. The cobalt refining circuit at Sable is able to produce up to 1 200 t/y of cobalt, depending on the feed

EM conductors identified at Kalahari Suture Zone in Botswana

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cluster of three electromagnetic (EM) conductors has been identified within Target Area B in the northern (Hukuntsi) section of the Kalahari Suture Zone (KSZ) in Botswana.

Kavango Resources confirmed the report and said the size and orientation of these conductors conform to an idealised model for the Talnakh and Kharaelakh massive sulphide nickel/

copper/platinum group element (PGE) orebodies at Norilsk. This fits both the ‘Norilsk Model’ that it has used in its exploration for large-scale nickel/copper orebodies in the KSZ, as well as a more detailed nickel/copper/PGE orebody model.

Kavango has ranked the three EM conductors as priority targets for future

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grade. At capacity, it will process about 830 t a month of copper in concentrate for refining at Sable.

“Reaching these significant milestones put us in great stead for the financial year ahead, and beyond. It is testament to all the hard work by the Jubilee team that, over the past 12 months, we have delivered on a bold implementation plan across the platinum group metal (PGM) and chrome operations in South Africa and the copper and cobalt operations in Zambia.

“During this period, we delivered a new and upgraded Inyoni PGMs facility to reach 45 000 oz/y of PGMs. [The facility] includes a newly constructed and fully integrated 80 000 t a month chrome beneficiation circuit. The circuit was further complemented with the inclusion of Jubilee’s renowned ultrafine chrome circuit earlier this year,” CEO Leon Coetzer comments.

drilling. The three have been identified in close proximity to one another and this is first evidence captured in the KSZ of a cluster of drill targets, which corresponds to similar clusters observed at Talnakh and Kharaelakh. It highlights that Norilsk is one of the world’s largest nickel/copper/PGE mines.

“The three EM conductors are noted to exhibit strong conductance readings, which conform to an idealised nickel/ copper/PGE orebody model. These are some of the most outstanding exploration results Kavango has delivered in the KSZ. We now have three significant drill targets, in close proximity to one another, in our hunt for ‘Norilsk Model’ nickel/copper/PGE orebodies.

“The primary objective of this phase of EM was to define comprehensively the B1 conductor. We achieved this and, pending final modelling of the 14 350 Siemens B1 conductor, it will be drillready. This is a high-priority drill target,” said CEO Ben Turney.

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NEWS

Skyriders strikes gold at Syama in Mali

The team comprised rope access in addition to a welder to carry out inspection, maintenance, and minor repairs

Our team was finally able to mobilise in February this year and completed the scope of work within

We can mobilise quickly and get the work done

a month

as fast and effectively as possible

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ontinuing its longstanding relationship with Resolute Mining’s Syama in Mali for client Goudhurst of Australia, Skyriders Access Specialists (Pty) Ltd. has completed yet another major contract at the gold mine.

Originally earmarked for October 2021, the project was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our team was finally able to mobilise in February this year and completed the scope of work within a month, returning in mid-March,” reports Marketing Manager Mike Zinn. The team comprised traditional rope access in addition to a welder to carry out inspection, maintenance, and minor repairs on various structures at the gold mine.

“We have a long association with Syama,

and this was yet another successful project that received good feedback from the client,” says Zinn. Skyriders’ association with the project commenced with regular inspection and maintenance work on the roaster smokestack in 2008.

When this smokestack was eventually decommissioned, Skyriders was again called upon to assist to build a new Greenfield smokestack. The current project involved inspection of the new smokestack, including the internal and external electrostatic precipitators.

“Rope access is an ideal solution for a remote mine like this, especially due to the constraints imposed by Covid-19.

We can mobilise quickly and get the work done as fast and effectively as possible, giving the client peace of mind

that production is not disrupted and their bottom line impacted,” says Zinn.

He describes Syama as a flagship mining project for Skyriders in West Africa that showcases not only the innovation, experience, and technology offered by South African companies, but also that it is more cost-effective to utilise local expertise due to exchangerate fluctuations.

“Mining houses can rest assured that service providers such as Skyriders not only adhere to all international health and safety regulations and standards, but that we understand the African market and operating conditions and are comfortable to work anywhere on the continent,” concludes Zinn.

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INSIGHT

Urgent privatisation of South African rail network is called for Mining and ore concentrate sector heavily impacted by increasing dysfunctionality

By Simon Norton, Manager, International Zinc Association (IZA), Africa Desk

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cursory online search reveals the tragic and appalling state of the railway network in South Africa, which has been degraded and damaged and commuter passenger services virtually destroyed since 1994.

Numerous scandals have erupted in recent years involving State-owned rail enterprises. While the word ‘enterprise’ conjures up visions of a progressive, profitable, and go-ahead organisation, far from being successful, enterprises like Prasa, Metrorail, and Transnet have all become immersed in multibillion rand rail and locomotive scandals.

In the case of Prasa, it appointed an unqualified chief engineer and then acquired billions of rands worth of Vossloh España locomotives unsuited for the local rail network because they were too high and could not fit under various

rail bridges. Huge amounts of taxpayers’ money were siphoned off by Swifambo Rail Leasing, with its owners acquiring luxury wine farms and houses from the ill-gained proceeds. In fact, Department of Transport Director-General Alec Moemi informed Parliament in 2020 that Prasa’s long-distance rail service was in a state of collapse as a direct result of the Swifambo saga.

In the case of Metrorail, hundreds of passenger rail carriages have been burnt out in Cape Town without any arrests or prosecution of those responsible.

Metrorail trains seldom run on the five Cape Peninsula rail links which, it may be noted, ran uninterruptedly through two world wars and successfully from 1868 until 1994!

In the case of Transnet, the State-owned operation has been deeply implicated in a nefarious Chinese locomotive order.

Between 2011 and 2014, Transnet, which runs freight rail services, ports,

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and pipelines, awarded CRRC three contracts worth R25.4 billion to supply it with 554 locomotives. The total locomotive contract was eventually worth R54 billion and yet Transnet often still complains it cannot meet commercial rail freight requirements.

With this sort of recent commercial history, is it any wonder that the call for rail services to be taken out of the hands of corrupt and inefficient government ownership has become a clarion call?

The mining and ore concentrate sector has been heavily impacted by the failure of State rail operator Transnet to deliver the goods.

As reported in October 2021, Kumba Iron Ore was the latest company to flag concerns about the impact of Transnet’s rail and port challenges on its production output. Petrochemical company Sasol states it is facing logistical challenges in transporting export coal. Chrome and platinum group metals producer Tharisa

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Minerals has warned that inland logistics issues have resulted in longer supply chains and thus increased pricing for products.

We in the South African zinc industry are very concerned about the failed rail network and its devastating impact on value-added mining products and our GDP. With no zinc refinery in Southern Africa at present and serious refined zinc supply issues in the EU, the local rail network becomes of critical importance to move zinc ore concentrate to the ports, while needing to import refined zinc to the tune of 72 000 tons into the heartland of our industry.

A key input to competitive zinc ore concentrate supply is determined by the cost of transporting the ore to the nearest refinery or port. At present, there is a State-owned railway line running from Sishen in the Northern Cape to Saldanha in the Western Cape.

Privatising the Sishen-Saldanha line is a hot topic, but it must be done soon.

Another urgent issue is the need to construct new rail links from Gamsberg

and Prieska in the Northern Cape to the Sishen-Saldanha line to allow zinc miners to export zinc ore concentrate by rail to Saldanha Bay. Currently, Northern Cape zinc miners must transport ore by road, which is costly, time consuming and damaging to the national road network.

Turning from the rail links for freight to infrastructure: Zinc-galvanized steel plays a critical role in asset corrosion protection. We urgently need to rebuild the national goods and passenger rail network, perhaps even with a wider rail gauge that can run faster, heavier trains over long distances.

A high-speed, wide-gauge rail from Cape Town to Johannesburg, for example, would be a major fillip to the economy and boost civil engineering.

Investing in such critical rail infrastructure will result in an increase in both refined zinc and galvanized steel demand in South Africa. If the government focuses intensively on growth in the railway industry, it will be a major stimulus for engineering, employment, and

Arrow Minerals to acquire stake in Simandou North project in Guinea

A

rrow Minerals is set to acquire stake in Simandou North project in Guinea. The firm has executed a non-binding term sheet to acquire up to a 60.5% controlling interest in Amalgamated Minerals Pty Ltd, a private Singaporean registered company, which holds a 100% interest in the iron project.

“Simandou North Iron Project allows Arrow to participate in the development of an area where, until now, mineral

wealth has been locked up due to infrastructural constraints,” said Arrow.

The Simandou North project comprises exploration permit 22967, which is located at the northern end of the Simandou Range. The region hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped highgrade iron ore provinces.

As per the terms of the agreement, Arrow will issue 81,250,000 fully paid

socioeconomic development. It is a tremendous win-win situation.

Using galvanized steel guarantees a long life for rail infrastructure and boosts local industries such as galvanizers, steel fabricators, and industrial painters.

South Africa’s galvanizing sector itself has shrunk from 38 companies to 24, with some of the biggest pipe and tube galvanizers having shut down due to economic decline.

The dramatic fall off in the use of refined zinc over the past decade in South Africa is directly proportional to the trickle of major civil engineering projects, combined with a decline in mining infrastructure growth and expansion.

This is particularly significant because more than 60% of refined zinc is used globally to produce galvanized steel for construction and civil engineering.

It includes structural steel, railway lines, powerline masts, and steel in underground mining.

Arrow ordinary shares for three-month exclusivity option, to acquire an interest of up to 60.5% in the Simandou North Project through Amalgamated.

Upon satisfactory due diligence and certain conditions precedent, Arrow will have the option to purchase a 33.3% holding in Amalgamated from Ropa Investments (Gibraltar) by issuing 500 million fully paid ordinary Arrow shares.

The company may provide $2.5m in exploration expenditure funding for the project and purchase an additional 27.2% stake in Amalgamated.

Arrow Minerals managing director Hugh Bresser said: “Global demand for highgrade iron ore continues to grow and the Simandou Range hosts the world’s largest undeveloped high-grade iron deposits. Furthermore, Arrow divested its non-core Strickland copper/gold project to an undisclosed firm for $600,000.

“Simandou North Iron Ore Project allows Arrow to participate in the development of an area where until now mineral wealth has locked up due to infrastructural constraints.”

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11

REPORT

ERG’s Metalkol RTR releases its Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report 2022, assured by independent auditors, PwC

A

s part of its 60th birthday, the world’s leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy solutions – Aggreko – is also reflecting on its entrance to mining more than 30 years ago. Aggreko, which celebrates its 60th birthday this year, entered the mining industry in 1991 and about a decade later pioneered modular cooling in underground mining.

Eurasian Resources Group (“ERG” or “the Group”), a leading diversified natural resources group headquartered in Luxembourg, releases its Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report 2022, which has been assured by independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The report details the Group’s progress in relation to its Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework (‘Framework’), which implements the globally recognised supply chain guidance of the OECD but also goes further in leading the industry towards more sustainable value chains.

The Framework was first introduced in 2019 as the Clean Cobalt Framework and was extended to include copper in 2021. It aims to deliver high levels of responsible cobalt and copper production, value chain assurance, and improved living conditions for local communities. The framework comprises seven goals: • Compliance with the OECD Due

Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains from ConflictAffected and High-Risk Areas • Clean cobalt and copper are sourced without child labour • Clean cobalt and copper are traceable • Clean cobalt and copper are not sourced from artisanal and smallscale mining • Restoring the environment • Collaborating to promote sustainable development • Leading our industry towards more sustainable cobalt and copper value chains The report illustrates how these goals are being met at Metalkol RTR and how its operations are being carried out according to international supply chain standards.

It showcases that Metalkol RTR is managing social and environmental impacts and contributing to community development. The Performance Report has the specific references to which initiatives which Metalkol participates in and which are through ERG. Benedikt Sobotka, CEO of ERG, said, “As the world’s second largest producer of cobalt and a large producer of copper, Metalkol RTR is providing significant support in the transition to a low-carbon economy. This comes with a duty to

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implement and promote responsible sourcing and long-term, sustainable development. The second performance report – again assured by independent auditors – shows that this is exactly what we are doing at ERG, regardless of the complexities of the task, which have been compounded by the challenges of the last two years. I would like to thank the whole team for their dedicated efforts towards this great achievement.”

This is the follow up report on the Framework’s implementation and is the first since the inaugural report, which was released in 2019. The two-year gap is a result of unavoidable delays to the assessment that forms the basis of the report, including on-site visits by external auditors, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ERG intends to provide annual assurances against the Framework going forward, and has also committed to the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) of the Responsible Minerals Initiative. of them, and this is something we are very proud of. Where it was once common for miners to own and operate their own power plants onsite and for us to supply bridging power, it is becoming more common for us to build, own, and operate the power plant for a mine’s life.”

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TECHNOLOGY

First ever battery-electric surface drill rig field tested in Swedish quarry

Sealing the agreement_Johan Eliasson (Skanska Industrial Solutions AB) (left) & Peter Beckman (Epiroc Customer Center Sweden)

E

piroc has entered an agreement with Skanska Industrial Solutions AB to trial the first ever tophammer battery-electric rig in Sweden. This trial marks a significant milestone in the journey towards zero emissions drilling in surface mines and quarries all over the world.

“This is a proud day. For many years we have been leading the development in lowering fuel consumption within tophammer drilling. With this new solution we are taking a giant leap in the low emissions field – we are practically removing emissions from the actual drilling process, “says Ulf Gyllander, Product Manager tophammer drill rigs, Epiroc Surface division.

The design of the rig is based on the well-proven SmartROC T35 surface drill rig. In combination with invaluable experience gained from the development of Epiroc underground battery rigs, this SmartROC T35 E is designed to enhance the environmental standards of quarries and larger construction sites. Besides the low emissions, this rig comes with a range of smart features, options and

enhanced automation solutions for high safety, reliability, and performance.

says Johan Eliasson, Project Manager, Skanska Industrial Solutions AB.

“With this achievement we show that the innovations of Epiroc will play a significant role in the shift to low-carbon operations within quarries and large construction applications,” says Jose M. Sanchez, President Epiroc Surface division. “As our sustainability agenda goes hand in hand with those of our customers, we are very pleased to be collaborating with Skanska Industrial Solutions AB in the trials of this important solution.”

Peter Beckman, Business Line Manager, Epiroc Customer Center Sweden comments: “Skanska is a perfect partner for this trial as they have their own quarries which are fitted with the infrastructure required to handle the operation of this new technology. I am looking forward to following this exciting project during the coming months.”

The tests will commence in September 2022 in one of Skanska Industrial Solution’s quarries in the Stockholm area: “A milestone has been reached and a new opportunity has come to reduce our climate impact. I am very happy about the long collaboration between Epiroc and Skanska, and it is exciting to be able to do this project together. Both companies have set bold environmental goals – this project really takes a great step towards Skanska´s goal of being completely climate neutral by 2045, which is an important part of our promise to build a better society”,

The SmartROC T35 E rig is equipped with both a battery and an electric cable, which improves flexibility considerably.

You can choose to drill with the most suitable alternative for the location and occasion. It also allows for quick and smooth transportation in and between sites.

The surface drill rig is fitted with the same type of well-proven batteries and subcomponents as in the Epiroc underground battery solutions. This streamlines spare parts handling and service for customers with several different operations.

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13

EVENT-ELECTRA MINING

TOMRA Mining to demonstrate groundbreaking diamond Final Recovery sorter at Electra Mining 2022 demonstration at a time and location of their choice.

Corné de Jager_Diamond Segment Manager

T

OMRA Mining will showcase its sensor-based sorting solutions on Booth E07 in Hall 6 at the Electra Mining 2022 exhibition, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 5-9 September. For the first time, it will conduct live demonstrations of its ground-breaking COM XRT 300 /FR final recovery sorter to illustrate its unique advantages for diamond operations.

Representatives from its Sales and Field Service teams will also present TOMRA’s offering of advanced digital products and services, such as the TOMRA Insight cloud-based platform and its latest generation TOMRA ACT PC-based system, as well as its portfolio of sorting solutions for the diamonds, metals and industrial minerals industry.

“The Electra Mining Show is the perfect platform for us to showcase TOMRA’s advanced mining solutions,” says Corné de Jager, Diamond Segment Manager TOMRA Mining.

“This important exhibition attracts a wide audience - from operators and metallurgists- interested in smart solutions that are simple to operate and maintain, to decision makers who need to be up to date with the latest value-adding technologies.

At the event we will have the opportunity to meet them face to face and discuss their requirements, giving them a taste or TOMRA’s collaborative approach, product expertise and after-sales support.”

TOMRA also offers demonstrations of the COM XRT 300 /FR and other sorters at its premises in Johannesburg, South Africa, and at its Demonstration Center in Wedel, Germany. Interested mining operators who are not planning to attend the Electra Mining exhibition can book a

TOMRA Insight - Plant report - all devices

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First-hand experience of the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR unique benefits TOMRA will demonstrate the Final Recovery sorter with fine kimberlitic or alluvial ore together with diamond powdered tracers in a Final Recovery and Sort House application. Visitors will be able to experience first-hand the sorter’s capability to produce an ultrahigh diamond-by-weight concentrate with and exceptionally low yield by using TOMRA’s proprietary ultra-highresolution sensor, advanced new image processing, and high-precision ejector valve system. The sorter offers 100% diamond detection within the specified size fraction and > 99% guaranteed diamond recovery with appropriate feed material preparation. Plant Managers and Operators will appreciate this userfriendly, compact and easy-to-operate and maintain sorter.

“We are very excited to demonstrate the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR sorter,” comments Corné de Jager. “It completes our unique partnered diamond recovery ecosystem, which covers the entire process. We are now able to offer our customers a full XRT solution to sort +2100mm particles: +4-100mm particles with our bulk concentration sorters, and +2-32mm particles with the COM XRT 300 /FR in its Final Recovery, Sort House or small-capacity exploration applications. The sorter offers higher efficiency, better grade, simplified security requirements with fewer sorting stages and a smaller footprint. It reduces complexity and operational costs, and unlocks the potential for previously deemed non-profitable projects and marginal deposits to be economically viable. ” The COM XRT 300 /FR sorter can also add value to existing kimberlitic and alluvial operations that use conventional bulk-concentration methods like Rotary Pans, Dense Medium Separation or X-Ray Luminescence, if installed in a Final Recovery and/or Sort House

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Helga van Lochem - Area Sales Manager

function after these existing processes.

With a contained capital expense, operations can benefit from a quick, simple and significant revenue gain.

TOMRA’s complete partnered diamond recovery ecosystem The TOMRA team at the exhibition will explain the full benefits of its complete partnered diamond recovery ecosystem consisting of XRT technology covering the entire process – from Bulk Concentration to Final Recovery and Sort House applications – advanced digital products and services. These include the TOMRA ACT PC-based system with a simplified and highly intuitive interface, which enables more features

and monitoring data to be processed and stored on the TOMRA Insight cloudbased subscription solution that offers a secure, controlled access near real-time multi-sorter monitoring platform.

Customers are able to access digital metrics on the status and performance of their sorters on their desktop and mobile devices through a web-based interface. The connected sorters enable a more proactive collaboration between the customer’s operational staff and management, and – if authorised – TOMRA’s team of service experts.

TOMRA’s premium diamond recovery solution includes custom development

with the customer all the way to installation, after-sales service and product support delivered by specialist experts, and training. TOMRA also offers on-site service level agreements – which can be tailored to the individual customer’s specific requirements – to ensure the availability, capacity and recovery performance of the sorting machines. In addition, TOMRA is able to provide remote assistance using its digital tools: TOMRA VPN Remote Assist, TOMRA Insight, and its Augmented Reality tool TOMRA Visual Assist.

TOMRA Solutions for a variety of mining sectors TOMRA Mining has 190 sorter installations operating around the world, of which more than 60 are in Africa. It offers installation opportunities in Africa in the metals industry, for example in applications such as lithium, chromite, platinum, manganese and gold. Its wide portfolio of sensor-based sorting solutions include the TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 sorter – the highest-capacity in its XRT range – which offers great opportunities in the metals sector.

Sorter optimization tailored to customer’s needs

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15

FEATURE

Quality ‘cascade’ can optimise water treatment on mines

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elatively little water used during mining and processing needs to be clean or potable, so mines can reduce both water consumption and treatment costs by understanding what water qualities are needed where.

According to Peter Shepherd, partner and principal hydrologist at SRK Consulting, the mining sector’s drive towards ambitious water conservation targets means recycling more – so that less fresh water needs to be procured. There is also a financial benefit to recycling, as having to treat water before use or discharge is an expensive exercise. Shepherd highlighted that treatment can be kept to a minimum if mines are clear about what level of water cleanliness is required by its different on-mine processes.

“Clearly, a mine does not want to be using potable water to mix with tailings for pumping to a tailings storage facility,” said Shepherd. “Most of a mine’s water will generally be used in the process plant, and these applications can usually manage with much lower water qualities.”

That said, there would be specific phases

of the plant that require cleaner water – for the mixing of reagents and chemicals, for instance. There is also a need for water that is low in sediment particles for use in the gland seals of pumps.

water can be procured from a municipal source, the mine could use this directly in the plant – and only treat water to potable standards that is used in bathrooms, kitchens and drinking use.

Mines can therefore optimise the reuse and recycling of their water through developing a water quality ‘cascade’, explained Bjanka Korb, principal environmental engineer at SRK Consulting. This will detail the minimum water quality demanded by each process, so that water is not treated to higher levels of quality that needed at the point of use.

“This approach opens the door to increasing the volumes that can be reused and recycled,” said Korb.

Korb pointed out, however, that with more extensive reuse of water, the water quality within the mine system can deteriorate to the point where regular intervention is required. This is a consequence that must be carefully managed.

“The accumulation of water in the system and resultant discharge of low-quality water into the environment is thereby also minimised.”

An additional benefit is that the mine would be able to reduce its reliance on treated municipal water and therefore the operational cost to the mine could also be decreased. Where untreated dam

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“Fortunately, most regions have seasonal rainfall which assists with keeping the water quality cleaner,” she said, “however, concentration of salts will occur over time regardless of this, and the reality is that mines may need to consider water treatment for recycled water in the later stages of the life of the mine”.

Developing the cascade approach needs a good understanding of the water and salt balance within the broader system – including the mine workings, the processing circuit, the tailings dam, the fresh water supply and the receiving watercourses.

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Bjank Korb

Peter Shepherd

“By identifying the major drivers of water use, a mine can better target its recycling efforts,” said Korb. “For instance, if the water being returned from the tailings dam is sediment-laden or there are other elements within the water that do not easily settle out, then it may not be usable in certain key plant processes.”

who know the water volumes and qualities required from day to day, are important players in determining whether the process water demand can be fulfilled by return water from the tailings dam. The communication is vital as the tailings return water dams are often where most of the mine’s water is stored.

Shepherd noted that leading mining

Achieving the best results from a water quality cascade relies on good communication between the management of the mine’s process plant and its tailings facility. Plant managers,

“The process plant and tailings teams together can assist significantly in managing the mine’s water balance, and in helping reduce the volumes of water being procured externally,” she said.

step towards balancing a mine’s need for

companies

have

recently

begun

appointing dedicated experts to focus on

water

stewardship,

to

ensure

that strategies are implemented and coordinated

mine-wide

to

conserve

water use. This, he said, was a positive optimal recoveries in the plant, with the need to reduce water consumption from external sources.

HESCO

HESCO-HARDRICH ENGINEERING SERVICES COMPANY LTD MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, PRECISION MACHINING, FABRICATION, HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS, PIRTEK AGENTS Plot 1014 Zomba Road Kitwe, Plot 385 Kasakula Road, Mazabuka P.O Box 670430 Mazabuka 0955/0973 / 0966 411000, 0966925142 sales@hardrichengineering.co.zm, hesco@hardrichengineering.co.zm, hesco.kt@hardrichengineering.co.zm

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17

COVER STORY Solid handling pumps for mining and mineral processing projects

Robust Pumps, Effective Slurry Handling Using a traditional pump to handle a slurry is akin to the folly of putting a square peg in a round hole – simply put, it won’t work as desired. Instead, using a specified solid handling pump works wonders.

By Eric Peters

T

he War in Ukraine and the persistent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns may have considerably negated the envisaged gains from global mineral resources prices for mining companies. While this is out of their control, what is within their reach is sustaining and improving productivity, pursuing cost containment measures and enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact. Using suitable equipment in the mining

and mineral processing stages is the proven approach guaranteeing that each of these is met. Among the critical processes in which informed choices should be made in the procurement of equipment is in the pumping and transporting of slurry (fluids mixed with a concentration of solids).

Abrasive slurries encountered in dredging, mine tailings and others need special solid handling pumps. The relevance of solid handling centrifugal pumps becomes more appreciated

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when one considers the shortcomings experienced with traditional pumps in solid handling tasks.

Traditional pumps don’t perform There are times - and it can be tempting - to use the traditional pumps in solid handling tasks because it is the easy way out, the most convenient. This happens when traditional pumps are deployed in solid handling tasks where, more often than not, they do not perform to the desired level.

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Mainly, three types of pumps are used for slurry pumping: horizontal slurry pumps, vertical slurry pumps and submersible slurry pumps.

Recommended features Based on information from some OEMs that supply mines and other industries, the following are common features of solid handling for mining projects: • Large flow path suitable for high solids and heavy slurry situations from the pump’s inlet port to the

• •

•

discharge port; They are made with different metal types with a proven ability to withstand corrosion and abrasion; Self-cleaning design for easy cleaning; There is the option of fitting grinders or even cutters to reduce the size of solids in sewage handling and related applications.

Noteworthy, last but not least, these days remote monitoring has become a standard in pump monitoring and controlling tasks. When equipped with remote monitoring, pumps can adapt to operating conditions in real-time, sustaining efficiency and reliability at lower costs.

Assured of immense gains In the final analysis, a mining company gains immensely when it makes a prudent decision in the procurement of solid slurry pumps. It is assured of a low cost of ownership due to low maintenance and energy consumption and high performance.

Ticking the right boxes A pump that is to be deployed for duty in the the application of transporting abrasive and corrosive slurry should tick the following boxes, mainly:

•

The right design: It should be robust and heavy.

•

Right

configuration:

supplier should be consulted for the suitable configuration for a mining application.

•

Low cost of ownership: A pump should have a low cost of maintenance

•

SAM TURBO

Ease

of

movement:

between applications.

TH

F

50

O

E

YEARS N

I N

O O V A T I

N

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INDUSTRY LEADING MINING PUMPS

Mining pumps for mineral processing, slurry transfer, abrasive sludge dewatering, acid and chemical reagent dosing, water supply and boosting, and wastewater and tailing transfer.

Our Single/ Double Casing - ARH/ARM/ARG models from 50mm to 300mm suction sizes, Provide reliable and effective performance to your mining needs

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Solid handling pumps Alternatively, solid handling pumps allow for easy pumping and transporting of fluids mixed with a concentration of solids. Due to their versatility, they can be used in dredging, mine tailings and other industrial applications.

•

S

Usually, abrasive materials wear down the traditional pump and the pump’s critical components within a short time.

When this occurs, maintenance is needed at shorter intervals, resulting in unnecessary downtime and loss of production.

Avinashi Road, Neelambur, Coimbatore - 641062 , Tamil Nadu, India

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19

FEATURE

ABEL Piston Diaphragm Pump

Best Solution for Abrasive Tailings, Paste and Backfill applications A success story: Konkola Copper Mines, Chingola, Zambia - Transfer of abrasive tailings through long distance pipelines and backfilling.

ABEL HMT pump used for tailings transfer since over 20 years

The Application At the Konkola Copper processing plant in Chingola, Zambia, classified copper tailings from a thickener and cyclone installation had to be transferred over a distance of 3.5 km to the underground mine to be backfilled. The quantity of dry solids is 70 ton per hour.

The ABEL Solution An ABEL triplex single acting piston diaphragm pump (HMT) was installed for the transfer of these abrasive tailings.

The solids concentration in the slurry is 50%. The quantity of slurry tailings to be backfilled is 90 m³/ hr (390 GPM), the required pressure to cover the 3.5 km distance is 50 bar (725 PSI).

The Experience Since start-up of the pump in 2001 the operating costs had been extremely low: due to the high efficiency of the PistonDiaphragm pump, the absorbed power at 90 m³/hr (390 GPM) and 50 bar (725 PSI) was less than 160 kW. During almost 20 years of operation, the spare parts consumption of the HMT pump had been limited to the exchange of the valves every 5000 to 7000 hours.

The diaphragms were replaced every 12000 to 16000 hours for preventive maintenance.

ABEL piston diaphragm pumps offer very low wearing and operating costs due to the physical separation of the abrasive slurry from the hydraulic side and pump’s main moving parts by preformed and hermetically separating rubber diaphragms.

HMT Triplex Piston Diaphragm Pump

Only the product valves on the suction and discharge side and diaphragms are in direct contact with the abrasive slurry.

The reciprocating principle of the piston diaphragm pump ensures a very high mechanical efficiency of >93%.

Consequently, the pumping costs (power consumption, spares etc.) and downtimes are minimal and make the operation of this type of pump very feasible and reliable when compared to more conventional methods of slurry transfer and backfilling.

Operating principle The investment in a piston diaphragm pump needs to be protected against a number of potential risks.

In the ABEL pump therefore, the gears are forced lubricated in order to enable low stroke rates and smooth operations that prevent wearing and guarantee a long lifetime of the hydraulic system.

Also, the pistons are lubricated to avoid overheating. The pump diaphragms are protected against overstretching by a reliable mechanical stroke monitoring system.

In addition, the pumps are equipped with pulsation dampeners which dampen pressure fluctuations, thereby protecting the pump and the piping system. The ABEL Piston Diaphragm pump is well known for its robust design and few parts makes it easy to install and maintain.

Main Applications ABEL piston diaphragm pumps are the right solution for Mining - whether

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metallic or mineral mining, whether open pit or underground mining. In addition to tailings transfer, ABEL Piston Diaphragm pumps are also being used for other Mining applications such as: • Ore Concentrate pipeline transfer • Mine Dewatering • Thickener Underflow • Tailings transfer • Paste pumping • Backfilling • Slurry / Fluid transfer • Autoclave feed • Filter Press Feed ABEL HMT/HMQ Pump Range ABEL HMT (Triplex, single acting) and HMQ (Quadruplex, double acting) pumps range in pressure up to 23 MPa (3335 PSI) and in capacity up to 400 m³/ hr (1760 GPM).

ABEL Piston-Diaphragm Pumps Benefits • Efficiency of over 90% • 24/7 operational availability • Reliability for critical processes • Solids content > 75% • Accomodates a wide range of particle size • Dry running capability • Low Power consumption • Low Mechanical Wear In addition, the ABEL Service team fulfil all service requirements around the globe. ABEL sales and distribution network is assisted by local partnership and distributor in Southern Africa, AQS Liquid Transfer, www. aqsliquidtransfer.co.za.

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YOUR FUTURE

H E A LT H C A R E AND E M E R G E N C Y M E D I CA L PROVIDER

HOLDINGS Offering you a 360° Healthcare and Emergency Medical solution

Protecting the health and well-being of your workforce can be challenging, especially in remote facilities. Our Medical Services Teams are specifically designed to help you maintain the health o of day-to-day operations, with a strong focus on prevention.

Our remote site staff operate as a high functioning member of your team, ensuring Complianc coupled with a number of value added services such as; risk assessments, disaster plans, HSE p

Empowering Locals

With years of experience in the Medical, Rescue and Emergency Training fields, we offer ou workforce through a variety of internationally accredited courses or through bespoke training spe

e regions with limited access to healthcare of your workforce and ensure the continuity

ce, Duty of Care and Business Continuity, policy, and quality assurance to name a few.

ur clients the opportunity to empower their ecific to your remote site.

Why Choose Us? Experts in Healthcare & Emergency Medical fields Committed to providing quality products & excellence in customer service Exceed Industry Benchmarks Bespoke Turnkey Solutions Provider Delivering services across Africa since 2008

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Rosond celebrates one year Zero Harm at Sishen

Rosond has had great success in training all female crews at Kumba iron ore

D

rilling technology solutions provider Rosond of Midrand has celebrated one year Zero Harm at its diamond drilling operation at Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine near Kathu in the Northern Cape. Senior Site Manager Clayton Coetzee attributes the achievement to close cooperation between department heads, line management, and HSE officers to continually improve standards.

“We always try to improve our processes and strive to make the working environment safer and easier to manage,” says Coetzee. Employee suggestions and input is encouraged, together with client interaction. “We are all in this together, and together we truly

can make a difference.”

Rosond Safety Manager Andre Kleynhans comments: “The biggest contributing factor to this achievement is that we are truly our sister’s and brother’s keeper, meaning we always look after each other’s safety and well-being.” A culture of caring and responsibility is inculcated on-site, which allows anyone at any time to stop somebody who is doing something unsafe, so nobody is injured.

“At the end of the day we all go home safe to our families,” says Kleynhans.

He adds that the new drill rig technology Rosond has introduced at Kumba has played a major role in safe operations, especially in carrying out hazardous

Rosond played a major role in safe operations at Kumba

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Rosond safety manager Andre-Kleynhans

tasks such as handling drill rods, which is now automated. As a result, Rosond has successfully trained female drill rig team members at Kumba.

“We are very proud of our safety culture and aim to keep our employees safe at all times,” concludes Rosond MD Ricardo Ribeiro.

“We always try to improve our processes and strive to make the working environment safer and easier to manage.” – Clayton Coetzee, Senior Site Manager, Rosond

Rosond senior site manager Clayton Coetzee

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25

INSIGHT

Metso Outotec to deliver key concentrator plant equipment to a copper mine in Africa

K

amoa Copper S.A. has selected Metso Outotec to supply key concentrator plant equipment to the company’s copper mining complex expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The value of the order, which is not disclosed, has been booked in Minerals’ Q2/2022 orders received.

Metso Outotec’s scope of delivery consists of Planet Positive processing equipment, including energy efficient HIGmillTM regrind mills with polyurethane wear linings. The delivery also includes Larox® PF 60 Series concentrate filters and TankCell® flotation cells for the efficient recovery of valuables.

“One of the key missions for Kamoa Copper S.A. is to implement low-carbon technology to advance sustainable production of copper. Metso Outotec’s Planet Positive offering supports our customer’s ambition, allowing us to be a true partner for positive change,” says Charles Ntsele, Vice President, Minerals Sales for Metso Outotec in Africa.

Metso Outotec to deliver Planet Positive PremierTM grinding mills to a copper mine in Zambia

C

anadian First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has awarded an order to Metso Outotec for two very large horizontal grinding mills for the company’s copper mine expansion in Zambia. The value of the order, which is not disclosed, has been booked in Minerals’ Q2/2022 orders received.

Metso Outotec’s delivery includes two Planet Positive PremierTM grinding mills with a total installed power of 50MW. To meet the need for efficient and fast replacement of the lining systems, as well as ensuring a long wear life, the ball mill will be equipped with the Metso Outotec Megaliner™ and the

Solwezi in the North-western Province of Zambia, is amongst the largest copper mines in the world and the largest in Africa.

SAG mill will be equipped with Metso Outotec metallic mill lining and a highperformance discharge system.

FQM’s Kansanshi mine, located near

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First Quantum Minerals are currently working on its further expansion including a standalone 25Mtpa processing plant that will increase copper production substantially. Metso Outotec grinding mills provide advanced user-friendly operations, main bearing systems, high availability and ease of maintenance.

Visit our website to read more about Metso Outotec PremierTM mills and Metso Outotec Megaliner™ solution.

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IN THE SPOT LIGHT

Zambia poised to take the lead in electric vehicle revolution on the continent

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ambia officially began its journey to becoming a key player in the new global electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem this week as President Hakainde Hichilema launched the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.

As key players in an industry where geopolitical security is so important, the hard work that Zambia has put into protecting that peace and stability does not go unnoticed. Zambia certainly is a prime investment destination for us.

Once up and running, First Quantum Minerals’ mine will be the largest producer of the strategic metal in Africa.

Nickel, like lithium, cobalt, and copper, is an essential component in the batteries essential for the new era of ‘green’ vehicles.

“With over a quarter century of experience under our belt, we appreciate the importance of working hand-in-hand with stakeholders and aligning with government mandates.

Soon to become our third operation here, Enterprise project is in our books, a vote of confidence from – and for – the Zambian government and the Zambian people. It is a vote of confidence in our continued transparency, responsibility, and operational excellence.”

Designed to process 4 million tonnes of ore and produce around 28,000 tonnes of nickel per year, Enterprise will provide an estimated 700 permanent jobs while making Zambia the largest nickel producer on the continent and the 10th largest producer of the highly soughtafter mineral in the world.

“I would like to thank First Quantum for the decision to invest $1.35bn in the expansion of Kansanshi…and to raise additional capital for Enterprise,” said President Hichilema at the ground breaking ceremony for the mine.

“This investment, $1.3bn, will deliver direct and indirect jobs, somewhere in the region of 18,000; and in this country, colleagues, one job supports 10 other members of the family in the house or extended. So if you do your numbers correctly, 18,000 by 10, it’s 180,000 people benefitting. That is where the value sits. So thank you First Quantum,” he added.

“This project will contribute to raising treasury income that we as a prudent government, part of which income we will use to buy a desk for a child who is sitting on the floor today, munokumvwa mwane?

“This [nickel] is the future of our country, to a large extent. This is where this country must go and they must explore these resources sustainably and deliver value for our people,” he said.

“And we are fortunate as a country to host a fair share of these minerals.

But if they stay in the ground, we don’t

President Hakainde Hichilema holds a piece of nickel ore at the groundbreaking of First Quantum Minerals’ Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.

arrange projects like these, we don’t unlock projects like these we will not be able to play our part in keeping our world cleaner and reduce the environmental damage whose consequences we know very well,” he continued.

It was less than three months ago that FQM announced the company’s US$100 million investment into the project at this year’s Mining Indaba, where President Hichilema welcomed the investment and reaffirmed his desire to see more partnerships like this that would turn Zambia into a hub for development and secure the country’s place in the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem.

The nickel processing plant, which was completed in 2016 and given environmental approval, has sat on care and maintenance awaiting favourable market conditions since then.

Now, with the global push for a green energy transition, rising demand for metals like nickel that are integral to the shift, and a new, favourable mining regime, the timing is just right for the nickel operation to finally be fired up.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, FQM CEO Tristan Pascall said: “If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that stability is paramount.

“We have been ready to make such an investment for a long time but have been waiting for the conditions to be right, both in terms of the country’s mining policy and the global mineral market.”

President Hichilema, who on multiple occasions has referred to himself as the country’s Chief Marketing Officer, has made leveraging Zambia’s advantageous business environment to grow and diversify the mining industry a number one priority.

“The new administration’s assurance of a more stable, transparent investment environment that will be intolerant to corruption and governed by environmental, social and governance best practices was the nudge of encouragement we needed for this new project,” said FQM Zambia Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli.

With the opening of this new operation, the President has secured more jobs, more income, and more opportunities for locals to benefit from local procurement spend and corporate social investment.

This leap to secure Zambia’s stake in the EV battery market will not only shift the country’s economic dependence from copper but will also unlock fresh opportunities for business and innovation in the nickel value chain.

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FEATURE

Komatsu and Codelco agree to conduct trial of new Mining Tunnel Boring Machine Promoting a new tunnel excavation method for underground hard rock mining

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omatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa), through its subsidiary, Komatsu Cummins Chile Ltda. (KCC; President: Yasuji Nishiura), has agreed with Codelco, a major state-owned mining company in Chile, to collaborate on trialing a new tunnel excavation method using Komatsu’s newly developed Mining Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) starting in 2024 at Codelco’s Chuquicamata Mine in Chile. Through trial use of the new machine, Komatsu and Codelco aim to speed up the potential introduction of this innovative technology.

Demand for underground mining equipment is expected to increase along with global demand for mineral resources that require increasingly deeper mining operations.

Komatsu developed the first TBM for rock excavation in 1963 for use in civil engineering in Japan. Since that time, the company has introduced a cumulative total of more than 2,300 TBM (including its Micro Tunneling Machine) to the market. Based on Komatsu’s experience in excavation, the Mining TBM is equipped with new technologies that enable adaptability to small curves, reversing, and passing intersections in hard rock tunnel excavation.

Previously, use of TBM has generally been limited to excavating nearly straight tunnels. This new technology improves the flexibility of the equipment and enables excavation of tunnels according to the more unique designs of each mine.

The Mining TBM works by continuously performing a series of processes, such as excavating rock with disc cutters and discharging the chipped rock backwards with belt conveyors, while fortifying the excavated tunnel wall.

Excavation with disc cutters improves tunnel strength and stability by creating a circular tunnel shape with smooth walls with less damage to the excavated tunnel (compared to drilling and blasting method).

To support customers’ needs for increasingly sustainable ways of mining, the new machine runs off electricity, does not require the use of blasting and performs a series of tunnel excavation processes with a single machine, reducing the number of vehicles required overall. The result is a new excavation option that reduces the creation of greenhouse gases and particulate matter emissions for an improved underground environment that requires less ventilation than other methods. At the same time, it significantly increases the productivity of personnel associated with tunnel excavation work compared to conventional methods.

In response to climate change and the need for solutions for environmental issues, Komatsu has been focusing on the development of equipment for the future of underground hard rock mining under the slogan of “No Blasting”, “No Batch”, “No Diesel.”

The Mining TBM and the new method embody this forward-looking approach and seek to help customers improve safety, environmental friendliness, and productivity (shorter tunnel construction period and lower tunnel construction costs) at underground mines, and will also help them achieve a revolution in their mining operations.

Per the company’s ongoing mid-term management plan “DANTOTSU Value Together, to ‘The Next’ for sustainable growth”, Komatsu is working to expand offerings for underground hard rock mining, creating new value for customers

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with the development of new equipment, processes and technologies that will help operations step forward to the next stage for the workplace of the future and provide a more sustainable future for the next generation.

About Komatsu Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. To learn more, visit www.komatsu.com About Codelco CODELCO (Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile) is a state-owned company in Chile, the world’s largest copper producer. The company is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

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Johannesburg, win prize money as well as achieving recognition as a champion.

Entries are open for all operators who have a valid Forklift license and can drive either a r anced Forklift Truck in racking. The focus of the competition is on accurate, safe driving s speed. Competitors start with a score of 0 and receive points for errors made, whereas th number of points becomes the winner.

All participants will receive a certificate of participation, with the winner(s) receiving a R20 000 worth prize as well as a trophy. The first round of heats for counterbalanced fork operation will be an online test to assess entrants’ practical skills, theoretical knowledge, Africa and LEEASA want to assist in promoting the importance of inspection, safety and forklift drivers at Electra Mining Africa.

You can be the next forklift champion!

Lifting Africa and LEEASA (Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of

Sponsorship opportunities (only one per

SA) is hosting a Forklift Driver competition during Electra Mining Africa.

The event will provide forklift operators with an opportunity to prove their

driving skills, compete with others around Johannesburg, win prize money as well as achieving recognition as a champion.

Forklift Company – sponsor the forklifts

Racking ad Shelving Company - sponsor one of the practical driving tests Pallet Company - supplying all pallets and containers

PPE – who will ensure that all those competing for the Forklift Operator competition are su Logistics Company – logistic partner

Training company – will be an online test to assess entrants’ practical skills, theoretical kn efficiency, Inspection Company - Pre-Use inspection test Load testing company - to conduct load testing

Sponsorship opportunities available

Forklift Attachment Company Tyre Company

Battery Company Endorsed by SAPICS:

Sponsors:

Surita Marx: +27 (0) 83 281 5761 / surita@liftingafrica.co.za / ww

Surita Marx: +27 (0) 83 281 5761 / surita@liftingafrica.co.za / www.liftingafrica.co.za

FEATURE

Dealing with fire risk in a mining environment Mining vehicle fire-protection systems are based on a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

ASP Fire designs systems to suit individual vehicles and their specific requirements

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ining vehicles such as excavators, haul trucks and even drag lines are high-value assets that operate in arduous conditions where there is a high fire risk. This means that pre-shift and weekly inspections on mining vehicles are essential to ensure that the fire prevention system is in good working order.

“We assist mining operations to mitigate any risk posed by fire, which can affect productivity and profits,” says ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk. The fire

engineering expert designs systems to suit individual vehicles and their specific requirements. This means examining the conditions not only inside the vehicle, but also within the surrounding environment.

The design and installation of a vehicle fire-protection system requires that mining vehicles are subjected to a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) of potential fires. Each vehicle needs to be assessed carefully within its specific operating environment to understand what hazards and fire risks that vehicle is exposed to.

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Inherent fire risks include the turbochargers and brake system overheating, as well as high-pressure hydraulic systems and electrical equipment that may ignite a combustible or flammable component of the vehicle.

Although Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguishers are highly effective in firefighting, they offer minimal cooling properties. This results in re-ignition of flames, especially in liquid fuel and rubber fires, thereby increasing the risk of property damage and loss of life.

The powder inside DCP extinguishers

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can also compact due to vibration when placed on a moving vehicle.

The micro-droplets rapidly turn into cold steam when meeting burning or very hot materials, further increasing the surface area by 1 600 times. The endothermic reaction effectively cools down any hot surfaces in the immediate environment.

The compacted powder increases the risk of malfunction when activated. As a result, DCP extinguishers placed on mobile equipment need to be serviced more frequently. DCP extinguishers also pose serious operator and environmental hazards. When used in confined spaces, they can affect the fire respondents’ visibility and capability to effectively suppress the fire, or to safely evacuate an area should the fire spread out of control.

Not only is the fire extinguished, but any hot spots also cool down without any thermal shock. The thermal heat radiation barrier created allows the operator to approach the fire without sustaining burns to deploy the extinguisher. A protection mechanism eliminates any false alarms. This consists of a heatsensitive pressurised activation tube that requires heat to rupture and open a differential valve on the main cylinder to activate the system.

A much more effective and ‘greener’ solution is water-mist handheld fire extinguishers. Utilising water as the main agent and nitrogen as a propellant, these can extinguish most types of fires, including rubber and plastic, diesel and petrol fires, and electrical fires rated up to 245 kV. The atomised mist generated by the extinguisher increases the surface area of the water by more than a hundredfold.

ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk

Another solution offered by ASP Fire is an Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for fire-extinguishing and vapour suppression of hydrocarbon fuel fires.

The AFFF blanket blocks oxygen supply to the fuel and cools any hot flammable liquid by effectively sealing the surface.

Mining vehicle fire-protection systems are based on a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

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FEATURE

How do you control dust in a crushing plant?

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perations related to the extraction of mineral ore such as blasting, transportation, grinding, and crushing can release large amounts of dust into the atmosphere. This is particularly true in a crusher plant where the demolition of stones, an operation that generates vast amounts of dust, is a daily procedure.

Dust can generate a series of problems for industrial operations. Not only can dust cause health problems, but it can also reduce the productivity of a mining site by limiting visibility and increasing wear-and-tear on equipment.

What is crusher dust?

Crusher dust is a type of fine dust, which contains very small 0-5mm aggregate particles as well as sand. It is formed as a by-product from mining operations and is often recycled for different applications such as construction.

Whenever rocks are crushed by rock crushing equipment, tiny PM 1, PM 2.5 and PM 10 dust particles spread through

the air. This by-product of rock crushing may cause harm to the health of workers and nearby communities and damage the durability of equipment, leading to bearing failure, lubricant contamination, and increased risk of fire autoignition.

person’s health. Airborne dust can stay lodged inside the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring on lung tissue.

This condition is known as silicosis and can result in permanent lung damage or even the death of the patient.

Particles coming from high compressive strength rocks (hardness), with a higher mosh index and angularity (sharp edges) cause the greatest damages, such as silica, quartz and diamond dust.

Chronic silicosis can occur after periodic exposure to silica dust, but exposure to large amounts of dust can drastically hasten the development of the condition. Even after exposure to dust is discontinued, silica dust particles can remain in the lungs for prolonged periods of time.

Symptoms of silicosis include: • Cough • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Chest pain

Health effects of crystalline silica Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a chemical compound commonly found in quartz. Silica normally presents itself in a crystallized form, and it is a component of sand in various parts of the world.

Industrial uses of silica include the manufacturing of microelectronics and structural materials. Some living organisms, such as grass, use silica as a defense mechanism to drive off herbivores (source).

Breathing dust particles from crystalline silica can have scathing effects on a

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Silica dust from stone crushing can be a major factor in a person developing silicosis, leading professionals to catalog it as an occupational lung disease.

Complications from developing silicosis can also cause patients to develop more serious diseases.

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Examples of other serious diseases caused by silica and other airborne dust exposure include: • Tuberculosis • Lung Cancer • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) • Kidney Disease • Rheumatoid arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus • Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) How do you control crusher dust ?

The most efficient method of controlling dust generated in a crushing plant is the use of dust suppression systems within a methodology and understanding of your process, mechanical stressors, enclosures, weather conditions and operational context.

First, you should always try to avoid/ eliminate dust generating activities as much as possible, by choosing and maintaining equipment that have lower dust emissions, proper enclosures and filters systems that keep the dust within the process and avoid dust emissions.

Keeping the house in order can reduce dust emission by up to 50%.

Secondly, a dust control specialist can recommend to you a combination of engineered dust control solutions such as dry fog, fine mist, dust collectors, improvements of feeding, discharge and transfer points and enclosures.

Finally, you need to put in place control loops taking into account dust concentrations, visibility indicators, throughput, and weather conditions such as wind speed, wind direction and air pressure, moisture and temperature changes that lead to air stagnation conditions. This is key to incorporate, assess and improve control measures and ensure you run a continuous dust controlled operation at your site as well as to make sure your personnel are wearing the right personal protective equipment in terms of respiratory protection and are not exposed to health risk due to uncontrolled dust levels along their work schedules.

For mining industrial groups, dust suppression ensures the safety of the labor force and the productivity of operations, so investing in the best dust suppression solutions, monitoring solutions and continuous improving systems is a major priority for mining companies.

DMS-FOG DMS-FOG is an effective dust control solution that uses smart dry fog and fine mist systems. Dust suppression systems in DMS-FOG consist of stainless nozzles that can produce either fog or mist. Using microscopic amounts of water, the system covers the source of dust and prevents dust particles from going airborne. Emissions of dust can also be avoided by applying dust control additives to the water suppression systems.

The system can be equipped with specific stainless nozzles depending on the purpose it is being used for. This increases the durability of the hardware and therefore reduces the amount of time

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FEATURE

and resources needed for maintenance.

Furthermore, controlled temperature technology implemented by DMS-FOG guarantees its effectiveness regardless of weather conditions.

DMS-FOG is the result of 20 years of dust capture method development, making it an efficient and resourceeffective solution. By using DMS-FOG in tandem with other dust control solutions like DMS-TDS additives, the efficiency of dust suppression can be drastically enhanced while also saving on water and operational costs.

The on-site information display and control capabilities of DMS-FOG can be integrated into ABCDust’s DMS-ONE platform. With the use of the DMS-ONE system, the capabilities of DMS-FOG can be monitored and optimized. The control system has many automation features, which include timing controls using input and output sensors and extreme dust particle monitoring to optimize dust suppression and resource use.

The valve control systems are automatic

and control the flow of air and water.

Integrated time relays and auxiliary contacts (PLC) are implemented for a remote start alongside pilot lights, ball water valves, and manual shutoff valves. The system is delivered in an IP66 enclosure and is water and dustresistant.

DMS-TDS DMS-TDS is a non-ionic chemical additive that can help control dust by restructuring water particles. This substance is designed using a proprietary mixture of non-ionic surfactants, alcohols, and nano-polymers. The resulting mixture of these components is highly surfactant, efficiently reducing the tension between H2O particles and other materials.

The main attributes and characteristics of DMS-TDS are: • Minimizing dust in the atmosphere, improving air quality and visibility • Drastically increasing the resource effectiveness of water • Being a highly concentrated solution, which facilitates its transport and storage

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• • •

Resistance to acidic, alkaline, and salt water Having a non-ionic, non-toxic, and non-corrosive chemical composition UV resistance

Water particles modified by DMS-TDS are able to capture and absorb fugitive dust particles, effectively minimizing dust in the atmosphere. DMS-TDS solutions are often used as dust suppression plant aggregates for cargo fronts, conveyor belts, and other structures at risk of dust collection.

A major advantage of implementing DMS-TDS is the resource-effective use of water. Using DMS-TDS to suppress dust can reduce water needs by up to 90%. The chemical is applied by mixing it with water and spread using water cannons or sprinkler systems.

The specific dose of DMS-TDS used is determined by the type of dust being suppressed. It is possible to use a DMSTDS solution together with the dust suppression systems of DMS-FOG, creating an extremely efficient integrated system.

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Extreme dust level monitoring DMSEXTREME ABCDust can monitor airborne dust levels by using state-of-the-art measurement technologies. Alongside solid methodologies supported by years of research and development, this technology can be used to assess dust levels in the atmosphere under different environmental conditions.

Using this data, you can determine which suppression method can best ensure mine safety while guaranteeing competitive mining operations.

The extreme dust levels monitoring technology implemented by ABCDust includes the following features: Perpetual measurement of dust levels of up to 4,000 mg/m3 for different PMs. • Weight analysis of samples to measure mg/m3 dust emissions and characterize them.

• Creating predictive and analytic models of dust emissions based on different factors including wind, air pressure, temperature, air inversion, humidity, production levels, type of materials involved, and more.

• Recommendation of the most

effective servicing of dust extraction, including alerting about pending maintenance.

• Conducting evaluation before and after implementation of dust suppression solutions to measure their success.

• Producing emission reports before and after the use of dust suppression methods.

DMS-ONE Dust management and continuous improvement system Many mining companies leverage DMSONE to optimize crusher dust control programs. The platform integrates sensors for dust control, weather conditions, throughput, visibility, and moisture to optimize dust suppression and crusher maintenance costs.

DMS-ONE facilitates prevent and mitigate extreme dust concentrations and improves your crusher maintenance, avoiding risk of fires and advising the proper workers health and safety measures be implemented.

Smart dust control and soil stabilization ABCDust distinguishes itself by providing an integrated solution for dust control

and monitoring systems in any mining environment. Backed by application, monitoring, and control systems, ABCDust can deliver effective dust control measures and soil stabilization aggregates. Together with constant analysis of production indicators, ABCDust’s dust suppression systems offer an efficient, safe, and friendly work environment.Partners of ABCDust can expect the following services when working in a crusher plant: • Monitoring with the use of stateof-the-art dust suppression methodologies • A field visit to collect operationcritical information • Development of a situation analysis of the crusher plant • Proposal of different dust suppression strategies • Dust measurements before and after operations have been developed • Setting strategic guidelines for an implementation plan with continuous improvement as its central focus.

Source: ABCDUST

FREEBASE LAND SURVEYOR SERVICES

We offers a full range of land surveying services by providing a comprehensive surveying service to clients and guarantees an accurate, professional and reliable service.

• GPS Surveys • Subdivisions • Title Surveys • Town Planning • Feature Surveys • Lease Area Surveys • Engineering Surveys • Topographic Surveys • Development Consultants • Existing Conditions Survey • Adverse Possession Claims • Earthwork Volume Surveys • Construction and Building Set Out General Construction and Civil Engineering Works Project Management

MCH 2 Number 17 NAPSA Complex Kalulushi, Zambia

Contact Details FREEMAN CHIPALILA We are also the official distributors Cell: +260 767200400 of EFIX GEOMATICS GNSS Equipment +260 978 971 910 Email: freebasezambia@gmail.com Kitwe Branch Office: ANCHRIS HOUSE, Second Floor, Room 24&30

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FEATURE

The strength of your machine is defined by its pivot joints

BMG’s Nord-Lock range of bolting solutions includes Expander System pivot pin components that comprise advanced pivot pin technology, to offer dependable solutions that combat the challenges of lug wear in diverse industries.

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MG’s Nord-Lock range of bolting solutions includes Expander System pivot pin components that comprise advanced pivot pin technology, to offer dependable solutions that combat the challenges of lug wear in diverse industries.

Pivots, which are at the centre of any rotational movement, often experience lug wear, which occurs due to the clearance between the bore and the conventional pin. This is commonly repaired with line boring – a technique associated with high costs and protracted downtime.

“Through Nord-Lock’s advanced Expander System, which consists of a comprehensive range of components, BMG specialists are able to supply the correct pivot to prevent the problems that lug wear causes excavators, mobile cranes and dump trucks, in order to maximise uptime, enhance safety on site and minimise maintenance costs,” says Wean Marais, National Product Manager

- Nord-Lock Group, Fasteners Division, BMG. “The Expander System – which comprises an assembly that includes an axle tapered at both ends, two expansion sleeves, two tension washers and two fasteners – has been designed for convenient onsite repairs. Even in a situation where the lugs are badly worn, a repair can be made in the field, with minimum downtime. The sleeves of the Expander System simply expand to conform with the wear pattern and lock the system in place, without the need for time consuming and costly welding and line boring. Once retorqued, the system locks from both sides, significantly increasing stability.

“This system has also been designed to improve safety on site. By replacing a traditional straight pin with an Expander System pivot pin of the same diameter, the risk of axle breakage is reduced and the strength of the machine is enhanced through the system’s double sided axial locking design.

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“There are many other benefits, which include a permanent solution to lug wear, quick and easy installation and removal, increased service life of bushings, bearings and seals and greater safety.

A key advantage of this system over conventional pivot pins is pressure distribution. A conventional system only distributes the load onto a very small area, where the Expander System distributes pressure over the whole contact area in the direction of the force.

“There is no need for additional fastening holes, threads or welding of locking rings on the machine and no need for fine machining in the lugs, as this system makes it possible to use wide tolerances.

The Expander System can also be combined with Nord-Lock washers for enhanced efficiency in vibration-intense applications.”

BMG’s customised Expander System pivot pins are specifically adapted to suit exact requirements, through the use

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of specific materials, hardening treatments, surface coatings and the correct tolerance for each application.

equipment, while enhancing safety on the rig or extraction site.

This system is suitable for use in many industries, including construction, steel, railway, bridge building, mining and quarrying, forestry and agriculture, manufacturing and processing, shipbuilding, marine energy and power generation, oil and gas, transportation and machine building.

Severe vibration of heavy machinery is a major challenge in the mining industry.

BMG specialists recommend the use of the Expander System in conjunction with Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers as an efficient vibration-resilient pivot solution for reduced maintenance and downtime in loading and hauling equipment, drilling, excavators and mechanical scalers.

Safety and productivity are critical on any construction site, where the continuous operation of equipment and machines makes lug wear prevalent. The Expander System has been designed to extend the service life of pivot joints in articulated haulers, excavators, dump trucks,

backhoes, wheel loaders, cranes and bulldozers.

Forestry and agricultural machinery often operate in isolated locations, which are long distances from workshops and technical support. This makes them susceptible to long periods of downtime if they break down. The Expander System is quick and easy to install and remove, allowing for on-site maintenance, substantially decreasing production losses associated with downtime.

In the oil and gas sector, the Expander System increases control and precision during the handling and setup of drilling

This system is also designed for efficient use in manufacturing and processing. For example, in cutters, sludge filters, centre rollers and jack-screws in paper mills, and balers, intake and trimmers used in saw mills. In energy plants, these pivot pins are used in roasters, stoker feeders and grapples and in steel mills, in cooling beds, tensioning arms, oscillator and segment machines, side roller guides and side tensioner frames.

Nord-Lock Expander pivot pins - used by many leading Original Equipment Manufacturers - have been endurance tested for over 50,000 hours without failure and more than 1 million pivot pins have been installed in over 60,000 applications.

BMG specialists work closely with customers in all sectors, to offer a complete service solution, where the team’s technical expertise supports quality structural fasteners and fastening components.

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FEATURE

AR Controls well positioned to ride copper, cobalt and nickel wave in Africa and South America OEM also extending its global footprint into West Africa, Australasia Pacifica and South America

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ith the global mining industry on the cusp of a commodity super cycle the likes of which was last seen in 2015, this remains the largest, most lucrative, and low risk market for valves in Africa. “Copper has proven especially robust during a depressed financial market,” notes AR Controls Managing Director Julien van Niekerk.

It has placed the spotlight firmly on the Central African Copperbelt, the largest copper and cobalt resource in the world, centred on Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The leading importer and manufacturer of a comprehensive range of internationally recognised valves and instrumentation is successfully undertaking major work in the DRC. “We had already made inroads into the DRC a decade ago when it was considered a difficult and closed market, and now it is one of the most favoured mining destinations on the continent, especially in terms of copper,” says van Niekerk.

Apart from its ongoing expansion in Africa, AR Controls continues to extend

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its global footprint. This includes a strong focus on niche markets in Africa, Australia and Pacific Islands, and South America.

“Our international expansion is made possible due to our dual role as both a manufacturer and a stocking distributor, as well as the excellent supply-chain management we leverage globally,” highlights van Niekerk.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mining industry in particular has been increased lead times. As the largest valve stockist of its type on the continent

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and possibly even in the Southern Hemisphere, AR Controls is hence in a unique position. “Having such a major inventory on hand is definitely a significant advantage against our competitors. Apart from supplying premium products, we also back this up with exemplary service,” highlights van Niekerk.

A major challenge remains the influx of sub-par valves into Africa from lowcost manufacturing countries. Quality is critical as it relates directly to gains in plant availability and revenue while operating in very arduous environments.

“It makes it challenging for us in that we have to be innovative and at the same time have boots on the ground to physically add value to our customers’ supply chains in terms of operations and their procurement processes,” adds van Niekerk.

“Extending our reach through our channel partners, our distributors have factory trained personnel, and our aggressive on-site support maximises availability and uptime and reduces production losses. It goes a long way to forging very close relationships between ourselves and all our end users.”

AR Controls has been manufacturing the ARVALV® range since 1999 in its Vanderbijlpark factory, which has proven highly successful and has achieved a significant market penetration in critical process applications in the mining industry.

AR Controls Managing Director Julien van Niekerk

valves, control valves, actuation, and automation.

A key product line that has seen significant growth in demand is pneumatic enclosures, which are supplied in various materials to house and protect-critical instrumentation. It also ensures that valves installed in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas can be operated with ease from an easily accessible and clearly marked safe remote area.

AR Controls will be a major presence at Electra Mining Africa 2022 from 5 to 9

September at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. This is the first time the trade show has been held since Covid-19, with the OEM planning to take full advantage of displaying its full manufacturing and distribution capabilities and international presence. “Our significant presence will communicate clearly that we are a major contender and the partner of choice when it comes to premium valve and actuation products and back-up support and service for the mining industry,” concludes van Niekerk.

“Looking at our current market share, it is not inconceivable for us to double this in the foreseeable future,” says van Niekerk.

In addition to ARVALV®, AR Controls owns the IncoValve and Controls® brand, which it acquired in 2016, and is the exclusive African and Central American distributor for international OEM DeZURIK. “Our strategy is to break into new territories and industrial sectors, as well as continue to grow those markets where we are already entrenched. We are aggressively involved in offering new product lines to complement our existing range and ensure our pricing is competitive,” says van Niekerk.

The range of valves and actuation accessories available is robust and ideal for harsh mining environments.

The core product lines are knife gate valves, concentric and high-performance butterfly valves, ball valves, non-return

AR Controls butterfly valves

AR Controls has been manufacturing the ARVALV® range since 1999

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FEATURE

Africa’s green future is now thanks to thyssenkrupp Uhde’s cutting-edge green technologies solutions thyssenkrupp Uhde, as a proudly environmentally-conscious company, is helping to green the planet through its leadingedge green technology solutions. Combining decades of experience and expertise, the company owns a large portfolio of chemical process technologies, including those for the production of green chemicals such as green ammonia and green methanol. For large scale green hydrogen production based on alkaline water electrolysis, thyssenkrupp Uhde collaborates with its sister company, thyssenkrupp nucera.

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he global adoption of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for clean energy and transport applications is rapidly gaining traction as the urgency to tackle climate change accelerates. Energy transition holds great potential for Africa, unlocking the continent’s economy through new sustainable energy investments and becoming an exporter of clean energy.

In South Africa, insecurity of energy supply and its accompanying negative effects on the country’s economic growth is speeding up the demand for the green energy transition. Decreasing the country’s dependence on coal-fired power stations and moving to renewable or clean energy generation is the way forward. It holds countless advantages that will underpin economic growth and stimulate foreign investments. According to a recent statement by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the clean energy transition has the potential to create 250 000 jobs in South Africa over a period of 25 years. South Africa’s energy security can be addressed by fast tracking projects focussed on green energy i.e. wind, solar and green hydrogen. thyssenkrupp Uhde’s Senior Sales Engineer, Nithesh Mohun, notes that the rapid deployment of these green technologies is essential. “Fortunately, South Africa’s climate and geography are well- suited for a hydrogen economy; we have an abundance of sun and wind as well as large expanses. In line with the South African Government’s hydrogen strategy, massive investments are being made ininfrastructure for the large-scale production of green hydrogen. This includes the development of the Green Hydrogen Valley project in the Provinces of Limpopo, Gauteng and KwaZuluNatal.”

Mohun unpacks the potential of green hydrogen, noting that it is so much more than a mere zero- carbon energy carrier.

As an enabler, green hydrogen is the

basis for other green technologies. It can be used to create a suite of products including green ammonia, explosives, green methanol, synthetic fuels, and synthetic natural gas. Moreover, green hydrogen applications include mobility and power generation via fuel cells and can be conveniently stored for deployment when needed.”

While the world clearly wants hydrogen, Mohun points out that getting it to countries in Europe for example, poses a challenge. He explains: “Gaseous hydrogen takes up more space than liquid hydrogen. Transporting large quantities of it in gas form is not feasible. Therefore, the solution would be to transport hydrogen as a liquid and to then convert it to gas at the point of storage or use. However, this requires the energy intensive liquefaction process, which itself is not economically feasible. We therefore look at hydrogen carriers as an alternative. We can take the hydrogen we produce and combine it with nitrogen to produce ammonia, a high-density energy carrier.” thyssenkrupp Uhde has a CO2-free green ammonia production solution based on thyssenkrupp nucera’s AWE technology and 100% renewable feedstocks. Once Europe receives the ammonia, the ammonia can be cracked to hydrogen and nitrogen at the point of receipt. The associated cracking technology is also part of the ThyssenKrupp portfolio.

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When green hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide green methanol can be produced. Methanol, like ammonia, is also a feasible energy carrier. Methanol is used as a raw product in the manufacturing of plastics and polymers. It is also used as a fuel additive for cleaner, less harmful CO2 emissions during combustion. thyssenkrupp Uhde also offers carbon capture technology for cleaning up the gases that are emitted into the air from smoke stacks. The harmful substances that have been captured can be stored and beneficiated later.

Green technologies also hold advantages for Africa’s agricultural industry with green ammonia and green urea serving as green fertilizers. All that is needed for the production of green urea is ammonia and a source of CO2.With over four decades of experience in the design and construction of urea plants, thyssenkrupp Uhde is regarded as one of the top international contractors in this field.

South Africa is advancing into green ammonia solutions with a proposed green ammonia export facility planned for construction at the Coega Special Economic Zone in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape. According to various reports, the facility shall produce up to 780,000 ton-per annum of green ammonia with full operation scheduled by the end of 2026.

www.fmdrc-Zambia.com

ADVERTORIAL

FEATURE

Crimar Industrial: A leader in fiberglass industrial Equipment manufacturing

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or over 30 years, Crimar Industrial has been providing high quality fiberglass industrial equipment (tanks, piping, ductwork, thickener covers, process equipment, custom fabrication, and field installation and maintenance services) to mining, municipal, petro-chemical and other industrial applications around the world.

Through their sister company, Shijiazhuang Beman Commercial Co. Ltd. (SBC) which handles sourcing and project management in China, the company can negotiate and enforce contracts with all the rights and privileges of a Chinese company and provide complete quality control and expediting services.

With a strong customer base which includes companies such as: WesTech, FLSmidth, Glencore Mining, Hatch Engineering, CODELCO, Freeport McMoRan, Jacobs Engineering, ASARCO, M3 Engineering, IMC Kalium, Abbott, Labs, Intrepid Potash, Siemens/US Filter, Biorem, Grupo Mexico among others, Crimar Industrial/SBC continues to be a major player in the industry.

Crimar Industrial/SBC also utilises top notch expertise both internal and external during the design stage of their products to ensure high quality products.

“While we have extensive internal expertise in fiberglass design and fabrication, we also have the full support of the design center at our subcontract facility in as well as of Professional Engineers in the US and Canada that specialize in fiberglass design and inspection services,” says company president Roger Beman.

All design, fabrication and inspection is in accordance with international standards such as ASME RTP-1, ASTM 3299, ASTM 4097.

As a testament of their rigorous internal QC, most customers have accepted in-house QC inspections as sufficient evidence of compliance.

But when appropriate Crimar also contracts or coordinates with internationally known third party

inspection companies such as Moody, Veritas, TUV Rheinland, and others to provide certified inspection reports of materials, production procedures, dimensions, and overall compliance with the terms of the contract.

To serve their customers better, Crimar Industrial/ SBC have sales & support offices in Tucson, Arizona; Toronto; Santiago; Lima; Shijiazhuang; Johannesburg; and Medellin in Colombia. Their office in China (Shijiazhuang Beman Commercial Co. Ltd.) provides complete sourcing, QC, import - export and expediting.

Key to their success has been in assisting customers by understanding their requirements, assisting them in design when appropriate, and the delivery of high-quality products on time for a competitive price.

In fact, Mr. Beman, the President and Owner of Crimar Industrial and majority owner of the Shijiazhuang Beman Commercial Co. Ltd. (SBCCO-China) has been traveling to China an average of 10 times a year for the past 15 years to ensure that suppliers understand and meet customers’ needs.

Products and services at a glance • Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Products • Steel Pipes & Fittings • Crushing and Milling Equipment and Wear Parts • Casting & Forging • Steel Process Equipment • Custom Fabrication - Steel and FRP • Dampers & valves • Solid/Liquid Separation Equipment • Project Management For further information see • www.crimar.com • www.sbcco-china.com

www.fmdrc-Zambia.com

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High quality, on time delivery and competitive pricing

INDUSTRIAL FIBERGLASS Crimar Industrial for over 30 years has been providing high quality fiberglass industrial equipment (tanks, piping, pumps, ductwork, roofs, process equipment, custom fabrication, and field installation and maintenance services) to the mining, municipal, petro-chemical and other industrial applications around the world. Through our sister company in China, Shijiazhuang Beman Commercial Co. Ltd. (SBC) we can negotiate and enforce contracts with all of the rights and privileges of a Chinese company and provide complete quality control and expediting services.

There are many different kinds of glass fiber to provide a wide variety of laminate strengths: • Glass fiber • Carbon fiber • Bamboo fiber And different textures • Winding glass • Chopped strand glass • Woven glass • Unidirectional glass • Corrosion veil • FABRICATION METHODS • Filament winding • Chopper gun

• • •

Hand lay up Resin Transfer Pultrusion

FRP DESIGN Some of the information required for FRP design include the: • structural loading • chemical resistance required • temperature • seismic loading • wind loading When appropriate we prepare finite element analyses (FEA’s) to model the design and loads to ensure that the project requiremenst will be met

We can help you from the beginning of the project through completion. We can assist with the design, fabrication, and shipping of the products sold. Where appropriate we can also provide on site fabrication or assembly. Once the installation is complete, we can provide ongoing support and maintenance services.

For further information please contact Zish Zhao at zishzhao@sbcco-china.com

CRIMAR / SBC

Offices in the USA, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, South Africa

www.crimar.com | www.sbcco-china.com

THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR NATURAL INGREDIENTS

ACID MIST SUPPRESSANT FOR ELECTROWINNING TANKHOUSES

7024 Manya Circle, San Diego, California 92154, USA Tel 619.429.522 Fax 619.429.5001 e-mail: info@desertking.com / www.desertking.com

AGRULINE

PE 100-RC piping system for outstanding crack resistance

HIGHER SERVICE LIFE under extreme conditions COST-EFFICIENT INSTALLATION without sand embedding LASTING CONNECTIONS with electro-socket or heated tool butt welding of PE 100-RC ONE-STOP SHOPPING complete piping system for gas, water, waste water and chemical media

agru Kunststofftechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H. | Ing.-Pesendorfer-Strasse 31 | 4540 Bad Hall, Austria T. +43 7258 7900 | office@agru.at | www.agru.at | @agruworld |