Inside Mining October/November

www.miningne.ws

af r ic an u pdates on th e

g ro un d a n d un d e rg ro un d

DRDGOLD

on solid ground Legislation

Commodity: PGMs

Rehabilitation

Mining Charter III approved by Cabinet

A renewed focus in Southern Africa

Mine rehab remains a challenge

ISSN 1999-8872 • R50.00 (incl. VAT) • Vol. 11 • No. 06 • October/November 2018

LEOPARD™ DI650i TIME FOR A NEW LEADER The new Leopard DI650i down-the-hole surface drill rig offers longterm productivity and superior stability with robust and reliable main components – seamlessly integrated with state-of-the-art technical solutions. Scalable automation, easy maintenance and outstanding movability are the features that make Leopard DI650i a premium product, which is an honor to own.

Leave your paw print and enjoy the smooth, efficient ride.

Explore the new Leopard DI650i ROCKTECHNOLOGY.SANDVIK

contents

a f r ic a n u p date s o n th e g ro u n d a nd

u n d ergro un d

08

18

SETTING NEW LIMITS

Regulars

IT & Communications

3 Ed’s comment

18 S tructural data collection

6 Africa round-up 30 Market news Cover Story 4 DRDGOLD on solid ground

with televiewers

29 The digitisation challenge Electra Mining 20 The Leopard is here

LEGISLATION 11 Mining Charter III approved Project: MANGANESE 12 Kalagadi right on track FlEET MANAGEMENT 14 Guarding against dirty downtime COMMODITY: PLATINUM 16 A renewed focus

digitalisation journey

28 Unveiling the future

ON THE COVER p4

MINE REHABILITATION 22 R ehab remains a challenge DRILLING & BLASTING 26 Getting the right blast PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES 27 Setting new limits HEALTH & SAFETY 32 Cleaner mines contribute to improved health and safety

20

32

@mining_news www.facebook.com/pages/ Mining-News

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

25 Epiroc’s automation and

MINING MACHINERY 8K al Tire group exceeds expectations

Grundfos has launched its new-generation CR pump range, which is set to redefine inline multistage pump limits.

Bullion producer DRDGOLD recently reported a 38% year-on-year increase in operating profit citing a rise in output and a drop in cash operating costs. Needless to say, the business remains on solid ground.

Endorsed by In sid e M in in g OCTOBE R /NOVE M BE R | 2018

1

New generation of Grundfos CR pumps

FOR ENGINEERS WHO LIKE TO MOVE THE LIMITS The new Grundfos CR moves the limits for multistage pumps.

Energy efficiency is improved beyond all known limits and maximum working pressure on the standard pumps is increased to 40 bar. Introducing new flow sizes up to 320 m3/h, Grundfos CR opens whole new worlds of possibilities for inline vertical multistage pumps.

Meet the new Grundfos CR at grundfos.com/cr

editor's comment

Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Mpinane Senkhane Journalist Phila Mzamo Contributor Charles Hurly, Marc Ramsay, Allan Reid Head of design Beren Bauermeister Designer Ramon Chinian Chief sub-editor Tristan Snijders Sub-editor Morgan Carter Client services & production manager Jayshree Maharaj Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial manager Andrew Lobban Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham Printers United Litho Johannesburg

The mining industry is future-fit

F

ollowing the buzz and excitement

did not disappoint and Kal Tire walked

that was Electra Mining Africa

away with the Innovation Award for its

2018, bulk commodity prices

Gravity Assist System, which renders the

continue to rise while precious

activity of changing lug nuts on a mining

metals still struggle; however, the local

tyre using the torque gun ‘weightless’,

mining industry has shown significant

making the process much safer and

general improvement, according to

significantly more efficient. The system

PricewaterhouseCoopers.

reduces common risks associated with

In the 10th edition of its SA Mine report,

torque gun tasks, including pinched

Tel: +27 (0)11 402 0571 ___________________________________

PwC revealed good news indicating that

fingers, muscle strain and fatigue. (Read

for the first time since 2012, capex for the

more on page xx.)

Advertising Sales

sector recovered from its lowest levels in 10

Jodi Haigh

years to reflect a 19% increase.

Tel: +27 (0)11 467 6224 jodih@lantic.net Jenny Miller Tel: +27 (0)11 467 6223 Email: jennymiller@lantic.net

___________________________________ 150 Rivonia Road, Morningside 2196 PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117

Sandvik launched its much-anticipated Leopard to attendees during the

“In 2018, total market capitalisation of

exhibition. In doing so, the company

the 31 companies analysed in this report

showcased the revolutionary drilling

recovered to R482 billion (2017: R420

excellence that one can always expect

billion). Although it is a R62 billion increase

from these high-tech Swedes. More on

on the previous year, it is still below the

this on page xx.

June 2016 level of R560 billion,” PwC stated.

Other aspects of the report revealed

With a record number of exhibitors at Electra Mining Africa this year, the industry

that iron ore saw an increase of R40 billion

mood was and continues to be optimistic

between 2017 and 2018 – increasing

and encouraging – I can already feel

www.3smedia.co.za ___________________________________

the commodity’s percentage share of

the anticipation for Electra Mining Africa

capitalisation from 13% to 20%. Total

2020 growing.

Annual subscription:

revenue generated by the companies

South Africa: R330.00

analysed for the financial year ending

(incl vat & postage)

30 June 2018 increased by 8%, or

Foreign: POA

R28 billion, on the prior year.

Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5

Email: subs@3smedia.co.za ISSN 1999-8872 Inside Mining Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. ___________________________________ All material in Inside Mining is copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Mpinane Senkhane

Additionally, with the Mining Charter now gazetted, it remains to be seen whether business and government can more effectively work towards a more stable South African mining climate.

In this issue of Inside Mining, we showcase DRDGOLD’s success over the last financial year. The company has seen incredible results, with projects outperforming expectations.

Electric Electra On the topic of outperforming expectations: for 46 years, Electra Mining Africa has been delivering an To our avid readers, be sure to sign up and get the latest updates and inside scoops from the mining industry. Check out what we are talking about on our website and Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and have your say.

effective platform to showcase the latest innovations, technologies and trends. It has become much more than a show, and I can safely say this year’s instalment was no different.

Innovation was the order of the week, with innovative new products and

@mining_news www.facebook.com/pages/ Mining-News

technologies showcased in clever, engaging ways. The content-rich exhibition

editor

In sid e M in in g OCTOBE R /NOVE M BE R | 2018

3

COVER STORY

DRDGOLD

on solid ground Bullion producer DRDGOLD recently reported a 38% year-on-year increase in operating profit, to R355.2 million, citing a rise in output and a drop in cash operating costs. Needless to say, the business remains on solid ground.

F

ounded in 1895, DRDGOLD is one of the oldest gold miners on the stock exchange. Even today, the business is staying

the course – developing and refining its strategy and deploying resources

business’ headline earnings per

Cost-cutting initiatives

– to mine not only profitably, but also

share were higher, at 1.7 cents per

Other cost-cutting initiatives identified

optimally, ensuring that it remains

share compared with 0.2 cents per

for the future include the conversion

sustainable well into the future.

share in the previous year. Free cash

of the plant’s electro-winning circuit to

The company says it is aware

flow of R93.4 million was generated,

zinc precipitation, which is expected

that achieving this requires bold

compared with a negative of

to yield cost savings of between R2

decisions, such as the disposal of its

R45.1 million in FY2017.

million and R2.5 million a month due

last underground assets, which has

mainly to a major reduction in the

allowed DRDGOLD to focus solely on

projects at Ergo were part of an

time to complete the final stage of

surface gold reclamation.

ongoing drive to keep the cost line

gold recovery – to around three hours

below the revenue line and this

from 18 hours – and from significant

initiative was completed by the end

cuts in the consumption of caustic

Neil Pretorius, CEO of DRDGOLD,

of FY2018, including ramp-up of

soda and cyanide.

indicated that the recent increase in

reclamation from the 4L50 slimes dam,

operating profit was partly due to a

containing some 20.5 Mt of material,

60 000 tpm ball mills reclaimed from the

10% rise in gold production, to 4 679 kg,

with an average grade of 0.256 g/t.

company’s decommissioned Crown

DRDGOLD today

and a 6% drop in cash operating

4

Pretorius said DRD’s three major

“Reclamation and retreatment over

Another is the installation of two

plant and refurbished at a cost of R41

costs, to R458 866 kg – notwithstanding

the next four years is expected to

million in order to process higher grade

a 3% decline in the average rand

result in greater plant stability and,

sands at better margins. An estimated

gold price, to R534 344/kg. The

thus, efficiency,” said Pretorius.

12 Mt to 15 Mt of sand is recoverable

Ins i de Mi n i n g O C TO B E R / N OVE MB E R | 2 01 8

COVER STORY from the Benoni Cluster. Pretorius said

from the various projects activated,

7.3 Mt will be targeted for reclamation

and to a material, bottom-line

over the next five years.

contribution from FWGR.

Recently, DRDGOLD acquired Far West Gold Recoveries (FWGR)

Ergo Mining

from Sibanye-Stillwater, which was

Ergo Mining has a vast footprint adjacent

previously known as the West Rand

to Johannesburg on the central and

Tailings Retreatment Project (WRTRP).

eastern Witwatersrand. Its assets

“A R300 million revolving credit facility

cover an area stretching approximately

has been secured from ABSA and work

62 km from east to west and 25 km from

has already begun on the first phase of

north to south. This large, single footprint

development,” said Pretorius.

was created as part of a rationalisation

Phase 1 involves the upgrading

process, done to simplify the structure

of the plant to process tailings

of DRDGOLD’s companies. A single

from the Driefontein 2 dump, at a

retreatment business also has the effect

rate of between 400 000 tpm and

of improving synergies and saving costs.

600 000 tpm, depositing the residue

The company’s flagship metallurgical

on the Driefontein 4 tailings dam.

plant, Ergo, some 50 km east of

The company said first production is

Johannesburg in Brakpan, and the

expected in Q1 2019.

Knights plant in Germiston combined

The FWGR acquisition has increased

comprise arguably the world’s largest

DRDGOLD’s gold reserves by

gold surface tailings retreatment facility.

approximately 82%, to 6.0 Moz.

Together with the milling and pump

Pretorius added that the company

station at City Deep (a former plant),

is looking forward both to improved

the new consolidated Ergo operation

performance from its Ergo operation

processes 2.0 Mt to 2.1 Mt of gold-

in FY2019, as benefits start to flow

bearing material a month.

THE ERGO STORY HISTORY: DRDGOLD ACQUIRES ERGO Ergo was re-established in 2007 as Ergo Mining (Pty) Ltd – a joint venture between DRDGOLD and Mintails Limited. The primary aim was to recover and treat – over a period of 12 years – some 186 Mt of surface tailings contained in the Elsburg tailings complex and the 5L/29 dump. These tailings were estimated to contain some 1.7 Moz of gold.

DRDGOLD acquired part of the Mintails stake in 2008, and the remainder in 2010.

LINKING THE ASSETS Ergo’s assets include access to some 750 Mt to 900 Mt of tailings deposited across the western, central and eastern Witwatersrand. Initially, four plants were involved in the retreatment of tailings. Rationalisation and restructuring have resulted in the decommissioning of the Crown and City Deep plants, and their conversion into milling and pump stations.

The Ergo plant – with a 25.2 Mt annual capacity – is treating material from a variety

of sources, the majority of which is fed to the plant via two feeder lines from the Elsburg tailings complex and the 5L/29 dump. Another 600 000 tpm is pumped from Crown Mines and City Deep via a 50 km pipeline, which was constructed to link the assets as part of the rationalisation process. The Crown footprint has since been decomissioned. Recently, the refurbishment of five unused CIL tanks at Ergo has increased processing capacity by 300 000 tpm, to 2.1 Mtpm.

www.drdgold.com

HEADING PLEASE

Mining news

from around the continent

role in realising the Vision 2036 pillar of

said. The government has said it is

sustainable economic development.

preparing to categorise cobalt and

“I must congratulate you for upholding

other metals as strategic, imposing

the aspirations of our national vision

a 10% royalty tax on producers,

by taking giant steps towards aiding

including Glencore and China

the nation through your CSI and other

Molybdenum Co. The measure,

programmes. With your support, I have

introduced as part of this year’s

no doubt that we will arrive at the

overhaul of mining laws, will add

Botswana we want by the year 2036,”

to other steps being taken by the

he said. He said the P1.5 million (R1.99

government to boost revenue from its

Acting President of Botswana Slumber

million) project showed commitment by

natural resources.

Tsogwane commended Jwaneng

the company to uplift the communities

Mine for its contribution towards

around the area while promoting

recommendations from a conference

the realisation of Vision 2036, a

social democracy.

organised by the Mines Ministry in the

BOTSWANA Jwaneng Mine’s CSI programmes strive to positively impact on economic development

Botswana

Jwaneng Mine’s contribution to Vision 2036

“The government is awaiting a set of

transformational goal of “achieving

south-eastern town of Kolwezi,” says

prosperity for all” Batswana.

Altesse Mutombo Kupa, deputy chief

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the Mahotshwane Tribal Administration office block, which was recently built by the

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Declaration on strategic metals expected end October

of staff: Socioeconomic, Fiscal Issues in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The decree identifying the strategic metals will be signed by the prime

mine, Tsogwane said the company’s

The DRC expects to issue a decree

minister “no later than 30 days”

corporate social investment (CSI)

identifying strategic metals by the end

from the date of receiving all the

programme played an important

of October, a government official has

recommendations, Kupa states.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Companies including Glencore, China Molybdenum and Randgold Resources have criticised new laws as violating their rights, as well as being a deterrent to future investment

South Africa

Randgold, Barrick Gold confirm US$18.3 billion merge Randgold Resources has agreed to an all-share takeover by Barrick Gold, in a mega merger that will create an US$18.3 billion (R257.4 billion) gold mining giant.

Under the terms of the deal, each Randgold shareholder will receive 6.1280 new Barrick shares for each share of the African rival, the

6

Ins i de Mi n i n g october / november | 2 01 8

SOUTH AFRICA

of the Kamativi Project,” said John

Barrick and Randgold have lost about a third of their market capitalisations over the past year

Jimbata, in a statement. “The results

McTaggart, managing director of generated confirm our belief in the project and underscore the significant

business opportunities for local suppliers.

The gold mining firm said in a

potential at Kamativi.

“The company now looks forward

statement that supply chain, sales

to aggressively pursuing further

companies said. Barrack shareholders

and payroll will be relocated into the

metallurgical test work in the planned

will own around 66.6% of the combined

country, and will be based mainly in Dar

development of the beneficiation

business, with Randgold shareholders

es Salaam, at each operating mine in

plant for Kamativi, in line with the

holding the remaining 33.4%,

the Lake Zone.

Rapid Results Initiative set out by the

according to the companies.

Randgold’s long-term CEO Mark

“Under the next phase of the transition plan, the remaining areas

government.”

The Kamativi tailings storage facility

Bristow will retain the same role in

of supply chain and sales functions,

is a man-made deposit that was

the new merged company, while

as well as the vast majority of payroll

created from dumps produced from

Barrick’s John Thornton will become

functions, will relocate to Tanzania by

processing of tin mineralisation at

the executive chairman.

the middle of 2019.

the KTM.

The combined group will own five of

Once complete, the transfer will mean

The tailings were deposited between

the world’s top 10 tier-one gold assets,

that core business support to the North

1936 to 1994 and are derived from

with two potential tier-one gold projects

Mara, Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi mines

the mining and processing of the tin-

under development or expansion.

will be situated within Tanzania,” the

bearing (spodumene-bearing lithium-

statement reads.

caesium-tantalum) pegmatites.

“The boards of Barrick and Randgold believe that the merger will create

Following the transition, staff and

The spodumene is the predominant

an industry-leading gold company,

functions located outside Tanzania will

lithium, with minor amounts of

with the greatest concentration of

mainly be servicing the Acacia Group

cookeite, zinnwaldite, petalite

tier-one gold assets in the industry, the

corporate function, and its exploration

and amblygonite.

lowest total cash cost position among

requirements elsewhere in Africa.

senior gold peers,” the companies

“These changes form part of our long-

The Mineral Resource Statement was based on geochemical analyses

said in a joint statement. The new

term strategy, where we aim to have

and density measurements, attained

group will consider selling non-core

our Tanzanian assets being led and

from drilling and pitting respectively,

assets over time.

operated by Tanzanian employees

undertaken between March and

from within Tanzania. The Acacia

June this year. A total of 115 vertical

Group continues to progress a number

holes were drilled at a nominal 100 m

of strategies within its supply chain

grid spacing. Initially, drilling was by

function with a view to further increase

coring, and later an auger method

its annual spend with Tanzanian-owned

was employed. Blank samples,

Acacia Mining plans to relocate its

businesses over the next six months,”

certified reference materials and

core business functions to Tanzania in

the company states.

duplicates were included with the

tanzania

Acacia to relocate core functions to Tanzania

drill hole samples.

mid-2019, being part of a localisation strategy expected to open more job opportunities for Tanzanians and

Zimbabwe

Kamativi gives positive drilling results Kamativi Tailings Company (KTC) said initial drilling results at its lithium project in Matabeleland North have indicated that it can be commercially viable.

KTC is a joint venture between Jimbata, operating as Zimbabwe Lithium Company and Kamativi Tin Mines (KTM), a subsidiary of Zimbabwe Mining Development Co. “The maiden resource statement marks the completion of another key milestone in the development

Mining machinery

Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group exceeds expectations Leading earthmover tyre service provider Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group has an extensive presence in mining districts across the globe. Over the years, it has built a reputation for innovation, reliability and outstanding service – standards the group exceeded at this year’s Electra Mining Africa exhibition.

BELOW Eric Bruggeman, CEO, SA Capital Equipment Export Council (left), and Peter Nilsson, manager: Innovation and R&D, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group, at Electra Mining 2018

M

ining operations are

come through to our stand to discuss

constantly challenged to

new opportunities for their mines and

maximise the efficiency

share information about new projects on

of their equipment –

the way. It has also been really good for

including the tyres that ultimately carry

relationship building with our customers,

the load. Kal Tire has the expertise to

especially outside the mine environment,

deliver fully on this front, particularly since

which is always great,” stated Patrick

the recent purchase of Tyre Corporation,

Brown, head: Sales and Marketing,

a leading mining tyre management and

Kal Tire South Africa.

tyre supply company.

With this acquisition came 900 team members, many of them skilled tyre

new clients, and allows the business to

technicians, joining Kal Tire’s already well-

develop a number of good leads.

established Mining Tire Group.

While Kal Tire is an international mining

“I am very confident that we will be able to turn the leads into sales, which is

tyre service and supply provider with 45

pleasing because we have everything

years of experience, serving more than

we have offered clients this week in stock

150 mines across five continents, Tyre

and are able to provide services that will

Corporation built a reputation of expertly

keep the customer happy.

serving South Africa’s underground mines.

In an interview at Electra Mining, Kal

“For us, Electra Mining is very important – we will definitely be back for the next

Tire’s Darren Flint – regional VP: UK, West

edition. It is important for our brand

Africa and VP: Tyre Lifetime Services –

to be out there and in the market in

said the company brought its global

this manner. It shows that we take our

standards and best practices for training,

customers seriously,” Brown concluded.

safety and culture while Tyre Corporation needs. Together, as Kal Tire South

Kal Tire wins innovation award at Electra

Africa, team members are delivering

In the last two years, Kal Tire has

an exceptional approach to maximising

expanded so much that coming back to

tyre performance. “At Electra this year,

Electra Mining was an absolute must and,

we have seen many existing clients

given its expansion, the company made

intimately knew its customers’ unique

8

He added, “Electra Mining provides the opportunity to engage with potential

8

Ins i de Mi n i n g au g u s t / s e p tember I|n2s0id 1 8e M in in g october /november | 2 0 1 8

Mining machinery FAST FACT Kal Tire’s Gravity Assist System reduces common risks associated with torque gun tasks, including pinched fingers, muscle strain and fatigue

“Investing in innovation at Kal Tire means we are developing practical solutions that not only improve the safety of how our teams work but also reduce the amount of time vehicles spend in tyre bays."

quite the impression at Electra this year.

R&D, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group. “We have

Day two focused on the launch of new

a strong team that continually assesses and

technology and innovations at the show,

develops ideas that are sent to us from our

with more than 60 products reviewed

team members on mine sites looking for

across three categories. Kal Tire’s

better solutions.

Gravity Assist System (GAS) received top

“Investing in innovation at Kal Tire means

honours in the category of International

we are developing practical solutions that

Mechanical and Technology Innovation,

not only improve the safety of how our

mainly for its simplicity and effectiveness.

teams work but also reduce the amount of

The average mining tyre has a lot of

time vehicles spend in tyre bays," added

lug nuts. Until now, support for the hefty

Dan Allan, senior vice president, Kal Tire’s

36 kg torque gun came through the

Mining Tire Group.

sheer brawn of the tyre technician.

“Our intent is to continually invest in

Today, the GAS essentially renders the

innovation that brings new products and

activity and the torque gun ‘weightless’,

solutions that help to increase our customers’

making the process much more safe,

efficiency, productivity and safety.”

efficient and precise. The system reduces common risks associated with torque gun tasks, including pinched fingers, muscle strain and fatigue.

“We are very excited that our latest innovation, the GAS, has once again received this level of recognition,” said Peter Nilsson, manager: Innovation and

www.kaltire.com

ONE SIZER FOR ALL TAKRAF Standardized Primary and Secondary Sizers are designed for comminution of different material types. They offer ease of maintenance, reduced downtime and long equipment service life ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Easy, quick and safe changing of crushing segments Use of advanced wear resistant materials – hard-faced segments and picks Primary Sizer: Feed sizes from 1,000 mm to 2,500 mm – throughput up to 12,000 t/h Secondary Sizer: Feed sizes from 200 mm to 800 mm – throughput up to 6,000 t/h In-house Mineral Laboratory supports Sizer selection

TAKRAF Africa 96 Loper Avenue, Aeroport, Spartan Kempton Park, 1619, South Africa T: +27 11 201 2300 A Level 2 B-BBEE Company takraf.afr@tenova.com www.takraf.com 125% spend recognition

The switchboard your installation deserves Blokset is the low voltage switchboard for electrical distribution and motor control Blokset switchboards have long guaranteed the durability and availability of several tens of thousands of installations the world over. Tried and tested reliability, overall performance and an attractive TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) have caused Blokset to become, the reference switchboard for a large number of panel-builders, industrial site managers and maintenance managers, in a few years.

www.schneider-electric.co.za

Legislation

Mining Charter III approved by Cabinet In September, Cabinet approved the long-delayed Mining Charter III and also approved the withdrawal of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill, which has been subject to the legislative process since 2013. So, what now, asks Allan Reid.

T

he draft mining charter was

Clarification needed

principle in the revised charter,

published for public comment

The percentage shareholding to

particularly given his appeal against

on 15 June 2018. The period

be allocated to communities and

the High Court judgment of 4 April 2018,

within which to submit

employees is not clear at this stage.

which finally recognised this principle.

Further details on the content of

comments was extended due to the

However, it would appear that mining

highly controversial nature of certain

companies can elect to offset 5% of

Mining Charter III are anticipated

provisions of the draft charter.

the community interest by investing in

to be revealed by President Cyril

community development instead. How

Ramaphosa during his announcement

to wait until the final charter is gazetted

this community investment will interact

on government’s eagerly awaited

to fully understand the amendments

with a mining right holder’s obligations

economic stimulus package.

made to the draft charter and the

under its Social and Labour Plan

impacts thereof, it would appear from

remains to be seen.

Although the mining industry will need

In the meantime, a mining industry in crisis holds its collective breath.

comments made by Minister Mantashe

The idea of a free carried interest

that the department has ameliorated a

has been heavily criticised as being

*Alan Reid is director: Corporate

number of the provisions following the

anti-investment and will make the

and Commercial Practice at

receipt of comments from the industry.

funding of new mining projects so

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.

The fact that there will at last be

much more difficult. It is hoped that

certainty in regard to this highly critical

this controversial provision will be

policy document is to be welcomed.

conceded in the final charter.

Of considerable importance is

The additional tax raised in the

the fact that it appears the trickle

draft charter for Human Resource

dividend of a minimum of 1% of

Development of 5% of the “leviable

EBITDA to community and employee

amount“ payable under the Skills

shareholders has been scrapped.

Development Levies Act (No. 9 of 1999)

Although black ownership requirements

has not been clarified as yet. It likewise

have remained at 30%, mining right holders who secured mining rights prior to the new charter being gazette will not have to comply with the new ownership percentages immediately, but would have to do so when they apply for a

remains to be seen whether the high targets set in regard to

Applicants with pending mining right applications will be afforded a transition period within which to achieve 30% black ownership

renewal of these rights.

This may, however, heavily impact mining companies whose rights

employment equity have been ameliorated.

The industry is also holding its breath in regard to revised targets for inclusive procurement, supplier and enterprise development, as well as

the criteria set for housing and living conditions.

Balancing the interests of the various

are due to be renewed within the

stakeholders was never going to be

near future. Applicants with pending

an easy task for Mantashe, and the

mining right applications will also be

industry is watching with interest to

afforded a transition period within

see how he will deal with the ‘once

which to achieve 30% black ownership.

empowered, always empowered’

In sid e M in in g october /november | 2018

11

Project: Manganese

Kalagadi right on track

K

Kalagadi Manganese Mine, owned by Kalahari Resources, is situated northwest of Hotazel, in the Northern Cape, on three farms that overlay an estimated 960 Mt of manganese ore. The development phase is well under way and the on-site contractor is well ahead of schedule.

alagadi Manganese Mine is a two-shaft system with a main man/material shaft and a separate ventilation shaft.

The main shaft, with a 9 m diameter, will reach a working level of 281 m and a loading level of 317 m. The ventilation shaft extends to a depth of 323 m and has a 6.7 m diameter.

The mine has been designed to produce 3 Mt of manganese ore at a grade between 36% to 38%, using the room-and-pillar method.

The development phase is well under way, and

throughput capacity and the sliping of the RAW to Level 261, which will facilitate access to the second tipping area.

Underground mining contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation formed a joint venture with BCM Underground Mining and was tasked with building up production to the shaft system’s nameplate capacity within the first 18 months of the five-year contract.

included in the work

Thereafter, the scope

is the completion

is to operate the mine

of the required

for the balance of the

underground

contract term.

infrastructure that

During this time,

will support ramp-

Murray & Roberts

up and sustainable

Cementation will

production at the mine into the future.

This will include conveyor systems, crushers, settlers and workshops, as well as the sliping of silo number 1 to ensure it has the requisite

12

transfer the necessary skills to grow BCM

Underground Mining, a 100% blackowned business, has solid relationships with stakeholders in the region.

Ensuring future success Otto Fourie, project executive, Murray & Roberts Cementation, says that, as a new mining operation of significant scale, it is essential to put in place worldclass systems to ensure not only the future success of the operation but also optimum safety within the operating environment. Just as important, he adds, is ensuring that the correct product quality is mined and delivered to the plant.

Processes and procedures have been implemented in accordance with

Underground Mining as an underground mining contractor; this is in line with the company’s commitment to continuing transformation. BCM

Ins i de Mi n i n g october / november | 2 01 8

LEFT Murray & Roberts Cementation's Visible Felt Leadership in action at all levels

Project: Manganese baseline risk assessments conducted, which took all factors into account.

Significantly, Murray & Roberts

A face drill rig in action at Kalagadi

Cementation has extensive experience on full turnkey projects like this and is well positioned to ensure that appropriate best practice systems are put in place.

“What is also significant is that we had a good project start-up and are well ahead of the contractual programme,” Fourie says. “This can be attributed to the level of planning and scheduling that forms part of our operating strategy on such projects. Adding to this are the extremely experienced and competent crews working on this project.”

Fourie says that as a fully mechanised operation, the correct deployment of skilled operators is key to the success of the project. “This has a direct impact on not only the production capability but also the safe operation of the mine.”

There are currently two crews in place and this will be increased in a phased manner to ensure that appropriate resources are in place for the rampup in October 2018. The project will eventually have 12 development crews, each with their own primary suite of equipment including a drill rig, roof bolter, LHD and trucks with the necessary secondary equipment.

Enterprise development in the area

A 14 t LHD in operation on-site at Kalagadi Manganese Mine

Murray & Roberts Cementation has embarked on a process of identifying

have been contracted to transport

or are undergoing refresher training to

local businesses, through its enterprise

personnel to and from site.

ensure competency.

development programme, that will be

The contractor brings to the project

In addition to this, there is the potential

able to supply goods and services to

the level of training provided to its

to set up a satellite training facility at

the project. Fourie says the intention is

employees through its own fully fledged

the mine itself and this will be used to

to develop these SMMEs to become

training academy in Carletonville.

train personnel on-site and to provide

sustainable businesses. A current

Crews allocated to the Kalagadi

basic training skills to communities in the

example is where local taxi organisations

Manganese Mine have either undergone

project vicinity.

An aerial view of the Kalagadi Manganese Mine

In sid e M in in g OCTOBE R /NOVE M BE R | 2018

13

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Guarding fleets against dirty downtime A total fuel filtration solution from Cummins Filtration has ensured that a haul-truck fleet at a copper mine in Zambia has achieved utilisation rates of between 85% and 90%, after previously experiencing operational difficulties relating to substandard fuel qualities.

T

he haul trucks were not achieving

engines themselves were also inspected,

the targeted 350-hour service

including the on-board filtration systems.

intervals on their fuel filters due

“Part of our recommendations was to

to sporadic blockages and

fix the water contamination issue in the

the fleet’s running time capacity was

fuel. We contracted clean-fuel solutions

reduced to 65%.

provider SupaFuel as an independent

Tinus Naude, mining manager, Cummins

present in the fuel, to put the correct

was requested to supply a solution to

maintenance practices in place, and

ensure that the fuel was delivered to the

to manage the mine’s bulk fuel system.

injectors at the correct cleanliness levels,

It also implemented the

allowing the fleet to achieve its intended

recommendation

service hours.”

from Fleetguard in

Already fitted with Cummins QSK50

terms of the mine’s

MCRS engines, on-board filters, injectors

on-board filtration

and injector pumps, failures were

systems,” Naude

occurring. A Fleetguard service team

elaborates.

was dispatched to the mine to carry out

Chris Chow,

site surveys to investigate the bulk fuel

owner of

storage system and on-board filtration.

SupaFuel and a

Contaminated fuel

qualified mining

During the second stage, it installed a FF5782 fuel filter with an all-in-one fuel/ water separator with NanoNet media.

“Since the solution was implemented in June 2017, the mine’s downtime has been reduced significantly.”

engineer, adds

and muddy, which meant it had

produced a report on the

not been delivered according

mine’s bulk fuel issue highlighting

to specification.

that it contained water. Therefore, the water had to be removed in order to

water and fungus,” Naude reveals.

maintain the cleanliness standard of the

Fungus only propagates in fuel in

bulk fuel to ensure that the fuel quality

the presence of free water, which

was sufficient to be used in the engines

therefore increases the likelihood of

without any subsequent damage.

The team inspected the mine’s on-

at 99.9% efficiency or ß1 000 @ 7 micron.

filtration solution using the

The bulk fuel was found to be cloudy

injector failures occurring.

contaminant removal efficiency available

NanoNet provides a final-stage

that his company

“We found that the fuel contained

14

party to verify that water was indeed

Filtration, explains, “Cummins Filtration

A comprehensive Fleetguard solution ensured that a haul-truck fleet at a Zambian copper mine achieved utilisation rates of between 85% and 90%

same nanofibre media technology as in the Fleetguard NanoForce air filters. The nanofibres woven into the media help capture and retain contaminants more efficiently, improving performance by up to 13 times compared to standard filters.

The advantage of the FH239 Series Industrial Pro is that it meets, and exceeds, OEM efficiency requirements, while the 67% increased media area ensures greater engine protection, providing for the highest level of fuel/water separation, and reduced flow restriction by up to 9%.

“Since the solution was implemented in June 2017, the mine’s downtime has been

Bulk filtration steps

engine filtration system, specifically

Cummins Filtration upgraded the mine’s

looking at the fuel-supplier’s

first-stage bulk fuel filtration system to a

maintenance, the results achieved, and

FH239 Series Industrial Pro in the first stage

the quality of the tests undertaken. The

of the upgrade – which provides the best

Ins i de Mi n i n g O C TO B E R / N OVE MB E R | 2 01 8

The efficiency of the haul-truck fleet at a Zambian copper mine was severely hampered by substandard fuel quality

BLAST HOLE DRILL SERIES

Did you know?

• The FH239 was developed to meet the needs of the OEMs that operate in the tough African mining conditions and help reduce downtime of heavyduty vehicles on mine sites by increasing the gap between oil and coolant changes.

reduced significantly, as injector and fuelpump failures declined substantially. This has provided for longer service intervals on the haul trucks, increased oil lifespan, and improved equipment availability, which have equated to significant improvements in production volumes at the mine, while generating substantial savings and reducing the total cost of ownership,” Naude concludes.

• The FH239 provides easy maintenance with its selfpriming pump. By simply spinning off the cap, users can pour in fuel and restart the engine with clean, filtered fuel.

The clear cover tells users when not to change their filter and offers a window into the system to see fuel condition and flow.

• The Cummins Fleetguard FH239 Series Industrial Pro diesel fuel filtration system and all-in-one fuel/water separator is ideally suited to primary, secondary and ancillary mining machinery.

Distribution and Product Support by:

Branches and Dealers throughout South Africa and Southern Africa

ELB Promise Right Job

Right Time

Right Way

www.elbequipment.co.za

+27 (0)11 306 0700 elb@elbquip.co.za

COMMODITY: platinum

A renewed focus on platinum As the Global Centre of Excellence for Mining and Minerals, WorleyParsons’ operations have recently experienced a surge in the Southern African platinum market, with a number of significant platinum projects to the combined value of almost R100 million currently under way in sub-Saharan Africa.

M A

renewed focus on platinum,

expertise in the platinum sector.

requirements; and improvements and

particularly in South Africa

Steve Gouws, business development

innovation in technology, expertise and

and Zimbabwe, has brought

director at WorleyParsons, attributes

production have allowed us to be more

a combination of new and

the company’s recent platinum project

time-efficient, flexible and effective,”

existing customers to WorleyParsons

awards to its unparalleled and cutting-

says Gouws. “While understanding and

as they seek out the company’s

edge technical skills developed and

the vision of a project are important,

world-leading concept-to-completion

honed at the world’s leading PGM

listening to the customer is key.”

expertise and major project design and

producers, together with flexible, tailor-

delivery capabilities within the minerals

made solutions that are responsive to

Stay in business projects

and metals sector. WorleyParsons has

customers’ economic needs.

Commenting on the renewed focus

broad-ranging experience developing

“Over the past few years, WorleyParsons

on platinum projects, Ryan Illingworth,

decline shafts across a spectrum

has consolidated and streamlined

project director at WorleyParsons, says

of mining industries, with specialist

operations to align with our customers’

that the new contracts are mainly stayin-business projects. In South Africa, the projects are concentrated on the eastern, western and northern limb of the Bushveld igneous complex, with services ranging from feasibility studies to a mix of engineering, procurement and construction management. These include a feasibility study for various life-of-mine underground extension projects on the western limb; detailed engineering, procurement and construction supervision services on the materials handling system and all other underground infrastructure for an extension at a platinum mine on the eastern limb; and detailed engineering

Steve Gouws, business development, WorleyParsons

16

Ryan Illingworth, project director, WorleyParsons

Ins i de Mi n i n g O C TO B E R / N OVE MB E R | 2 01 8

and project management support for the ongoing development of a new deep-level underground platinum

PGM FAST FACTS

1

According to many analysts, platinum production is not likely to rise in coming years. The majority (about 80%) of platinum is mined in South Africa. Approximately 10% is mined in Russia, and the rest is found in North and South America. Because platinum and other PGMs usually aren’t found in large amounts, they are often by-products from mining other metals. South African producers have already recovered most of platinum that is close to the earth’s surface. Today, producers must dig far into the earth’s crust for the metal. Deeper mining translates into higher production costs and less total production of the commodity.

2

Nearly half of the platinum that is mined is used in catalytic converters – the part

3

A cylindrical hunk of platinum and platinum alloy is used as the

4

PGMs are some of the rarest metals found on earth. There are two subgroups of PGMs: palladium group-platinum group elements

of automobiles that reduces

international standard for

(PPGEs) and iridium group-platinum group

toxic gases into less-toxic

measuring a kilogram.

elements (IPGEs). The first group consists of

emissions. Platinum and other

In the 1880s, about

platinum, palladium and rhodium. The second

PGMs can withstand the high

40 of these cylinders,

consists of iridium, osmium and ruthenium. No

temperatures required for the

which weigh about 1 kg,

PGMs tarnish and they are highly resistant to

oxidation reactions that reduce

were distributed around

heat and chemical attack. They are all excellent

the emissions.

the world.

conductors of electricity.

mine on the western limb – a project

on the materials handling system for a

in the platinum sector and has provided

WorleyParsons has been involved in for

new underground platinum mine. Both

a full range of services across the mining

over 10 years.

projects call for WorleyParsons’ bulk

value chain for major platinum projects,

materials handling expertise. “For the

including pre-feasibility, feasibility and

platinum projects in Zimbabwe includes

execution work we have in Zimbabwe,

early works projects, EPCM, bulk materials

a trade-off study for underground

we are equipped to put people on the

handling, procurement, manufacture,

mine access for a new mine; and

ground,” says Illingworth.

installation and commissioning, surface

WorleyParsons’ scope of work on

detailed engineering, procurement and construction supervision services

WorleyParsons has extensive experience in process plant and shaft sinking projects

infrastructure, personnel logistics, and multiple optimisation projects.

IT & COMMUNICATIONS

Structural data collection with televiewers

All mining excavations should have an appropriate geotechnical design that takes into account the rock mass structure, given the level of geotechnical investigation and design required by the geological and geotechnical complexity of the deposit.

P

it slopes may be economically sensitive where small changes in slope angle can have major consequences on

project economics, so accurate data collection is vital. Downhole televiewers can be considered a reliable, visual, fileable method for capturing structural data.

Televiewer tools Both acoustic (ATV) and optical televiewer systems collect images of discontinuities in a borehole using downhole geophysical survey equipment that can be oriented for structural logging. The acoustic televiewer transmits ultrasound pulses from a rotating sensor, recording the amplitude and the travel time of the signals reflected from the borehole walls to provide an image of the walls.

While downhole televiewers have previously been considered expensive, the costs are not adversely comparable to using traditional core orientation.

Such methods require the daily hiring of the orientation tool with geotechnicians and geologists supervising and logging (often 24 hours a day) at each working

While downhole televiewers have previously been considered expensive, the costs are not adversely comparable to using traditional core orientation

18

Ins i de Mi n i n g october / november | 2 01 8

IT & COMMUNICATIONS

rig. The quality of data captured and the influence that high-confidence structural data can have on a slope design can far outweigh the upfront costs of using the televiewer system.

The use of downhole televiewer methods can result in much improved confidence in rock mass conditions and structural data sets, which can produce greater confidence in slope designs.

Such systems can be used in all rock masses. Very heavily fractured rock masses can be lined with PVC to ensure borehole stability and orientation by ATV. The use of televiewer systems maximises data from boreholes and is a minimal cost in relation to a drill programme: typically, it is around 10% to 20% of the total drill cost, but it can cost much less if using existing open holes or very deep boreholes. These benefits can manifest greater optimisation of pit slopes, which can, in turn, lead to financial benefits when designing economically sensitive slopes, and confidence in design when developing slopes near critical quarry infrastructure.

Advantages of using the system are: • • • • •

Increased rock mass rating (only logging natural open structures) More accurate calculations of fracture frequency/joint spacing Reduced variability in orienting major joint sets Higher confidence in small-scale structures within the rockmass Increased confidence in the orientation, location and thickness/ intensity of major structures • Provision of fileable data that can be reassessed if necessary • Suitable for stable old boreholes and doesn’t always require new drilling programmes

Re

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WOMEN IN M INING

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-Moving from the integration to the development of women in mining Venue: Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg Date: 20 – 22 February 2019 For more information contact Mbali on +27 (0) 11 326 2501 or email bookings@intelligencetransferc.co.za

THE LEOPARD IS HERE Sandvik Leopard™ DI650i

S

andvik again expands its high-

production drilling applications in

components to boost its productivity.

pressure DTH drill rig offering

surface mining, as well as large-scale

The standard rotary head option –

with a new model, the Sandvik

quarry applications. In addition to

HTRH6 – has a proven track record

Leopard™ DI650i, designed

a powerful engine and compressor,

on current Sandvik DTH rigs. With the

for larger hole sizes. Balancing

it incorporates a highly ergonomic

Leopard DI650i, Sandvik also offer a

proven engineering solutions and

iCAB cabin; excellent serviceability,

new heavy-duty MRH6 option, which is

innovative new components, the

mobility and fuel economy; and

designed to perform in the most robust

new DTH drill rig offers excellent fuel

scalable automation packages to

environments and for larger hole sizes.

efficiency, improved safety and

offer excellent overall productivity.

It is a perfect fit for Sandvik’s new

higher productivity in challenging rock conditions.

The Leopard DI650i is designed for demanding high-capacity

20

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has expanded its high-pressure down-the-hole (DTH) drill rig offering, with the introduction of the new Sandvik Leopard™ DI650i model.

The drill was unveiled to the market for the first time at Electra Mining Africa.

Specifications

powerful RH560-series DTH hammers.

Pipe sizes range from 89 mm

The Leopard DI650i comes with

to 140 mm, depending on the size of

a range of new or redesigned

the hammer. The maximum hole depth

Ins i de Mi n i n g october / november | 2 01 8

Electra Mining

is 53.6 m when utilising the carousel option with pipe sizes from 89 mm to 114 mm. The capacity range of the 403 kW Tier 3 CAT C15 diesel engine and reliable compressor is adequate for high-pressure drilling with 100 mm to 165 mm DTH hammer sizes, while the drill rig is designed for 115 mm to 203 mm size holes.

Thanks to excellent visibility of the drilling area and a single integrated touch screen for all monitoring, diagnostics and mining automation displays, the Leopard DI650i’s silent,

Sandvik Leopard DI650i (inside view)

Sandvik Leopard DI650i (rear view)

productive working environment. The

the hydraulic system’s cooler fan

“We have had a long-standing

maintenance crew can carry out all

can reduce fuel consumption by up

relationship with Moolmans. Through

daily servicing tasks at ground level

to 15% compared with conventional

the development stage of the

on either side of the machine. The

DTH rigs. The Leopard DI650i’s fuel

Leopard, we took into account the

advanced serviceability and reliability

efficiency is further boosted by

input we received from the Moolmans

features can increase the Leopard

the flow-controlled drilling control

team in South Africa,” says Joanne

DI650i’s availability by up to 20%

system that eliminates fluctuations in

Cooke, president: Surface Drilling and

compared with conventional DTH rigs

airflow, instead allowing the pressure

Exploration, Sandvik.

at a similar technology level.

level to fluctuate in response to

ergonomic iCAB cabin provides the rig operator with a safer,

Intelligent control technology applied in both the compressor and

Lars Engström, president, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, together with Rumisha Motilal, business line manager: Surface Drilling, Sandvik

Stuart White, managing director,

more difficult ground conditions

Aveng Moolmans, says the company

and increased back pressure (e.g.

is in the process of finalising the deal

due to groundwater or collapsing

for the rig with Sandvik, which is set

holes). This makes maximum flushing

to be used at one of the company’s

pressure and penetration rates

operations in the Northern Cape.

available in the most challenging rock

“The relationship we have built

conditions, while still retaining the low

with Sandvik over the years has never

fuel consumption of the traditional

disappointed us, and made this

pressure-control approach in easy

collaboration all the more easy and

ground conditions.

beneficial. The operator feedback

The Leopard DI650i joins

and requirements we collected for

Sandvik’s other i-series drilling rigs

Sandvik made for a more customer-

in its compatibility with the newest

centric approach on Sandvik’s part,”

scalable automation solutions. The

says White.

latest on-board options include

White adds that the location was

TIM3D drill navigation with wireless

chosen for logistical purposes, with

data transfer, the My Sandvik fleet

Sandvik able to be readily available to

monitoring system and full-cycle

troubleshoot any challenges that may

drilling automation, which merges

arise from first-time on-site operation.

functionalities such as uncoupling,

“As a company, we really look

feed auto-aligning and feed auto-

forward to using the rig on-site.

positioning into a single efficient

With the cost savings on fuel we

sequence. These capabilities can

are set to make as well as the

be further upgraded with more

features and accuracy of the drill,

advanced modules such as single

there will be undeniable benefits,”

rig or fleet remote control systems by

White concludes.

Automine® Surface Drilling.

Moolmans collaboration The Leopard is the culmination of years’ worth of design, testing and manufacture by Sandvik, which collaborated closely with important customers such as Aveng Moolmans in designing the rig.

www.rocktechnology.sandvik

In sid e M in in g october /november | 2018

21

MINE Rehabilitation

Mine rehab remains

a challenge

Despite South Africa’s mine closure laws comparing well internationally, the country can boast very few examples of successfully implemented mine closure; instead, over 6 000 mines have been abandoned without adequate rehabilitation.

T

his situation is unlikely to

“Too often, both mine owners and

endure; soon, mine closure

regulators overlook the importance

will be regulated under the

of scientifically derived, realistic

National Environmental

closure targets – with owners making

Topsoil harvesting for rehabilitation in advance of opencast mining

Management Act (No. 107 of 1998),

overambitious, impracticable

closure – to achieve the closure vision,

which will require that provision is

commitments that cannot be

the cost to implement these measures,

made for the ongoing rehabilitation,

implemented, or are ignored during

and the metrics against which to assess

closure and management of residual

the life-of-mine,” he says. He notes

rehabilitation performance, so that

environmental impacts. This is the belief

that the new regulations will also

reporting and adaptive management

to Matthew Law, senior environmental

impose strict penalties for defaulters,

can be better facilitated.

management consultant and

including possible imprisonment – while

economist, SRK Consulting.

stakeholders become increasingly vocal

An SRK case

about inadequate closure.

Citing an example where SRK

“In the past, failure to comply posed a

Consulting was recently appointed

limited risk,” says Law. “However, the risk

to assess the success of rehabilitation

profile is changing, and mines will soon

performance at a large opencast mine

need to have their financial provision

on the west coast of South Africa, Law

for closure independently audited and

says the owners wanted to establish

subjected to stakeholder engagement.”

the level of rehabilitation that could be

It is, therefore, becoming vital for mining operations to understand accurately what can be achieved

achieved in the long term using their current rehabilitation methods.

“The owners required a robust system

with regard to rehabilitation, and

to monitor and measure ongoing

the residual environmental impacts

rehabilitation performance at the

that are anticipated. Mines must also

mine, without the need for specialist

carefully define the measures that

supervision,” he explains. “Previous

must be undertaken annually – and at

owners of the mine had committed to returning the site to baseline agricultural or ‘grazing’ potential, an end-use

Matthew Law, senior environmental management consultant and economist, SRK Consulting

22

believed by the owners and regulator to be achievable, despite the intensive rehabilitation failing to deliver this goal.”

I n sid e M in in g october /NOVE M BE R | 2 0 1 8

MINE Rehabilitation

A mined-out site in an advanced state of rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and closure:

The basics

In common with many other countries, holders of mining and prospecting rights in South Africa are required to provide financial guarantees for rehabilitation, which is formally achieved when documented closure commitments are met and confirmed by the issuing of a Closure Certificate by the Department of Mineral Resources.

The company subcontracted a restoration ecologist to sample proximate

A mined-out site under rehabilitation (left) adjacent to an active opencast pit (right)

rehabilitation costs. “This significantly reduces the risks to the owner at closure,

sites and provide a pre-mining reference

in the face of more stringent closure

baseline. A customised grazing index

regulations, strict penalties for non-

for the region – a composite of topsoil

method developed for the mine’s

compliance, and increased private and

cover, seedbanks and plant species

local ecological conditions during

public oversight in the sector,”

composition – was developed to quantify

baseline sampling, and grazing values

Law concludes.

agricultural potential and value; and the

were calculated using the customised

grazing value of sample or baseline sites

grazing index.

was calculated using the index.

Custom quantitative metrics

“This assessment revealed that, although significant vegetation cover had been achieved – in other words,

“The results provided the mine with the

there was sufficient biomass that ‘looked

first quantitative measure of baseline

good’ – progress in returning the site to

grazing value, a metric against which

agricultural potential has been slow,”

the success of rehabilitation could be

Law adds. “This indicated that, at the

assessed,” states Law. “This represented

historical trajectory of rehabilitation,

a significant step forward in closure

residual liabilities would be high and

planning at the mine.”

closure would not be achieved, or that

Subsequently, rehabilitation

additional or alternative interventions

performance at the mine was

were required during the remaining

assessed by sampling, using the

life-of-mine.”

Using baseline grazing value as a metric proved to be an innovative performance

“Too often, both mine owners and regulators overlook the importance of scientifically derived, realistic closure targets.”

monitoring and measurement system, and has helped the mine owner pilot new and enhanced rehabilitation techniques, accurately assess and report on rehabilitation, facilitate adaptive management of rehabilitated areas, and update annual and final financial provisions to accurately reflect

UNEARTH

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electra mining

A

ndrew Main, regional business line manager for Epiroc’s Underground Rock Excavation (URE) division,

asserts that “while automation and digitalisation have a wide range of definitions and applications, as well as different levels of maturity for us and our customers, one thing is certain – the necessity for these technologies is here and is becoming ever more applicable as the need for reduced costs and improved productivity and safety increases.”

He continues, “We have embraced the hunger of our customers for automation and digital solutions on two levels: the introduction of a number of new, groundbreaking offerings as well as the

Epiroc’s automation

and digitalisation journey

Epiroc’s cutting-edge automation and digitalisation technologies were demonstrated by its exceptional team at Electra Mining 2018.

necessary customer and equipment support through the establishment of

machine data, which is translated into

and automation. But Main is quick

the Regional Application Centre (RAC)

formats that align to customer KPIs. Once

to point out that in order to realise

in Johannesburg, which is one of five

connected, the information is presented

the benefits offered by these

centres based in key cities, with the

on a web portal, making it available on

technologies – safety, predictability,

others located in Denver, USA; Toronto,

a mobile device, anywhere, at any time.

operational stability, efficiency and

The benefits of this web-based solution

productivity – there is more to it than

Canada; Santiago, Chile; and Perth, Australia. Applying global expertise

can be further optimised with the

mere implementation. The key to

combined with local knowledge,

addition of Mobilaris, an integration and

overall success is also about operating

the RAC will focus more closely on

visualisation tool that boasts myriad key

to plan, having real-time monitoring,

supporting customers over the complete

features, including location and machine

and being able to institute corrective

range of Epiroc ‘smart’ equipment.”

status, operator information and

measures as soon as possible.

He adds that digitalisation as a

communication, face and application

In addition, the ability to ensure

whole can optimise various aspects

knowledge, task scheduling, and man

quality and reduce human error

of the production cycle by ensuring

and machine tracking.

will lead to predictable outcomes

continuous monitoring and real-time

“Today, the use of tools like Mobilaris

and continuous optimization, while

communications during the shift.

will enhance efficiency; this information

using the available tools to assist will

If, however, digitalisation can be

at our fingertips will be accurate and

ensure operational stability. Epiroc

complemented with automation, Main

presented in a way to make fast

says it shows its 100% commitment by

says the result would be exponential, as

decisions possible,” insists Main.

assisting and supporting customers

‘dead’ time (shift change, clearance

The industries and applications Epiroc

time and other potential interruptions)

serves are prone to safety risks, and the

journeys. This – combined with

could now be utilised with consistency.

role of automation comes to the fore

the development of key skills

in such cases. The automation of some

and competencies through the

of the functions removes operators and

RACs, backed by local support –

Epiroc’s current solutions include real-

personnel from high-risk areas, allowing

differentiates Epiroc in the automation

time machine status, data collection

the machines to do the work, monitored

and digitalisation space.

and analysis to produce key information

remotely from a safe control room.

Innovative solutions

to suit customers KPIs. These have been

during their digital and automation

During Electra Mining 2018, the Eprioc team demonstrated and showed

boosted through recent innovations,

Sustainable future

namely Certiq and Mobilaris. Certiq is a

There is no doubt that the sustainable

technologies that are set to inspire and

baseline tool used to remotely gather

future of mines hinges on digitalisation

prepare industry for change.

live examples of state-of-the-art

october /november | 2018

25

Drilling & blasting

Getting the right blast

Quality and value are possibly two of the most overtraded words in the marketing realm. When not linked to any reference or qualifier, they become phrases that have no real commercial relativity and can become meaningless in the purchasing decision.

This even applies to explosives, writes Charles Hurly, marketing lead for Solar Mining Services.

T

consistency and fragmentation results of the product used. One could apply a similar logic to drilling operations too – e.g. was the drilling done according to planned spacing and depth?

Companies in the automotive industry take uncompromising positions on stipulating what fuels, coolants, oils and even tyres are used with their vehicles to ensure their marketed performance and reliability meet customer expectations.

he quarrying industry relies on

their quarries that can be improved.

various inputs and efficiencies

In explosives, this could relate to

based on an accurate budgeted

consistency of viscosity, chemical

Custom explosives

cost per tonne for aggregate

stability of emulsions and predictable

Solar Mining Services, a new dynamic

and acceptable margin from a typically

VODs. If these parameters are all

entrant to explosives and explosive-

fixed sale price. Costs need to be

in check and the final sensitising of

related services for the mining and

managed stringently and throughput

the product is done correctly, the

quarry sectors in South Africa, can

increased to achieve higher returns. As

explosives will perform work down the

offer a tailor-made approach to assist

explosives form a large cost of quarrying

borehole predictably.

its customers in understanding the

operations, one needs to understand

Of course, the real measurement

price curve.

what defines quality, and the impact of

of a good or brilliant blast can be

that quality on quarry profitability.

complicated to assess, given all the

don’t use a generic pricing model as

Using known values of new and

We price for fit for purpose, where we

variables. Typically, the blame game

prescribed by an ammonia index but

qualified raw materials in the

of poor explosives quality, poor drilling

rather an ammonium nitrate indexed

manufacturing process of explosives

control and/or poor blasting timing

formula that reflects our business

gives theoretical blasting equations real

designs, to name a few, is often used

model, to keep the input costs for

value for powder factors. This equates

when the outcome is not as planned. Is

our customers as competitive and

to measurable results (all other factors

this not the dilemma that often leads to

transparent as possible.

being equal).

doubt and friction between internal and

There is consistent quality in the

external parties on where the problem

final product, because of the

can be in an operation? Unless there is

procurement of vetted raw materials

obvious evidence, there is always the

in the manufacturing process for

question as to which party should bear

emulsions. This means that consumers

the responsibility.

can have confidence in the explosives

26

can affect energy values, reliability,

Part of this solution lies in ensuring

products as they will deliver energy

the quality and reliability of the

reliably and consistently. This allows

explosive used, as this can rule out a

operations to form a departure point

potential issue attributed to explosives

or baseline to measure improvements

performance. Manufacturing quality

and concentrate on other areas of

is of paramount importance as this

www.solargroup.com

Pipes, Pumps & Valves

Setting new limits Grundfos South Africa unveiled the new-generation CR pump range during Electra Mining 2018. This new range of Grundfos pumps sets new limits of what is possible, with world-class efficiency upgrades and flow sizes up to 320 m3/h.

G

rundfos, the global leader in

working pressure and significant energy-

advanced pump solutions

efficiency upgrades, the CR range opens

and a trendsetter in water

new worlds of opportunity for engineers.

technology, has launched

a new generation of the world’s most

The new CR specifications

modular pump range, which is set to

The new generation, which will also

redefine inline multistage pump limits.

introduce three extra-large flow

Grundfos contributes to global

development and testing of new

that improve quality of life for people

hydraulic designs, and engineered using

and care for the planet. As such, its

state-of-the-art production methods –

core activity aligns closely with the

including a fully automated and flexible

sustainability aspects of how we use

production line.

“The new CR will significantly move

With approximately 18 000 employees

the limits for energy efficiency, which is

working out of 56 countries around the

especially important when working with

world, the company has released the

large pumps. The increases to maximum

much-anticipated new generation of the

working pressure and flow will also mean

world-famous Grundfos CR pumps, which

that the new generation can be used

will increase efficiency and maximum

even more widely. Engineers working with

working pressure, while almost doubling

the new CR will literally have millions of

maximum flow to 320 m3/h.

customised solutions available to them,”

The world has changed in many ways

explains Niren Rohanlal, lead business

since Grundfos invented the world’s

development manager at Grundfos

first vertical multistage centrifugal inline

South Africa.

pump back in 1972. But the company

Niren Rohanlal, lead business development manager, Grundfos South Africa

sizes, is based on extensive research,

sustainability by pioneering technologies

water and manage water quality.

Henning Sandager, regional head, Grundfos subSaharan Africa

The new 40 bar standard working

says the drive to keep moving the limits

pressure is ideally suited for applications

of what’s possible for its customers has

like filtration, reverse osmosis and

always remained the same. With three

boiler feed. And with its increased flow

new large flow sizes, higher standard

capacity, the CR will even be able to take on high-flow applications – such as large waterworks – which have until now been served by other pump designs.

The new generation of Grundfos CR pumps has been designed for maximum energy efficiency and performance across the board

Address: 16 Lascelles Road, Meadowbrook, Germiston

The new CR pump range offers truly world-class energy efficiency, beating its already outstanding forerunners

Tel: +27 10 248 6000 Web: za.grundfos.com

electra mining

unveiling THE FUTURE Drive and automation specialist SEW-Eurodrive South Africa gave some insight into the future of mining at Electra Mining Africa 2018, showcasing the latest innovations the company plans to introduce locally in the future.

A

mong these upcoming

area where we can effect such efficiencies

trends, explained Norman

is in materials handling applications. This is

Maleka, national sales and

why we added the ECDriveS® 24 V drive

marketing manager, SEW-

system for light-load conveyor applications

Eurodrive SA, are mechatronic industrial gear (MIG) units. These represent the

to the display,” said Maleka.

“The fact that we are in a position to

convergence of gears, motors and

predict what the technology trends in

decentralised inverters in a single,

the mining industry will be in the short to

handy package.

long term and have already developed

According to Maleka, this is an exciting

products to meet such demands places

future technology for the mining industry,

us in a very good position to keep our

especially with the increasing trend

customers up to date with the future

towards automation to cut costs and

of mining.”

boost productivity. He added that the MIG unit is an innovative solution that

Evolution of SEW

ensures practical benefits and profitability

Maleka said Electra Mining provided a

across all stages, from the initial inquiry

platform for event-goers to witness the

right through to maintenance.

company’s evolution, as an innovator,

“Mining operations are under constant pressure to reduce supply-chain costs. One

solutions provider and essential partner to the mining industry.

He said, “Electra Mining Africa is an important opportunity for us to showcase

Norman Maleka, national sales and marketing manager, SEW-Eurodrive SA

our competencies. We have always perceived the exhibition as a major platform to realise this goal, and to reach a far bigger audience to whom we can showcase our product portfolio.

The LTP-B Eco HVAC drive for fan and pump control was on display at Electra Mining Africa 2018

specialised products – such as the LTP-B Eco HVAC drive. Maleka said these products cover various applications, which is why they were bound to be an industry favourite. “This drive can extract dust or circulate clean air in a shaft. It can pump out slurry water, or even pump in water for cooling applications. It is a new product for us, which is why it was at the forefront at Electra Mining Africa 2018.”

Maleka concluded by saying mining tended to shy away from sophisticated technology, and has historically relied on manual labour. He said the uptake of automation has been slow because it is such a difficult operating environment.

“Any equipment installed has to be sufficiently rugged and durable to withstand these conditions. This is why we also focus on solutions specifically for mineral processing plants, which have a greater demand for new technology.

“More importantly, our continued presence at the exhibition shows our customers that, despite the tough business environment, we are still standing, and we are close at hand to listen to and assist them with their requirements.”

Also on display were the company’s energy-saving initiatives, which included the application of variable-speed drives for motor control, as well as newer, more

28

Inside Mining october/ november | 2 01 8

www.sew-eurodrive.co.za

IT & Communications

The digitisation challenge Mining executives, facing the prospect of digital mining transformation, have issues with the more complex areas of digital solutions implementation, generational workforce evolution and legacy transition challenges, which is where Schneider Electric is able to offer its expertise. By Marc Ramsay

T

he major questions we are asked

to return to the industry – resulting in a

have a number of global, regional and

often revolve around whether digi-

shrinking experienced workforce and

local partners with which we team up to

tisation is suitable for mining opera-

overall shrinking of skills. We get caught

define solutions and assist with functional

tions of all sizes; how to enable work

in a repetitive cycle of learning curves;

specification, delivering suitable solutions.

forces; how to identify the most pertinent

however, technologies now allow the

Our global ecosystem of partners, both

and quick-win areas needing digital trans-

industry to do more with less. Whether

internal and external, helps our customers

formation and how Schneider Electric can

it is mobility applications or decision-

realise the benefits of digital mining

facilitate this transformation journey.

making tools, or capturing intrinsic

transformation solutions, wherever they are

knowledge into the supporting systems,

on the planet.

We advise that, in the initial stages, companies should start with a quick

we can provide the same output, or

review of their raw materials and products,

provide the same quality with fewer

sensing, data analysis and optimisation,

as they progress through their overall

people. That is one dimension of the

to make real-time decisions for more

supply chain. It is important to analyse

workforce transformation.

complex resources. We have considerable

areas of constraint, as these problem

Another dimension is the length of time

Schneider Electric is active in smart

expertise in augmented analysis and

areas are the best starting point. Data

that a given employee will stay with the

decision-making solutions and ultimately

sources and stability in basic operations

same company or job role. The days

delivering those solutions that come from

should always be identified before the

where people worked at an operation

smart sensing. We can also team with

implementation of digital solutions. This is

for their entire career are long gone.

partners or external companies that focus

because the implementation of digital

We must get our workforce trained and

on smart sensing to arrive at a mine’s

methods will amplify the issues and limit

operational in a safe and effective

exact required solution.

the application of more advanced

manner faster than ever before. There is a

digitisation smart sensors. The real benefit

large population of the workforce retiring

of Schneider Electric software on-site,

will also not be gained until this function is

within the next five to ten years. This

whether it be a complete solution or

stable and efficient.

means it is time to leverage digitisation

simple equipment parts. Some of our

methods and simulators to more quickly

customers include Codelco from Chile,

of all sizes benefit from digital mining

meet the new-generation workforce’s

Rio Tinto North America and smaller

transformation. While the major mining

transient characteristic with systemised

mining companies from Australia. We look

companies started the trend, the players

experience. This generation is very

forward to implementing many more of

on the next tier down are getting benefits

digitally savvy and they expect a higher

these solutions in South Africa’s mining

equal to, or greater than, the early

level of intuitive digital user interfaces in

industry to assist with the jump into the

adopters. As technology and cloud

applications than any generation seen

digital future.

scalability become more affordable, it is

before. Monochrome enterprises will not

easier and more economical than ever

cut it anymore. Digitisation is the next step

*Marc Ramsay is the vice president:

before for all mining companies to benefit

that all mines must take to be relevant for

Industry Business Unit at Schneider

from digital mining transformation solutions.

their own staff.

Electric South Africa.

New workforce, new ideas The next-generation workforce

International experience in complex solutions

transformation will impact everyday

The majority of Schneider Electric’s

operations and the digital mining

mining expertise, gained over a number

transformation. Every time a resource-

of decades, is scattered across the

based industry goes through a downturn,

global mining hotspots, with teams in

many of the skills must be resized out of

Australia, Latin America, North America,

the organisation – unfortunately, never

Europe and, of course, South Africa. We

We notice that mining companies

Almost all mines have some component

In sid e M in in g october /november | 2018

29

Products & Services

market news

driving the industry forward Rocketmine secures drone contracts in Africa

Rocketmine

Rocketmine, a subsidiary of the international Delta Drone Group, continues to affirm its position as the leader in UAV solutions for the mining sector. The company has renewed its

contract with South African mining giant Exxaro Resources Group to provide the mine with survey and mapping solutions to the Grootegeluk site in Limpopo.

This forms part of an organisational plan to evolve towards the ‘digitised mine of the future’ concept, where real-time mine planning and execution can be conducted to improve mining efficiency and production. Grootegeluk mine site contains various hazards and dangers to surveyors. The survey and mapping solution aims to get surveyors out of dangerous areas to increase safety and data turnaround time. One of the mine’s primary driving force in optimising the efficiency of its operations is to meet the demand requirements of the Medupi power station.

“Our professional service and accurate data have been our greatest advocates, while safety and our costeffective approaches contribute to more streamlined and productive output – assisting clients to achieve their targets,” explains Christopher Clark, managing director, Rocketmine.

Mines gain value through digitisation The mining industry will benefit in areas not previously recognised through the integration of operation technology (OT) and IT systems and data.

The reservations relating to change are inevitable but once started, the benefits become obvious and exponential.

“These disruptive changes, which come from digitalisation – i.e. doing things differently using digital technologies – will express themselves as new business operating models. These models and technology deployments will also create opportunities for technology suppliers and services providers as well as potential

new market entrants into the mining sector,” explains Marc Ramsay, vice president: Industry, Schneider Electric South Africa. Other changes from digitalisation include: •B usiness operating models will change through greater automation and interconnection.

• T he commercial basis from which suppliers of mining companies, equipment manufacturers, services providers and technology providers operate will change.

• T he mine ecosystem will be interconnected and far more intelligent.

“Overall, the transformation is in the creation of mining organisations built around agile mining operations. These agile mining operations are enabled through the utilisation of data for improved decision-making processes in a shorter period, with a continuous flow of data and insights at all levels across the mining value chain.”

The D-Series includes a flat 10 t or 15 t rotator with 360-degree endless rotation for precise positioning

KINSHOFER’s D-Series grapples increase excavator versatility Global manufacturer of highquality excavator and loader crane attachments Kinshofer offers its D-Series grapples with a new light, compact and flexible shell, ideal for sorting and demolition.

The attachments feature 360-degree endless rotation for precise positioning, to give construction, demolition and recycling contractors optimal control when grabbing materials. D-Series grapples are available for 2 t to 80 t excavators.

“The D-Series provides contractors with exceptional jobsite versatility,” says Francois Martin, general manager, Kinshofer North America. “The powerful grapples enable operators to grab, sort and move a variety of materials easily.

Further, their design incorporates multiple features that reduce maintenance and extend service life.” Conventional heavyduty hydraulic cylinders with hydraulic damping protection power the D-Series, while Kinshofer’s patented HPXdrive powers the D04HPX, D06HPX, D09HPX and D35HPX. The cylinder-less HPXdrive system provides constant closing force compared to competitive grapples and reduces overall cost of ownership by about 50% compared to conventional models.

The grapples feature exchangeable cutting edges, manufactured with 500 HB steel for exceptional longevity.

The cutting edge is also reversible to further extend service life.

Kinshofer’s patented HPXdrive powers the D04HPX, D06HPX and D09HPX, and provides a greater power-toweight compared to competitive attachments

Matthew Campbell, sales representative, Banding and Identification

Imilingo makes strides at Electra Mining 2018 Imilingo Mineral Processing showcased its modular iPlant™ products as well as the iDredge™, and launched the company’s latest innovation, the iDredgeXRT™ – a world first in alluvial diamond mining – at the show.

The iDredge has been in operation since May 2018 and is currently proving greatly successful for Africa Resources in the DRC, while the iDredgeXRT – commissioned by Monthe Real LDA in Angola – is currently in the final design stages before fabrication, which is expected to start early 2019.

The iDredgeXRT will consist of a dredge housing two Tomra XRT sorting machines, a submersible pump with excavators, a clamshell, a sizing screen, and two dieselelectric generators to power the system.

The dredge also includes 3D sonar for viewing the pumping operations and global positioning system, to track the locations where mining has been done.

“The fact that only one processing step is required when utilising the XRT technology makes this solution a huge win in terms of process efficiency. In other words – the material is mined and then processed through the XRT machine (in one processing step) to achieve a hand-sortable product.

The material quantity is small enough that no other mechanised step is required,” commented Jaco Prinsloo, managing director, Imilingo.

As leading integrators of sensor-based sorting technology, Imilingo is well positioned to change the alluvial diamond mining landscape. “Tomra is a world leader in XRT technology and we pride ourselves on integrating that technology seamlessly into our fit-for-purpose solutions for our clients. The iDredge has been a great step forward for us in transforming the landscape of operations.“To have a project combining our groundbreaking dredging solution with the Tomra technology in our iDredgeXRT is an exciting adventure we are embarking upon. We believe we are able to capture the opportunities within the mining industry to innovate and execute cuttingedge technology. We are excited about the prospects of this latest innovation in drastically changing the way alluvial mining is executed. Any opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable transformation of the mining industry is a massive driving force for us,” said Prinsloo.

The products and services provided by Imilingo enjoyed an overwhelming response from delegates and media, with a great deal of interest being shown in the company’s dredging solutions and XRT technology integration. “We’ve had some great media coverage at the show and you never know what will come of the exposure. This has been a valuable exercise from which I have no doubt we will reap the rewards in the future,” concluded Prinsloo.

Easy Read makes tagging valuable assets simple An identification system for everything from hoses to heavy equipment, which is easy to both install and read, is available from Banding and Identification Solutions Africa. The Easy Read system means maximum tagging effectiveness for enhanced traceability.

Easy Read is essentially a tagging system comprising precut characters (A to Z) and numerals (0 to 9), in addition to special symbols, and available in a range of sizes. Being precut, there is no need for specialised tooling. End users can also only acquire those letters, numbers or symbols applicable to their specific serial numbers, enhancing the system’s holistic effectiveness. The Easy Read characters are slid on to a carrier, which is then attached to any items such as hoses, cables or machinery, or they can be used as ‘flag’ tags. They are manufactured from Grade 316 stainless steel, meaning that they can withstand highly corrosive environments.

Easy Read can also be used in conjunction with PPA-coated Grade 316 stainless steel reusable cable ties to provide a total, costeffective ‘tag-and-clamp’ solution. These cable ties are, in turn, also colour coded for easy identification. Characters can be slid directly on to a 10 mm or smaller cable tie to create a self-contained ‘wrap’ tag.

Atlas Copco launches oil-injected screw compressor The GA 90+-160 (VSD+) oil-injected screw compressors, the latest air compressor range in Atlas Copco’s smart AIR solutions portfolio, are designed for reduced energy consumption and ease of installation and service. The range features state-of-the-art compression elements with smart injection technology, coupled with highly efficient oil-cooled IE4 and IE5 motors that require no service interventions. The new Elektronikon® Touch controller with integrated smart algorithms further reduces energy consumption. The latest generation

of GA compressors is particularly well suited to the mining industry, metal processing and power plants, where its IP66 drive train offers complete protection from environmental dust and moisture, ensuring reliable operation even in the harshest environmental conditions. This reliability also provides long and trouble-free life in general industrial applications in ambient temperatures of up to 55°C. Optimum efficiency is ensured through a highly efficient drive train, low internal pressure drops, and precise control from the Elektronikon Touch. ​

Atlas Copco launches its latest highefficiency oilinjected screw compressor Atlas Copco`s latest generation of GA compressors is suited to the mining industry, metal processing and power plants

In sid e M in in g october /november | 2018

31

health & safety

Cleaner mines contribute to improved health and safety Mine cleanliness is crucial and should be taken as seriously as mine safety. With South African mining fatalities set to reach a five-year high, mine owners, government and those conducting business with mines should be taking stock.

T

he number of fatalities in the South

requirements in the mining sector,” says

African mining sector for the first

Kriel, adding that an area of focus is to

quarter of 2018 was staggering,

improve cleanliness and safety, which

which saw Minister of Mineral

in turn supports better productivity and

Mine cleanliness is legislated in the Mine Health and Safety Act

reduces mines’ costs.

Resources Gwede Mantashe calling for “increased vigilance on health and safety in the sector”.

Mantashe urged employers and labour

“Customisable cleansing programmes and equipment also improve

a big factor at the mines, but it is the

ergonomics and reduce consumables

number one starting point,” says Kriel.

to continue to work with the department

usage. It means easier and lower

Jaco Botes, director, IST Hadco, a

in finding solutions to health and safety

maintenance for the mines,” Kriel

supplier of mine cleaning equipment,

matters at mines, through established

adds, indicating that most of Nilfisk’s

concurs. “Mine cleanliness is very

structures, including the Mine Health and

equipment has a lower impact on

important to improve workers’

Safety Council.

the environment.

health and hygiene, as well as their

“Our imported hot water machines, like

safety and well-being, which will

Keeping workers safe

the electric burners, comply with most

Grant Kriel of Nilfisk South Africa says

of the requirements needed to make

the mining industry has quite specific

machines of an eco-friendly standard.

suitable cleansing regime “reduce

cleansing challenges, especially below

We have electrically heated machines,

the amount of air pollution (inhalable

ground. “At the end of the day, it is all

not diesel-powered ones – this is by far

and respirable particulate fractions),

about achieving goals as set out in the

more environmentally friendly.

which reduces the exposure of

occupational and safety rules we have

improve productivity.”

Botes says mines that follow a

“We cover all aspects of mine

employees and residents of the

cleaning – whether below ground

surrounding communities, minimising

or in opencast pits – and deal with

bad health and/or diseases of the

Mine Health and Safety Act (No. 29

the big mining groups. Outstanding

respiratory system.”

of 1996) is to protect the workers in

technical characteristics distinguish

Botes adds, “A clean environment

the mining industry from the adverse

all our products: they are powerful

reduces the likelihood of an incident

health effects of being exposed to

in performance, economical in

happening. Clean equipment means

occupational health hazards such as

operating costs, with comprehensive fail-

less wear and tear, which results in less

dusts, fibres, chemicals, noise, thermal

safe devices, compact in design, robust

downtime and lower maintenance

stresses and radiation. Regulation

and constructed for a long service life.”

costs. If equipment functions optimally,

to adhere to.”

One of the integral provisions of the

9.2(2) of the Act, read with section

then there is less risk of malfunction

12, requires the employer to establish,

Linking safety and cleanliness

maintain and record occupational

He, however, indicates that major

hygiene measurements.

challenges facing the mining sector

critical health and safety standards.

and accidents.”

In essence, it boils down to achieving

include limited general knowledge

Improving cleanliness and safety

– there are very strict criteria that

regarding the link between safety and

standards will in turn lift productivity

determine how to address specific

cleanliness. “People still don’t think it is

and reduce costs.

“First, you have to do a risk assessment

index to advertisers 10th Annual Women in Mining DRDGOLD

32

19 OFC, 4

Grundfos

2

Mining Indaba

IBC IFC

ELB Equipment

15

Sandvik

Epiroc

25

SBS Water Systems

Insi de Mi ni ng october / november | 2 01 8

17

Schneider Solar Mining Services TAKRAF Africa

10 OBC 9

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