Mining Business Africa - January- February 2022

miningbusinessafrica.co.za

January - February 2022

Targeting Africa’s Mining Decision Makers

Welding Inspection & Quality Management Services IIOT-Powered Lubrication Systems Fabric structures for mining projects

CONTENTS miningbusinessafrica.co.za

January - February 2022

January - February 2022

05

Targeting Africa’s Mining Decision Makers

Welding Inspection & Quality Management Services Fabric structures for mining projects

16 Cover Image: Credit - TWI

COVER STORY: PG 02

Unlike Manual Ultrasonic Testing (Manual Testing), PAUT techniques are extremely versatile and are often used to complement other well recognised Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies.

A Big Self-Generated Dilemma

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IIOT-Powered Lubrication Systems

Welding Inspection & quality management services

Editor’s Note

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n most sub-Saharan countries, stateowned power utilities are failing to generate sufficient electricity to meet high demand from different economic sectors, and, as a result, disruptive blackouts have become endemic and part of daily routine.

Truth be told, the current problem is symptomatic of ineptitude of Governments, specifically at fault are ministries under whose mandate the power utilities fall. In the past, there had been no foresight to make provision for an increase in demand for electricity in future by constructing new power generation plants to increase capacity.

The economic ramifications have been too ghastly to contemplate.

Mining companies, whose operations are very energy-intensive, have been hit the hardest, incurring millions in losses of potential revenue due to downtime, and spending millions on diesel generation to offset the situation. Some are planning to generate their own power and reduce dependence or become totally independent of national grids. But, as we can gather from mining companies in different countries, the process of getting the necessary paperwork is convoluted and frustrating.

It appears governments are loath to see utilities losing business from their biggest cash cows, mining companies, and yet on the other side cannot guarantee certainty in the supply of electricity. Evidently, it is one big self-generated dilemma, with serious implications on the future of the mining sector, and the economy at large.

Nick Barnes

editor@miningbusinessafrica.com

TEAM Editor Nick Barnes editor@miningbusinessafrica.co.za +27 10 055 3356 Web/Sub-Editors Jimmy Swira Jimmy@miningbusinessafrica.co.za + 27 10 055 3356

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FEATURE Welding Inspection & quality management services

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) - Versatile Testing from a Single Probe Unlike Manual Ultrasonic Testing (Manual Testing), PAUT techniques are extremely versatile and are often used to complement other well recognised Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies.

PAUT can enable early detection of a crack within a boiler tube (image credits: TWI )

By Jimmy Swira

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rganisations involved in Mining oil and gas, and power generation need their boilers to be working safely and efficiently with minimal downtime and high equipment availability all the time. This necessitates the use of testing techniques that can be employed to carry out the testing correctly, safely, cost effectively and timeously.

There are a number of fairly new technologies that have simplified and revolutionised the way boiler tube weld inspection is conducted on power plants in South Africa and other countries. Currently, phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is one of NDT techniques enjoying wide usage.

can be applied in diverse industrial sectors such as pre-and in-service testing, power generation and in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries, amongst others. Moreover, the process is not only limited to testing welds, but can be extended to various product sectors such as castings, forgings and tubes. NDT personnel test materials or products for imperfections, without destroying these products or materials,” says The Southern African Institute of Welding’s (SAIW) National Training Manager, Mark Digby.

Just the thing PAUT is just the thing for industry. This is considering that, historically, boiler tube weld inspections have been radiographed to inspect for weld associated flaws. Carrying out the process using radiography required the evacuation of all personnel due to safety hazards associated with the technique.

On the other hand, effectively, PAUT addresses the limitations of radiography. “PAUT

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Fundamental elements Since PAUT is integral to preventative maintenance of equipment, it is central that industry grasp its fundamental elements, mainly: Benefits of Sound Application, Implementing an Effective Detection Programme, Operator Competence, and Testing Integrity.

1. A vast array of benefits Unlike Manual Ultrasonic Testing (Manual Testing), PAUT techniques are extremely versatile and are often used to complement other well recognised NDT inspection methods.

This is contrary to the misconception that they can be used in isolation. Generally, PAUT offer a vast array of benefits as follows: •

Testing using one probe from a fixed distance (in restricted areas) First, Ultrasonic Phased Array Testing can be conducted using one PA probe from a fixed distance. In the process, the angles can be adjusted electronically by phasing the signals to the crystal - meaning multiple angles can be used to test the component. This is unlike Manual UT, which often requires three or more different angle probes, where the actual probe

must be changed to change the angle.

When using Manual UT, the probe needs to be rastered back and forth for full component coverage. however, the Phased Array beam can be focused and steered to inspect selected areas deemed as problem areas.

• Testing results assessed onsite Second, with PAUT, the testing results can be assessed on site by saving the data and conducting preliminary on-site analysis, even on the job you are currently testing. All data can be attached to the report for accurate record keeping.

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Periodic monitoring of crack growth Third, PAUT can be used for monitoring crack growth over a period of time (from outage to outage). If required, the inspection data can be sent via e-mail to the offsite Level III/Engineering for immediate analysis. All previous data can be saved on the PA unit and compared to what’s happening in today’s inspection.

2. Effective defect detection Relating to defect detection, Digby highlights the following areas as vital: using different NDT techniques, knowledge of defect orientation, use of approved procedures, and engaging qualified/ experienced and certified NDT inspectors.

• Different NDT techniques For effective defect detection, different NDT techniques are often used together, and PAUT is no exception. For instance, PAUT and TOFD can be used together for accurate detection and sizing.

Digby clarifies why different NDT techniques are recommended: “No one PAUT scan alone will be able to test all areas on a welded component. This is because a weld consists of various areas requiring inspection. And these are: the root area, fusion faces and weld body, various scans need to be systematically employed for full coverage of the weld (Linear scan for the root area and fusion faces followed by various sector scans for the body of the weld).”

UTPA probes are usually larger than standard UT probes (64/128 elements.

Sometimes this limits access to vital areas of the component, requiring a larger probe footprint area. Additionally, grain structures of the tested material could cause excessive attenuation.

This limits penetration and necessitates a lower frequency probe to be used, thus lowering sensitivity.

• Defect Orientation Orientation is as important when using Phased Array UT. As for standard UT, the sound beam must strike the flaw as close to 90 degrees as possible for a maximum amplitude response.

A technician inspecting welded area

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Experienced inspector (Competent Person) Most importantly, all inspections must be conducted using an approved procedure drawn up by an experienced PAUT Level III. The inspectors conducting the testing must be qualified and certified to at least to UT level 2 before attempting qualification/certification in UT PA. Only PAUT level 2 operators shall be responsible for sentencing the test components.

4. Guaranteeing testing integrity Basically, Digby recommends the following vital check list of practices to be followed to guarantee the integrity of the UTPA testing done: • Ensuring that a qualified PAUT procedure is used drawn up by a UTPA level III outlining what defects are being sought.

• Ensuring that the Operator is competent to conduct the test, for instance, has been trained and mentored sufficiently. The technician should not be trained to test a weld during his qualification training and examination and then instructed to test a

forged rotor shaft on site.

Ensuring that the probe frequencies and probe angles are a match for both the size and suspected orientation of the defects sought.

• Ensuring that the surface finish is sufficiently smooth for good probe contact; • Ensuring that the equipment is in good working order and has a valid calibration certificate.

Testing tasks on boilers and other pressure vessels in the mining, oil and gas, as well as power generation industries, can be complex as every organisation may have unique challenges. Consequently, Digby emphasises the importance of NDT inspectors to constantly learn new advances in PAUT to sharpen their competence and be ahead of the game.

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The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is a non-profit technical organisation dedicated to furthering standards in welding-fabrication and related technologies.

PAUT can enable early detection of a crack within a boiler tube (Image credits: TWI)

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 3

FEATURE Project Quality Management & Engineering Inspection

Perfectly engineered to meet industry needs Established in 1989 and now celebrating 30 years in business, Inspection and Quality Services (IQS International) is perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand for its Project Quality Management, Engineering Inspection Services and multidisciplinary training products to African industry.

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QS International recognises that the lack of pertinent skills in organisations could be that big difference between failure and success in unlocking an asset’s real value. And so, the company is raising awareness about its capabilities in providing relevant internationally recognised and accredited training in a wide range of disciplines that meet industry’s pertinent needs, as well as a wide range of core industry-specific services.

Briefing African Mining Brief about the scope and relevance of its training, the company’s managing director, Alan Stothard, underlines his organization’s commitment to filling the African skills gap. “We, with our international skills development partners, TWI (The Welding Institute) have the capability to equip industry in Africa with the right skillset to handle the evolving needs within an operational environment and unlock the real value of their respective assets,” he pronounces.

Multidisciplinary training Stothard explains that IQS provides multidisciplinary training specifically tailored for organisations in Mining, Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Petrochemical, Power and Engineering sectors. The training covers Welder training, Welding Inspection, Non-Destructive Testing, Painting Inspection and advanced courses leading to qualification as International Welding Engineer and Plant Inspector.

SHEQ training is also available in accordance with international Standards such as ISO 9001; ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (18001).

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Engineering Inspection and Training, includes: CSWIP, PCN, ASNT NDT – Ultrasonic Testing(UT), Magnetic Particle Inspection, Radiography, Dye Penetrant, Phased Array UT and Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD Site Coatings –Application and Inspection Plant Inspection and Asset Integrity Management Practical Welder Training and Testing Visual Inspection, Weld Inspector and Senior Weld Inspector

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Stothard stresses that in all of the courses, IQS endeavours to deliver the best possible training to its clients. “Our in-house, on-line elearning training courses and examinations are aligned to international best practice. The courses we offer are accredited by reputable international bodies such as CSWIP. Moreover, our personnel are qualified and experienced to provide training, advice and guidance in the development, implementation and accreditation of applicable SHERQ management systems.”

Essentially, Stothard points out, IQS’ training courses are provided to encourage resource development and learning which in doing so improves the professional capability of both the individual and company alike.

Industry-specific core services Over and above training, IQS offers a wide range of core services to clients. Mainly, these are in the following areas: • Project quality management, expediting & inspection • Non-Destructive Testing services • Paint inspectors, paint thickness and corrosion protection advisory services.

• Asset integrity management and software • Development and approval of Weld

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procedures and welder qualification Pressure vessel & pressurised system inspection, recertification and design reviews Metallurgical consulting, stress analysis, failure investigations.

ISO 9001, 1400 & 45001 (SHEQ) management system development, training and certification.

Supplier evaluations and technical capability assessments

Perfectly positioned As a result of continuous resource development and market research, IQS is perfectly positioned to offer the right solutions to industry, Stothard assures. “We understand customers’ needs, expectations, requirements and the fact that the ultimate deliverable i.e. the clients objective, is central to the services provided and the placement of IQS personnel,” he says.

He adds, “Moving forward, IQS is gearing its capability to meet the growing international demand for its services, in doing so IQS is confident that it will continue to satisfy the expectations of all stakeholders.”

Furthermore, Stothard says, IQS has expanded into other markets. “Traditionally, our clients have been in the mining, petrochemical, and engineering sectors. However, we have expanded our client base to cover sectors such as infrastructure development, power generation, oil and gas.”

IQS is headquartered in Johannesburg, with branches in Western Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo in South Africa, and Namibia. The company along with its international partners is taking its services to other African countries.

IQS has also recently opened offices in the UK, from which it will manage its European based clients.

For more details on IQS’s bouquet of services, do not hesitate to contact: Alan Stothard, Tel: + 27 11894 1987, Cell: +27 72 659 1776, email: Alan@ iqsint.com, website: www.quality.co.za

FEATURE Analytical Services

Quality Analysis, High Value The choice of a service provider for analytical services can determine the stability of mining operations.

WearCheck On-site Mine at Husab Mine Namibia (outside)

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here has been a consistent increase in exploration and mining projects in Africa, which indicates a return of confidence in the global mining sector. Mining Business Africa is informed that there has been a simultaneous increase in demand for analytical services from for mines, processing plants and smelters, consultants to the mining industry and regulatory bodies. And so, it is very important that mining companies settle for the best possible providers of analytical services. Consequently, a thorough procurement process is key.

In any discourse on laboratory services, it is essential to appreciate the importance of laboratory services, in addition to the necessity of accessing a wide range of services from one service provider. Interestingly, there is also the growing preference of outsourcing analytical services to ownership.

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Data for mining and mineral processing production Analytical services from mine site laboratories provide critical operational, metallurgical and environmental data which is used to optimise mining and mineral processing production.

Informed by reliable data, mining companies can be able to make rational strategic and operational decisions. Ultimately, this minimises losses and enables them to effectively manage regulatory reporting requirements.

• Range of analytical services It is more convenient to source a range of services from one organisation, having different service providers can create a logistical nightmare. Usually, the range of analytical services include but are not isolated to: sample preparation and screening, groundwater and surface water monitoring, acid from mine

tailings, waste rock and overburden and topsoil analysis, environmental analytical services in accordance with recognised standards.

• Delivery expectations Quick turnaround, compliance, and independent and reliable analytical data to ensure the achievement of targets and seamless project operation. Operating according to ISO quality standards, laboratories should be equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to deliver the services for the clients in time, within budget and to the expected quality standards.

Outsourcing What is noticeable is the growth in popularity of outsourcing of laboratory services to a service provider over owning and inhouse. The rationale behind this arrangement, as service providers posit, is that it frees up the energies of mining companies to focus on resources and capital on the core business, while the services provider manages the analytical services, assuring continuous analytical support. From a lean mining operations perspective, it is considered a flexible and cost-effective option.

The choice of a service provider Considering the labyrinth of service providers of all stripes, the importance of mining companies and other organisations making informed decisions does not need to be overstated.

The choice of a service provider for analytical services can determine the stability of mining operations.

WearCheck On-site Mine at Husab Mine Namibia (inside)

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 5

FEATURE Dust Control on Mining Sites

Integrated Management, Effective Mitigation One of the mistakes in dust control interventions in underground mines is that risks from sources are addressed separately. However, for effective mitigation of exposure of workers to airborne dust, it is imperative for underground mine operators to approach all risks holistically. And it is worthwhile to involve specialists from critical disciplines for input.

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oticeably, there has been a consistent increase in activity on mine sites since the first quarter of 2021. Now, more airborne dust is being produced from various processes – a situation which has escalated the health and safety risks that workers are exposed to.

Typically, airborne dust contains smaller particles of around 0,3 micron in size that are classified as toxic contaminants, which can damage lungs and air passages. Mainly, the sources of the particles are coal, silica and other finely powdered materials.

The Act The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), under the ambit of Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) with reference to South Africa, specifies certain dust exposure limits that mines can refer to measure and control dust and ensure that levels are managed.

Thus, mining companies are obligated to find sustainable solutions to control dust and improve health conditions.

Given the risks from different sources they face, the most effective approach would encompass the integration of various interventions. The primary or critical step when

devising an integrated approach would be to evaluate the extent of risk from exposure.

Extent of the risk Concerning the level of risk from the dust produced, data on the size and material type needs to be collected and thoroughly analysed.

Predominantly, the sources of dust include but may not be isolated to the following: blasting and cutting waste rock and ore; transportation of runof-mine materials; within run-of-mine transfer points; general work and operations, and the movement of machinery and foot and machine traffic. The data gathered from these activities can then be profiled.

Integrated approach Every risk requires a specific intervention or solution. Depending on the identified risk, the following are the options: water spray dust suppression systems with or without surfactants, dry mist systems, foam systems, various types of filter systems, cyclones, bag house systems, wet scrubber filters, electric dust precipitators, extraction hoods, fall out chambers and general ventilation.

The challenge then arises when it comes to

6 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

managing each of the interventions separately.

In the end, failure to manage this could lead to an increase in safety risks. Then, it is most appropriate to have an integrated approach in which input could be solicited from the expertise of specialists drawn from different disciplines.

Kobus van Zyl, consulting mechanical engineer at BBE, raises this point, explaining: “Because there are so many dust control systems available, it is important to ensure that the correct combination of these systems and technologies is employed to effectively control the dust in a specific mining environment.”

Specialist input In the integrated approach input should be sought from the following specialists: occupational hygienists, dust control technology specialists, industrial ventilation specialists, fan and duct specialists, design engineers, flow analysis specialists, ergonomists, construction engineers, instrumentation engineers, commissioning experts, and monitoring and maintenance operators. Van Zyl suggests that a holistic integration across these disciplines is essential.

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FEATURE Barcoded Inventory Tracking Software

Better Planning and Oversight with Barcode-based Inventory Tracking With Barcode-based warehouse management software, GraniteWMS, a mining company can manage stock efficiently by identifying the pain points that are occurring around manual processes and how they could be streamlined. Available for clients in Africa through Cradle Technology Services, it is the perfect system for any company that needs an end-to-end view of their stock, around every action taken. new ways of managing, given its relevance in operations.

A barcode-based inventory management system enables simple and accurate stock tracking with end-to-end traceability.

By Jimmy Swira

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With GraniteWMS, every item has an identifying barcode.

By scanning the barcode, the item can be easily identified and matched to the request.

s mining companies in Africa are adding renewables, like solar photovoltaic, to their energy mix, they need flexible financing terms to ensure that a power plant does not become a liability due to financial constraints in the short or long term. Besides, the plant has to be available within a short time, as any delay in delivery may be costly. For instance, a power deficit or outage may interrupt production and result in loss of productivity.

Within any mining company, two of the main business concerns will always be minimising downtime and ensuring safety. One of the key ways mines address these concerns is to invest in new technology that will enable more efficient and safer processes. For example, the proper tracking of replacement parts, equipment, and emergency supplies in an onsite store can have a huge impact on both efficiency and safety, and is a key area where mines should explore

8 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

Conventional methods fall short Using conventional methods of tracking inventory may fall short in an environment where minimising process downtime and ensuring safety is the urgent objective, states Craig Collins, the Chief Executive Office of GraniteWMS expounding the two scenarios.

First, he draws attention to the impact of poor tracking on downtime. “Anything that prolongs downtime can have a serious effect on the productivity and profitability of a mine. When a spare part or piece of equipment is needed, if something breaks and needs to be replaced, or specific tools are needed to complete a task, there cannot be any delays or barriers to accessing that equipment.”

Furthermore, poor tracking can have huge implications on safety, especially, if there is an emergency and specific equipment is needed to take action and ensure workers safety, that equipment needs to be available easily.

This can cause a problem for mine stores where this equipment is kept, Collins points out.

“The mine needs to keep an accurate record of what is in the store, and who removed it for what reason. But in an emergency, there is not time to go through a lengthy approval process to release the equipment for use. This leads to items being taken without any approval or tracking. If the usage is not properly recorded, it can be difficult to track stock levels or know what is needed.”

Accurate tracking helps mines manage the challenge of stocking. Typically, there are long lead times required for mines to source specialised equipment in very remote and inaccessible locations. This means it can be months between the ordering and receiving of stock.

If there is no accurate tracking of what is being used and how frequently, it becomes more difficult to restock. In that case, a mine can

face a challenge of two extremes: a large risk of either overstocking unnecessarily and risking the items going unused to the point of becoming obsolete, or understocking and running out of critical supplies in a moment of need, with no way to source replacements quickly.

Barcode-based warehouse management software A barcode-based warehouse management software, like GraniteWMS, addresses this challenge. The Granite Warehouse Management System is a software designed to deliver a flexible and efficient system to businesses in need of a standardised barcode-based inventory tracking solution.

Collins references positive feedback from mining clients who utilise the system. “By implementing GraniteWMS in their store system our mining clients have found that they are able to solve these problems experienced with conventional inventory tracking. A barcodebased inventory management system enables simple and accurate stock tracking with end-toend traceability. They can regain control of their inventory without implementing onerous request and approval processes,” Collins relates.

A host of benefits Specifically, there are a host of benefits for clients who use GraniteWMS. • Accountability GraniteWMS gives the certainty of emergency stock being always on hand. It can be used to set up a simple and efficient process for the emergency issuing of stock. For instance, if a shaft has a problem, which needs to be fixed quickly, a spare part can easily be sourced and issued. In this scenario, GraniteWMS addresses the common challenge of accountability.

In a setup where the requesting or approval for the stock takes too long, the emergency will always justify taking the stock immediately and working out the paperwork later. This can lead to an administrative nightmare, resulting in inaccurate stock counts, lost stock, and unforeseen stock shortages.

With GraniteWMS, the stock can easily be scanned out of the store, when it is needed, and a record of the transaction, including the time/ day, the user, and the number of items. This enables easy reconciliation and accountability after the emergency has been dealt with.

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Managing and optimising stock levels As mines are in remote areas that are not easily accessible by traditional logistics, there is a long lead time and high cost for any inventory that is needed. It is therefore very important to know when stock levels are low, as restocking can take several months.

A barcode-based inventory management system enables simple and accurate stock tracking with end-to-end traceability.

GraniteWMS assists with managing and optimising the stock levels in the emergency stores to tackle this challenge. By using GraniteWMS to track the stock levels it is possible to ensure that replacements are sources before they run out.

Better planning and reduced overstocking Besides providing an accurate view of the flow of stock, GraniteWMS can help with issues that result from overstocking. Because of the long lead times, overstocking is common out of an abundance of caution. However, this does result in large holding of often very high value stock that can become obsolete before it ever has a chance to be used.

Conveniently, GraniteWMS can give you an accurate view of not only current stock levels, but the overall rate of stock usage, allowing for better planning and reduced overstocking.

• Correct identification of items When working with complex pieces of machinery and equipment, it can be difficult to correctly identify them all just by sight. This is often a skill that is concentrated in a few key employees, and even then, is prone to mistakes.

In an emergency, grabbing the wrong tool or replacement part can cause increased risk and extended delays.

This is an area where GraniteWMS fills the void, with the correct identification of items.

With GraniteWMS, every item has an identifying barcode. By scanning the barcode, the item can be easily identified and matched to the request.

Adoption a no-brainer Taking into consideration the inherent limitations

of conventional inventory tracking, and the constant drive for efficiency in mining, the adoption of barcode inventory tracking is a no-brainer, Collins infers. “While barcodes are an old and well-established technology, they are not always leveraged to their full effect. It has been consistently established that, when put at the centre of inventory management, barcode scanning can drive greater accuracy and efficiency in item and quantity especially when managing supply chains.”

When every process or transaction is scanned into a central system, it is easier to keep track of stock, avoid losses, and manage inventory levels. This is especially true when dealing with longer or more complex supply chains or more remote areas with less reliable or consistent access to goods and services.

More importantly, barcode-based transactions can eliminate manual paperwork and greatly reduce mistakes, thereby ensuring accuracy in item and quantity. Thus, with an accurate view of inventory, it is easier to maintain stock levels and forecast demand.

In a nutshell, Collins affirms: “Barcode inventory management gives you a full overview of your stock, so that you always know what is happening, what items are available, and in what quantity.”

Lastly, he recommends GraniteWMS to mining companies in Africa. “With GraniteWMS, a mining company can manage stock efficiently by identifying the pain points that are occurring around manual processes and how they could be streamlined. The simple interface, flexible functionality, and easy set-up make it a perfect system for any company that needs an endto-end view of their stock, around every action taken.”

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 9

FEATURE Thermal Incinerators for Hospitals and the Mining Industry

‘The Pick of Incinerators’ SAUBATECH SA informs mining companies in Africa that its flagship incinerator brand, MACROburn, is powered by advanced thermal processing technology that can improve gold recovery and waste disposal.

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ACROburn, a South African designed and manufactured incinerator and cremator, is making significant inroads in the African and overseas markets. Supplied

by SAUBATECH SA , a Johannesburg-based incineration technology company, MACROburn incinerators are renowned for premium quality and very competitive price. This is why SAUBATECH SA’s Managing Director, Andreas Thieme, prides in seeing that the incinerator brand has become a popular choice. Currently, hundreds of units are in operation throughout Southern Africa and worldwide.

Aiming to grow further SAUBATECH SA is aiming at growing its presence in Africa further, particularly in west Africa and the DRC, where a number of mining projects have been lined up in 2022. Specifically, Thieme sees wide opportunities in the continued demand for cost effective, safe and environmentally-friendly gold recovery and waste management technologies. He is confident that SAUBATECH SA has the necessary wherewithal to meet huge demand, emphasising the relevant technology and flexible approach.

Wide opportunities Currently, gold mines are getting deeper - ultra deep, in some cases, like in South Africa. This has driven up the cost of extraction, which has made mining companies appreciate more that, indeed, ‘every ounce counts’. And for gold mining companies to get more value from their ore under the circumstances, they have to maximise recovery and minimise waste.

Conveniently, there are numerous proven recovery technologies out there at mining companies’ disposal. One of them is using the process of incineration to recoup gold from waste.

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The process of gold recovery incineration During the elution process, activated carbon that is considered too fine for reuse is removed. So, the incinerator system provides a reliable and cost-effective method to recover gold from fine carbon. Typically, fine carbon residue contains about 50 g/t to 200 g/t of gold. Sometimes, the gold content could be as much as 800 g/t of gold. And so, enormously, the incinerator helps gold mines to get more gold out and make more profit.

MACROburn incinerators are available in wide range of capacities from 20kg to 800kg per hour

10 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

Waste disposal in different industries Besides, SAUBATECH SA has general incinerators for waste disposal applications in different industries. They can be adapted to

handle more complex incineration problems like the elimination of noxious liquids, gases and sewage. They are ideal for use in hospitals, mines, hotels, banks and a variety of industries.

Saubatech’s response (solution) With the MACROburn Gold Recovery Incinerator, SAUBATECH SA has gone notches higher in innovative incinerator technology. The company utilises a thermal process that burns off the carbon and captures the gold residue in the resultant fly ash using highly efficient ceramic filters. The entire process is fully automated to increase productivity of the plant.

The system operates continuously, burning 60 kg/h to 90 kg/h of activated carbon, which translates into processing 25 t a month to 30 t a month of activated carbon. It also has a recovery rate of 93% to 95%.

Assured benefits Thieme describes MACROburn as ‘the pick of incinerators’, with simplicity of design and few mechanical parts combining to produce overall appeal, reliability and convenience. Largely, the client is assured of benefiting in the following ways: • Easy feeding of the waste into the combustion chamber; • The compact unit is ready to be placed on a concrete floor; • No complex installation or refractory work is necessary on site and installation; • Commissioning and operation can be carried out by unskilled labour; • Combustion is fully automatic and no adjustments have to be carried out by the operator; and • The incinerator is smokeless and odourfree.

Wide range of options The end-user is also spoilt for choice as MACROburn incinerators are available in wide range of capacities from 20kg to 800kg per hour. Standard units can either be coal, oil or gas fired.

Environmentally-friendly With MACROburn incinerators, end-users can be rest assured that they are using technology that meets emissions standards. Various emission standards worldwide may be reached

MACROburn Is ‘the pick of incinerators’, with simplicity of design and few mechanical parts

with the revolutionary ceramic dry filtration system that removes particulate matter during the process of combustion. In this way, the process achieves the desired results with a lower environmental footprint. Basically, the incinerators can comply with European Union and US emission standards if filtration is used.

Constant improvement, more efficiency Consistently, SAUBATECH SA upgrades its incineration processes to make them more efficient and easier to operate. One of the innovations that have brought more convenience is the containerised control unit of the gold recovery system, which houses control panels and programmable logic controls. Additionally, the containers have ventilation, air conditioning and dust monitors to manage the heat and dust in the remote areas where gold mines are located.

Long-term view of investment All told, gold miners need to take a longterm view when considering investing in an incinerator. Granted, the initial cost of system is quite high, but the return on investment is usually between eight and twelve months. This depends on the gold concentration in the carbon particles and daily operating hours.

Tel: +27 82 457 6858 • info@saubatech.com www.saubatech.com

Solutions for your waste management problems

Lease to purchase agreement SAUBATECH SA offers a lease-to-purchase agreement, whereby clients can pay a monthly rental fee while the company operates and maintains the system. After the investment has been paid off, the system belongs to the client, who can choose to continue renting the system if it is preferred that SAUBATECH SA continues to operate and maintain it.

Products include: Incinerators, Needle destructors, Mobile Incinerators, Sanitary pad Incinerators

• Can meet any emission standard worldwide • 40 years of experience • Over 400 units worldwide Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 11

FEATURE Exploration services and ground geophysical surveys for early and advanced stages

Constant Innovation, Systematic Implementation and Reliable Data Having battled through a turbulent few years following the Global Financial Crisis and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic, the mineral exploration industry has emerged leaner and stronger. Now, better able to face the challenges of a more connected and more constrained but vibrant sector, the industry offers outstanding opportunities to explorers willing to go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to serve their clients while also authentically serving the ESG (Environmental, Social & Governmental) needs of stakeholders in a sustainable way.

By Jimmy Swira

A

s the industry continues to refocus and realign efforts to better serve clients, the main factors shaping the planning and implementation (analysis, design and execution) of contemporary exploration and ground geophysical surveying projects - both at early and advanced stages – now also include; an increased obligation to comply with Safety, Health, Education and Quality (SHEQ) regulations, the depletion of high-grade ore bearing rock and increasing Operating Costs.

Tracing its roots to early exploration work in the late 1990’s, and being formally established in the early 2000’s, Cape Town-based Remote Exploration Services (RES), a mineral exploration consulting firm, today has a team of 50 committed geoscience professionals, servicing every aspect of the discovery cycle from defining prospective areas for early-stage exploration through to extending the resource on advanced brownfield projects.

Looking forward to 2022 and beyond, Brett van Coller, Managing Director of RES, provides some insights regarding the current state of mineral exploration in Africa and shares some thoughts about the future of the industry and what it will take to solve some of the complex challenges faced by clients in the African exploration and resource sector.

Readiness to solve complex challenges “For the past 15 years, we have intentionally gained experience, built expertise and acquired the necessary equipment capable of delivering on the full range of geological and ground geophysical field services along with a high-end technical consulting capability,” Brett van Coller, the Managing Director of RES, underlines the team’s readiness to solve complex industry challenges with its wide pool of talent.

12 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

RES’ extensive range of services allows for ongoing value-add and continuity for clients, which, in turn, provides opportunities for its staff to remain involved and customise solutions to their clients’ exploration needs. Fundamentally, RES can provide clients with their own exploration department on an on-demand basis, thus saving them time and money.

Meeting core requirements Though the impact of COVID-19 on the mineral sector is undeniable, the core requirements and expectations of clients have not changed.

On-time delivery, adherence to budgets, uncompromising safety and an unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of data.

The difference now is that these have to be delivered within the constraints caused by the pandemic.

Delivering on time, within budget and safely Experience teaches that operating in Africa is full of unexpected challenges, making careful planning so much more important to ensure delivery on time, to budget, safely and to the expected quality standards. Consequently, RES has developed comprehensive in-house operational procedures, recorded in its Operations Manual. This document captures the experience gained through many years of tough field work in diverse terrains across Africa which, together with its documented policies and procedures, providing an essential reference tool for successful project management and implementation across the continent.

In addition, van Coller cites the selfless commitment of each member of staff as, undoubtedly, the key factor that ensures RES prevails in unpredictable environments.

“Ultimately, we lean heavily on our teams’ commitment to excellence, a strong safety culture and can-do attitude. These three

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 13

FEATURE elements ensure that we employ the latest and most appropriate technology on projects, are dedicated to practicing good science, and prioritise safety, while striving to manage logistics seamlessly and maintain administration that is accurate and appropriate”.

Integrity of data RES greatly values the integrity of data in exploration, and ground geophysical surveying projects is paramount, as it informs vital decisions to be taken regarding the next steps.

Recognising this, the team at RES take thorough steps to ensure that the data collected is as accurate as possible, and in accordance with industry best practice, explains van Coller. “As the saying goes, “junk in equals junk out”, so we recognise that exploration success starts at the coalface. Integrity of data is critical and in order to preserve its validity it is essential that a systemic view be taken. For this reason, we place as much importance and value on bagging and tagging of samples out in the field, as we do on a 3D inversion back at the office.

Close attention is paid to detail and all client deliverables are reviewed and signed off by a Principal Geoscientist and overseen by the Technical Director.”

RES upholds industry best practice religiously. It strongly encourages peer-to-peer review and fosters a culture of honesty and integrity along with a commitment to do what is right. In its model, management serves the process, and so, business is geared around supporting the work done on-the-ground, out in the field, because the importance of collecting and capturing good quality data starts there.

“Making sure that information is recorded correctly, being diligent with the small tasks out in the field, when it is hot and dusty is where the preservation of data integrity starts. In addition, we have a lot of technical supervision throughout, especially in the field, where we deploy senior technical supervisors to lead field teams and therefore be part of the process every step of the way. Rigorous QA and QC processes are also undertaken on all data, prior to being delivered to clients, with everything being reviewed by Senior Technical Staff,” van Coller explains.

Remote Exploration Services (RES) has a team of 50 committed geoscience professionals, servicing every aspect of the discovery cycle.

The right attitude and ability of staff RES values staff as its most valuable asset.

For this reason, employment often starts with a 3–6-month (paid) internship at RES. “We acknowledge that everyone, from the newest member of staff through to our longest serving team member, all have a role to play and input to give. Given that many of our team members are away on remote projects for most of the year, its really important that all our staff are problemsolvers who have a ‘can-do’ attitude and are able to work well in a team. These attributes are best revealed in the field, so the internships

14 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

often serve as an extended job interview,” Van Coller elaborates.“ We believe success starts with exploration in people and developing a culture where our staff are self-driven and take pride in what they do. This then allows us to go the extra mile necessary to deliver on our clients’ needs.” He adds, “Flexibility is also key. Since every project is unique (terrain, commodity, technical constraints), with differing client needs and expectations, we take care to customise the solution to client requirements.”

Constant innovation RES appreciates that constant innovation is not an option but a business imperative, given that client expectations in the current exploration environment are continually changing. Accordingly, the consulting firm gives consideration to how best challenges can be overcome with innovation – whether it be the application of existing technologies, testing new technologies or applying old technologies in new ways.

Van Coller emphasises that the company attaches great value to innovation.

“Implementation of an appropriate technology specific to our client’s project needs requires effective communication, with a clear understanding of scope and deliverables.

The diversity of interests and strengths within our team has allowed us to drive numerous R&D initiatives. We proactively invest in the development and upskilling of our team and look to create an environment where our staff are empowered to take personal responsibility for contributing to what RES can offer.”

Ongoing skills development and training of RES staff, together with investment in the latest technological tools, ensures that team members are competent in a wide scope of work, including: Uranium detection through its proprietary RadonX technology, a world-class kimberlite lab and field pXRF capability, 2D and 3D inversion of geophysical data, drill core scanning capabilities, drone enabled magnetic surveys, a marine diamond mining capability, both remote and on-mine SHEC compliant field operations, a strong grounding in exploration project generation, and an understanding on how to raise money from public markets.

Changes reshaping project implementation As the saying goes “the only constant is change” and this is also true in mineral exploration where RES has seen important technological innovations, as well as changes in the operating environment, that are shaping the way exploration and geophysical surveys are carried out.

Technology Significant technology-enabled changes at macro and micro levels that are rewriting how

exploration and geophysical surveys are carried out include the development and application of technological innovations such as AI and the use of large datasets, each redefining how information is collected, managed, stored and used.

In addition, increasingly, opportunities are opening up in the use of land cadastre management systems on the continent.

“Historically, exploration has been inhibited by concerns regarding the security of land tenure.

However, across the continent, more enabling legislative environments for land cadastre management systems are allowing for increased exploration opportunities,” says van Coller, lamenting that South Africa, which should be leading, is unfortunately still trailing behind other Southern African countries such as Namibia, Zambia and Botswana.

Changes in the operating environment Besides technology, another interesting development is the need for greater transparency in operations, which has meant that clients have tightened up their project operations, requiring more than just geoscientific deliverables and demanding higher levels of compliance, real-time reporting, daily communication and continuous updates. RES views all these as good developments, mainly ushered in by the need for COVID-19 safety precautions, but adding an additional administrative responsibility. “A greater awareness of the need for positive environmental and social stewardship at project locations and generally, as well as more rigorous SHEC compliance requirements, are positive changes that add value that goes beyond just delivering on client expectations,” observes van Coller.

Additionally, there is no question that the travel restrictions imposed by the government in response to COVID-19, together with new

international compliance regulations for safe project operations, have had a telling impact on exploration and geophysical projects. These two have certainly added another layer of complexity to what is already a challenging task, but (especially COVID-19) has also provided an opportunity for RES to explore and adopt new approaches.

Perfectly placed for emerging challenges van Coller states that the RES team is wellpositioned to manage the emerging challenges and meet client needs in the exploration and resource industry in 2022 and beyond. “The full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on the exploration and resource industry continues to unfold. This means we need to strategically explore new opportunities and consider how to best position our team, skills and experience to ensure we emerge from this crisis evolved, better adapted and equipped. For RES, it has required the following critical measures to be taken: the establishment of branch companies and remote operational bases, a greater focus on the development of local teams, strategic collaboration with industry experts, an expanded range of ground geophysical techniques, and in-house R&D initiatives to name just a few.

“Fortunately, a positive growth in the market in the form of more active Juniors, and generally more exploration funding available, has provided a broader potential client base which in turn has enabled us to invest in new opportunities and meet the growth in demand. In truth, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, positive growth in the market has offered opportunities that we may not have been able to take full advantage of had it not been for the pandemic forcing us to re-evaluate and refocus our business”, say van Coller.

Operating and Managing a Shallow Diamond Mining Vessel

D

uring a recent project where RES was contracted to manage and operate a shallow water diamond mining vessel on the west coast of South Africa. RES solved the problem on time, within budget and with SHE needs to the client’s expectations.

The concession area had been heavily mined for the last 40 years which meant that new technology and a fresh approach was required in order to unlock any hidden deposits.

A further challenge is that suitable weather conditions, that allow for safe diver mining operations, are limited to less than a week a month on average. In addition, strict adherence to SAMSA safety compliance regulations also needed to be considered in project planning

and execution.

To manage the challenge, RES put together a good team, collated all available historical data, completed a side-scan survey of the sea bottom, and applied in-house wave refraction modelling to pick target areas for exploration mapping and sampling. Through trial-anderror, the team refined the mining technique and developed a system for effectively moving sand overburden to expose diamond bearing gravel, systematically recording sample site data, which allowed for the effective evaluation of target sites.

Notable milestones were reached, confirms van Coller. “Through the application of good science and hard work we were able

to consistently increase monthly diamond production and ultimately turn the operation around from a loss-making exploration venture to a commercially viable mining operation.”

RES’ interventions resulted in a number of benefits to the client, including; the delivery of proof of concept and showing that the mining operation was commercially viable through the development of a sound geological application and robust operations procedures.

Furthermore, RES produced a comprehensive Operations Manual, detailing all aspects of the operation, to guide activities and allow for further successful exploration and mining.

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 15

FEATURE Indicators of Success in Mineral Exploration

Increased Performance, Availability and Lower Maintenance Costs ‘Leadership in exploration demands a clear and pragmatic exploration strategy

The DNA of every successful mineral exploration project are the same two critical elements: scientific enquiry and time in the field. Individually, each is insightful; combined, they are powerful.

I

n the early 1970s a young geochemist from Cape Town, John Gurney, upended the diamond exploration world with groundbreaking insights regarding the role of indicator minerals in diamond geology. Wrenching control of the diamond industry from the hands of large multi-national mining companies, Gurney’s breakthrough discovery made it possible even for a diamond prospector working by himself to make a notable diamond discovery.

John Gurney’s success was bookended by good science and extended periods in the field.

Threaded into the DNA of every successful

16 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

mineral exploration project are the same two critical elements: scientific enquiry and time in the field. Individually, each is insightful; combined, they are powerful.

Leadership in exploration demands a clear and pragmatic exploration strategy.

A balanced approach is key and, just as exploration necessitates good science weighted by time in the field, so too the expectations of outcomes need to be offset by sound financial management.

In an increasingly complex and technologically advanced exploration

environment, partnering with a service provider able to bring the right expertise to the table is paramount. Indicators to look for include: their reputation with clients and local communities, how innovative they are, have they been boots on the ground where you want to explore, what technology they are able to deploy in the field and whether they have insight and access to inhouse IP of potential sites for future exploration?

As part of the exploration strategy, consideration also needs to be given to how best challenges can be overcome with innovation, whether it be the application of existing technologies, testing new technologies or applying old technologies in new ways.

Innovative thinking also needs to be applied to how fieldwork is conducted, allowing exploration teams the freedom to follow what they’re seeing on the ground. Simplicity is key.

Geological truth is only discernible in the context of a bigger geological landscape and, rather than getting caught in the rabbit-holes of complex theoretical ideas at project initiation, consideration needs to be given to the actual

cues provided by the landscape itself. Modelling is valuable and has its place, but only in relation to what is already known.

The successful execution of an exploration strategy will be a team effort. Finding a deposit is as much down to the abilities of the exploration team as it relies on the application of scientific knowledge. Good leadership will identify and empower the right mix of experience, talent and youth while fostering a team culture that promotes teamwork, motivates team members by removing obstacles to success and builds confidence through trust.

While it is hard to predict the success of any mineral exploration programme, like John Gurney’s indicator minerals, there are certain markers that serve to significantly increase the chance for success. Mineral exploration companies who differentiate themselves through brave leadership, are able to galvanise the actions of a multi-faceted team and apply innovative solutions to meet the objectives of a well-balanced exploration strategy, will emerge as leaders in the industry.

Geological truth is only discernible in the context of a bigger geological landscape and, rather than getting caught in the rabbit-holes of complex theoretical ideas at project initiation

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 17

FEATURE Diesel Rebate Claim Processing for Mining Operations

Compliant Logging, Successful Claims CustomEx, based in Hilton Pietermaritzburg, operating nationwide, consultancy for diesel rebate claims, has been observing the loss of millions in diesel rebate claims that mining companies are incurring due to errors in logging information (noncompliant logging). And for the challenge to be tackled effectively, the consultancy advises mining companies to adopt the proactive mindset of scrupulously addressing issues relating to compliance prior to a diesel audit.

By Jimmy Swira

L

ike their counterparts in the other parts of the world, South African mining and quarrying companies are continuously seeking ways of containing or reducing the effects of rising operating costs on their bottomline. They are fortunate to have Diesel Rebate Claim Compliance Legislation, which affords them the right to submit records of their diesel usage to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and get reimbursements (cash backs).

Unfortunately, mining companies and quarries are losing millions in potential cash backs (through diesel rebates), as a result of lapses in record keeping, at best or, reluctance to submit due to the perception that the process required is onerous, at worst.

Andrew Hancock, a consultant from CustomEx, is concerned at how mining companies are missing out on making the most of the diesel rebate opportunity, the ‘low hanging fruit’ in cost saving. Thus, he informs them to improve the level of complaint logging and adherence to relevant legislation to maximise their eligibility. CustomEx is a consulting firm that specialises in helping clientele drawn from different sectors address rebate diesel claim challenges. CustomEx is an affiliate of Colenbrander Inc, an accounting and auditing firm, also operating out of Hilton.

Given the strong business case for compliant record keeping of diesel expenses, it is important to highlight common errors in mining companies’ claims and steps that should be taken for the claims to qualify for rebates.

At the outset, it is essential to appreciate the legislation governing how the rebates are to be made and what constitutes eligibility for claims.

The scope of legislation Legislation allows certain industry sectors (referred to as ‘Eligible users’) to recover Fuel levy and Road Accident Levy from diesel

purchases in accordance with certain legislated parameters. It defines activities that are eligible for rebate claim and those activities that are non-eligible. Essentially, a defined user registers for VAT purposes with sub registration for Diesel rebate purposes. Eligible “Users”, who are also economic contributors, are specified as follows: Onland Mining/Quarrying, Forestry, Farming, Commercial Fishing, Coastwise shipping, Offshore Mining, National Sea Rescue Institute, Rail freight, and Electricity Generation (Plants Specified). These activities are identified largely based on the fact that vehicles utilised are not essentially road users.

From a business or economic perspective, the diesel rebate system is aimed at protecting certain South African industries against international competition and some form of relief to diesel consumers who do not necessarily use roads. Diesel rebate claims can provide legitimate, substantial cash back as frequently as Value Added Tax (VAT) return submission.

Hancock shows how the rebate benefits the end-user: “Depending on a user’s diesel usage, the higher the volume, the higher the cash back.

Basically, the diesel rebate system is aimed at providing relief to identified sectors who largely do not use roads. Frequency of your claim, currently ties in with the submission of your VAT return for your business. Next year, 2022, this mechanism is set to change to a standalone system. Draft legislation soon to be implemented will streamline the diesel rebate mechanism and, in some cases, ease the logbook requirements” He explains that, in order to qualify for the diesel rebate, an organisation must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) and for the diesel rebate in terms of the Customs and Excise Act. “To qualify for the rebate and to be able to claim it back, the operation must be able to prove and calculate the amount of lawful consumption in terms of Schedule 6, Part 3 of the Customs and Exercise Act. The schedule lists the activities that qualify for the rebate, as well as how diesel

18 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

Andrew Hancock, a consultant from CustomEx

usage must be recorded. The rebate is regarded as a ‘provisional concession’ until the quarry can prove reasonably that the diesel was used lawfully.”

Noteworthy, the frequency of a company’s claim ties in with the submission of the VAT return for a business. Thus, a defined user would need to be registered for VAT purposes with sub registration for diesel rebate purposes. Currently, South African Revenue Services (SARS) system is used to facilitate registration and the VAT return mechanism manages the claims on diesel used.

Common mistakes in logging However, based on his experience from engaging with quarries, Hancock has noticed an oversight in how quarries approach logging of rebate claims. The common encountered challenge is that most of the information relevant to the diesel rebate is recorded but not compiled and presented in accordance with the required format, he points out. “Most have some form of record keeping but it does not conform to the specific requirements. For instance, claims are made on the purchase totals rather than the actual usage record (asset logging record), which is incorrect, or specific detail is omitted which impacts on eligible proof.”

Worse still, organisations tend to be more reactive than proactive when it comes to addressing the anomaly. They often reach out

for assistance only when SARS make contact to set up an audit. Those that feel disinclined to get the necessary help, the audit results in a massive reversal of claims. As a rule, the audit covers a two-year period. And when deficiencies are revealed, the entire period of is reversed and the whole amount becomes repayable.

“The financial impact of the reversals should not be underestimated and is relative to an organisation’s size. For small operators at the current rebate rate, this can equate to around US $13,300 R200 000). For some big operations, you could look at a tax bill of R6.3 million or more, depending on volumes of diesel used and claimed” stresses Hancock.

Put off by the perceived convoluted process involved, some organisations give up and stop claiming. Eventually, the assessment goes unchallenged and future claim benefits are voluntarily lost. Stressing that mining companies should not let huge sums of money, which they are legally entitled to, go unclaimed, Hancock states, “Diesel rebates are legislated and available for the benefit they were designed for.

Challenging the audit findings can result in the recovery of some or all of the intended reversal.”

Proactive mindset required Contrary to popular perception (or rather misconception), compliance is easier to realise with the right guidance. Hancock states that mining companies need to adopt the proactive mindset of scrupulously addressing issues relating to compliance prior to a diesel audit. “It all starts with the detail required in the logging record, and while this can be perceived as an administrative burden, the reality is that once the detail is identified, the system can be streamlined into your daily operations. Invariably, a tracking system already exists of necessity to the operators’ accounting needs. What it needs is a matter of tweaking and enhancing.”

Hancock indicates how larger and smaller operations can manage logging, “Larger operations will require a more structured approach owing to the volumes of diesel used, variety of activities performed, and number of assets being tracked. Smaller operations can slot a logging mechanism into daily activities. In

all cases, original records are foundational and are the basis of your audit trail. Eventually, once an organisation has a secure system of logging inclusive of all compliant elements, there should be no need to fear a Sars audit.”

Simply put, fuel used must be logged, detailing how much, when, where and what for. Those key records will support or negate a claim. The activities performed become crucial to eligibility. Oftentimes Sars will dispute primary and secondary activities and raise assessments accordingly, even though the logging record in its criteria is compliant.

“At the end of the day, legislation is the empowerment of rights for both Sars, as the revenue collector, and yourself, as the taxpayer.

When Sars intends, or in the event, reverses previous claims it is crucial to analyse what criteria they are basing their intentions on,” contends Hancock. On the whole, once an organisation’s system is consolidated into a compliant format, which is maintained, its claims should remain secure and should successfully withstand Sars audit actions.

Valid business case Beyond question, the significance of sound compliance to increasing the potential for successful rebate claims does not have to be overstated. There is a valid business case for improvement in record when one considers the numbers they entail, as Hancock demonstrates: “The volumes of Diesel used within the quarrying and Mining context is usually large. The cash back factor (on every VAT return) is significant.

For example, if a quarry uses 100 000 litres in defined eligible activities, per month, 80% being 80 000 litres with the current rate of R3.66 applied, the rebate for one month would equate to around R292,800. For a two-month VAT period you would expect R585,600 refund. Compliant claiming also enhances the enterprises reputation and integrity with Sars especially when tax clearances are required, says Hancock, stressing that claim eligibility can be maximised by improving their level of compliant logging and adherence to the relevant legislation.

Committed to solving complicated diesel rebate claims

A

s a seasoned consultant, Andrew Hancock reviews claim documents prior to submission to ensure compliance. He assists operators to differentiate between eligible and noneligible activities, what and how to record.

His approach to addressing clients’ needs is informed by the belief that, when Sars engages an organisation to audit diesel usage records, it is important to follow time lines and procedures as required. “Legal mechanisms are open and available to lodge legitimate disputes throughout the entire audit process. Knowing how and when to do this is important to the success of a dispute.

An examination and reconciliation of your logging and Sars findings will determine what routes to follow,” he tells mining companies.

There are changes to legislation on diesel rebate claims that Hancock would like mining companies to take note of. Since 2017, the legislation governing the diesel rebate process has been under review and several sessions have been had since then to engage stakeholders for input.

Recently (October/November 2021) a final round of sessions has been held and an overview of proposed changes have been explored. One of the changes is that the diesel rebate administration is to move to a standalone system, separate from the Vat administration.

CustomEx is steadily building a customer base, and hopes to continue grow in 2022 as industry becomes more aware of the right to claims that legislation on rebates grants them.

Andrew Hancock can be contacted at: www.CustomEx. co.za, mobile - 082 4492 443 consultant@customex.co.za https://www.linkedin.com/ company/customex-pty-ltd Andrew Hancock

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 19

FEATURE System intelligence in Oil-based Lubrication Systems for Mining Projects

IIOT-Powered Lubrication Systems, Effective Predictive Maintenance HYDAC South Africa’s sensor-based lubrication systems are highly regarded in the lubrication niche market in Southern Africa’s mining sector. The addition of system intelligence has turned the lubrication systems into a tool that can be deployed in remote monitoring of moving equipment, enabling effective predictive maintenance. Eventually, end-users can benefit through reduced damage and downtime, as well as increasing productivity.

HYDAC’S lubrication units have been consistently meeting industry’s expectations (even exceeding expectations), in the past ten years, the entry of small players has increased the range of products available to clients. So, uniquely, what sets HYDAC’s IIOT integrated lubrication solution apart from other lubrication units is that it provides the client with increased scope of functions. “Our value proposition is that what we offer with IIOT integrated lubrication units is critical in ensuring that mining equipment, which generally runs at high duty cycles in adverse environments, operates at optimum conditions in terms of temperature, water content and dirt),” explains Vermeulen, envisaging mining companies in the SADC region benefiting more from the strategic integration of a range of HYDAC sensors in the lubrication system.

HYDAC strives to produce premium custom-made oil-based lubrication systems for moving equipment

By Jimmy Swira

C

urrently, mines in Southern Africa (Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries are ramping up production. HYDAC South Africa recognises that it is essential for mining companies to ensure that their moving machinery, which operates at high duty cycles and under difficult conditions, performs optimally at all times in order to sustain the momentum. For this reason, the company has introduced a solution that involves the integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and sensors to its flagship oil-based lubrication units to enable remote diagnostics of components of equipment, including but not limited to gearboxes, bearings and pinions. The integration allows for predictive maintenance,

which reduces downtime, guaranteeing equipment availability and increased productivity.

Ushering a new era With the ground-breaking launch, HYDAC South Africa’s National Project Sales Manager, Tinus Vermeulen, says HYDAC is excited to be ushering mining companies into a new era in which oil-based lubrication systems perform a function beyond merely oiling machinery. He acknowledges that there is nothing complicated about oil-based lubrication systems. However, the integration of IIOT and sensors brings the certainty of equipment availability at all times something that the market is urgently in need of.

In actual fact, the launch of system intelligence has been perfectly timed. While

20 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

Strategic integration of sensors System intelligence, Industry 4.0 and predictive maintenance can be realised through the strategic integration of a range of HYDAC sensors - such as flow rate transmitters and switches, pressure sensors and temperature sensors - throughout a lubrication system. Using historic and live information, HYDAC sensors are capable of giving feedback to control systems of both return oil from plant equipment and the supply of conditioned oil into the field.

Feedback on the condition of returning oil from the sensors can indicate the health status of the plant equipment, which can be used as an early warning mechanism for predictive maintenance.

Based on the result, proactive measures can be taken to prevent serious damage and downtime to equipment.

Wider scope of capabilities The strategic integration has created a solution with a wider scope of capabilities. HYDAC’s CAN open sensors, ATEX and SIL rated sensors are able to gather vital data on issues such as filter clogging, wear, water and contamination, which

HYDAC Electronics IIoT Intergratable Sensors Flow Meter HFT2100 The HFT2100 flow meter is well suited to lubrication oils and can measure flow up to 110l/min at 600cst.. It provides a 4-20mA signal to the control system. Th e flow meter is viscosity compensated and is available for special purpose fluids.

Contamination sensor MCS1000 The MCS1000 series, is well suited for detecting metals in lubrication oils and is suitable for wind power, marine, steel, paper, cement, etc. The sensor allows for early detection of degradation of systems, preventing costly and unscheduled downtimes.

HYDAC TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD 165 Van Der Bijl Street, Meadowdale Germiston, 1614 Tel: +27 (11) 723 9080 hydacza@hydac.com www.hydac.co.za

FEATURE is utilised to map out predictive maintenance.

• Filter clogging The filter clogging sensors can trend wear and serve as an early warning, when a spike of contaminants is recovered from the field with the lubrication oil.

• Wear Sensors in the return line compartment can pick up the amount of metallic ferromagnetic particles that return from gearboxes, besides trending wear characteristics on the gears where setpoints may be programmed to signal maintenance requirements.

• Water ingress Aqua-sensors may be installed to monitor the ingress of free water molecules into the gearbox or bearings, relating to issues with plant equipment breathers or labyrinth seals, among others. Once the ingress of moisture is found, HYDAC rental equipment can be installed to remove any dissolved water particles within the system.

• Contamination Contamination sensors can give real-time feedback on the lubricating oil’s ISO cleanliness levels. Trending this may serve as an early warning signal for ingress of foreign particles into systems from wear or damaged parts.

Returning oil is capable of indicating the health status of the machinery and can therefore be used as an early warning mechanism for

HYDAC Industry 4.0

predictive maintenance, thus preventing serious damage and downtime to plant equipment.

A holistic system health matrix Usually, the condition of the returning oil is a direct indication of the health of the moving machinery. It serves as an early warning signal for ingress of foreign particles into systems from wear or damaged parts. “Generally, by tracking and trending metrics from sensors, a holistic system health matrix can be created.

Then, the data gathered can allow the system integrators to build a preventative and predictive maintenance model into the system intelligence of the gearbox/bearing/crusher lubrication system are able to identify changes timeously and take appropriate action,” Vermeulen elaborates.

A typical HYDAC Web Page

22 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

Remote access Conveniently, all of HYDAC sensors may be integrated into cloud setup with a dashboard development, allowing remote access by specialists capable of identifying mechanical issues before they become serious breakdowns.

The user can connect to the lubrication unit from anywhere in the world using either a mobile sim, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Therefore, key metrics can easily be monitored remotely.

Furthermore, the benefit of IIOT integration is more evident when comparing the system access and information it provides to the alternative of flying an engineer to a site in a remote country. Onsite user intervention can therefore be minimised to the execution of basic manual tasks like changing a filter element.

It makes lubrications handling complicated lubrication tasks less skills-intensive.

Investment in increased plant availability Farsighted, the team at HYDAC South Africa see system intelligence in lubrication as the next big thing in a world in which preventative maintenance has become more relevant than ever. “The user is not buying a smart lubrication system, but rather increased plant running and production time,” Vermeulen assures potential clientele about investing in system intelligence enabled- lubrication systems.

As part of the HYDAC International Group, HYDAC South Africa focuses on the SADC region, which includes all of the Southern African states up to the DRC and Tanzania, as well as the Islands of Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles off the East Coast of Africa.

HYDAC’s turnkey lubrication solution

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YDAC strives to produce premium custom-made oil-based lubrication systems for moving equipment that always prevail when subjected to tough conditions in harsh environments. While the addition of system intelligence has created a buzz, the company’s technical team remind potential clientele in the Southern African mining sector that the company offers a turnkey oil lubrication solution. The company provides a turnkey lubrication solution, which encompasses designing and manufacturing of the system, The company’s lubrication systems are specifically engineered to maintain oil cleanliness and contamination strictly within the ISO tolerance rating to minimise downtown.

“The oil provides a lubricating film to these moving items and conditioning of the oil reduces the thermal loading of the piece of equipment, thus extending the life of the machinery,” says Vermeulen, underlining the significance of meticulousness in the design and selection of products to be used in manufacturing to improved oil conditioning and temperature control.

The design The design by engineers at HYDAC is done to the specific piece of machinery’s specifications, taking into account the operating environmental conditions. The advanced tank design and layout integrating high-capacity filtration allow for a high level of system availability.

The reservoir is used for monitoring of the oil level, temperature and cleanliness. That is why a suitable reservoir design is key.

There are two common elements that are catered for in the design in respect of high-performance systems. Firstly, in most applications, oil settles to the sump/reservoir under gravity, and, secondly, the need for removal of settled particles during maintenance.

Relating to the issue of gravity, a reservoir must be designed to enable the oil to return to the reservoir (settle) under gravity for thorough conditioning before feedback to the plant equipment. Typically, a steel basket strainer, which is washable, is incorporated into the reservoir design. The aim is for the oil to go through a steel basket strainer to remove large particles that may have been picked and can cause damage to the lubrication system.

Additionally, the design must have an intermediate and settling compartments to allow for the settled particles to be removed during maintenance. In the settling compartment, the oil is circulated through a large capacity filter and heat exchanger, and after conditioning

returns to the ‘clean’ compartment. Finally, the clean compartment ensures that the jacking pumps, which are screw positive displacement, are exposed to the filtered oil before supplying it back to the bearing. Screw pumps are specified as they are able to pump large viscosity and large flow rates without cavitation, giving the lubrication systems a higher dirt tolerance when compared with various other positive displacement pumps. These pumps can incorporate internal pressure bypass valves to protect equipment from overpressure spikes.

Conditioning of the high viscosity oil HYDAC recognises conditioning of the high viscosity of the oil to a predetermined ISO cleanliness level for longevity of the moving components as a key process in the lubrication process. For this reason, the lubricating oil must be replenished with fresh, clean and cool oil/ low-pressure high-capacity filter housings and elements. To remove particulates from the oil, high efficiency filters with a large dirt holding capacity are installed throughout the operating temperature range. HYDAC has a full range incorporated with the inline low- and highpressure filter assemblies, both singular and

duplex. Smart sensors also give feedback on the filter cleanliness capacity trends for predictive maintenance applications.

Temperature control Many gearboxes and moving machinery are sized based on thermal capacity and heat dissipation properties. Thus, they need to be kept within a strict temperature range to ensure efficient operation and protection of various temperature sensitive components.

By controlling the oil temperature and keeping it within a strict range, this can be realised. Accordingly, HYDAC is able to realise temperature control through the use of a full range of well-defined heat exchangers capable of dissipating large heat loads with various media, including air, water, sea-water and other fluids. The air/oil heat exchangers can be adapted for various voltages based on the client’s needs.

In the end, the client is offered the best possible lubrication solution tailored for the destined site. “The user is not buying a smart lubrication system, but rather increased plant running and production time,” Vermeulen reiterates in conclusion.

A typical HYDAC Lubrication Unit

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 23

FEATURE Knee protection for mineworkers in underground environments

Keeping Knee Injuries at Bay KneeLok Knee Guard Protector, KneeLok’s paramount knee guard, offers superior protection to mineworkers against injuries to knees while working on tasks in low stopes in underground environments. Designed to be comfortable, lightweight, strong and durable, KneeLok is specifically manufactured with the mineworker in mind.

KneeLok Knee Guard Protector. KneeLok may also prove useful where workers such as plumbers and tilers need to work on their knees for long periouds.

The KneeLok knee guard was first developed in Germany to help protect miners’ knees in harsh mining environments. It was introduced to South Africa in 1983, when Specialised Belting became the sole local manufacturer of the iconic brand.

Designed with the mineworker in mind KneeLok knee guards tick all the boxes for mining-specific knee guards. Designed to be comfortable, lightweight, strong and durable, they are specifically manufactured with the mineworker in mind. This is prominent through the following features - the outer shell, the inner comfort padding cushion, and attachment straps.

• The outer shell The outer shell is injection moulded in two pieces, using crack-resistant polypropylene,

KneeLok can help mining companies comply with MHSA,”

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orldwide, countries are revising regulations that fall under the field of their Mine and Health Safety (MHS) legislation to facilitate the creation of a healthy and safe environment for mineworkers. In South Africa’s context, this is the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA).

For mining companies, this necessitates continuously identifying and mitigating risks in their operations from mine to mill. Pertaining to

ensuring that their employees work comfortably in cramped conditions, the Chief Executive of KneeLok, Clyde Lok, advises mining companies that one of the guaranteed ways that should be considered is investing in KneeLok knee guards.

“Knee guards offer protection for users working in cramped conditions, such as underground mining. KneeLok can help mining companies comply with MHSA,” Lok says, recommending mines to use KneeLok’s flagship knee guard,

24 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

high-quality natural rubber compound, with a tensile strength of 18 Mpa or greater. The straps are designed to be sufficiently elastic so as not to cause discomfort, yet strong enough to endure tough conditions.

Lok explains the convenience of the straps: “A major advantage of the KneeLok knee guard is that it can be strapped on before going underground. This is because it does not restrict normal movement such as walking or climbing, and it is designed to remain in position for as long as required.”

The outer shell is injection moulded in two pieces, using crack-resistant polypropylene.

which is hinged to allow free movement through a 90° angle.

• Inner comfort padding cushion The inner comfort padding cushion consists of a skinned polyurethane sponge of sufficient density to ensure that the cushioning doesn’t collapse and is soft enough to provide effective comfort when kneeling. The skinned surface of the inner cushion also prevents water absorption.

• Attachment straps Attachment straps are manufactured from a

Wide usage in underground mines KneeLok knee guards enjoy wide usage in tough underground mining operations, especially in low stopes where operators work in cramped conditions. The renowned South African Proto teams, who risk their lives to save trapped miners, have also used the product extensively in the past.

Commitment to durability and comfort As KneeLok positions itself to serve existing and new clientele in 2022 and beyond, Lok affirms the company’s commitment to manufacturing the most durable and comfortable knee protection available, affording every worker the right to protection from injury or harm. “In the past 38 years, we have provided our KneeLok’s to all corners of the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe South Africa and northern African countries. In 2022, continuing with the same spirit we are aiming to grow the footprint of our niche market.”

KneeLok knee guards tick all the boxes for mining-specific knee guards.

KneeLok can help mining companies comply with MHSA

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 25

FEATURE Mineral processing

Improving Mineral Processing with AI Models Looking ahead, advancements in computing power and data availability augur well for the acceleration of the adoption of AI models. impact of the COVID-19 pandemic elicited a rethink. The pandemic has resulted in restrictions in movement, affecting workforce availability, supply chains and demand. This has necessitated alternative interventions that could address short-term challenges, in addition to enhancing operational resilience as a long-term competitive advantage. Amongst others, AI emerged as one of the viable options. And, thus far, the return has been visible: improved agility and operational resilience as an integrated fertiliser producer referenced in a review has demonstrated.

Enabling AI solutions for smarter mines and cement plants with ECSProcessExpert 85

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t has never been a more tempting time to manage a mineral processing company than the present. Mining companies have to contend with a myriad of challenges on different fronts. And given the changing circumstances, it is clear that the ‘time-honoured’ traditional approach may not suffice to ensure that their business models are sustainable in the long-term. Thus, they have to be flexible and dynamic in their thinking and embrace innovative approaches. It is high time then for them to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in planning processes. Fascinatingly, COVID-19 has been touted as the greatest disruptor in other sectors, but is it eliciting a similar response amongst mining mineral processing companies as far as AI goes?

Early days It is still early days to determine with certainty the scale of the penetration of AI in mineral processing, but an industry case study indicates that opportunities abound. But, before delving the case study’s findings, at the onset, one has to examine the myriad of persisting challenges and establish whether or not AI tools could help in managing them.

Challenges Truth be told, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mineral processing was already beset by a number of issues – chiefly, rising

operating costs, regulators are uncompromising on Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE), and host communities expect companies to do more than extracting ore, above and beyond volatile economic conditions (mainly commodity markets). Then, the formulaic approach centred around maximising production and mine planning and manpower development. However, it is increasingly becoming evident that these are out of kilter with contemporary market dynamics.

Covid the catalyst Although COVID-19 pandemic cannot be attributed as the sole factor that has pushed mineral processing companies towards AI tools, definitely, it has been a catalyst. However, the effects it has occasioned have made organisations to explore opportunities it may open in mineral processing.

As it happens with new technologies, mining companies had been reluctant to embrace AI tools, sceptical about their necessity. The

26 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

Case study In building AI models, the objective is to develop models to get detailed insight into possibilities of profitability under different scenarios. Handily, data that processing plants have gathered over the years can be combined with financial and market data. In the fertiliser company’s context, AI was applied to understand correlations between market prices and profitability in different operating models. The first case involved effects of maximising production (immediate profits) or yield (long term profits) with economic life of mine. Also, it looked at the effects of maximising grade of beneficiated ore and the impact of different ore characteristics on downstream costs. Remarkably, another insight emerged: beneficiation plant decisions could lead to more than 20 percent variability in downstream processing costs. What is more, another notion emerged: operator experience does suffice in the face of intricate correlations amongst hundreds of variables.

Identifying profitable strategies By building AI models using profit drivers (intricate correlations amongst hundreds of variables) across the value chain, a mineral processing company can be able to identify profitable strategies. Looking ahead, advancements in computing power and data availability augur well for the acceleration of the adoption of AI models in the new economic reality.

Credits: How artificial intelligence can improve resilience in mineral processing, a review by McKinsley & Company

FEATURE Cable management for mining projects

Safe and Effective Cable Performance The most important aspect in mining-specific cable management is the competency of the company that provides the solution - delivering quality products and to the highest possible standards of installation and workmanship.

From a quality standpoint, a cable management system should be robust enough to protect electric wiring and cables from moisture, compression, abrasion and impact.

From a functional perspective, there should accommodate the need for subsequent repair and maintenance.

The type of cable management systems used depend upon risks if they are exposed in environments in which they are deployed.

Trailing cables for mobile equipment, for instance, should offer sufficient resistance to abrasion and greases, while data transmission require shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference from other signals, and power cables additional mechanical protection, for instance addition of explosion-poor materials or fire-extinguishing characteristics. It is interesting to note how far some manufacturers have gone to accommodate industry requirements.

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n contemporary mining as well as other industries, cables are used for data transmission and supplying electricity.

However, cables can only serve their purpose safely and effectively if they are well managed.

A sum of many parts While cable management is a broad discipline, sound cable management can best be described as a sum of many parts, involving the getting the products, workmanship and installation right. Each of these elements has to be optimal. Otherwise, any lapse is bound to have implications on performance in specific applications in environments in which cables are deployed in mining. Cable failure of any kind can result in equipment downtime, which can result in loss of productivity and revenue loss, as well as fire accidents or electric shock. These are two incidents which should be avoided at all costs.

What constitutes cable management systems?

Mining Business Africa conducted a survey of some of the major suppliers of cable management systems to companies operating in mines and other explosive environments.

From the information, some common aspects emerge, in the areas of products, workmanship and installation. To avoid vouching for the organisations and or the brands they stand for, any references to names have been deliberately left out.

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Product Naturally, cables for application in harsh environments in mining and power generation projects should be of a high quality. Diameter, weight, and bend radius are the key parameters in cable choice. It is important that the cable system meeting these should be of expected quality standards. As a basic requirement, the products should have ISO 9001 as well as BMTrada System ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification. This would guarantee the integrity of the product supplied.

A cable management system is a unit or fitting, which includes the following heavy-duty products - cable trays, cable raceways, cable glands, conduits, cable connectors and glands, cable carriers, cable lugs, junction box, and others. Cable management systems allow systematic organisation of cables connected to electrical devices. Most importantly, they ensure that cables are secure and specific connections can be traced for easy inspection on quality and compliance. Exposed wires and cables, as a result of poor or low-quality cable management systems, can result in hazards such as fire and electric shocks. Ultimately, cable management systems ensure safety protection for personnel and equipment.

Based on end-user preferences, according to suppliers, mining-specific cable management systems should be both quality-oriented and functional. A research document on trends in the mining sector on trends likely to shape cable management procurement in 2022 and beyond.

Workmanship and installation It is one thing to have quality cables that ticks all the boxes in mining requirements, it is entirely another that they function in areas where they are deployed in extreme conditions and work safely and efficiently. So, workmanship and installation are critical. The installation of a cable management system depends on the nature of the environment in which cables are to be used.

For instance, in underground mines, electric power is reticulated in roadways. This can be a potential hazard when the cables are exposed, resulting in electric shock or fire. In this case, sheathing and earthed wire can be used to manage the situation.

In some environments, particularly in deep mines, cables may not be able to support their own weight if hung vertically. This may require the use of other support. Even in some cases, flame proof or intrinsically safe may be recommended depending on the purpose.

Flameproof means enclosed within a container able to prevent any internal explosion, while intrinsically safe means that the power is too low under any conditions to produce a spark of sufficient power to ignite gases like methane.

No cutting corners Last but not least, the most important aspect in cable management is the competency of the company that provides the solution - delivering quality products and to the highest possible standards of installation and workmanship. The first question prior to procurement of a solution mining companies should ask seek convincing answers to is: Does the supplier have the necessary technical design skills, manufacturing capability and logistics expertise to deliver a specified product on time and within budget?

Clearly, there should be no cutting corners in the planning and implementation of cable management. This is bearing in mind the impact of cables on safety and productivity in the mining environment.

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 27

ADVERTORIAL

Cabstrut: The Market Leader in Cable Management Support Systems in Southern Africa

Theon Steyn. CEO Cabstrut

Cabstrut warehouse

abstrut was founded in 1991 and by 2017, Cabstrut was streets ahead of anyone else in the industry, not only by diversity, but also in the traditional strut market. “Having our own manufacture means full control and with our buying power we can get material at the most competitive prices, we can plan and change as we like, which ultimately results in total customer satisfaction. It was key to get to this point” says Theon Steyn, CEO Cabstrut.

The rapid growth also required new premises and by the end of 2018 Cabstrut moved into their new “state of the art” warehouse in Alberton.

More focus was given to both internal and external service levels and the entity’s ISO9001 certification was changed from local SABS to internationally accepted BM TRADA. Cabstrut’s new building is a great asset. It has completely changed the way we work and allows us to do a lot more with less people. The warehouse is state-of-the-art, we have moved away from large area / low stack to small area / high stack, quite revolutionary for our product range.

Our acquisitions have been great, but Bosal has been exceptional. What a wonderful product range to have, not only has it increased our sales, but it has opened new doors for us and introduced us to customers we haven’t dealt with before. From a sales and marketing perspective our principles are sound, we supply both the

industrial and commercial markets and we supply the complete product range. Cabstrut is ISO listed and we live by these principles. Our strength is the supply of the larger projects. We are best equipped to handle these and have proven so in the past.

Cabstrut know that opportunities don’t just happen, they’re created. And that’s why they have their finger on the pulse of the all the sectors they supply and service.

Consistently developing, creating and perfecting a vast and varied range of products, Cabstrut continues to grow – proof that exceptional quality, skill and the addressing of market needs are paramount.

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CABSTRUT TODAY… We’re in a good place at the moment, the company has grown considerably over the last 10 years, mainly due to our belief that both our customers and suppliers are the most important partners to our business. We believe in the personal touch and in partnerships with our major customers instead of being mere suppliers of strut. We believe in experience and knowledge and having the right people in the right positions.

Further to the above, we believe in quality products and service. This has landed us major international projects, mostly in Africa, but also Panama, Dubai and Hong Kong. My favourite

28 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

and our most prestigious must be The Supply of Cable Brackets, Pipe Supports, Sunshields and Handrails for the Shatin to Central Link in Hong Kong. Eleven kilometres of trackside auxiliaries including 144 000 cable brackets, this project was done with GTECH Services for MTRC Hong Kong, the company with probably the highest quality requirements internationally. First world experience like this is priceless.

The way forward for us is therefore to do more of the same and to do it better every time.

Cabstrut’s turnover has increased dramatically and our focus in the foreseeable future will be to increase our manufacturing capacity accordingly. It is very nice to have our own factories and to have full control, but it does bring added responsibility to the table. We are anticipating considerable growth in the industrial, mining and solar sectors and will definitely be ready when the time comes.

Everything is therefore in place; we have grown substantially and are undeniable market leaders in all aspects of our industry. It is easy to grow and get to the top, not so easy to stay there. Our challenge for the next few years will be exactly that, to consistently service the market at the levels that we do and to increase these whenever required, and like always, we’ll be up for it!

Cabstrut, Leaders in Cable & Reticulation Management Systems

CABLE SUPPORT SYSTEMS, CABLE TRAY, CABLE LADDER, TRUNKING, CONDUIT & A COMPLETE RANGE OF ACCESSORIES

For the design & supply of all major mining, commercial & industrial projects CABSTRUT is the market leader in cable management support systems in Southern Africa.

Proud Member

View our product Range

E-mail: cabstrut@voltex.co.za JOHANNESBURG Tel: 011-622-8633 cabstrut@voltex.co.za

PRETORIA 012-329-6882, 012-329-1647 cabpta@voltex.co.za

Proudly Bidvest

DURBAN Tel:031-573-9400 cabdurban@voltex.co.za

CAPE TOWN Tel: 021-530-3560-6 cabcape@voltex.co.za

EAST LONDON Tel: 043-722-6272 slombard@voltex.co.za

PORT ELIZABETH Tel: 041-451-2011 ejulyan@voltex.co.za

GEORGE Tel: 044-874-1102 nico.ungerer@voltex.co.za A member of

www.cabstrut.co.za

®

FEATURE

Ctrack has solutions for an ever-changing business environment Operating Hours Report

Fleet Management Software

TM AN AG

FEATURES NAL O I T DI AD

O M

ASSE

ING OR T I N

NT

GEO Fencing

ENGINE & FUEL M AN A GE M E

Fleet Analytics

R

Accident Analysis

T EN EM

Vehicle Categories

DR IVE

Browser & mobile Driver applications for Management full control

ODO and Hour Meters

Tachograph Information

Up Time of Equipment

CAMERA

Collision Avoidance System

Real-Time Visibility Digital IO Monitoring

T

he global business environment is everchanging and at a rapid pace, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. To survive during these troubling times, businesses and their partners must continually adapt to survive and give themselves an edge over their competitors.

Owning and operating vehicles efficiently, no matter the industry is reliant on information.

Having the correct information in a tangible format is imperative to making the right decisions.

“No matter what industry your business operates in, if you use vehicles or moveable assets, then Ctrack can help. During Ctrack’s 30-year history, we have developed cutting edge tracking and fleet management hardware and software solutions. We can also tailor-make analytics to aid with short and long-term decision making,” comments Hein Jordt, Managing Director of Ctrack SA. A comprehensive fleet management solution ensures that elements including safety and security risks such as dangerous driving,

30 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

safety, driver fatigue, theft, hijackings and area management can be mitigated.

Improved productivity is guaranteed when business owners know how their vehicles are being used. Efficient fleet management will ensure the avoidance of unnecessary costs incurred by factors such as speeding, accidents, fuel consumption and harsh driving.

Bespoke solutions for every industry Whether your fleet consists of motorcycles or mining and yellow equipment or whether you

Always Visible

Improve your mining operation with dynamic Ctrack Solutions.

Features Driver Identification & Driving Behaviour Monitoring

Fuel Level & Consumption Monitoring

Engine Performance Monitoring (RPM & Idling)

Iris Camera Solution Front-Back-Side Facing Camera Option

Collision Avoidance Sensors

Onboard Weighing Breathalyser Tip Sensor

www.ctrack.co.za | sales@ctrack.com | Call Centre: +27 (0)860 333 444

FEATURE

operate within airports or the agricultural sector, Ctrack has developed and perfected bespoke tracking and fleet management solutions for a wide variety of industries. Compact, batteryoperated tracking devices mean that anything can be tracked, from combine harvesters to small packages.

“Ctrack’s continued emphasis on researching and developing next-generation products ensures that we remain ahead of the market, meeting demands for value-added, flexible, feature-rich, and cost-effective technology that keeps everything, Always Visible no matter your industry of operation,” said Jordt.

Testament to this is the fact that Ctrack also provides integrated solutions with third parties and products that are not normally seen as true tracking products. This one-stop-shop for fleet managers provides solutions such as a state-of-the-art camera solution, Ctrack Iris, where transport and asset managers can view live camera footage of dash-cams and up to 6 cameras fitted to trucks, trailers and inside cargo bodies. In-cab devices that assist drivers with multi-tasking and route management are a result of years of development of software reports that

are easily accessible via mobile devices and cloud-based platforms.

Using data effectively Cutting edge hardware relies on rock-solid software to operate effectively and to provide users with the necessary information in a tangible format.

Ctrack can help any business, big or small, take the guesswork out of running fleets.

Realtime, weekly or monthly reports analyse the data and highlight where an action or decision needs to be made, whether that is regarding driver behaviour, route optimisation or vehicle maintenance.

Ctrack’s Bureau Service is the complete outsourcing of fleet control room activities, backed by highly proficient hindsight, insight and foresight data analytics and reporting.

Furthermore, easy to use software solutions include Ctracks’s Driver Centric Mobi application. Using Ctrack Mobi, assets can be monitored from almost anywhere using a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection.

In addition to vehicle locations, Ctracks real-time visibility software, including mobile

32 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

applications and website dashboards, provide valuable information on drivers, points of interest, ground coverage, upcoming tasks and even a live productivity dashboard.

The culmination of real-time visibility, proactive notifications and infographics ensures optimised and efficient asset utilisation and ultimately a more profitable operation across a variety of industries.

Africa Focus Ctrack believes that the next frontier for growth is Africa because ICT is critical to the future of the 1.3 billion-plus people with the youngest population globally.

Growth opportunities continue, and together with digital transformation trends, the youth demographic presents an incredible opportunity for Ctrack.

With a presence in Africa stretching from South Africa as the base and representation in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Malawi, Senegal, Benin and the DRC, Ctrack is well-positioned to keep assets “Always Visible.”

FEATURE Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Compliance Needs Competent Consultants It is advisable to engage a specialist consulting firm for accurate, efficient and cost-effective execution of compliance monitoring.

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n different countries worldwide, legislation obligates organisations in industries deemed to be biggest pollutants to reduce carbon emissions produced from their activities. Mainly, these industries, just to cite a few, are Mining, Oil and Gas (MOG), power generation, and petrochemicals. The legislation recognises consistent and accurate environmental monitoring as one of the practical ways through which organisations can control their emissions.

The rationale behind this is that an organisation can only manage best what it can monitor.

There should be no margin for error in monitoring. Yet, given the intricacies involved, accurate, cost effective and efficient implementation of environmental compliance monitoring is always a tall order for organisations. Otherwise, lapses could have implications on beyond the bottom-line costing the company reputational damage and litigation in the event of breaches. Hence, this necessitates engaging specialist consultants that have a track record in environmental compliance monitoring.

Comprehensively documented South Africa can be cited in a case study of the legislation governing environmental compliance monitoring. Decidedly, the acts that constitute the legislation comprehensively emphasise the obligation of mining companies to monitor the level of emissions produced from their activities.

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South African National Environmental Management Act Section 28(1) of the South African National Environmental Management Act (Act no. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) specifically states that “every person who causes, has caused or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring, in so far as such harm to the environment is authorised by law or cannot reasonably be avoided or stopped, to minimise and rectify such pollution or degradation of the environment”. In an effort to govern proposed developments that have the potential to degrade the environment, the various competent authorities require for numerous different authorisation processes to be undertaken for the relevant triggering activities.

The competent authorities include: Department of Environment, Fisheries and Forestry (DEFF), Department of Mineral and Resources (DMR), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and their provincial representatives, require for numerous different authorisation processes to be undertaken for the relevant triggering activities.

• Authorisation processes These authorisation processes to be undertaken include inter alia: Environmental

Authorisation (EA), Air Emissions License (AEL), Waste Management License (WML) and Water Use license (WUL), most of which require an accompanying Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) to govern the activities on-site in a conservative manner. Most, if not all, of the aforementioned authorisations will stipulate conditions that require the licensee to institute various monitoring programmes, that should be conducted by an independent contractor, to document environmental trends and compare results against legislated limits and guidelines. This is in a bid to guide the activity in a precautionary manner and to provide a means of pre-empting, or identifying any changes in environmental trends that may result in the pollution and/or degradation of the natural environment. This in part fulfils the proponent’s legal responsibility under Section 28(1) of NEMA (Act no. 107 of 1998), however further actions may be required if environmental pollution and/ or degradation may need to be minimised, or rectified.

• Monitoring programmes The typical monitoring programmes that may be stipulated within each authorisation include: WUL- Ground and/or surface water flow and quality monitoring, which may include chemical, bacteriological and aquatic biomonitoring analyses. AEL: Dust fallout, ambient air and stack air emissions quality monitoring. It has also become increasingly common to see the requirement of soil chemistry monitoring, particularly where dust suppression is taking place on sites where sensitive landscapes and/or landforms are identified. In most authorisations, it is stipulated that the monitoring results for a specific period (e.g., weekly monthly, quarterly or biannually) must be culminated into a report and submitted to a local, regional or national competent authority for review and record purposes under each authorisation. Bearing this in mind, the monitoring and reporting must be conducted by a suitably qualified professional who has preferably conducted numerous similar studies.

Specialists Engaging specialist consulting firm As seen above, it is incredible for an organisation to think this task, an area in which it may not have competencies, can be carried out inhouse. And so, it is advisable to engage a specialist consulting firm for accurate, efficient and cost-effective execution of compliance monitoring. The specialists would be able to advise on the exact requirements of an operation and the associated authorisation. Both onsite and remote assessment is done in areas such as: soil, groundwater, surface water, effluent water, waste, air quality and odour.

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 33

FEATURE Durable Fabric Shelter Structures for Mining Projects

Superior Quality, Engineered to Protect Australian-owned and operated, globally focused, DomeShelter Australia is aiming at growing its clientele footprint in Africa, a region where it has been servicing clients in the mining sector with its flagship Fabric Shelter, the DomeShelter™ Solution. The DomeShelter™ Range is certified to ISO9001 & ISO45001 (internationally accredited) standards. They are particularly well proven in various aspects of mining, from Boilermakers’ Workshops to Heavy Vehicle Storage and Maintenance workshops, to Ammonium Nitrate storage to General Warehouses.

Multi Bay HV Workshops - Pilbara

F

abric Shelter Structures can be erected in remote locations within a short period of time. That is why many organisations now regard Fabric Shelter Structures as a preferred alternative to steel sheds when it comes to the need for ‘fast-track’ options.

Over the decades, DomeShelter Australia has carved a niche for itself in the Fabric Shelter

Structures sector globally as a trusted supplier to clients involved in diverse projects in remote regions. “We have developed unrivalled core knowledge and experience in every area of tarp manufacturing, including sourcing different materials and customising them to meet the harsh requirements of the Australian landscape.

Naturally, this has led to the development of

34 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

the superior range of DomeShelter™ Fabric Structures,” Roy Fawkes, DomeShelter Australia’s Facility Design Consultant, highlights the company’s know-how in the provision of premium prefabricated shelter structures.

Prominent features DomeShelter Australia is aiming to grow its presence on the continent, where it has built

ENGINEERED TO PROTECT

Proven Warehouse & Workshop Solutions for African Mining Industry

OVER

41 COUNTRIES 7000 SHELTERS

PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE & ASSETS FROM THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THE ELEMENTS: Proven, durable solution, manufactured in Australia to Internationally Accredited Standards Reduce Labour costs with a durable kit, fabrictaed for ease-of-install and Global delivery to remote locations Engineered to Protect your people and assets from the elemnets, with a safe and proven solution.

Book facility layout and orientation consultation to best evaluate the Shelter generated for your project. customerservice@domeshelter.com.au call +61 8 9690 1116

Mining Workshops - Congo Africa

a diverse clientele base in the mining sector.

The company assures prospective clientele that DomeShelter™ Structures have been engineered to meet their specific needs. The following are prominent features that make DomeShelter™ Fabric Structures stand out from competition – mainly, Easy Transportation, Quick Installation, Eco-friendliness and UV Resistance.

• Easy transportation DomeShelter™ Fabric Structures are designed and manufactured packed to fit on a crate and in sea containers so that they can be quickly and easily shipped to the remotest locations in

the world. Compared to traditional steel sheds, it takes a lot less freight to get materials to a remote location, hence reducing transportation costs.

•

Quick installation and low labour costs DomeShelter™ Structures can be installed within a short time frame, by an organisation’s team, following the provided instructions.

Installation of smaller Shelters can take only one to two days, while larger Shelters can only take 1-3 weeks, depending on the complexity and size of the Structure. Therefore, as an

Grupo Colombia installation

36 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

alternative, it rapidly reduces downtime and significantly cuts down labour costs.

Furthermore, DomeShelter Australia has deliberately engineered its Fabric Structures for ease of installation. The company fabricates its steel in-house so that it only needs to be assembled by an organisation’s contractor.

“While we do not have accredited installers, most of our Structures have been installed by the client’s construction teams in the past, by following the instructions provided with the DomeShelter™ Kit,” Fawkes elaborates. “We have a dedicated team to assist over the phone should the need arise, and we offer video and

Delivery of quick, efficient and proven solutions

D Mining Workshop - Burkina Faso Africa

photo inspections to ensure it’s installed in line with our specifications. With larger installations, we also offer the option of providing an onsite supervisor to support if required.”

•

Reducing environmental footprint A lot of Fabric Shelter Structures are also widely respected for their eco-friendly quality, reducing environmental footprint. This is because the DomeShelter™ Solution is built to be portable – any DomeShelter™ Kit is able to be uninstalled, and moved to another location and reinstalled.

Fundamentally, this takes the permanence out of the asset, although they have been proven to endure 25 years of withstanding the elements.

• UV resistance Finally, DomeShelter™ Kit’s new fabric has a 20-year manufacturer’s UV warranty. The fabric protects people and assets from the sun, while letting light in. In broad sunlight, little to no artificial lighting is required due to the brightness of the sun. This reduces cost and makes the option more environmentally friendly.

Quality assurance Fawkes advises potential clientele in Africa, who may be shopping around for fabric

structures for their project in remote areas, to be circumspect regarding the quality of products that are on the market. He tells them to make informed procurement decisions when it comes to fabric structures. “Oftentimes, other Fabric Shelter Structures available are not durable.

Consequently, an organisation must be very careful who they choose for a supplier. Ensuring a Structure is appropriately designed and engineered to withstand the weather of your region is imperative to its durability, as it is with any building. DomeShelter Australia takes this very seriously and designs a steel frame for the Fabric Structure that is engineered according to Australia’s Wind Region Guidelines. With some of the harshest wind conditions globally, this means that Region D rated Shelters are designed to withstand cyclones with winds up to 250km/hour.”

Also, fabric contributes to the durability of the DomeShelter™ Solution, co-designed and improved over years with the manufacturer.

The company has developed a Solution that maximises the capability with the steel frame, to increase endurability and longevity – hence the solutions last over 20 years.

omeShelter™ Structures ultimately provide a quick, efficient, and proven Solution for protecting a company’s people and assets. With an in-house design and engineering team, the company works with a client’s goals to create a fitfor-purpose Solution that is built as tough as the elements, manufactured in-house.

Eventually, a client can have a lightweight, minimal footprint solution, delivered within 6-8 weeks.

There are several options when choosing your DomeShelter™ Solution.

There are a variety of add-ons, ranging from door solutions, end walls, mounting types, hold down requirements, lighting, gutter systems, air cooling, ceilings and so forth.

For companies seeking more information, please mention MBA for a free lighting kit, valued up to $1000 to be included in your quote.

Project portfolio

A

s the most recognised brand for Fabric-Covered Shelter Solutions in Australia, DomeShelter™ Structures have now also proven successful in over 41+ countries globally. There are a number of projects in Africa where DomeShelter™ Structures have been successfully deployed: • Ghana - Manganese Mines • Egypt - Gold Mines • Chad - Oil • DRC – Various Resources • South Africa – Iron Ore & Mining Contractors • Nigeria – Shopping Centre Cover & Mines • Sierra Leone – Iron Ore, Diamonds • Côte d’Ivoire – Gold, Silver • Namibia – Mining Contractors for Various Large Mines • Angola – Mining Contractor and Machinery Supplier

Mining Workshop - Burkina Faso Africa

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 37

FEATURE TOMRA’s XRT technology

A game-changer at Letšeng Diamond Mine in Lesotho TOMRA’S XRT sensor-based sorting technology unlocks significant value for Gem Diamonds at its Letšeng Diamond Mine. It delivered an effective solution for coarse fractions in historical tailings dumps, recovering 15 times the initial investment in 4 years. This success has led to the installation of the first TOMRA Final Recovery sorter in the world, now in its final commissioning stage. Projects to further upgrade the mine’s Recovery Plant with more TOMRA XRT sorters are in the pipeline.

Introduction of TOMRA’s XRT technology at Letšeng Diamond Mine has improved the operation’s profitability and efficiency.

G

em Diamonds, a leading global diamond producer of large high value diamonds, owns 70% of the Letšeng mine, located in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. It is one of the largest open pit diamond mines in the world, it processes ore from two kimberlite pipes – the Main pipe (17.0ha) and the Satellite pipe (5.2ha) – and is known for the recovery of Type II diamonds. The ore is treated through two plants with conventional crushing, scrubbing, screening and Dense Medium Separation (DMS) processes. The DMS concentrate is split into three fractions that are sent to be processed with XRT (X-Ray Transmission) and XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) technologies.

In 2017, the company undertook several activities to unlock the mine’s full potential and contacted TOMRA Mining to explore ways of improving its Coarse Recovery process.

A trial of TOMRA’s XRT technology quickly reveals its potential Jaco Houman, Senior Manager Technical and Projects at Gem Diamond Technical Services,

explains: “We had quite a lot of historic tailings material. We had a view that, since we had commissioned a new Coarse Recovery in 2015, we weren’t quite getting all the diamonds we were looking for. We worked with our supplier to improve, but we felt we had reached a ceiling point. That’s when we decided to augment the installed base and contacted TOMRA.” Gem Diamonds rented a TOMRA COM Tertiary XRT sorter, which was deployed in the second half of 2017 to process historic tailings. “Our objectives were to audit the Coarse Recovery Plant performance, increase diamond recovery, improve the recovered revenue and evaluate the TOMRA unit as a recovery and bulk sorting unit,” says Jaco Houman.

The initiative was a success and the TOMRA sorter delivered on all the objectives Gem Diamonds had set: “During the 6-month rental of this unit, we got a better understanding of our primary recovery efficiencies, we were able to conduct off-line auditing and scavenging activities, we increased our diamond recovery and revenue, and we effectively introduced bulk

38 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

treatment of historical recovery tailings.”

TOMRA’s XRT sorter exceeded all expectations: “The unit showed that it recovers consistently from the tailings material. The value that came from it spoke volumes about the technology and the potential that could still be obtained with the material available. It cemented the realisation that we needed a recovery unit for scavenging, auditing and second-pass recovery.”

High Value Recoveries and excellent ROI with TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 sorter On the back of the excellent results achieved with the rental unit, Gem Diamonds purchased a TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 sorter to replace the rental unit at the end of the contract. Featuring a bigger ejection chamber, higher belt speed and throughput, this unit was perfectly suited to the large diamond recovery set up the company was looking for, and they didn’t have to wait for it to deliver: “In January 2018, we had pretty much just finished commissioning this unit and we recovered the biggest stone Letseng had ever

XRT DiamonD

RecoveRy Technology TOMRA XRT TechnOlOgy deliveRs A hAnd sORTAble pROducT AfTeR Only TwO sTAges: cOncenTRATiOn And finAl RecOveRy. This simplifies the process removing up to 7 diamond concentration stages resulting in significant financial and environmental benefits: drastic reductions in capital investment and operational costs, as well as significantly lower power and water consumption.

FEATURE

Since installing the TOMRA COM XRT 2.0, the mine’s +5mm historic material has been depleted

seen, the 910-carat Lesotho Legend. There was no question about performance after that,” says Jaco Houman. “Since 2017, we have recovered 6 diamonds that were sold for more than 1 million US$ with the two TOMRA XRT sorters.”

Since installing the TOMRA COM XRT 2.0, the mine’s +5mm historic material has been depleted and the company is now focusing on scavenging and auditing the existent tailings.

Jaco Houman explains: “About 10 tonnes a day of coarse fractions are stockpiled per export period, and we do roughly 8 exports a year. Over an average of about 45 days, we accumulate 450 to 500 tonnes, which we process at the end of the export period. We are seeking confirmation that all economical value

has been recovered and that nothing has been missed in our recovery process. By having this unit in place, we are now able to recover all the diamonds that are present in our concentrate, either through a first or a second pass.”

With its performance, the TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 sorter has more than paid for itself, as Jaco Houman points out: “To date, we have recovered about 15 times the investment value over the 4 years it has been in operation.”

Gem Diamonds purchases the first TOMRA XRT Final Recovery sorter in the world Gem Diamonds has been so impressed with TOMRA’s XRT technology that they have

40 Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022

become early adopters of its ground-breaking Final Recovery solution, purchasing a TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR sorter before it was even launched, so that the Letšeng mine is home to the first unit to be installed in the world.

Having found an effective solution for Coarse Recovery with the TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 sorter, Gem Diamonds turned their attention to the Fines Recovery Circuit. “We sent some samples for testing to an independent facility and our assumptions of under-recovery in certain size fractions were confirmed,” says Jaco Houman.

“We wanted to find a solution to increase our revenue from the treatment of historic material.

We were looking for a compact machine we could use as a final recovery sorter, and the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR performs very well in that duty, or even as a single particle sorter. Also, it is a sorter that will treat a superconcentrate and work very well as a scavenging unit.”

“The diamond industry had been waiting for 20 years for a way to introduce XRT directly into the Diamond Final Recovery instead of the bulk concentration stages where the DMS modules exist,” explains Ryan Szabo, Sales and Project Manager Diamonds at TOMRA Mining.

“The TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR is a compact sorter that can function within the diamond recovery and sort house environment, and it is the first to accurately sort diamonds based on their properties and not their proxies, achieving market leading recovery with the highest recovery factor to date. This made it ideal for Gem Diamonds’ requirements at the Letšeng mine.”

TOMRA’s Final Recovery sorter is now in the

commissioning stage, and performing well, as Jaco Houman states: “We are getting consistent recovery from the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR, which is performing to our expectations from this perspective. The overall throughput has not been attained due to deficiencies in the drying system upstream, which are making feeding the sorter at higher throughput rates difficult. However, design corrections are in the process of being implemented and I am confident that we will be able to demonstrate performance of the Final Recovery sorter at the higher capacities.”

“The Final Recovery sorter has functioned exceptionally well,” adds Ryan Szabo. “To date the sorter has never failed a performance test at the Letšeng Diamond Mine. It has already had successful results in the commissioning stage. In fact, it’s the most successful first implementation of a new solution that TOMRA has ever had.”

The installation of the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR is the first in a series of three projects that Gem Diamonds is planning in order to upgrade its Recovery Plant with the addition of further TOMRA XRT sorters. The company is also working on a project for the construction of a second recovery circuit that would combine the TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 sorter currently on site, a new TOMRA COM Tertiary sorter and a COM XRT 300 /FR sorter to create an off-line scavenging facility. This will be followed by a third project, which will look at implementing TOMRA XRT technology through the remainder of the Final Recovery.

introduction of TOMRA’s XRT technology at the Letšeng Diamond Mine, where it has provided effective solutions in different stages of the process, improving the operation’s profitability and efficiency. For Jaco Houman, this success stems not only from the advanced technology, but also from TOMRA’s approach to serving its customers: “What I like about TOMRA, is that for them it’s not just about selling you a piece of equipment. If the equipment doesn’t work in the solution or the system that you want, they’d walk away from the sale. For me, this testifies to the fact that they have a vested interest in the success of your business.”

The support that TOMRA has provided throughout the projects also stands out: “My experience has only been positive. We’re dealing with an organisation with experienced, professional people. I can see that they love what they do, they’re very diligent in their work.

The technical people on site have spent hours and hours not just setting up the equipment, but also imparting knowledge and getting the operational staff up to the required levels, so that when they walk away, we know that there’s going to be continuity. I believe that when TOMRA makes a commitment , you can bank on the fact that they will deliver on that.”

TOMRA: invested in the client’s success The last four years have seen the successful

Mining Business Africa | January - February 2022 41

Advertiser’s index Cabstrut ..................................................................................29

IQS INTERNATIONAL.........................................................IFC

Cradle Technology.............................................................OBC

Kneelok ..................................................................................25

CTRACK...................................................................................31

OIM Consulting.....................................................................IBC

CustomEX ...............................................................................19

Remote Exploration Services (RES) ...................................13

Dome Shelter......................................................................... 35

Resources 4 Africa................................................................ 07

Heaton Valves Africa..............................................................42

Saubatech................................................................................11

Hydac Technology Pty Ltd.....................................................21

Tomra.......................................................................................39

Mining Business Africa (MBA) is Pan-African bi-monthly publication that focuses on latest developments in mining and allied industries in Africa. The publication covers the scope of critical activities from pit to port – mineral exploration (prospecting), mine planning and development, extraction, mineral processing, storage transportation, as well as beneficiation.

Mining Business Africa provides the desired mileage for companies looking to promote their products and services to a specific niche clientele in the African Mining Sector. Subscribers are located or at least involved in projects in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria.

MBA is published by Media Icon, a company manned by personnel with a combined experience of 30 years in the publishing space.

TO ADVERTISE | CALL: + 27 10 055 3356 | Email: info@miningbusinessafrica.co.za

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