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Job, cybersecurity concerns cloud 4IR transition

Published: 26 Apr 24

While mining companies are exploring the integration of data analytics and other artificial intelligence (AI) systems into their operations, job-loss concerns, compounded by cybersecurity concerns, cloud the cost-effectiveness and optimisation benefits of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology, says consultancy firm World Wide Industrial and Systems Engineers MD Muhammad Ali. Generally, the mining industry is investing heavily in technology, such as data analytic tools, advanced systems and industrial control system apps, to reduce all-inclusive costs and optimise profits.

An image of the TruScan system scanning material

Scanner finds copper-rich mineralisation

Published: 26 Apr 24

Mining technology provider Veracio’s TruScan core scanning system has facilitated the generation of geological insights instrumental to discovering diversified explorer and developer Foran Mining’s Bridge target zone, which is adjacent to Foran’s McIlvenna Bay copper development project, in the Province of Saskatchewan in Canada. Since its partnership in 2022 with Veracio, Foran has deployed the TruScan system onsite as part of its ongoing exploration at its flagship McIlvenna Bay project to better understand the intricate geological complexities of the existing resource and the Tesla discovery, explains Foran exploration VP Erin Carswell.

Reflux flotation cell in an industrial coal application

Testing backlog as global interest in new flotation tech grows

Published: 26 Apr 24

Global interest in and the uptake of the new REFLUX Flotation Cell (RFC) from full flowsheet technology and service supplier FLSmidth has been gaining considerable momentum. As a result of this significant interest, the company is experiencing a backlog in paid-for test programmes at its Salt Lake City facility, in the US, FLSmidth global product director REFLUX technologies Lance Christodoulou tells Mining Weekly. “We've got customers that are prepared to proceed with the purchase of full-scale equipment to trial in Europe, following the results achieved during lab testing. We are yards ahead in the commercialisation phase compared with where we were when we started two years ago.”

The above image depicts Fargo Steel Fabrication’s recently purchased Amanda Tube Laser has allowed the company to enter new markets, with the constant purchase of new machinery diversifying its capabilities, benefitting clients and markets

Fabricator offers one-stop solution

Published: 26 Apr 24

Turnkey steel service centre Fargo Steel Fabrication aims to streamline the complexities that occur during engineered projects by eliminating the need for companies or individuals to utilise multiple service providers to complete a project. “With our team of highly-skilled individuals, we have implemented several processes that ensure the product arrives at the customer’s door with outstanding precision and quality,” explains Fargo Steel Fabrication manager Andrea Giammartini.

The abive image depicts the BMG Kabelschlepp cable carrier installation

New cable carriers ideal for harsh conditions

Published: 26 Apr 24

Tsubaki chain, power transmission and motion control products distributor BMG supplies and supports Tsubaki Kabelschlepp cable carriers that have been developed to withstand operation in many industries, including highly corrosive environments. “The Kabelschlepp solution is ideally suited for use in harsh metal fabrication conditions, for coil transfer cars and steel handling,” states BMG power transmission division business unit manager Carlo Beukes.

The above image depicts the team at Weba Chute Systems discussing a design

Firm reports on successful global turnkey projects

Published: 26 Apr 24

With the promise that its customised transfer point solutions will always perform to expectations, transfer chute technology provider Weba Chute Systems tackles its turnkey projects in a highly systematic and controlled manner. The company has successfully carried out more than 25 turnkey projects in the past decade, including contacts in the mining, steel, ports and food industries, says Weba Chute Systems project manager Ted Cruickshank.

Local supplier establishes LPG division

Published: 26 Apr 24

Eligible small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa will benefit from cylinder manufacturer Cylinders4Africa’s (C4A’s) establishing a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bulk tank supply division, which is set to start operations in May 2024. The company will also be involved in the opening of three gas retail sites – a project spurred by its sister company Gas Brand, in partnership with hardware store Build It – to make gas more accessible to consumers in rural communities.

An image of the CNG Holdings site in Langlaagte

Compressed natural gas to benefit S African business

Published: 26 Apr 24

Despite ongoing concerns about gas shortages, regulatory uncertainty, geopolitical constraints and infrastructure limitations, using compressed natural gas (CNG) for various business and industrial purposes will become more important in South Africa, says energy company CNG Holdings CEO Josua le Roux. This is owing to the various benefits associated with using CNG as a fuel resource in power generation and industrial applications, including for transportation and manufacturing purposes.

FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE
AfriForum’s latest blue and green drop report notes that 81% of sewage wastewater treatment works fail to meet minimum standards, endangers water sources nationwide

NGO unpacks poor quality of S Africa’s wastewater systems

Published: 26 Apr 24

Nongovernmental organisation (NGO) AfriForum’s latest blue and green drop report notes that 81% of sewage wastewater treatment works (SWWTWs) fail to meet minimum standards, which the NGO says endangers water sources nationwide, including those that supply drinking water to communities. This dire situation, the NGO laments, further exacerbates the country’s severe water crisis, particularly concerning the treatment of sewage and wastewater.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE
The 2023 Blue Drop report highlighted that the proportion of water supply systems failing to meet minimum microbiological water-quality standards increased significantly

Task team established to enhance service delivery

Published: 26 Apr 24

In response to the concerning findings of the Blue, Green and No Drop reports, which highlight a nationwide decline in the quality of water services, government has established a task team dedicated to enhancing service delivery across various municipalities. The task team will aim to reverse the trends outlined in the reports and be led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the South African Local Government Association (Salga) and other key stakeholders.