Commodities surge boosts demand

The global increase in commodity prices is motivating local mines to spend capital on new and existing projects, while the long delivery times of imported products have shifted their focus to South African-manufactured valves, says slurry-related valves manufacturer Abrasive Flow Solutions (AFS) GM Donald Morrison. He notes that AFS’ diaphragm, wedge gate, pinch and knife gate valves are in high demand from the mining industry this year, but manufacturing challenges persist, owing to the Ukraine-Russia war, commercial flight shortages, shipping container scarcity and the fickle post-Covid-19 business environment.