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Rio Tinto secures future of NZ aluminium smelter, acquires full ownership

Published: 31 May 24

Commodities giant Rio Tinto announced on Friday that it would keep New Zealand’s sole aluminium smelter operational until at least 2044, following the completion of new 20-year electricity supply agreements. The Tiwai Point smelter, owned and operated New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS), has secured these contracts with key energy providers.

Air passenger demand continues to grow strongly, reports IATA

Published: 31 May 24

Global air passenger demand continued to increase in April, in year-on-year (y-o-y) terms, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported. (IATA was the representative body for the global airline industry.) Total passenger demand was up 11%, with international demand rising 15.8% and domestic demand increasing 4%. Total capacity rose 9.6%, with international capacity increasing by 14.8% and domestic capacity by 2.1%. The total global load factor in April was 82.4%, which was a one percentage point (ppt) increase, y-o-y. The international load factor was 82.2% (up 0.7 ppt) and the domestic load factor reached 82.6% (a rise of 1.5 ppt).

Nigeria secures $500m World Bank loan for electricity sector

Published: 31 May 24

Nigeria has secured a $500-million World Bank loan for its electricity sector to boost power distribution, after last month's hike in tariffs for top consumers in Africa's most populous nation. The Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the country's privatisation agency, on Thursday said the loan was approved by the World Bank in 2021 and included the government's borrowing plan this month after achieving some milestones.

UKZN student support services manager Dr Saloschini Pillay

UKZN using automated solution to monitor, support students' academic and holistic wellness

Published: 31 May 24

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has piloted an automated student academic and holistic wellness solution among 9 000 students in the College of Health Sciences and aims to roll the solution out to the entire university of 53 000 students, UKZN student support services manager Dr Saloschini Pillay has said. The automated student wellness and academic transformation (SWAT) programme evolved from the Teaching and Learning and Student Support Services, and the Academic Monitoring and Support programmes the university put in place in 2005 to support especially first-year students through regular engagement.

ESSENTIAL EXPERTISE
Engineers bring essential expertise in geotechnical engineering, risk assessment and regulatory compliance

Consultancy drives mining standards innovation

Published: 31 May 24

By prioritising safety, sustainability and efficiency, mining consulting company Baletsema Mining Services MD Bokang Kelepa says the company adheres to international safety and environmental standards, and that through employing a skilled workforce, it is adept at navigating the complexities of modern mining. This holistic approach, he explains, ensures that Baletsema continues to contribute positively to the mining industry while setting benchmarks for quality and responsible mining practices.

EVOLVING LEGACY
SRK Consulting's approach has adapted to evolving needs, incorporating new factors into the core of its technical decision-making processes

Enhancing mining sustainability through tech expertise

Published: 31 May 24

Amid an industry-wide shift towards more sustainable mining practices, engineering consultancy SRK Consulting says that the significance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in mining has evolved over the past few decades from basic monitoring to now include a wide range of complex aspects such as biodiversity preservation and water stewardship. The firm’s guidance through increasingly complex regulatory and environmental landscapes has enabled it to provide services in mining, hydrology, geology and environmental and social sciences, which MD Andrew van Zyl says “indicates a trend towards the interconnectedness of these disciplines”.

The above image depicts Manta Freight Logistics CEO Michael Tziranis

Single point-of-contact for efficient logistics

Published: 31 May 24

A streamlined freight logistics management process, offered by integrated freight logistics solutions company Manta Freight Logistics, is being positioned as a possible solution to combat ongoing port logistics issues in South Africa, as well as the rest of Africa. Through Manta Freight Logistics’ freight management processes, customers are assigned a single point-of-contact when dealing with freight consignments, thereby simplifying the management protocol, aiding in operational efficiency and contributing to fewer administrative duties needing to be performed by multiple, different people in different departments.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Mixtec provides proactive aftermarket services such as maintenance, repairs and audits, including for third-party equipment

Skilled engineers key to customer satisfaction

Published: 31 May 24

Industrial agitator and mixing specialist Mixtec’s dedicated field sales representatives, supported by consulting engineers specialising in mining applications, “resolutely” work to provide comprehensive support through the provision of detailed manuals and checklists, which the company says ensures that no detail is overlooked during installation and commissioning. These efforts are further bolstered by service engineers who provide prompt assistance for any inquiries, ensuring a seamless operational launch.

Standardised conveyors improve productivity

Published: 31 May 24

In April, sustainable technologies solutions provider Metso launched a productised version of its FIT in-plant, and Foresight, overland conveyors for reliable material transportation in the mining industry. The high-capacity Metso Foresight overland conveyors are fixed or relocatable, connecting the primary crushing station with a coarse-ore stockpile; while the Metso FIT in-plant conveyors are compatible with Metso’s FIT crushing plants that are designed for the most demanding mining applications.

ROBUST WORKFORCE NEEDED
A more robust engineering workforce can drive technological advancements and operational efficiencies in mining

Upliftment of engineers critical to industrial development

Published: 31 May 24

There is a critical need for broader educational reforms to encourage and increase the potential for take-up of engineering as a career among youth, including the country’s mining sector, which “remains the backbone of South Africa’s economy”, industry body Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) tells Mining Weekly. To address this issue, Cesa emphasises the importance of overhauling the educational system to make engineering more accessible and appealing to young people. This includes integrating more comprehensive science, technology, engineering and mathematics curricula at primary and secondary education levels; offering targeted scholarships and internships; and fostering partnerships between industry players and educational institutions.