www.miningne.ws
af r ic an u pdates on th e
g ro un d a n d un d e rg ro un d
REDPATH AFRICA Targeting the DRC for growth Liqhobong diamond mine
Wouterspan Mine
Barberton buddstone
Moving mountains
Up and running again
Green worth envying
ISSN 1999-8872 • R50.00 (incl. VAT) • Vol. 09 • No. 06 • June 2016
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MINING.SANDVIK.COM
contents
afr ic an up dates on the g round a nd underg round
10
14
Sandvik’s centre drill bit Challenges associated with drilling in abrasive rock conditions have encouraged new, innovative drill designs.
28
JUNE
2016
Editor’s Comment
IT & Communications
3
19
All shapes and sizes
Cover Story 5
Dispelling data disposal
21 Decision Inc's compliance
AFR IC AN UPDATES ON THE
Africa Round-up
Drilling & blasting
6
22
Slashing the power bill
Economics, Finance & Risk
24
Drilling in abrasive rock conditions
8
Mine automation
To invest, or not?
Commodity: Diamonds & Gems
www.miningne.ws
software solution
Redpath Africa targets DRC for growth
News from around the world
ON THE COVER p5
26 28
Scada in the cloud
10
Moving mountains
12
Up and running again
Market news
14
Green worth envying
30
Lighter, but tougher
GROUND AND UNDERGROUND
REDPATH AFRICA Targeting DRC for growth LIQHOBONG DIAMOND MINE
WOUTERSPAN MINE
BARBERTON BUDDSTONE
Moving mountains
Up and running again
Fifty shades of green
ISSN 1999-8872 • R50.00 (incl. VAT) • Vol. 09 • No. 06• June 2016
Market news from around the continent
IT & Communications
Events
16
32
The wonders of the cloud
DRC Mining Week
@mining_news www.facebook.com/pages/ Mining-News
Contract mining firm Redpath Africa – which is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa – has identified the DRC as one of the most promising growth regions on the continent.
Endorsed by In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
1
editor's comment
Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Mientjie Kleinhans Assistant editor Mpinane Senkhane Head of design Beren Bauermeister Designer Ramon Chinian Chief sub-editor Tristan Snijders Sub-editor Morgan Carter Contributors Wale Arewa Client services & production manager Antois-Leigh Botma Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise
All shapes and sizes
A
frica, and South Africa
jasper. These stones are purely for
in particular, bears some
the gems market and are desired by
of the most striking and
the Chinese for their healing powers.
impressive geological
One of the biggest challenges will
formations in the world, some of which
be rehabilitating the mine. For more
Financial manager Andrew Lobban
can be mined for precious gems, such
information, turn to page 14. Still on the
Administration Tonya Hebenton
as diamonds, while others simply add to
subject of rehabilitation, at the recent
Distribution manager Nomsa Masina
the natural beauty of our landscapes.
Mine Closure & Rehabilitation: From
Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham
This month, we trek from high up in
Dereliction to Accountability seminar,
Printers United Litho Johannesburg
Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains down
professionals in the field discussed
Tel: +27 (0)11 402 0571 ___________________________________
to the lovely Karoo, with its barren,
various topics on the matter.
Advertising Sales
into the lush mountains of Barberton
in the presentations of Prof Caroline
in Mpumalanga. The stark contrast
Digby, director of Wits Centre for
between Lesotho and the arid Karoo
Sustainability in Mining and Industry;
is remarkable. Where the one mine
Dee Fischer, chief director: Integrated
struggles with high rainfall figures, the
Environmental Management,
other mine hardly ever sees rain. Yet,
Department of Environmental Affairs;
both of these mines produce the same
and Prof Tracy Humby, Wits School of
Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5
diamonds – well, to some extent.
Law. According to Digby, there are
www.3smedia.co.za ___________________________________
Lesotho produces predominantly yellow
Africa, and the abandoned mines are
Annual subscription:
diamonds from the volcanic Kimberlite
an ageing problem.
South Africa: R550.00
pipe, pushed out many billions of years
She said that these problems are
(incl vat & postage)
ago. The very same types of diamonds,
not unique to South Africa and are a
from the same area, are found at the
result of our lack of knowledge on how
Wouterspan Diamond Mine in Douglas,
to close mines properly. She added
Northern Cape. These diamonds
that there is a distinctive link between
were originally carried downstream by
the “Zama-Zama” problem and the
the Orange River.
improper closure of mines. Humby
Marketing & digital manager Philip Rosenberg
Annemarie Prins Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 annemarie@3smedia.co.za ___________________________________ No. 9 3rd Avenue, Rivonia 2191 PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117 Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600
African countries: US$80 Foreign: US$100 Email: subs@3smedia.co.za ISSN 1999-8872 Inside Mining Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. ___________________________________ All material in Inside Mining is copyright
yet breathtaking scenery, and then
The Liqhobong Diamond Mine in
Today, Wouterspan mines these
A few interesting facts were revealed
about 6 000 derelict mines in South
added that current mine closure
protected and may not be reproduced either
alluvial diamonds together with
problems are a R5 million hangover
in whole or in part without the prior written
diamonds that came down the Vaal
from the “after-party” that we inherited
permission of the publisher. The views of
River. These are now buried in the
from previous mines that closed down
contributors do not necessarily reflect those
Rooikoppie formation and deeper
before the current legislation was
down. Although the team has its
implemented. Read more about this
fair share of challenges, passion,
seminar on www.miningne.ws.
of the publishers.
determination and a striving for excellence see it through. Whereas Liqhobong is a brandTo our avid readers, be sure to sign up and get the latest updates and inside scoops from the mining industry. Check out what we are talking about on our website and Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and have your say.
This edition is filled with interesting information including new IT & communication trends and threats,
new mine, Wouterspan just restarted
drilling and blasting information, and
its operations with a brand new
much more.
processing plant. Read about these two mines’ challenges and future plans on pages 10 and 12, respectively. On a rather different note, in the green
Mientjie Kleinhans
hills of Barberton, the sought-after Barberton greenstone can be found, @mining_news www.facebook.com/pages/ Mining-News
which consists of buddstone and verdite – also known as South African
FOLLOW THE LINK For updated news: www.miningne.ws
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
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cover story
Redpath Africa targets the DRC for growth The DRC has some of the largest deposits of non-ferrous metals in the world. The country also boasts the 10th highest gold reserves globally, and has the largest diamond reserves in Africa. Despite the current global commodities downturn, the country’s vast mineral wealth makes it a lucrative region for international investment.
C
ontract mining firm
that positively benefits local residents for
Future outlook
Redpath Africa – which is
generations to come,” adds Douglas.
Douglas believes that the worst of the
headquartered in Johan-
Bearing this in mind, the company has
commodities downturn is over. “There is
established an artisan training centre
definitely a turnaround expected, and
identified the DRC as one of the most
at its headquarters, with the main aim
we maintain a positive outlook in terms
promising growth regions on the conti-
of upskilling local employees as well as
of future contracts being awarded. Sub-
nent. Ockert Douglas, managing direc-
foreign nationals with fit-for-purpose
tle signs of a turnaround are already ev-
tor, Redpath Mining Africa, says: “We
training. Douglas notes that these skills
ident in the fact that platinum and gold
have recently experienced measurable
will speed up exploration and extrac-
prices have steadily remained above
success in Zambia, and it is economically
tion of commodities such as gold and
$1 000 and $1 200 per ounce, respec-
and logistically viable to expand our
copper in the Katanga province, which
tively, for the past two months.”
presence north of the border.”
results in more money being spent in the
nesburg, South Africa – has
Although Redpath Africa’s presence in the DRC is still in its infancy, Douglas points out that a number of the compa-
To this end, Douglas is optimistic of
economy, thereby benefiting both the
long-term growth. “Redpath has expe-
residents and the investors.
rienced measurable growth in Zambia,
Another major benefit that Redpath
and our objective is to emulate this
ny’s clients already have a well-estab-
Africa brings to the DRC is its unrivalled
success across the rest of the continent
lished footprint there. “Redpath Africa
safety record. Douglas states that the
through our internationally recognised
works closely with a number of interna-
local market will benefit from the com-
and proven processes, procedures, and
tionally recognised mining companies,
pany’s world-class safety management
production and safety records. This gives
and has developed excellent relation-
system. “Redpath sets global standards
us the confidence to take up business in
ships. This bodes well for our expansion
that are adhered to by every region
Africa,” he concludes.
plans in the DRC.”
where the company operates. This is an-
Ongoing skills development and invest-
other form of knowledge and skills trans-
ment in local communities are at the
fer that will greatly benefit said regions.
core of Redpath Africa’s long-term strat-
Redpath respects the local customs
egy in the DRC. “We want to work with
and traditions of the countries in which it
the local communities and mining com-
operates. This has ensured our ongoing
panies to ensure measurable empower-
success in expanding across numerous
ment that results in a long-lasting legacy
countries worldwide.”
www.redpathmining.com
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
5
Mining news
from around the continent
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Freeport staff to oversee transition at Tenke copper mine
Obeth Mbul Kandjoze, Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy
and the personnel who work at Tenke that nothing is going to change in the short
Namibia will see a signif-
The Chinese company buying Free-
term.” CMOC did not
icant increase in rough
port-McMoRan Inc’s majority stake in
immediately respond
diamonds made availa-
the Tenke copper mine has told the
to a request for com-
Congolese government that Free-
ment, but the handover
port staff will oversee the operation
period was confirmed by a
for a transitional period of 12 to 18
Freeport spokesman.
months, according to an advisor to the prime minister.
ble for beneficiation as a result of the agreement, with US$430 million of rough diamonds being offered annually to Namibia Di-
“We will continue to provide sup-
amond Trading Company customers.
port and will operate Tenke for a
As part of the agreement, all Namdeb
period of time up to one year after
Holdings’ special stones will be made
num Co (CMOC) was set to visit the
the transaction closes,” he said. The
available for sale in Namibia.
Democratic Republic of the Congo in
deal is expected to close in Q4 2016,
May to reassure government officials
he added.
A delegation from China Molybde-
In addition, the agreement provides for 15% of Namdeb Holdings’
The DRC’s mines minister said, in
run-of-mine production per annum
change of ownership of the largest
May, that he suspects Freeport was
to be made available to a govern-
private investment in the country’s his-
hiding the true value of the sale and
ment-owned independent sales com-
tory, the adviser said. CMOC agreed,
should pay tax on the deal. The prime
pany called Namib Desert Diamonds.
on 9 May, to buy out Freeport’s 56%
minister’s adviser added that the gov-
The agreement builds on the
stake in Tenke, one of the world’s larg-
ernment is continuing to look into the
socio-economic contribution the
est copper mines, for $2.65 billion.
circumstances of the sale. Congolese
partnership has made to Namibia
state miner Gecamines controls a 20%
since it was formally established in
that they were not informed of
stake in Tenke and Toronto-based Lun-
1994. Namdeb Holdings is one of
the deal in advance. The delega-
din Mining holds the remaining 24%.
Namibia’s largest taxpayers and the
who have expressed alarm about the
Government officials complained
tion, which included CMOC chairman Chaochun Li and the CEO
country’s biggest foreign exchange
NAMIBIA
generator, contributing more 20%
Madhavpeddi, also told Prime Min-
Namibia and De Beers seal the deal
ister Augustin Matata Ponyo that
The Namibian government and the
of Mines and Energy, said: “This
the mine would honour its tax and
De Beers Group of Companies have
new agreement cements Namibia’s
environmental commitments.
signed a new, 10-year sales agree-
position as an important international
of its overseas operations, Kalidas
of Namibia’s total foreign earnings. Obeth Kandjoze, Namibia’s Minister
ment for the sorting, valuing and sales
diamond player and will provide
at least 12 to 18 months,” the advisor
of Namdeb Holdings’ diamonds. The
further stimulus to advance our
told Reuters. “The delegation was sent
sales agreement is the longest ever
downstream industry.
to reassure the Congolese authorities
signed between the two partners.
“There won’t be a major change for
De Beers and Namibia have a longstanding and successful partnership and I am pleased that we will continue working together for the benefit of Namibia and the diamond industry.” Philippe Mellier, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “This sales agreement – the longest ever between Namibia and De Beers – not only secures longterm supply for De Beers, but also
Illegal mining in the DRC
ensures that Namibia’s diamonds will continue to play a key role in national socio-economic development long into the future. “Diamonds can have a powerful and transformative effect on a country’s prospects when effectively
Tenke copper mine in the DRC
6
Ins i de Mi ni ng 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
managed and I commend our part-
considerably against the US dollar
ners in government for their vision
last year. During the same period,
regarding the role of diamonds in
mined copper production from the
national development.”
Zambian operations firmed by 6% to
ZAMBIA
Copper price royalty regime approved
123 000 t. This was as a result of increased production from the Konkola Deep underground mine, which strengthened by 22.5%.
Zambia has approved a new royalty re-
However, for Vedanta Resourc-
gime for copper, which will see royalties
es, this improvement was offset by
levied at 4% for prices below US$4 500/t
a 25% production drop from the
and at 6% for prices above $6 000/t in
Nchanga operation. Underground
a bid to cushion miners against softer
operations at the mine were sub-
metal prices.
sequently placed under care and
Zim gold volumes rose by 21% during Q1
maintenance earlier this year, as
focus on reducing costs and conceded
new royalty regime in mid-May, after
copper miners in Zambia battled to
that “there will be some retrenchments
Edgar Lungu’s cabinet approved the
offset losing value from lower
along the process.”
new royalty fee structure in February.
copper prices.
The country’s parliament passed the
Lungu is now expected to sign the regime. Zambia is Africa’s second-largest
The retrenchments will affect both sen-
ZIMBABWE
for the greatest share of its income
SA miners to bleed jobs in Zimbabwe
from exports.
South African and other mining
producer of copper, which accounts
First Quantum and Vedanta Resources
groups in Zimbabwe will lay off em-
ior management positions and general workers in the mining industry. This could spark disputes with mine worker unions that have just completed a wage rise settlement for 2016. The Chamber of Mines said that Zim-
are among the biggest copper pro-
ployees to rationalise costs in the
babwe’s mining industry “has recorded
ducers in Zambia, although most mines
next few months, despite platinum,
negative growth in the past two years”.
in the country have started to close
gold and nickel registering growth
However, between Q1 and end March,
some operations.
during Q1 2016. Anglo Platinum, Im-
the miners “recorded robust perfor-
pala Platinum, Metallon Gold, and
mance, with all major minerals record-
cabinet approved a new slab-based
Sibanye Gold, whose bid for Aquar-
ing increases in volumes produced”.
royalty system linked to copper prices.
ius Platinum is almost complete, are
Platinum registered a 43% growth,
The bill was approved by the Zambian
among the SA mining groups with a
gold rose by 21% and nickel by 10%
parliament on 11 May 2016 and awaits
heavy presence in Zimbabwe.
“On 17 February 2016, Zambia’s
approval from the president,” Vedanta Resources said. Royalties for copper prices between
They are set to face intense wage negoti-
during Q1. The Chamber of Mines estimates that Zimbabwean gold producers will produce as much as 24 tonnes of the
ations back at home
$4 500/t and $6 000/t will be charged at
in the coming few
metal this year and about
5%. Zambian copper miners have wel-
weeks and have just
17 tonnes of platinum.
comed this, describing it as “a progres-
completed annual
sive step by the Zambian government
wage talks in Zim-
to support the mining industry during the
babwe. Isaac Kwesu,
low commodity prices environment.”
CEO, Chamber of Mines
Although there are still high cost struc-
However, the industry was facing systematic chal-
of Zimbabwe,
lenges such as lower prices, although gold and platinum prices have started to rise.
tures in Zambia, Vedanta Resources
said that miners
said the new copper royalty regime will
will continue
help reduce total cash cost by $120/t,
to seek wage
at the current spot copper price of
rationalisation.
supply situation has improved,
$4 800. Vedanta Resources said the
Batsirai Manhando, CEO, Bindura
we anticipate it remaining fragile,”
sharp depreciation of the kwacha has
Nickel Corporation, said the nickel
said Kwesu.
adversely impacted operating profits
miner will also effect retrenchments.
He added that, on the policy side,
for its copper-producing unit in Zambia
“All mining houses are trying to vary
there have been encouraging devel-
by $32 million during the full year to end
the costs rationalisation but labour is
opments but the miners are expecting
March 2016. This was mainly because
the most intense and companies will
more give-ins from the government in
Vedanta’s VAT receivable from the
either seek to reduce working hours
terms of royalties, taxes and policy po-
Zambian government is designated in
or lay off,” said Kwesu. Manhando
sitions such as indigenisation and the
the local currency, which weakened
said the nickel miner would also
export framework.
Isaac Kwetsu, CEO, Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe
“We have our own unique circumstances; expensive and scarce capital and power. Even though the power
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
7
economics, finance & risk
To invest, or not? When a certain mineable element is suddenly in high demand, it is human nature to follow the urge to invest in that element as well. Potash and graphite have been identified as burgeoning commodities. Mientjie Kleinhans investigates the implications.
P
otash and graphite are
be the value of a sizeable gold mine,
currently in high demand.
especially if cash costs are high. “So
Potash is sought after by the
not only does the commodity
fertiliser industry and graph-
itself need to be assessed,
ite for various applications, such as
but also the actual
rechargeable batteries. Although it
company/operation in
seems natural to invest in one of these
comparison to peers.”
elements, one should do some homework first, the experts warn.
Return on investment A good return on investment with a new commodity is
The biggest chal-
dependent on the
lenges, or pitfalls, of
company invested in, as well as the
Millien Hendricks, credit analyst,
new commodities are
Rand Merchant Bank, says that cer-
falling prices and low-
tain commodities withstand shocks
er demand. “Basically,
better than others or that some
market factors, when
commodities are “safer” than others.
compared to the cost of
“For example, gold is generally con-
staying in business, don’t always
sidered a ‘safe investment’, even in
make sense,” says Hendricks. With
any commodity in the short to medium
depressed times. The value of gold
that in mind, investors need to focus
term. I would say that every investment
seems to withstand shocks well in
on the viability of the commodity.
requires a long-term view in order to
comparison to other commodities.
“Ultimately, one will weigh the benefit
see real capital growth. An investor
However, manganese and platinum
versus the cost of mining for any com-
needs to be in it for the long run, espe-
prices, for example, are driven by
modity.” She adds that typical ques-
cially since commodities are cyclical,”
global demand. When there is a
tions need to be asked, including:
advises Hendricks.
downturn in the economy and every-
• Are there proven reserves/deposit
commodity. “Given the current market environment, it is impossible to predict when one can see a return on
one is tightening their belts, people
sizes and what are the quantities
Safest option
spend less, which drives slower de-
and grades of these?
Hendricks believes that potash, for one,
mand for these commodities, reducing prices. “Some commodities are more price
• Is it easy to do business in the country in which the deposit is located? • Is the current market for this com-
will definitely be absorbed in the market in years to come due to growing world population and the increased need
sensitive than others, which increases
modity operating at sustainable
for food. “Graphite, on the other hand,
their risk for investors.”
levels? For example, is the commod-
has also seen a focus on exploration
ity priced at a rate that exceeds the
activities, mainly as a result of battery
ability need to be assessed to deter-
cost of getting it out of the ground
technologies and innovation around
mine the risk. One could be sitting
and processing it?
electric cars.
She adds that viability and sustain-
on a huge potash mine in terms of reserves and this equivalent could
• Is the mining company reputable and good at what it does? • Where is the company on the cost curve for these commodities?
“If you are in it to win it, be in it for the long run. Commodities are not short-term investments.”
8
Millien Hendricks, credit analyst, RMB
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
• What is the financial health of
“Personally, I would pick graphite, as technology seems to be ever changing and graphite can be used in it, while potash requires the market dynamic to first change from an over-supplied state
the company and the quality of
before the price and demand starts
its management?
recovering,” says Hendricks.
“There is a combination of both micro- and macro-economic fac-
New investors
tors that go beyond this list, but
New investors should deal with experts
these are a few things to consider,”
and perform an in-depth due dili-
says Hendricks.
gence on the commodity, company
economics, finance & risk
Before investing in new commodities, consider these points: • The long-term demand of the new commodity • Gold is considered a “safe” investment • Some commodities are more price sensitive • The biggest challenges for new commodities are price drops and lower demands • Weigh the benefits vs the cost of mining • The long-term plan or view • Speak to the experts before investing
and people before investing, advises
speak to the ease of doing business
Hendricks. She adds that new investors
in a specific country or around a cer-
should determine the level of risk they
tain commodity. “If this legislation is too
are comfortable with, before taking the
punitive or restrictive, or even unclear, it
decision to invest, and remember that
tends to put stakeholders off investing
commodities are cyclical.
in something.
“The space is a complex industry
For example, China’s recent stricter
that has numerous macro- and mi-
environmental regulations and the im-
cro-economic factors at play on a
plementation of import tariffs have
daily basis. So, if you are in it to win
slowed down imported com-
it, be in it for the long run. It is not a
modities,” warns Hendricks.
short-term investment.”
Legislation
She says that commodities have been an important part of the African economy, and
Another major factor to consider before
will continue to be so. “I firmly
investing in new commodities is a coun-
believe that the current state of the
try’s legislation, which has quite a bit of
market is not here to stay (albeit pro-
influence on commodity investment.
longed). This is a cycle. Commodities
She says that restrictive legislation,
will live to see another increase, as
such as labour laws, tax laws, mineral
many things we use on a daily basis
rights legislation and environmental
require one commodity or another,”
laws, and the transparency thereof,
concludes Hendricks.
Graphite • Composed of carbon • Rubs off on rough surfaces •H as the same chemical formula as diamonds • Very soft and flaky • Used in lithium-ion batteries • Used in steel production • Used in brake linings • Used in pencils Potash • A major source of potassium • Contains a mix of potassium (K), nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) • Potash was left by ancient evaporated seas • Commonly and primarily used in potassium fertilisers • Also used in industrial goods, such as soaps • Referred to as potassium oxide, or K2O, in fertiliser terminology • F ertilisers are responsible for 40% – 60% of global food supply
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
9
Commodity: diamonds & GeMS
Moving mountains High up in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains is the new Liqhobong Diamond Mine, which is on track to start operations by the end of the year. The mine is projected to produce one million carats per annum. By Mientjie Kleinhans
L
iqhobong is a brand-new mine,
complete. Stuart Brown, CEO, Firestone
and X-ray recovery plant. “Our plant is
2 700 m above sea level, and is
Diamonds, expects that the operation
designed to recover all diamonds from
one of three diamond mines in
will be mining 2.7 million tonnes of ore at
the ore body in various stages, through
the country. Lesotho is commit-
a grade of 26 carats per tonne in its first
a combination of DMS and X-ray
ted to being one of Africa’s significant
year. “That works out to roughly 700 000
recovery,” explains Brown.
diamond producers, and its government
carats. Once we are in full production,
owns 25% of Liqhobong, together with
we will do a million carats a year.
Projects
Firestone Diamonds’ 75%.
And we will be looking at about
With Liqhobong being a new mine, the
$130 million turnover at a capacity of
water management system, earthworks,
tains poses huge logistical challenges.
300 000 tonnes per month.” The expect-
design and engineering works, structur-
The project commenced construction
ed life of mine is 15 years.
al steel fabrication and procurement
Building a mine high up in the moun-
at the beginning of July 2014, and is
Liqhobong is a straight-forward, open-
made up a number of project items.
expected to be complete and ready
pit mine that will be fully mechanised.
These items are just about complete. So
for production by the end of this calen-
“The kimberlite is already exposed and
far, the project has been blessed with
dar year. As of March 2016 it was 72%
we are ready to go,” says Brown, adding
a zero lost-time-injury record for over
complete and the US$185 million project
that the processing plant is a three-stage
two million man hours worked. “When
will have taken just over two years to
crushing dense media separation (DMS)
building a new mine, one obviously has
The processing plant situated at Liqhobong
10
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
Commodity: DIAMONDS & GEMS
Stuart Brown, CEO, Firestone Diamonds
contractors are a combination of South African and Basotho, with the workforce being 80% Basotho.
to build a dam for
Uniqueness
the tailings and slimes
What makes the mine unique
coming out of the recovery process. We had to look at all the possible options available,”
is that it will have the highest volume of diamonds in the region, with the average quality of diamonds lower than the other two,
says Brown. With the high rainfall
nearby diamond mines. “We compare
and altitude, the water management
quite favourably to the other mines in
system has to manage the water, keep
terms of total value. What we lack in
it away from the mine and store the wa-
overall quality we make up in volume.
ter for the processing plant.
“We still have to prove our large-stone
Therefore, the slimes dam wall was a
potential – something we couldn’t do in
critical component that the mine need-
the sampling phase – but we will be the
ed. “A great deal of geotechnical and
largest producer in the region by vol-
slimes dam management experience
ume,” says Brown.
went in to the technical design of the
There are few mines that have the
wall. Slimes dam failure is potentially
high concentration of yellow stones
catastrophic – a personal and environ-
Liqhobong can produce. “We definitely
mental risk. Very few mines recover from
have something unique there. Coloured
slimes dam failures. That is why it was a
stones have become much more popu-
critical point, and it was quite expen-
lar over the past five years and we hope
sive,” explains Brown.
to benefit from that,” asserts Brown.
The slimes dam wall is now finished and ready to go. The one half is used for
Future plans
waste and the other half for the tailings.
The first phase of the mine, and the cur-
The slimes are held back by both. Brown
rent expected life of mine, is 15 years. In
describes it as a clever system that is
a few years’ time, some further drilling
environmentally sound, minimising the
and desktop studies will be undertaken
mine’s footprint. “We don’t have a big
to determine what the second phase
wall and a waste dump – we can incor-
will look like.
porate the two.” He adds that the total
• L iqhobong was discovered in the 1950s •T he first large-scale evaluation programme was undertaken on the main pipe in the 1990s •P roduction at Liqhobong commenced at the satellite pipe in 2005 • I n 2007, the definitive feasibility study for development commenced •P roductions of the satellite pipe was suspended in 2008 • I n 2010, Firestone Diamonds took over Liqhobong • Firestone Diamonds started production in 2011
Fast facts: • Liqhobong translated to english means “project” in Sotho • The mine is located at the head of the Liqhobong Valley • The mine is operated by the Liqhobong Mining Development Company, which is 25% owned by the Lesotho government and 75% by Firestone Diamonds • The definitive feasibility study was completed in October 2012 and revalidated in 2013 • 500 000 m3 of water is stored on-site
Aerial view of the Liqhobong site
“Phase two could be an underground
cost of the water management system is
operation or a further cut. It has
about R370 million.
potential for quite a long life and is
Challenges
Liqhobong background information:
a long-life asset. We don’t know the economics, so we can’t do the trade-
Two major challenges of the project
off study yet. The trade-off studies will
are the location of the mine and the
be done in about seven or eight years’
extreme weather conditions. Brown
time,” concludes Brown.
says that they had to establish all the infrastructure power lines and roads to transport the heavy equipment up the mountain to the mine. “We also had to move people to and from the mine,
Once in full production, Liqhobong will produce a million carats a year
which was an enormous challenge. We had to work slowly to ensure that everybody knew what they were doing.”
The fire tank and process water storage facilities, still under construction at the time
The weather also presented its own challenges. “It never rains gently – it always comes down in huge volumes, which causes more challenges with the water management system. “But we overcame all these challenges by ensuring that we selected the right contractors with the right experience. When problems cropped up, they weren’t a surprise, and the contractors knew what to do,” explains Brown. The
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
11
Commodity: diamonds & GeMS
Up and running again Wouterspan Mine is up and running again, after seven years of being on care and maintenance. Its new processing plant is just about ready to uncover alluvial diamonds from the Orange River. By Mientjie Kleinhans
L
OCATED ON the Orange River
being deployed in order to commence
the management team decided to make
in the Karoo, Wouterspan was
production. These were approved at the
use of conventional scrubbing, screening
placed under care and mainte-
end of 2015 and the recommissioning of
and bulk X-ray. “We are the first people
nance following the global econ-
the mine started soon afterwards. “The
outside of Russia, that we know of, to use
omy crash, which severely affected the
start-up of the processing plant has been
bulk X-rays in a concentration capacity,”
pricing of diamond commodities. Now,
divided into two phases. The first phase,
says Campbell. He adds that its sweet
the mine doubles up as a replacement
which has gone into operation, will pro-
spot is the recovery of coarse diamonds of
mine for Rockwell Diamonds’ Saxendrift
cess 120 000 m3 per month and the sec-
5 mm and up.
Mine, which, having been a flagship mine,
ond phase will add another 80 000 m3 per
has reached the end of its economic life
month. The second phase will be com-
cessing plant, namely fine, medium and
in its current form. With an expected min-
plete by September this year,” says James
coarse stones, which will deal with 5 mm
imum of 10-year life cycle, Wouterspan
Campbell, president and CEO, Rockwell
to 10 mm, 10 mm to 20 mm, and 20 mm
has a similar diamond profile to Saxendrift.
Diamonds. Between the typical concen-
to 40 mm materials respectively. The rea-
Its processing plant and mine plan are
tration techniques in the diamond industry,
son for the three streams is well thought
Junior miners have to be innovative. These are not just containers – the carefully planned structure houses the Russian X-ray machine
12
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
There are three streams into the pro-
Commodity: DIAMONDS & GEMS through. Campbell explains that if the dia-
differently: “First, we were able to get the
modern technology. The 200 000 m3 plant
mond market collapses, they will be able
best people; second, we had to physically
includes an XRT and bulk X-ray machine.
to mine only the coarse diamonds, should
raise the money to do the job. Finally, we
We have everything available to us and I
they wish to. “This is mainly because the
also have a reputation to keep up.”
don’t think it has not been done before
volatility of larger diamonds is much lower, and there will always be a market for the
Lessons learnt
bigger diamonds.”
Being a junior miner also
Lower costs
means learning from mistakes. “The crucial
– in the world,” he adds, beaming. Another element adding to the
One of the conveyor belts in the plant
uniqueness is the way the project is structured. “We are trying to do this with peak
As a junior miner, the company under-
lesson we’ve learnt
funding of R15 million. It
stands the need to innovate and keep
is that a single op-
is extremely stressful, but
costs low. With that in mind, it managed
eration has to de-
it’s one of those ‘junior
to keep the processing plant’s cost down.
liver a minimum of
things’ – I don’t have
Although the capital funding amounts
150 000 m3 a month.
to R108 million, a peak funding of only
For the company to be
R15 million was needed to get the opera-
sustainable, we have to
tion up and running.
mine 500 000 m3 a month.
Campbell says the secret lies in the fleet
This means we need more than
the luxury of going to an engineering house for impressive engineering works. “We just built the plant. We had an idea and Kurt Petersen, our metal-
and people moving over from Saxendrift
three operations in the Middle Orange
lurgist, gave us the flow sheet… and we just
to Wouterspan in phases, as Saxendrive
River to make the company sustainable.
built it. It does come with great risk, but that
will be under care and maintenance.
And that is all about the frequency of larg-
risk diminishes when the plant is finished,”
Furthermore, management has been able
er diamonds,” insists Campbell.
explains Campbell. He also believes that
to drop operating costs over the past four
He further says that 80% of the com-
transitioning an old mine into a new one
years, by 40%, by maximising the utilisation
pany’s revenue comes from stones over
without making people redundant is an-
of the mine and its existing processing kit.
20 carats. “That makes up a large portion
other element to boast about.
“For example, the processing plant at
of our revenue and our average grade
Saxendrift was processing the equivalent
is very low.” Where Saxendrift averages
Future plans
of less than 120 000 m3, and now we are
0.35 carats per 100 m3, Wouterspan is fore-
Some exploration work awaits Wouterspan
processing 200 000 m3 – simply because
casted to yield 0.6 carats per 100 m3, or
and three areas are being looked at. The
the plant can do it. It is the same plant
0.3 carats per 100 tonnage.
first area will be at Wouterspan, to ensure
and people, just operating more
A mixture of yellow and white diamonds,
that the team hasn’t missed anything.
with some brown, pink and blue dia-
Then, there are a number of alluvial targets
He adds that the company has a very
monds, will be uncovered at Wouterspan.
in the area that are being looked at for
flat structure and employs just under 1 000
The alluvial diamonds are a mixture of 50%
exploration opportunities.
people. They keep all their costs to a
from the Vaal River and 50% from the Or-
minimum and don’t have a fancy office
ange River. The Rooikoppie gravels will be
out for kimberlites to expand its portfolio
elsewhere. As an example, the CEO also
mined to begin with, and then the silcrete
and strategic growth and it is currently
carries out senior manager production
cap will be removed through drilling
under discussions on various such projects
duty over the weekend from time to time.
and blasting.
with relevant stakeholders. Beyond that,
efficiently,” says Campbell.
Campbell believes that this is one way in
Finally, the company will be on the look-
Campbell is hesitant to reveal any further
which the company is more cost efficient.
Uniqueness
“We have to work with what we have and
Campbell believes that the uniqueness
prefer kimberlite to alluvial diamonds. I am
take a lot more responsibility ourselves,” he
of the mine lies in its technology. “It is
a firm believer that South Africa missed
explains. Furthermore, Campbell believes
probably going to be the largest alluvial
the diamond rush that other countries
that the company is doing three things
diamond plant ever built on a river, using
had,” he concludes.
A bird’s-eye view of a part of the plant with the bulk X-ray machine clearly visible
Melchior van Niekerk (left), CEO, CML Group of Companies, with James Campbell, president and CEO, Rockwell Diamonds
“secret” plans. “We are in the market and
Three conveyor belts just before completion of the plant, which is now in full operation
“The company keeps costs to a minimum – even the CEO carries out senior manager production duties over the weekend from time to time.” In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
13
Commodity: diamonds & GeMS
Green worth envying Mining the only Barberton greenstone from a small operation in the Mpumalanga town of Barberton is a privilege bestowed upon the joint venture between Ncamiso Mining and Gubavu. This mine is believed to contain the only reserve of its kind in the world. By Mientjie Kleinhans
B
ARBERTON GREENSTONE is
to create beautiful green urns for the
will remain on the surface for now,
unique in its rich, various
ashes of their loved ones. Being so
the management will later decide
shades of green colours and
scarce, people are willing to pay high
how the rest of the deposits can be
only occurs in the mountains
prices for the semi-precious stones.
mined. “Probably, five years from
in and around the Barberton area.
Fikile Mashinini, CEO, Ncamiso Mining, says that, although there is
and the economic viability to
stone, namely buddstone, verdite and
great demand in the market for these
continue mining the greenstone. The
corundum, and is highly sought after
stones, the company doesn’t want to
deeper we go, the more challenges
by Asian markets.
flood the market. “There is only one
we may encounter, and we may even
deposit of this particular stone in the
reach a bottleneck that prevents
and, especially, buddstone contain
Barberton area and the deposit is
progress,” explains Mashinini.
various healing powers. The true believ-
actually quite small. It costs a huge
ers also use the buddstone and verdite
amount of money to get to the stone,
Production
and we would rather manage avail-
Currently, the greenstone is mined
ability of the stones.” The greenstone
on a small scale by using three ma-
resulted from a volcanic eruption
chines: a pecker, and two front-end
These cultures believe that verdite
“The deeper we go, the more challenges we may encounter, and we may even reach a bottleneck that prevents progress.”
many years ago and is now located in one of these pipes that extends deeper into the earth. “We have done ultraviolet scanning, which determined the location of the greenstone down the pipe. It also revealed that the greenstone goes down to a point and then splits into two different directions,” says Mashinini. While the mine
14
now, we will look at the challenges
Greenstone consists of three types of
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
A small sample of the stockpile of Barberton greenstone
Commodity: DIAMONDS & GEMS
1
S ome of the lush green hills of Barberton contain deep underground gold mines
2
F ikile Mashinini (middle) with colleagues at the Barberton greenstone mine
3
M ashinini next to the Barberton greenstone deposit at the mine
4
W etted buddstone clearly shows the magnificent green colours that the stone is famous for
5
T he difference in colours between buddstone (bottom) and verdite (top) is minimal, yet visible
2
we realise the damage we are causing. It is a challenge for us. At the end of the life of mine, we want to rehabilitate the mountain to be as close as possible to its former glory. “That is why we have
3
measures in place. We also work very close with the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the Department of Environmental Affairs, and we contribute to the rehabilitation fund as determined and monitored by the DMR,” explains Mashinini. Another challenge was experienced at the beginning of the mine, when it hired a contractor to drill the rock. But the contractor’s machines failed due to extremely hard rock. “The rock was
1
too hard to penetrate and the diamond drillers burnt out,” says Mashinini. With that lesson in mind, Mashinini
4
and his team looked at another driller. loaders. While the JV (joint venture)
“This time round, the unstable location
mined 300 tonnes last year, it realised
up in the mountain prevented the big
that it needs to produce 500 tonnes
machines from making the journey.
per annum to make the mine viable.
That was a challenge on its own,”
Mashinini says mining cost R2.5 million
tells Mashinini.
last year and the current running costs are R3 million. “We need to keep the
History
balance between material produced
Ncamiso Mining and Gubavu’s journey
and material sold in China – the supply
in mining the specific greenstone start-
and demand. We also need to secure
ed in 1999, when they were prospect-
our price by controlling the market and
ing for gold in the area. Mashinini tells
dealing with only one buyer, otherwise
that they were particularly targeting
there will be no value for us to continue
the greenstone as they thought it was
mining,” explains Mashinini.
gold bearing.
Challenges
be found in that location, the JV took
The mine offers its fair share of daily
some greenstone samples to a local
challenges – mostly what many small-
stone buyer, Pieter van Niekerk, who
scale mines experience from time to
showed a keen interest in the stone.
time. One of these challenges is that
Van Niekerk later introduced the JV to
the mine is located in a protected area,
buyers from the Chinese market, and
although not declared, but surrounded
the necessary contracts were signed.
with luscious green mountains and nat-
5
Realising that there was no gold to
Finally, in 2014, site preparations
ural beauty. “We are creating a ‘scar’
began with the clearing and fixing of
in the mountain that continuously in-
roads to the actual reef. Mining official-
creases. Every time we look at the scar,
ly started last year.
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
15
IT & Communications
Wonders of the cloud Just as the internet was a bewildering space to work in a decade or two ago, the cloud is now also all around us, yet businesses are again taking a cautious approach. Mientjie Kleinhans finds out what the benefits of cloud adoption are.
internet, and which is usually provided
be done before the business moves
on a pay-per-usage basis. He explains
on to the next version of the software.
that, typically, a website is something
Everything in the cloud world hap-
that somebody would access and use,
pens seamlessly behind the scenes,”
whereas cloud service is something
explains Hall.
different. “A cloud service is typically where the
Albe Gouws, general operations
service provider. A website doesn’t store
manager, Redstor, says the moving of
someone’s information. When you use
data and business processing off-site is
Google Search, you’ll be using a web-
always a scary undertaking. “The most
site; if you use Google Gmail, you will
common concerns are usually related
be using cloud service,” says De Wet,
to the dependency of an internet
explaining the cloud.
connection to use the services, security
Kevin Hall, national sales manager, Elingo, says that clients traditionally used
T
to put their technology infrastructure
and privacy concerns, control of systems, and data sovereignty.” “There is still a perception that the
on servers at their local premises. They
cloud is not a physical environment.
HERE IS NO doubt that certain
would build a server room and deploy
When, in actual fact, it is simply a
businesses are scared of adopt-
business-critical systems like customer
server farm in a secure redundant en-
ing cloud computing, and the
relationship management (CRM), enter-
vironment,” says Gavin Epstein, sales
main concern seems to be the
prise resource planning (ERP), and ac-
executive, Network Platforms. On the
counting on their local network.
other hand, Hall says that the cloud is
security aspects of the cloud. The thread of hackers hacking into systems that
16
Hesitance
storage of information resides with the
“On the other hand, cloud infrastruc-
sometimes associated with a lack of
contain sensitive and highly confidential
ture entails hosting servers and hardware
control – the classic case of people not
information is at the forefront of any
on data centres spread around the
being able to see the physical servers in
decision to be made concerning the
world. This gives businesses the ability
their own server room. “So the questions
cloud. And it seems to be a very valid
to access the same services via the in-
then asked are: where is the information
concern. Conrad de Wet, CTO, Euphoria
ternet. The benefits of this off-premises
Telecom, defines the cloud as a collec-
hosting means the client doesn’t have
tion of computer hardware and software
to spend hours installing and configuring
made available to somebody via the
systems. Testing and deployment can
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
A view of the server room at the National Archives in London, UK
IT & Communications kept, and how can I be sure that there is always security and backups are made of my company’s information?” He adds that concerns vary depending on the type of business and the sensitivity of different risk areas. Most of these fears are not based on facts but rather perceived risks. “Fortunately, these can be alleviated by speaking to the cloud service
1
provider to understand its redundancies
2
3
and backup procedures.” Most of us make use of the cloud on a personal basis, but when it comes to
operation, it will be ideal for the mine
using it for business, it becomes a little
to outsource the mail server,” says De
more daunting. Although the main ben-
Wet. He explains that, with this model,
efit of using the cloud is the cost savings,
a company can outsource the respon-
cloud service from a customer perspec-
sibility, but the main benefit is outsourc-
tive has various characteristics.
ing the technology.
“One of the characteristics is that one
1
A lbe Gouws, general operations manager, Redstor
2
G avin Epstein, sales executive, Network Platforms
3
K evin Hall, national sales manager, Elingo
has very little barrier to entry to start
Benefits
using a cloud service, and a pay-per-
As mines are regionally dispersed, they
flexibility is another benefit. Companies
usage model allows for reduced costs.
are ideal candidates to adopt cloud
simply have to increase or reduce their
This allows a company to focus on
services. “The mining industry is well
subscription as and when required. Hall
what makes the business unique and to
geared towards using cloud services
says that the flexibility to pay for what
outsource the responsibility or services
because of their remote locations. They
capacity is needed, when it is needed,
that aren’t critical. In a typical mining
do not necessarily need the technol-
ensures that businesses are not using
ogy on-site,” says De Wet. First, and
capital to provide for growth or expan-
foremost, one of the biggest benefits of
sion before it happens.
benefits of using the cloud:
the cloud is reduced cost.
• Reduced cost • Flexibility of subscription • Stability provided by suppliers • Functionality as and when required • Compliance with IT regulations • No need to worry about redundant software or equipment • Disaster recovery is the service provider’s problem
the capital for the hardware, and less
it offers. “It is very important to remem-
hardware is needed overall. A simple
ber that a cloud service provider’s sole
tablet or laptop will be sufficient in most
purpose it to provide you with that ser-
cases,” explains De Wet. He adds that
vice. Let the service provider focus on
“A company doesn’t have to outlay
Another benefit of using the cloud for business is the stability and functionality
diagram 1 With cloud services, the storage of information resides with the service provider, on their premises
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
17
IT & Communications what makes its business unique – leaving
like a buzz word, but not everything done in business needs to be in the cloud. A strategic
mining companies to concentrate on
migration path based on business needs is often the most prudent action to follow. De Wet
mining,” says De Wet. Something that
adds to the warning, suggesting that companies should try out one type of service before
most companies don’t think
gradually moving to other cloud
about is compliance with
services. Gouws says that most
certain IT-related regulations and legislation. “Cloud service providers are typically compliant with the specific levels of standards. They would
“A cloud service typically sees the storage of information reside with the service provider.”
typically have achieved or
existing types of software are in the cloud these days and can be purchased on a pay-per-use basis. This can include backups, email, accounting, CRM, ERP, file storage and analytics, to name a few.
surpassed these. Those same
“Most services are sold ‘as a ser-
compliance standards may be difficult
vice’, bringing along terms such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service
to comply with within your own IT depart-
(PaaS) or even software as a service (SaaS). Under the IaaS banner, one can also move
ment. Engaging in cloud services means
existing infrastructure to the cloud with the company’s own software, saving the costs of
you automatically obtain the levels of
purchasing, hosting, managing and maintaining IT infrastructure,” explains Gouws.
compliance,” explains De Wet. Other aspects that mining companies need to
Security
worry about include redundancy, disas-
One of the biggest concerns with moving to the cloud is the security issues people
ter recovery and reliability. “Cloud ser-
have. Hall says that the cloud is only as secure as one makes it. “Just like a local server
vice providers focus on these aspects so
room, the data centre where the information is kept needs to be access controlled
companies don’t have to,” adds Epstein.
and the passwords, and other security measures, need to be strictly enforced. Most
Cloud use There are many decisions and thought
cloud providers focus on this area. They understand their clients’ need to know that the service they provide is business-critical due to the scale of risk. “Most cloud providers are able to spend more money on perfecting security systems,
processes that need to be considered
as well as employing specialists to assist them in creating a solution that is as safe and
before a client should look at cloud, ac-
secure as possible. As a cloud provider, security procedures are taken very seriously, as
cording to Hall. He says it might sound
the business depends on the protection that is implemented. It is well understood that a breach of security could close the doors of any cloud business. Due to this fact, the provider is focused on making sure this never happens or that the system is compartmentalised enough to ring-fence any breach of security on different levels of protection and firewalls,” assures Hall. According to Gouws, there are many different opinions on cloud security. “However, the fact that servers are no longer hosted in your own server room doesn’t mean the cloud is less secure. “If your servers are internet facing and you deploy the same security in the cloud as you would locally, the security should be the same.” He adds that there are so many providers, making it impossible to use a blanket statement to say the cloud is or isn’t secure. His recommendation would be to investigate each option and make an informed decision accordingly. He adds food for thought: “Think about it this way, when last did you go into a bank to transfer funds between accounts?”
Investing in the cloud Hall reckons that a cloud provider should be about 30% cheaper than a premises-based system. However, one should be sure to compare the correct features. The investment is mostly made in cloud services on a monthly or annual contractual basis. “This means that one could switch providers if the service or the cost is not competitive enough to meet the needs of the industry. “Not all clouds are created equal. Some providers are not focused on your particular industry and might not understand your business-critical needs. You need to make sure you do not just get a price list, but a deep understanding of their operations and track record, like you would in most other buying decisions,” concludes Hall.
18
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
IT & Communications
Decrypting data disposal Every decade brings about new challenges for the IT sector. Although evolving technology offers unique solutions to these and other challenges, there is always something new to think about. Wale Arewa looks at the threats posed by disposing of outdated technology.
O
ne of the things people
their origin. This might not sound too
forget about, when get-
difficult, even for someone with a basic
ting rid of old computers,
knowledge of technology. After all,
is the information and
most people are familiar with concepts
and transcribed with enough effort.
like a disk format and factory reset.
Even taking a hammer to hard drives
data contained within outdated tech-
nology. Mining executives need to
ABOVE Wale Arewa, CEO, Xperien
won’t necessarily render sensitive
understand the importance of erasing
Not as simple as it sounds
data – they have legal obligations to
Unfortunately, secure data destruction
There’s a need, for reasons of legal-
destroy any sensitive information that is
is not that simple. Neither of the meth-
ity as well as privacy and security, for
no longer being used.
ods above guarantees that the infor-
even securer techniques for the de-
mation stored on those devices won’t
struction of end-of-life data.
During this process, every bit of that
information irretrievable.
data needs to be managed securely
be recoverable. In fact, it will only take
and compliantly, not only in stowage
a few minutes with a free software
Archival data
and transit, but also at the end of its
package to retrieve it.
A backup tape is normally created to
life cycle.
Data everywhere It is difficult to grasp the scale of the
Most people assume hard drive
ensure business continuity, to keep
format or a factory reset on a smart-
the business running should ac-
phone wipes the medium outright.
cess to live systems be lost. An
This is unfortunately far from the truth;
archive is created for the
average mining company’s data foot-
a format or factory reset leaves almost
long-term preservation
print, especially considering the rapid
all of the data intact. Its purpose is to
of data and these
pace at which new technologies are
strip out the existing file system and
being introduced. Not only do they
generate a new one, not to securely
have local hard drives and tape back-
and permanently erase sensitive infor-
ups to contend with, but also mobile
mation. The user might not be able to
devices, memory cards and even
access it as usual, but it’s still there.
virtual environments provided through the cloud. In this age of smart, interconnected
Destroying hardware is also no guarantee that the data will be unrecoverable. Hard drives are easy
technology, one needs to realise that
to transfer from one machine
every bit of electronic information is
to another. Even a shat-
stored on a physical device some-
tered hard drive can
where – either on a hard drive, flash
be reassembled
memory or tape. Mines exhibit a surprising degree of negligence when it comes to IT asset disposal. Not permanently erasing all data could be catastrophic for any mining organisation. Miners need to keep track of data assets that have come to the end of their life cycle and then destroy them at
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
19
tapes are often a crucial source of evidence to any investigation. Mining companies need to find the best way to understand what data is vital or even legal to keep. Companies are increasingly seeking assistance in identifying the potentially relevant legacy tapes that have been kept in storage for the last 10 years, gathering dust and incurring substantial storage costs.
Mines exhibit a surprising degree of negligence when it comes to IT asset disposal and need to understand what data they are legally required to keep
It is certainly not unheard of to come across archived tapes that date back so far that the organisation no longer has the hardware or software to under-
recreate the original environment
stand what data the tapes contain.
they were backed up on – can
Having a good understanding of
ultimately save a lot of time and
what data is held could help reduce
money, enabling the access and re-
the risk of legal exposure and could
view of key data to happen quickly
also reduce costs. Sensible data reten-
and efficiently.
tion policies could help organisations
Mining executives can achieve
balance their legal requirements to
peace of mind that their sensitive in-
store particular data for certain time
formation won’t be coming back to
frames, while destroying data that it is
haunt them after it’s been deleted.
no longer required to keep or which no
There are various fail-safe data de-
longer has value to the business.
struction methods, which vary wildly in
Trust the experts
cost and come with their own particular advantages and disadvantages.
Partnering with a trusted expert to
However, doing the job properly is
ensure you target only the most rele-
often as time-consuming as any other
vant tape sets – without the need to
method and requires no less rigour.
Destroying hardware is no guarantee that data will be unrecoverable
20
I n sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
IT & Communications
Compliance software solution
T
he mining industry is currently operating under very tough conditions.
RIGHT Craig Gillham, general manager: Content & Collaboration, Decision Inc.
intuitive and easy to use. We have leveraged Microsoft Office so that users are
Globally, overall market values have overcome the challenge of complying
familiar with the interface, and provided a
in commodity prices. Profits are under pres-
with legislation and industry policies. Says
powerful and secure search facility to help
sure and capital velocity has continued to
Craig Gillham, General Manager: Content
users easily find the document or process
slow. These factors, coupled with increas-
& Collaboration, Decision Inc.: “In looking
they are looking for. In addition, there is built-
ing government legislative intervention,
to assist our clients to manage risk and
in robust security with full document crea-
have increased the administrative and
improve administrative efficiencies, we
tion, change, authorisation and distribution
operating pressure under which these
have built a document management sys-
audit trails.”
companies operate. The mining industry
tem specifically for mining organisations.
Security was a critical concern. In order to
has stringent compliance and governance
By allowing them to easily manage and
ensure trust in the system, as well as improve
requirements, and non-compliance with
distribute highly governed organisation
accountability, the system was built to cen-
legislated policies and procedures expose
documents to operational areas, we can
trally manage users with permissions set to
companies and their management to
assist in reducing the legal and financial
specific roles for individual locations. Version
significant legal, financial and even
implications of non-compliance. Not only
control is tight in order to provide a trusted
criminal liability risks.
does this improve governance but, by au-
single version of the truth (e.g. previous ver-
plummeted due to sharp decreases
The Department of Mineral Resources
tomating and systematising the process, it
sions of a document can be accessed, but
requires that mandatory codes of practice
also reduces costs and improves efficiency
not amended).
be compiled and submitted for approv-
from an administrative perspective.”
al in line with its various guidelines. As a
The Document Management for Mining
The return on investment for each operational unit is significant and quickly realised,
minimum, organisations need to show
Accelerator (DMMA) system provides
and can be measured by the reduced time
that there is accessibility and traceability
a formal, structured environment within
and manual intervention required to man-
of documents and standards across the
which documents can be created, edited,
age this critical component of any mining
organisation. However, the increasing
authorised and distributed, driven by seam-
operation. Successfully implemented at
amount and complexity of documenta-
less workflow processes and controlled by
global mining houses, DMMA has proved
tion has made it difficult for paper-based
stringent security measures.
to be the leading structured document
organisations to meet these requirements.
Using the Microsoft SharePoint platform,
management solution, providing a reposi-
In the current market environment, mining
the DMMA solution provides a configur-
tory containing overarching standards with
companies can ill afford the consequenc-
able and automated authoring, review,
which each mine site, department and
es of a non-compliance finding, especially
approval and publishing workflow process
individual contractor can easily comply.
when the executive focus should be on
to ensure the necessary documentation is
driving operational efficiencies.
available and up to date at all times.
The solution
Driving adoption
Decision Inc. – an information advisory
Says Gillham: “In order to assist with
and enablement organisation – is lever-
change management and ensure user
aging technology to help its mining clients
adoption, it was vital to make the system
www.decisioninc.co.za +27 (0)11 025 2300
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
21
drilling & blasting
Slashing the power bill
BME provides technical services for blast optimisation
Rocketing electricity prices have required mines to look at ways of reducing the energy consumed by loading, crushing and milling equipment – through better blasting techniques that deliver finer fragmentation. By Mpinane Senkhane
T
22
HE LOCAL MINING industry has
unreliable and increasingly expensive
Triple the expense
been at a tipping point for some
electricity. The long-term negative eco-
Earlier this year, the Chamber of Mines
time now. This is largely attrib-
nomic impact of these price increases
announced that electricity tariffs have
utable to labour unrest, and
would result in damage to investor con-
increased by 300% in South Africa since
commodity processing and electricity
fidence‚ employment‚ capital expend-
2008. “A 300% increase now means
costs. The mining industry’s sustainability
iture and to the manufacturing sectors
that some 20% of a South African gold
has been severely compromised due to
supporting the mining industry.
mine’s costs are accounted for by
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
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drilling & blasting electricity,” stated explosives expert
Expert electronic detonation
Joe Keenan, managing director, BME.
BME has long been a pioneer
“In turn, global studies estimate that
in the field of electronic deto-
about 45% of electricity on hard-rock
nation, developing the AXX-
mines is consumed by crushing and mill-
IS digital initiation system,
ing equipment.”
which has become an
being consumed in the
Keenan said that conserving energy in
industry standard and
crushing process. “Sim-
the loading, crushing and milling stages
was recently released
ilarly, feed-size distribu-
of production has become imperative.
in an updated GII ver-
One of the most effective ways of do-
sion. Using the AXXIS
ing this is to improve blasting efficiency.
system, electronic detonators can be programmed
Better blasting
for ignition within milliseconds
“In recent years, a number of mines
of each other, to suit operator needs
have seen the benefit of increasing
and the particular geology of the rock.
plant productivity by increasing powder
“This level of timing accuracy allows
Joseph Keenan, managing director, BME
and secondary crushing circuits – with less energy
tion has a significant effect on autogenous and semi-autogenous mills,” he said. “The grinding mechanism in autogenous mills sees larger fragments ground down, with smaller fragments crushed by the larger ones. If the mill feed contains too
factors and applying blasting products
for optimal interaction of the shock-
few coarser particles, the mill efficiency
such as accurate electronic delay det-
waves between adjacent blast-holes,
and throughput drop rapidly.”
onators in their blasting,” he said.
so that fragmentation is enhanced,”
“The traditional approach of trying
said Rorke. “For instance, crusher
Research also shows that additional macro- and microfracturing within in-
to cut costs by reducing
dividual fragments from the
powder factors in blasting
blasting make fragments eas-
is giving way; in its place is
ier to fracture further, using
the concept of blast-result
less energy in the crushing
targets, such as fragmen-
and grinding phase. Enhancing the versatility of
tation outcome.” According to Keenan, one of the
electronic detonation has
problems facing mine
been BME’s range of software
management is that drill
and hardware advances. While the AXXIS system has
and blast costs are easily measured while the in-
improved safety, ease of use,
creased downstream en-
robustness and accuracy of
ergy costs caused by poor
blast timing, the company
blasting results are much
also developed the BlastMap
more difficult to quantify.
computer software program – now in its third generation.
“So, it is unsurprising
“Used together with AXXIS,
that there tends to be greater focus on
BlastMap III gives customers
reducing drill and blast
optimal blast results and
costs without realising
makes blasting much more
the negative impact this
efficient,” said Rorke. “It allows the fine-tuning
has on other processes,” he said. It is now well
of blast parameters that
recognised that modern
include vibration control,
blasting techniques can
fragmentation optimisation,
reduce losses caused
dilution control, heave
by ore dilution and poor
control and specialised
liberation of minerals in
blasting scenarios.”
the plant processes – helping to increase mine profitability and reduce overall mining costs. Tony
Good fragmentation from an AXXIS electronic detonator system blast
Rorke, technical director, BME, said there are definite energy-saving goals that these
throughput and power consump-
techniques can help achieve, including
tion are strongly influenced by blast
lower energy consumption by crushers,
fragmentation distribution.” He said
grinders and excavators – alongside
a reduction in coarser fragmentation
benefits like improved mineral
increases crusher throughput, while an
liberation, maximised digging rates and
increase in finer fragmentation results
increased bucket payload.
in more material bypassing the primary
It is well recognised that modern blasting techniques can reduce losses caused by ore dilution and poor liberation of minerals In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
23
drilling & blasting
Drilling in abrasive rock conditions Most ore bodies in Africa are hosted in very hard rock and, are themselves, hard and abrasive, making rock cutting uneconomical when taking the usual approach. However, challenges associated with drilling in such conditions have encouraged new, innovative drill designs.
T
net force per button. The resultant Sandvik top centre drill bits, which incorporate the largest upgrade to face drilling bits in decades, are now available to the market as standard products in three sizes. Primary applications for the top centre drill bits include face drilling and bolting in both mining and tunnelling environments where long bit life is essential in cutting costs and
HE MINING INDUSTRY is under an
life is to add more gauge buttons. How-
immense amount of pressure and
ever, this can prove problematic be-
improving productivity. The company says the new design
there are a number of reasons
cause of the minimal space available.
solves these problems with a “so-called
for the market downturn, besides
Furthermore, an increase in the number
raised front, elevating two or three front
the commodity crunch. Mines are get-
or size of the carbide buttons generally
buttons – depending on diameter size
ting increasingly deeper, infrastructure
decreases the penetration rate – i.e.
– a few millimetres above the gauge
is ageing rapidly, there
buttons located on the
is labour unrest and the
periphery of the bit”.
power grid is unreliable.
Furthermore, the front
Since the industry has no
buttons are set at a slight
control over the price of
angle relative to the
the commodities, the only
symmetric axis of the bit.
solution is improved pro-
The raised front creates
ductivity. In many other
a somewhat recessed
industries, technology has
bottom pattern that
enabled huge strides in
alters the rock-break-
productivity. For mining,
ing action to achieve
particularly in deep-level
improved performance.
hard rock, advances in
In addition to the new
technology have become
design, the top centre bit
increasingly pertinent.
also features a new, inno-
Sandvik Mining has,
vative cemented carbide
through its equipment,
grade – the GC80. “The
displayed commitment
problem with the carbides
to raising productivity by
currently on the market to-
enabling operations to
day is that they are either
economically excavate
wear-resistant or tough,”
even extremely hard
says Robert Grandin, prod-
rocks and materials. The
uct manager: Top Hammer
company says the priority
Tools, Sandvik.
when developing the new
“When developing the
top centre drill bit was to
GC80, we wanted to com-
increase service life.
bine the best of those two
The main reason drill bits
24
the same impact force yields a lower
worlds in order to get as
are disposed of is exces-
much as possible out of the
sive wear on the diame-
top centre design.” The key
ter. The simplest way to
to this is a completely new
achieve longer service
production method, which
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
drilling & blasting makes it possible to produce a button that improves wear resistance on the outside, and yet combines toughness with a softer centre, pushing the service life and long grinding intervals even further. Tool life improvements brought about by the Sandvik top centre design also yield significant health and safety benefits, since operators spend less time near an unreinforced face. “The new bit design essentially delivers more drill metres per shift compared with a standard bit, thanks to less frequent bit changes,” Grandin says. More than 1 000 hours of testing in widely varying conditions and on sites
and consequently blasting results. “What
in countries including China, Turkey,
started as a solution for an extreme
Bulgaria, Georgia, Zimbabwe, Austral-
customer problem is now a standard
ia, Mexico and Sweden have shown
solution that can be used every-
operators logging more drilled metres
where,” Grandin says. Top centre drill
and more holes between each regrind.
bits are available in bit sizes of 43 mm, 45
Less regrinding means less wear on the
mm and 48 mm with two to three raised-
drill diameter. An additional benefit is
end buttons and seven to eight gauge
more accurate collaring, which directly
buttons in grade GC80 and connections
impacts the accuracy of drilled holes
R32, Sandvik Alpha 330 and R35.
How top centre drill bits add value to operations: For mine management: • Up to 80% longer grinding intervals • Up to 60% longer bit life For drill operators: • Higher productivity thanks to longer service life • Safer work environment thanks to fewer bit changes
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
A R C H I T E C T U R E • H O U S I N G • C E M E N T • C O N S T R U C T I O N • P R O P E R T Y D E V E LO P M E N T
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT EAST AFRICA BRIEFING
EAST
4 – 5 Oc to b er 201 6 | S afar i Par k H ote l , N ai robi , Ke ny a
Endorsed by
B o o k y o u r s p a c e n o w t o g e t i n s i d e E a s t A f r i c a ’s p r o p e r t y a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n b o o m ! A c c e s s t h e r a i n m a k e r s a n d g a m e - c h a n g e r s t h a t h a v e b r o u g h t t h e I n c o m e Re a l E s t a t e I n v e s t m e n t Tr u s t ( I - R E I T ) t o E a s t A f r i c a i n c r e a s i n g o p p o r t u n i t y a n d l i q u i d i t y i n E a s t A f r i c a ’s p r o p e r t y m a r k e t s .
Sponsor
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Partners
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As part of a global series of African events CONSTRUCTION
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w w w. t o t a l l y - c o n c r e t e . c o m / e a s t
25
Mine automation
Scada in the cloud Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) is an ever-evolving system that is essential to the smooth operation of processing plants in major mines. Mientjie Kleinhans finds out what’s new for Scada systems.
S
CADA IS CONSIDERED a portal
system of choice, with no viable com-
“The cloud is a virtual environment on the
into an operational machine or
petition on the market. As a matter of
internet that opens the door to multiple
process. It creates digital pages
fact, it has seen various upgrades and
vendors and basically endless possibilities.
to either monitor or control a
updates. The latest trend is to move all or
You can do a lot more with the Scada
digital platform, with a detailed view into
parts of Scada to cloud computing ap-
system, and now the trend is trying to
the intricacies of the system processes.
plications. Tyren Craig, business develop-
keep it non-proprietary.”
It can also be used as a tool to optimise
ment manager, AGE Technologies, says
and increase a mine’s bottom line. First
that the cloud enables multiple devices
How it works
created in the 1970s, Scada is still the
to connect to the Scada applications.
There are two ways to use Scada on the cloud. The first is where a section of Scada is run through an application on-site,
diagram 1 A private cloud Scada system
connecting directly to the control network with information that can be stored or disseminated. This is according to Larry Combs, vice-president: Customer Service and Support, InduSoft, in his technical paper entitled ‘Cloud Computing for Scada’. The second option is where Scada is run in the cloud and remotely connected to the control network. According to Combs, most experts divide the services offered by cloud computing into three categories: • infrastructure as a service (IaaS) • platform as a service (PaaS) • software as a service (SaaS). “An IaaS, such as Amazon Web Services, is the most mature and widespread service model. IaaS enables service provider customers to deploy off-the-shelf Scada software as they would on their own IT infrastructure. IaaS provides on-demand provisioning of virtual servers, storage, networks and other fundamental computing resources,” writes Combs. He adds that users only pay for capacity used and can bring additional capacity online as necessary. Consumers don’t manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, but maintain control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications and select networking components, such as host firewalls, writes Combs. According to Combs, Scada vendors have been slow to adopt the SaaS model for their core
26
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
Mine automation
Larry Combs, VP: Customer Service and Support, InduSoft
control. Organisations moving sensitive data into the cloud must, therefore, determine how these data are to be
applications. “This may
controlled and kept secure,”
change as the uncertainty
writes Combs.
of cloud computing begins to clear. For now, vendors are beginning to release only certain Scada application com-
He goes into more detail about the risks and challenges, and states that to make the whole idea workable, users must
ponents and functions as SaaS, such as
trust in the long-term stability of the cloud
visualisation and historical reporting.”
provider and trust the cloud provider to
Benefits Combs writes that the cloud is creating a
be fair in terms of pricing and other contractual matters.
Benefits of cloud computing for Scada • New resources on demand when and if needed • No need to purchase redundant hardware and software licenses • Huge amounts of storage capacity • Improved reliability and redundancy via multiple Internet connections and more backup servicers • Immediate new infrastructure • Immediate real-time and historical information • Easier to manage updates and patches.
“Because the cloud provider controls
revolution in Scada system architecture
the data to some extent in many imple-
because it provides very high redundan-
mentations, particularly SaaS, it can exert
selected, the payback can far outweigh
cy, virtually unlimited data storage, and
leverage over customers if it chooses
the risks and challenges. The cloud’s im-
worldwide data access – all at very low
to do so. “As with any new technology,
plementation speed and ability to scale
cost. He lists the benefits of cloud com-
these issues must be addressed. But, if
up or down quickly mean businesses can
puting for Scada:
the correct service model (Iaas, PaaS,
react much faster to changing require-
• With Scada on the cloud, one can add
or SaaS) and the right provider are
ments,” concludes Combs.
new resources on demand when and if needed. • There is no need to purchase redundant hardware and software licences,
diagram 2 A public cloud Scada system
or set up disaster recovery sites that may never be used. • It provides huge amounts of storage capacity that can be purchased incrementally. • It provides improved reliability and redundancy via multiple internet connections and more backup servicers. • New infrastructure can be up and running in a few minutes. • It makes real-time and historical information available on any type of internet-connected device, including laptops and smartphones. • It makes updates and patches easier to manage. • It provides testing advantages through the ability to clone machines.
Security The one question that remains on just about everybody’s lips is whether the cloud is secure. Craig says that most of the cloud that one gets these days uses a very tight and difficult-to-penetrate encryption key. “Most equipment that is used in the cloud conforms to security standards.” Combs writes that data stored in the cloud typically resides in a shared environment. “Migrating to a public cloud requires a transfer of control to the cloud provider of information as well as system components that were previously under the organisation’s direct
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
27
Mine automation
Lighter, but tougher Machines are getting lighter and smaller, yet tougher. The reasoning behind lighter machines is to reduce not only the weight of the entire structure, but the components within the engines as well. By Mientjie Kleinhans
B
ESIDES THE obvious reasons for
materials doesn’t necessarily mean
costs by making materi-
lighter machines, lighter com-
weaker components. “Although the
als lighter. With that, the
ponents offer various benefits,
material is lighter, it still has to withstand
quality of fuel and oil
such as reduced capex costs.
high pressure,” says Alwar. He uses the
are further considera-
Not only is the use of lighter materials
example of fuel injection pressures
tions when designing an
more affordable, but it means that the
to get fuel out of a small piece of
engine. “The materials may
engine doesn’t have to work as hard.
equipment. The smaller cylinder means
be lighter, but they need
higher pressure is needed. “To explain it
additional protective coatings to
explains the theory in more detail by
a little further: alongside the reduction
make the engines more durable and
using a generator set as an example.
of engine size, the number of cylinders
able to withstand various weather
“The immediate aspect of lighter
decreases, which means each cylinder
conditions,” says Alwar.
materials, for instance, means increasing
has to do more work, hence the high-
the turbo charger speed through lighter
pressure systems,” explains Alwar.
Nalen Alwar, sales manager, Cummins,
construction material. Lighter materials
variety of weather conditions, whether
are able to move faster.” By decreasing
but the engine is smaller and lighter –
in dry-air, desert-like environments or
the weight of components, the engine
that makes it different from older tech-
humid environments.
itself becomes lighter. Alwar explains
nology. The use of lighter materials can
Furthermore, the designers have to
that reducing the weight of construction
actually reduce the production time as
keep the quality of fuel in mind. For ex-
well, even if it is by a few hours – it im-
ample, certain countries in Africa use
pacts the lead time for delivery.
fuel that contains undesirable elements,
“Not only are the engines lighter yet tougher, they are also smaller yet more powerful.”
28
There is an increase in power density,
He explains that engines are designed in such a way that they can withstand a
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
“So, not only are the engines lighter yet tougher, they are also smaller yet more powerful,” says Alwar.
Maintenance
which results in “dirty” fuel. To compensate for the various elements, engine designers add protective coatings to the engines – another element that adds weight to an engine.
Another factor that designers keep in
Therefore, even protective coatings
mind is how to reduce maintenance
are designed to be lighter.
Mine automation
bolted connections for gentler loads
“Our eco-friendly use of resources is
on the entire crane system, including
reflected by the use of less material,
the crane runway. Consequently,
reduced drive output requirements,
maintenance costs and requirements
blast cleaning of metal parts with dry
Another example of lighter equipment
are reduced to a minimum. Roughley
ice and the use of water-based paints.
is Demag’s new V-type girder. This new
indicates that absolutely parallel
This manufacturing process ultimately
crane features a whole new design
alignment of the machined connecting
results in greener building practices
that is made of lighter and less material.
surfaces forms the basis for secure
further down the supply chain too,”
The main component that makes the
connections with high-tensile bolts.
concludes Roughley.
Demag’s new V-type crane may be lighter, but it is no less powerful
Lighter cranes
crane lighter is the tapered diaphragm, which replaces the solid box section of conventional cranes. “Tapered diaphragm joints accommodate pressure
A Cummins genset
and tensile forces more effectively to reduce resonant frequency by 30%. On average, the V-type crane is 17% lighter than comparable cranes that have box-section girders. This not only reduces the forces transmitted to the existing support superstructure and provides architects with greater freedom when planning new building layouts, but also improves the relative deadweight-to-loadcapacity ratio,” says Richard Roughley, senior manager: Sales and Marketing, Demag. The V-type girder features
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
29
market news
from around the continent
GEOSCIENCE PORTAL FOR BOTSWANA A portal that provides free access
hydraulic circuit by absorbing pulsation spikes created during the firing stroke.” The full-length side-plate design
to multidisciplinary datasets from
provides personnel with easier access to
Ngamiland, Botswana, was recently
service points and change-outs when it
launched. The Botswana Geoscience
comes to maintenance.
Portal is a partnership initiative with the Botswana Geoscience Institute and industry sponsors. The main aim of the portal is to help
BREATHING IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS A new breathing apparatus for challenging environments was launched
resource exploration, improve trans-
by MSA Africa recently. The AirXpress
parency and simulate collaboration
2 Fire is an economical, self-contained
between government, industry and the
breathing apparatus (SCBA) with custo-
public to advance understanding of
misable configurations, allowing usage
management. New features include an
the economic and social needs of the
in different first-responder applications.
electronic-clutch-pressure-controlled
North-West District.
free portal link
http://geoscienceportal. geosoft.com/Botswana/ search
SIMPLIFIED BREAKERS FOR MORE POWER
The breathing apparatus is ideal for
transmission with improved filtration, and
firefighting, rescue operations, escape
a larger fuel primary filter/separator.
scenarios, confined-space entry and for
Independent-variable displacement
search and rescue missions. “Not only is
piton pumps have been installed to
it reliable, but it boasts an easy-to-main-
implement hydraulics and the differential
tain construction, which provides low
steering motor, passing on higher levels
cost of ownership,” says Suraksha Mo-
of versatility and manoeuvrability.
hun, product manager: Respiratory and
Another feature is that the engine
Fire Helmets, MSA Africa. It features an
throttle speed is controlled by using a
ergonomic back plate, designed for un-
rotary dial, and by setting the dial to the
A new hydraulic hammer line-up in
restricted movement, and a chest strap
Auto Shift mode activates two
top-mount configuration for hydraulic
to keep the shoulder harness in place.
additional forward-gear speeds and
excavators has been introduced to the
The carrier is made with glass-fibre-
one in reverse.
African market. Caterpillar’s new B20, B30
reinforced polyamide to withstand high
and B35 are purpose-built for applications
heat and flames.
tomatically down-shift to the most effi-
typically found in Africa. The units are
An optional bypass
cient gear based on load,” says Desigen
designed for fitment across a broad
function increases
Naicker, product marketing manager,
spectrum of Cat carriers. “A distinctive
airflow in extreme
Barloworld Equipment. “This contributes
feature is their excellent power-to-
environments.
to improved fuel savings and increased
weight ratio, outstanding impact output,
With a host of
productivity, by selecting the most effi-
and simplicity,” says Craig Christie,
further safety
cient gear based on the variable blade
product and application specialist,
features for extra
loads experienced,” concludes Naiker.
Barloworld Equipment. “The high-pressure
protection, the
accumulator protects the carrier’s
SCBA meets the EN137 Type II
The hammers are designed with mounting brackets specifically built to Cat linkages
requirements for the fire service market.
The AirXpress 2 Fire breathing apparatus with multiple safety features
UPGRADED TRACK-TYPE TRACTOR
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
“Auto Shift enables the machine to au-
CHEAPER FLUID COUPLINGS Fluid couplings are the most widely used hydrodynamic power transmission technology in modern platinum mining. Mechanical engineering multinational
Clients who want a robust, productive,
Voith is now making these transmission
track-type tractor that is easy to service
solutions available to the sector at a
need to look no further than the
considerably reduced cost.
latest-generation Cat D6R2. The new
30
The operating weight on this machine ranges between 18 894 kg and 19 448 kg
Botswana attract new investment in
According to Gary Allison, area sales
machine, launched by Cat, features
manager: South Africa, Voith, quali-
a new cab, an updated transmission,
ty has not been compromised at all.
pilot hydraulic controls and a single-twist
“There has been absolutely no com-
tiller bar for all directional and speed
promise on quality in terms of materials,
control. The purpose-built model is
processes and manufacturing. Instead,
suited for applications including heavy
we used advanced algorithms to de-
dozing and ripping, land clearing, finish
termine where smaller components
grading, trench backfilling and landfill
could be used to lower costs, without
affecting performance.” Fluid cou-
additional power for increased efficien-
or replacement, since no alignment or
plings limit torque, provide load shar-
cy,” says Martin Krupicka, CEO, Brokk
setting of the blade is required. Inventory is
ing, and dampen torsional vibrations.
AB. The unit’s three-part arm system
reduced to a one-part blade and buffer,
This protects the drive system from
works with a variety of attachments,
without bolts, nuts or other fasteners.”
damage, even under extreme operat-
including hydraulic hammers, grap-
ing conditions, while reducing down-
ples, crushers and buckets to achieve
time and ensuring an uninterrupted
flexibility and versatility.
production process. “Our drive solutions are reliable and specifically tailored to each drive sys-
BELT CLEANING MADE EASY
tem, from individual couplings
A new conveyor belt cleaner has
to complete driveline solutions.
been designed and introduced by
The transmittable power ranges from
Martin Engineering. Its new pin-latch
300 W up to 6 MW, making our fluid
secondary belt cleaner is a tungsten
couplings ideally suited to the platinum
carbide-tipped secondary cleaner that
sector,” adds Allison.
slides in and out for service without requiring any tools. This new design features a square,
The fluid coupling protects the drive against overload
The new cleaner design can drastically reduce service time, since no alignment of the blade is required
SEALING IN TIGHT SPACES
tabbed mainframe with segmented
A new solution for the underground instal-
blades connected by a simple pin
lation of 110 mm high-density polyethylene
mechanism that allows easy access and
(HDPE) piping in tight and hard-to-reach
quick blade replacement by semi-skilled
spaces is now available from Incledon.
personnel. The pin latch provides adjust-
The Plasson Line 87 features a seal system
able tension for varying conditions, such
where the seal com-
as belt speed, material being conveyed
presses when the nut is
and belt cleaner position relative to the
tightened – ensuring a
head pulley.
hassle-free, water-tight
It will handle belt speeds up to
system. There is no
5.1 metres per second and the versatile
contact with the seal
unit accommodates belt rollback.
during insertion of the
Good things come in small packages.
The carbide tip is acid- and abrasion-
pipe, meaning the
The smallest remote-controlled dem-
resistant, and assembly is well suited for
pipe slips in easily until
olition machine in the world has been
use on belts with mechanical splices,
it makes contact with
upgraded and now features 10% more
smoothly adapting to and riding over
the centre register.
power and an upgraded hydraulic
the splices without damaging the splice,
Phillip Bawden, nation-
system. The updated Brokk 60 II also
belt or blade. “The maintenance-
al product manager: Plastics, Incledon,
features improved machine handling
friendly design of the new pin-latch
explains that the sealing system itself com-
to make it even more manoeuvrable
belt cleaner is engineered for a wide
prises the nut, a compressible seal, an in-
in tight spaces. “Early in the unit’s prod-
range of global applications,” says
sert and a split ring. The latter is positioned
uct life cycle, we saw the opportunity
Pieter Opperman, sales manager,
in the insert by means of pins on the split
to upgrade the Brokk 60, and did just
Martin Engineering South Africa. “It can
ring. It slots into the insert, which ensures
that. This new unit offers customers
drastically reduce downtime for service
that the split ring slides through the insert
PINT-SIZED POWER
A new sealing system for tight and hard-toreach spaces
without gripping the nut in the initial stages of the tightening process. The nut then impacts on the shoulder of the insert, pushing it into the fitting body, thereby compressing the seal. “The nut must be tightened until it is flush with the fitting body in order to ensure adequate seal compression and split-ring contact,” says Bawden. The Plasson Line 87 is manufactured in accordance with SANS 14236:2003 specifications and comprises coupling, male and
The smallest remote-controlled demolition machine has been updated with more power
female adaptors, shouldered adaptors, 45-degree tees, end plugs and flange adaptors, all rated at PN 16 pressure.
In sid e M in in g 0 6 | 2016
31
events
Mining industry gathers in DRC
T
HE MINING industry will, once
combination of iPAD DRC and Katanga
to get more involved in the content
again, gather in Central Africa
Mining Week, which have merged into
and participate during the conference
to participate in events, meet-
one strategic show.
in a dynamic manner. We are pulling
ings, discussions and observe the
together exciting CEO roundtables,
The new event will provide four
latest technologies available, at this
days of networking, free training and
as well as controversial panel discus-
year’s DRC Mining Week. Attendees
the latest technologies, including a
sions, allowing certain flexibility,” says
From the mining industry will be discuss-
power-focus day, a two-day confer-
Elodie Delagneau, event director,
ing and gathering information on cur-
ence, technical workshops, indoor
DRC Mining Week.
rent challenges from around the globe
and bigger outdoor expos, the Mining
at the event taking place in Lubum-
Industry Awards, CEO roundtables,
the DRC’s Minister of Mines, Martin Ka-
bashi, the heart of the DRC’s Katanga
B2B speed-networking, and site visits.
bwelulu Labilo, and Erick Mboma, man-
mining region. DRC Mining Week is the
“This year, we wanted the audience
aging director, Standard Bank DRC.
Some of the keynote speakers include
index to advertisers Dosetech
22
Sandvik Mining Systems
African Construction & Totally Concrete East Africa 25
Model Maker Systems
18
Schneider Electric
Decision Inc.
Redpath Mining South Africa
13th Annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards
32
32
21
OFC
IFC OBC
Tega
20
Ins i de Mi n i n g 0 6 | 2 0 1 6
HO W I M P ORTA N T I S G E N DE R E M P O W E R M E N T I N Y O U R O R G A N I S AT I O N ? T E L L S O U T H A F R I C A Y O U R S U C C E S S S T O R Y.
ENTER NOW!
18 AUGUST 2016 JOHANNESBURG w w w. t o p w o m e n a w a r d s . c o . z a
E N T E R B E F O R E 2 4 J U N E 2 0 1 6 A N D S TA N D A C H A N C E T O W I N 2 X S E AT S T O T H E AWA R D S – Q U O T E “ 3 S M 0 2 ” M E D I A PA R T N E R :
SPONSORS:
Contact Sheri Morgan
S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R :
|
sheri.morgan@topco.co.za
|
086 000 9590
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