AFRICA Africa’s own Mining Journal March-April 2020 > Issue 2> Vol.#2
INSIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ROCK DRILL TECHNOLOGIES PG.11 Ucore to buy critical metals separation technology Pg.12
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FILTRATION & PURIFICATION
MINING
Title
2018>>www.miningzimbabwe.com 24 MAYwww.mining-africa.com
Jan-March 2020
How Swiss cobalt traders are trying to prevent child labour
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Barrick Back in Business in Tanzania
10 Angola Exploration License Extensions Could Spur Oil Sector Recovery
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Continuous system increases survey productivity in blast holes
19 MICROMINE offers miners free access to Micromine 2020
23 MBE Minerals expanding Vibrating screen sales in Southern Africa
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www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
This issue of Africa mining Insight tries to bring together this wide range of perspec�ves in mining on the con�nent. It is my sincere hope that you will appreciate the insights given. Our publica�on focuses on the developments and ac�vi�es taking place in the mining sector through out Africa. As you are aware the con�nent is a haven of minerals which are in demand world wide. The diamonds of Botswana, the South African gold, and the oil of Angola, to men�on just a few. Zimbabwe boasts of coal which is in abundance, with Zambia renowned for its copper. Unfortunately despite its mineral wealth, Africa s�ll lags behind in development as compared to the rest of the world. It seems the Interna�onal companies mining on the con�nent are only interested in extrac�on of the minerals and working on them outside the con�nent.
Front cover
Editor Goodwill Sibanda editor@africamininginsight.co.za Writer Kennedy Chamu kennedy@africamininginsight.co.za Sales Lenox Marufu lenox@africamininginsight.co.za Muthulis Nkiwane muthulis@africamininginsight.co.za Design & layout Peter Johnson peter@africamininginsight.co.za Accounts Sharon Moyo accounts@africamininginsight.co.za Subscrip�on Thato Ndlovu subscrip�on@africamininginsight.co.za landline +27110257031 info@africamininginsight.co.za sales@africamininginsight.co.za www.africamininginsight.co.za
Minerals mined in Africa leave the con�nent in their raw state. This has deprived Africa in terms of developing the country’s mining industry and from earnings which accrue from the minerals once value is added on to them. It is �me that Africa holds on to its minerals and only dispose of them a�er value addi�on to enable it to fully benefit from its produce. Beneficia�on is a factor African governments should impose on their resources before expor�ng their minerals. It is believed that in the purifica�on of pla�num there are over seven by minerals which are also found in the process. These are not brought back to Africa by the mining companies but sold as finished products through out the world. This process has led to few jobs being created within the industry. In the case the products come back to Africa, they are sold at very exorbitant costs. Zimbabwe’ diamond is cleaned out of the country and sold at treble the price by its buyers a�er value addi�on. This occurrence has led to few jobs being created, with industries being built overseas to benefit foreigners. Saudi Arabia does not have a diamond mine but boasts of a 25 billion dollar diamond industry. Most of its diamonds are procured from Africa. The following example illustrates clearly what I am wri�ng about. The granite that was used to build the Royal Danish Library was mined in Mutoko, Zimbabwe. The Italian company paid US$150 per ton as mining rights and extracted 6500 tons. The Zimbabwean government made US975 000 from this venture. The Italian firm cut and polished the stones and sold them to the Danish for US$18 million. The country lost almost US$17 million in possible revenue. It is very sad to con�nue to watch our people wallow in poverty and live in slums when wealth can be kept on the con�nent. Countries in Africa should not only be eager to sell their raw products but should strive to add value to it. The pla�num mining firms in Zimbabwe should build a smel�ng plant to avoid the product being sold raw outside the country. This will create more jobs and increase the tax basket of the country at the same �me witness a growth in mining infrastructure. Your comments and contribu�ons will be most appreciated. Best regards
Editor G. Sibanda
Goodwill Sibanda
Disclaimer: All material is strictly copyright. The magazine or any part thereof may not be reproduced or adapted without wri�en permission from the publisher: Africa Mining Insight welcomes material submi�ed for publica�on but retains the right to edit copy. The views expressed in the publica�on are not considered those of the publisher (Cleopas Projects), which accepts no liability of any nature arising out of or in connec�on with the contents of this magazine. While every effort has been taken in compiling this publica�on, the publisher does not give warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its content. The publisher and the editor cannot accept responsibility for any loss inconvenience & damage that may occur there from.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
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How Swiss cobalt traders are trying to prevent child labour
Swiss cobalt traders Glencore and Trafigura deal very differently with small-scale miners in the Democra�c Republic of Congo (DRC), many of whom are children.
Microso� and Tesla is that they knowingly use cobalt obtained through “forced child labour”.
Eight kilograms of cobalt are needed for every electric car ba�ery. More than 70% of the increasingly soughta�er metal is mined in the southeast of the DRC. But most of the miners are not employed by mining companies. Some 250,000 Congolese, including many children, dig the cobalt-bearing rock with bare hands or with primi�ve tools at best.
The lawsuit could reinforce commodity traders’ and tech companies’ trend towards completely avoiding cobalt from small-scale miners. Glencore, which dominates the global cobalt supply, is pursuing such a strategy in order to avoid being associated with child labour.
As there are hardly any areas where small-scale miners can work legally, thousands of them are entering the concessions of large mine operators in the area surrounding the town of Kolwezi. Violence and fatal accidents happen o�en. In June 2019, more than 40 people died in a concession controlled by the Swiss mining giant Glencoreexternal link. Last December, US a�orneys filed a classac�on lawsuit against American tech companies on behalf of 13 Congolese families in Washington, DC court. The main accusa�on against Apple, Alphabet, Dell,
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informal mines fail to meet their responsibili�es.” Trafigura – a model to follow?
High-risk business
But various NGOs believe that this may only worsen the situa�on. “For the people in Kolwezi there are hardly any alterna�ves to mining,” says Emmanuel Umpula Nkumba, director of the Congolese organisa�on African Resources Watch (AfreWatch).
As a promising a�empt to take on corporate responsibility, Peyer men�ons a pilot project of Trafigura, the commodi�es trader with headquarters in Singapore and Geneva. In 2018, Trafigura signed a threeyear agreement to buy all the cobalt extracted by the mine operator Chemaf. The Dubai-controlled company runs the Mutoshi mine near Kolwezi. Trafigura was faced with the challenge of how to deal with the more than 5,000 informal miners – among them hundreds of children – working illegally in parts of the site. On average, every third day someone died because tunnels collapsed.
Chantal Peyer of the Swiss organisa�on Bread for All has been inves�ga�ng the ac�vi�es of commodity traders in the DRC for years. “Boyco� is always a bad answer,” she says. “Companies that completely reject material from
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Mutoshi pilot project in Kolwezi, DRC. Under the pilot project, an area equivalent to 94 football fields (0.67 square kilometres) was fenced in, allowing access to thousands of adult members of a designated coopera�ve. The top layer of earth was removed with excavators to avoid dangerous tunnels. The workers were equipped with protec�ve helmets and overalls; sanitary and medical facili�es were put in place. The coopera�ve was obliged to sell all the cobalt to Chemaf at a periodically nego�ated price. At the end of 2019, Trafigura published a report on the pilot projectexternal link. The independent authors of the commissioned report cri�cise Chemaf’s suspension of some agreed services for economic reasons – worn safety equipment had not been replaced and the workers had been paid late (within two to three weeks instead of every one or two days). Yet in principle, the pilot project was found to be a good model for improving the working condi�ons of small-scale miners as they had benefited from safer and more produc�ve working condi�ons. Everyone, but especially women, who make up about 40% of the workers, earned more than before, the report concludes – partly because they had lower costs for transport and health care. Mixed reviews, viability in ques�on Nkumba of AfreWatch disagrees. “The safety situa�on has improved, but there are neither economic nor social benefits for the workers,” he said, no�ng that the coopera�ve had strong �es to Chemaf and was not able to nego�ate a fair price. “Chemaf makes a big profit.” James Nicholson, head of corporate responsibility at Trafigura, finds Nkumba’s cri�cism unfair. “From an economic point of view, it is logical that Chemaf pays the coopera�ve a price that is slightly lower than that in the local market,” he reckons. “Ul�mately, Chemaf has invested a lot of money in promo�ng the safety, health and wellbeing of the
workers.” For Nicholson, it is a winwin situa�on, rendering the model socially and economically sustainable. Thanks to the project, child labour was eliminated on the Mutoshi site, and parents were able to care for their children more o�en due to shorter working days, according to the report. However, because the world market price for cobalt fell sharply in the mean�me, some parents in the project were no longer able to pay school fees. Complica�ng ma�ers, due to the Covid-19 epidemic, Chemaf decided to temporarily shut down the Mutoshi mine, including the semimechanised site for the informal miners.external link Whether the project would con�nue was in doubt even before the pandemic. “The decision lies with Chemaf,” according to Nicholson. Would Trafigura renew the agreement with Chemaf if the mining operator definitely cancelled the project? There was no comment on this from Geneva. According to Peyer from Bread for All, “Trafigura at least tries to do the right thing and invests in a sustainable supply chain.” But she too insists that the small-scale miners at the Mutoshi mine should receive the usual market price. The interna�onal NGO Pact, which oversees the project on behalf of Trafigura, believes there is a lot of poten�al in its approach. “Around the world, almost 40 million people depend on ar�sanal and small-scale mining. This is a fact of life that more and more processor companies of cobalt and other minerals are recognising,” says Stephanie Shumsky, technical manager for Pact’s “Mines to Markets” programme. “Some buyers are willing to accept such material if it has been sourced responsibly and safely.” Shumsky adds that “other large mining companies” are interested in tes�ng the “Mutoshi model” themselves.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Glencore avoids ar�sanal mining Glencore is not among them. Anna Kru�kov, Head of Sustainable Development at the Glencore headquarters in Zug, makes this clear: “We don’t buy or process any materials that come from ar�sanal mining. As an industrial miner, we can keep our supply chain free of risks of child labour or poor working condi�ons. However, we do not ignore the issue of ar�sanal mining in the country.” Kru�kov highlights that ar�sanal mining is a complex challenge that requires collabora�on with various stakeholders. To be�er manage the risks, Glencore is working with local authori�es and various organisa�ons, as well as partners along the supply chain. With around 15,000 mostly local staff, the company is one of the most important employers and taxpayers in the southeastern DRC. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Glencore’s opera�ons in the area con�nue unabated. “Nobody should have to work in an ar�sanal mine where life is at risk,” said Kru�kov. “That’s why we work with over 140 local coopera�ves, with more than 4,000 members in total, to drive economic diversifica�on so that people have an alterna�ve to ar�sanal mining and can build a sustainable livelihood in, say, agriculture.” In addi�on, Glencore, together with an interna�onal NGO and local churches, launched a leisure programme for schoolchildren in 2016. “In 2018, we reached over 9,000 children and their parents through our school holiday camps,” said Kru�kov. “The children received meals and school materials; the recrea�onal and educa�onal ac�vi�es included discussions on children’s rights, the importance of educa�on and the risks associated with ar�sanal mining.” Glencore expects to report more children taking part in 2019 and 2020.Glencore’s opera�ons organise school holiday camps in which the children receive a meal each day and par�cipate in recrea�onal and educa�onal ac�vi�es.
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Perseus pushes ahead in West Africa, despite virus threat
Perseus Mining (TSX: PRU; ASX: PRU ) is building its second open-pit mine in Cote d’Ivoire and its third in West Africa, and expects to pour first gold in December despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Once built, Yaoure will produce 215,000 oz. gold per year at all-in sustaining costs (AISCs) of US$734 per oz. over the first five years of an ini�al 8.5 year mine life. On a recent conference call, managing director and CEO Jeffrey Quartermaine said development work on the Yaoure mine, 40 km from the capital of Yamoussoukro, was 52% complete, with US$29 million spent on development in the first three months of the year. In total, Perseus has spent US$129 million on developing Yaoure, or 49% of the project’s total capex of US$265 million. “This has been one of the bright lights for us this quarter, and we con�nue to make progress on all fronts at Yaoure,” Quartermaine told analysts and investors on the call. “Our stretch target of pouring first gold by December 2020 con�nues to be within our capacity, provided we
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don’t have any unusual delays coming out of the virus later in the year.” Fabrica�on of the SAG and Ball mills is complete and the equipment was delivered to site ahead of schedule in February, while other procured items have been moving efficiently through the port of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire and deliveries to the site have been taking place on a regular basis, unimpeded so far by COVID19. It has completed 39% of its tailings storage facility, construc�on of the main Yaoure substa�on is 56% complete, and access roads are being upgraded. “The pleasing news is that, notwithstanding COVID-19, cargoes are being efficiently cleared through the port of Abidjan and transported to site without too much delay,” he noted. “Yaoure is a very important project for Perseus and does underpin our future growth, and so we’re looking forward very much to delivering further progress on that.” In the mean�me, it con�nues to operate its Edikan open-pit mine in Ghana, a historic heap leach mine it
brought into produc�on in 2011, and its Sissingue open-pit mine in Cote d’Ivoire, which started produc�on in January 2018. Sissingue produced 19,964 oz. gold at US$685 per oz. and AISCs of US$781 per oz. during the quarter, while Edikan produced 38,019 oz. gold at US$1,090 per oz. and AISCs of US$1,242 per ounce. (The higher costs at Edikan were mainly the result of lower recovery rates due to carbonaceous materials in the ore from one of the mine’s pits.) Perseus is also pushing ahead with explora�on and has earmarked an explora�on budget for the next 12 months of US$15 million this year — the bulk of which will be spent on areas around Yaoure, where management see “enormous poten�al to add materially to our reserve inventory there.” The balance will be spent at its two other producing mines. “We are accelera�ng our efforts on explora�on, not only to extend the life of our exis�ng opera�ons but to, hopefully, also discover our next mine. We have some interes�ng targets.”
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
While supply chains remain open in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, the movement of local and foreign employees has been impacted by government-imposed travel restric�ons, while work rosters have been extended. No cases of COVID19 have been reported by any of the company’s employees or contractors at either of its two mines or at the Yaoure development project. “We’re living in pre�y uncertain �mes, and the COVID-19 pandemic is crea�ng some serious challenges for us, but so far we’ve met these head-on, and we’re ahead of the game,” Quartermaine said on the call. “What happens from here remains to be seen, but we are confident that by remaining vigilant and being proac�ve, we will successfully see this crisis through.” Quartermaine also noted that the company had offered its expat staff at Yaoure the opportunity to fly back to their countries earlier on, before the airports were closed down, but virtually all of them declined. “Almost to a man they said, ‘No way, we’re going to see this through,’” he said, while those at its opera�ng mines also declined the offer. “Our people are there because they want to be there. By and large, the team was very determined to get through this. Now whether they have this same level of enthusiasm in another three months remains to be seen.” In the event of a medical emergency, Quartermaine added, a charter flight could be arranged. In an email to The Northern Miner, Quartermaine explained that part of the company’s success weathering in the current public health emergency is due to the company’s seasoned management teams at each of its opera�ons in West Africa that have successfully managed several in-country crises in recent years, including the Ebola outbreak during 2014-2016. The deadly disease provided Perseus with tested crisis management capabili�es and systems that are proving useful today, he said. Several of its key execu�ves, prior to joining Perseus, had spent the Ebola
crisis on the ground in Sierra Leone where infec�ons were rife, he noted. “These guys brought a lot of first-hand knowledge and experience to the table,” he explained, “and, under my leadership, our team has designed and implemented the systems that we have deployed with success to date throughout our business.” “They had been part of a team that operated all of the way through Ebola without losing a day of produc�on,” Quartermaine said. “The strategy that their former employee deployed was taken and refined for our situa�on. This is what we refer to as our ‘Island Mode’ business model.” Essen�ally, the company has divided its mine sites into three zones – green, orange and red. The green zone contains all of the equipment, ac�vi�es and people required to guarantee business con�nuity, he explained. “Access to this zone is only possible a�er a period of quaran�ne to demonstrate that people are COVID-free,” he said. “The orange zone is a li�le more relaxed – this is where the actual mining takes place – and the red zone permits interface with the community.” “On top of this, we have deployed a lot of other protocols and prac�ces aimed at making sure our supply lines remain open and ensuring that we will be able to con�nue opera�on, even if the virus spreads into our surrounding community – which pleasingly it has not. I would like to think that we are assis�ng this by procuring and distribu�ng supplies to local health centres, undertaking disinfectant spraying in villages, funding publicity programs on local radio advising people how to avoid catching and spreading the virus, etc.” The Island Mode system has not been fully deployed at Yaoure, however, as the development site “is simply too large and involves too many people – a large propor�on of whom are residents of the local area, and we simply cannot house and feed all of these people in a
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
quaran�ned area even if they were willing to go in there.” Nevertheless, Quartermaine said, the company con�nues to make headway at Yaoure. “We do con�nue to make very good progress, however, and are on track, but we may suffer schedule disrup�on in the future if we are unable to bring specialist construc�on technicians and commissioning people to site when needed due to interna�onal and local travel restric�ons. We are not at that point, and hopefully the travel restric�ons will be li�ed before it becomes an issue.” Quartermaine, who joined Perseus as chief financial officer in 2010 and was appointed managing director in January 2013, also praised the governments of both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire for ac�ng swi�ly when the dangers of the pandemic became known, no�ng that sta�s�cs “are remarkably low by comparison to developed countries.” He noted that reported cases in both countries were low by comparison to many other countries. (According to the World Health Organiza�on, Ghana had 1,671 confirmed cases and 16 deaths and Cote d’Ivoire 1,238 cases and 14 deaths as of April 30.) “Whether this is a func�on of low levels of tes�ng, misdiagnosis, etc., I really don’t know,” Quartermaine said. “What is clear though is that both countries acted very promptly and very firmly as soon as the problem surfaced (which not every country in the world did, to their great regret I am sure).” “Obviously the resources available to these countries are much lower than elsewhere, but they seem to be coping well at the moment and are ge�ng solid support from industries such as the mining industry.”
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Barrick Back in Business in Tanzania
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Barrick Gold Corpora�on (NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX) says it has made significant progress in reshaping the Tanzanian opera�ons it consolidated through the take-over of Acacia Mining in September last year in order to create a sustainable business capable of long-term value crea�on for its stakeholders. At a signing ceremony with the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr John Pombe Magufuli, to formalize the establishment of a joint venture between Barrick and the government, Bristow said the joint venture, which will give the government full visibility of and par�cipa�on in opera�ng decisions made for and by the North Mara, Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi mines, was a pioneering move which would take Barrick’s policy of partnership with its host countries to a new level.
Following today’s ceremony, there are a number of ma�ers which Barrick and the government will work together to implement. In par�cular, Barrick will partner with the University of Dar es Salaam and commit up to $10 million in funding over a 10-year period for training and skills development in the mining industry, and will also commit up to $40 million to upgrade the road between Bulyanhulu and Mwanza as well as construc�ng a housing compound and related
opportuni�es for the people around our mines”, Bristow said. Bristow said that there was a strong focus on ra�onalizing and op�mizing mine plans. Following the successful transi�on to owner mining at North Mara, this has already delivered a reduc�on in costs and an increase in free cash flow. A similar result is expected at Bulyanhulu, where an integrated study aimed at op�mizing the complete orebody should kickstart the resump�on of mining opera�ons there later this year.
“Reflec�ng our confidence in the poten�al of this highly prospec�ve gold region, we have budgeted $50 million for brown and greenfields explora�on here in 2020
alone and are looking at various opportuni�es to sustain and expand our opera�ons”, Bristow said. The agreement also ra�fies the crea�on of Twiga Minerals Corpora�on, the management company jointly owned by the government and Barrick, that will oversee the management of Barrick’s local opera�ons, which are now owned 84% by Barrick and 16% by the government. The deal provides for a 50/50 sharing in the economic benefits generated by the mining opera�ons a�er the recoupment of capital investments.
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infrastructure. “Since taking over the operatorship, we have been engaging with local communi�es to restore the mines’ social license to operate and we are coopera�ng closely with the authori�es to address the environmental issues at North Mara. In addi�on, we are working on a local supplier strategy as well as a community development plan to create sustainable economic
“Reflec�ng our confidence in the poten�al of this highly prospec�ve gold region, we have budgeted $50 million for brown and greenfields explora�on here in 2020 alone and are looking at various opportuni�es to sustain and expand our opera�ons”, Bristow said.
In line with Barrick’s commitment to employing and advancing locals at its mines, Tanzanian na�onals are being recruited and trained to replace expatriate employees as has been successfully done at Barrick’s other African opera�ons. In addi�on, Acacia’s offices outside the country have been closed, and company records and day-to-day decisionmaking and accountability have been moved back to the opera�ons in Tanzania.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Introduction to Rock Drill Technologies (Pty) Ltd Hydraulic breakers - Appointed sole agent of OEM Korean hydraulic breaker manufacturer (DECO) - Range from 100kg skid steer mounted to 6,000kg unit for 90t excavators Hydraulic dri�ers - Spare parts for exis�ng hydraulic dri�ers - imported to order - Cost effec�ve supply of wear and tear components
Rock Drill Technologies (RDT) was established to supply pneuma�c rock drills, paving breakers and other complimentary rock breaking tools for the mining, quarrying and construc�on industries. Founded in 2015, it has close links to the Nxco group of companies who have been supplying niche blas�ng and other rock breaking solu�ons into Southern Africa for many years. Situated in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng, close to good logis�cs infrastructure, RDT is able to support all of its customers in South Africa as well as further afield into the greater SADC region. We strive to further develop our skills and knowledge to improve our value offering and are open to new and innova�ve ways of doing business. Company values RDT is founded on the values of integrity, customer focus and con�nuous improvement and by sourcing both locally and abroad we are able to offer cost effec�ve solu�ons to your needs for rock drills, paving breakers, hydraulic breakers and other niche rock breaking solu�ons.
Products & services RDT offers the following range of products and services Pneuma�c rock drills - Wet and dry rock drills for surface and underground applica�ons - Ancillary equipment such as air legs, lubricators, hoses etc. Pneuma�c dri�ers - Spare parts for exis�ng pneuma�c rock dri�ers - imported to order - Cost effec�ve supply of wear and tear component Pneuma�c paving breakers - Varying size of hand held breakers suitable for breaking concrete etc. - Models equivalent to more well known brands Pneuma�c hammers - Small hand held chipping hammers for the construc�on industry - Spare parts for Pneuma�c surface drill rigs - Either top hammer or DTH drill rigs for holes up to ø 120mm, 36mts deep - Self-propelled Crawler or Rubber tyred units - Drill rods and bits to suit all rock types and applica�ons
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Associated rock breaking consumables - Non-explosive pyrotechnic cartridges for non-explosive rock breaking - Expansive mortar for controlled rock breaking - Drill & breaker tools – bits, rods, chisels, moils, hoses, etc. Spare parts and repairs - Complete set of spare parts and consumables for all equipment sold - Both breakdown repairs and proac�ve maintenance services to equipment
Further informa�on can be found at our website www.rockdrilltechnologies.co.za
Bob Brown Rock Drill Technologies Cell +27 82 452 9308 Email bob@rockdrilltechnologies.co.za www rockdrilltechnologies.co.za
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Ucore to buy critical metals separation technology
Ucore Rare Metals Inc is taking over Innova�on Metals Corp (IMC), a privately held Canadian company that has developed RapidSX, a proprietary technology for the separa�on and purifica�on of cri�cal metals including rare earth elements, lithium, nickel and cobalt. RapidSX is an accelerated solventextrac�on-based separa�on technology, successfully piloted by IMC. Ucore said the process has been highly effec�ve at the pilot scale in separa�ng both heavy REE and light REE feedstocks to commercial-grade rare-earth
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oxides, with expected significant technical and economic efficiencies rela�ve to exis�ng technologies. RapidSX combines the chemistry of solvent extrac�on, the REE industry’s current standard bulk commercial separa�on technology, with a new column-based pla�orm, which significantly accelerates separa�on performance, resul�ng in smaller process-plant size and lower expected capital and opera�ng costs, the company added.
Co concentrates and lithium from brines. Ucore chairman Pat Ryan said:We firmly believe that RapidSX holds considerable merit for Ucore’s own prospec�ve Alaska Strategic Metals Complex … as well as industry-wide commercialisa�on in par�cular due to the scalable and modular nature of RapidSX.”
IMC is also looking at u�lizing RapidSX with other feedstocks, including nickel and cobalt from Ni-
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
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B2Gold Continues Operations in Namibia, While Philippines Operation Halts
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2Gold will con�nue underground mine development and Meanwhile, the Company has mining opera�ons in at could poten�ally be delayed if temporarily suspended mining at its the Otjikoto Mine due contractors cannot mobilize to site Masbate mine in the Philippines to having stockpiled (scheduled for mid to late second because government measures to significant reserves the coronavirus outbreak B2Gold expects to meet or exceed contain of supplies to make it had disrupted fuel supplies. through the second quarter its budgeted consolidated gold B2Gold will also con�nue to without a change to their operate at the Fekola Mine in produc�on guidance. In addi�on, the Company is produc�on for the first quarter Mali. Barring any unforeseen work moving its ongoing expansion and stoppages due to Covid-19, development projects forward of 2020. including consumable supply with certain restric�ons and disrup�on, the Company expects to delays experienced by individual quarter of 2020). meet its 2020 gold produc�on and project. B2Gold expects to meet or cost guidance at the Otjikoto Mine. Furthermore, the Company does not exceed its budgeted consolidated expect that a delay to the gold produc�on for the first quarter The Company in a statement this underground project will have any of 2020. week said the underground project impact on the 2020 or 2021 at Wolfshag is currently in the forecasted annual produc�on at the tender review process for Otjikoto Mine.
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www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
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MINING
Title
www.mining-africa.com
Jan-March 2020
Angola Exploration License Extensions Could Spur Oil Sector Recovery
Prior to the onset of COVID-19 and OPEC-led produc�on cuts effec�ve May 1, Angola was set to see a rise in produc�on. In February, the country recorded a produc�on level of 1.39 million barrels per day (bpd), up 15,000 bpd from January. Since the middle of 2019, several majors also extended exis�ng block produc�on licenses, reflec�ng an ini�al push to ramp up produc�on. Aligned with the effort to yield new discoveries, Maersk Drilling was awarded contracts for a three-well explora�on campaign by Total E&P in January. The project includes two wells offshore Angola in Block 32 and Block 48 and one well offshore Namibia and boasts the deepest water depth ever drilled offshore. The campaign carries an es�mated dura�on of 240 days and includes two addi�onal one-well op�ons, demonstra�ng a commitment by explorers to tap into exis�ng acreage and bring new discoveries into produc�on. However, in the midst of COVID-19,
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several major operators are drama�cally reducing capital expenditures. Italian mul�na�onal Eni and French major Total, for example, have reduced investment in explora�on and produc�on across the con�nent in 2020 by 25%. In Angola, Total has suspended development of its short-cycle satellite field projects, located near the operator’s large offshore installa�ons. That said, the recent license extensions might help to alleviate �me and financial pressure on the comple�on of drilling programs, the status of which remains unknown for most blocks. Block 14 In February, the Angolan Na�onal Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the consor�um that owns and operates Block 14 to extend its explora�on period un�l 2028. The consor�um is comprised of Chevron (31%), Sonangol (20%),
Eni (20%), Total Angola (20%) and Galp Energia (9%). The MoU amended the terms of the agreement by targe�ng an increase in crude produc�on that will enable up to 65% of cost recovery in new explora�on areas from April 1. Block 14 currently produces approximately 160,000 bpd of medium-light crude oil. The agreement also provided for the readjustment of the profitsharing contract to an 80/20 propor�on, and includes the drilling of an explora�on well and six development wells. Cost recovery will increase to 72.5% following the drilling of the wells, and profitsharing will shi� to a 90/10 split. The agreement is directed at the areas of Tombwa-Lândana, Benguela, Belize, Lobito, Tomboco and Kui¬to, which will be merged into a new collec�ve marketed area, known as Tombwa-Lândana, to serve as a new focus of explora�on for operators.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
The recent license extensions might help to alleviate �me and financial pressure on the comple�on of drilling programs Block 17 In December 2019, Total signed an agreement with the ANPG to extend its license in Block 17 un�l 2045. The French supermajor, which carries a 35% interest, operates the block in partnership with Equinor (23.33%), ExxonMobil (20%), BP (16.67%). Under the extension contract, Sonangol acquired a 5% stake in the block and will acquire another 5% in 2036. Block 17 is the site of the Girassol field, the largest oil discovery ever to be made in Angola, and holds es�mated reserves of 2.9 billion barrels, with a record of 17 discoveries made in 20 wells drilled. According to Sonangol, only 1,611 km2 of the block’s acreage has been surveyed, which results in 67% of the acreage le� unexplored. Three short-cycle brownfield projects were ini�ally under
development in Block 17, with the aim of adding 150 million barrels to its total produc�on and 100,000 barrels to its daily produc�on. Addi�onal explora�on campaigns were also planned to unlock further resources, with two wells planned for drilling in 2020 yet likely to be postponed. Block 17 remains an integral player in Total’s plans to boost its Angola produc�on by 2023. Block 15 In June 2019, the ExxonMobil-led consor�um opera�ng Block 15 signed a produc�on-sharing agreement that extended block opera�ons through 2032. In addi�on, the consor�um approved a mul�-year drilling program that will add 40,000 barrels to the block’s current produc�on upon comple�on by operator ExxonMobil. The project is expected to generate approximately 1,000 local jobs. New infrastructure technology is planned be deployed in the block, designed to increase the capacity of the exis�ng subsea flow lines and
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
increase output. Addi�onal changes to the produc�on sharing agreement include changes in ownership. Under the agreement, ExxonMobil carries a 36% stake and operates the block in partnership with BP (24%), ENI (18%) and Equinor (12%). As part of the agreement, Sonangol will receive a 10% equity interest in the block. ExxonMobil also holds stakes in three deep-water blocks covering nearly two million acres in Angola, which hold substan�al development opportuni�es and a gross recoverable resource poten�al of approximately 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Block 15 has produced more than 2.2 billion barrels of oil since 2003. This ar�cle will be published in the Africa Energy Series: Angola 2020 Report, which will be launched soon. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil & Power Conference.
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Big miners battle with limiting climate change – TPI Only two of the world’s ten largest mining companies are aligned with limi�ng climate change to 2 °C below pre-industrial levels, new research by assessor The Transi�on Pathway Ini�a�ve (TPI) has found. Miners Freeport and Grupo Mexico have been iden�fied as the two largest mining companies that had such low emissions intensity that they are already aligned with the 2050 benchmarks, including below 2 °C. TPI’s research shows that Glencore and Anglo American are currently within the 2 °C benchmark, but their emissions pathways are too flat to keep them in alignment by 2050, the company said on Monday. Glencore’s plans to cut Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2035 are promising, but do not include its marke�ng ac�vi�es. TPI noted that stated net zero ambi�ons from majors BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale only cover opera�onal emissions, typically just 6% of the emissions TPI assess. As a
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result, these companies are actually further away from alignment in 2050 than they are today. Iron-ore major Fortescue and diversified miner South32 have yet to set credible long-term targets and need to cut their overall carbon intensity by nearly 80% by 2050 to claim alignment with 2 °C, while MMC Norilsk provided insufficient disclosure for assessment to be possible. “The sector has made significant progress over the last six months. Several companies, including Rio Tinto, Vale and Glencore, have announced new, more ambi�ous emissions targets and BHP has acknowledged the role of Scope 3 emissions in their future approach. “Anglo American is currently below the benchmark but without further ac�on is due to become unaligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement,” said TPI co-chair Adam Ma�hews. “TPI’s analysis shows that not all commitments cover all ac�vi�es and companies will need to go
significantly further to meet investor expecta�ons from ini�a�ves such as Climate Ac�on 100+”. “Many assessed companies mine materials that both support the transi�on and those that do not. It is essen�al that investors have a complete picture of their carbon performance, which includes public targets for Scope 3 emissions.” TPI is a global ini�a�ve led by asset owners and supported by asset managers. Aimed at investors and free to use, the TPI tool assesses companies’ preparedness for the transi�on to a low-carbon economy, suppor�ng efforts to address climate change.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Continuous system increases survey productivity in blast
There are many variables that affect the drill and blast process but all blast holes are prone to deviation. High amounts of such deviation can cost the mining industry millions every year in lost production, yet it’s possible to prevent or minimise bridging and ore dilution through routine measurement. Since 1992, Downhole Surveys have been leaders in blast hole surveying innovations, continuously improving their systems to make it an accessible part of the drill and blast process. Establishing such a routine enables engineers to consistently analyse the asbuilt position and make informed decisions prior to firing, reflecting the ideal scenario of drill, measure, analyse, blast.
Now part of the Devico group, DHS have taken the newly released, Norwegian manufactured DeviGyro, and incorporated it into a production hole quality control package purposefully designed as a rental or purchase model. Where heavy gyros were previously fed into the hole using polypipe and held for 10 seconds in 2m increments, the new system supports continuous surveying with a custom designed counting rodder and total tool weight of 3kg. Recording 50 times more data points compared to the stop/start method, positional accuracy is improved significantly; a typical 15m survey now results in a misclose between the in and out run of just 65mm.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Utilising north seeking principles and proprietary algorithms to determine the true borehole path, the miniature DeviGyro records the rate of change from a given start direction and can survey all angles. Unaffected by steel mesh and magnetic material and less suspectable to vibration than other systems, the DeviGyro is ideal for underground conditions. Since trials began this year, DHS have seen survey productivity more than double in some cases, with results proving over 1000m can be achieved in just seven hours. Faster, lighter and more accurate, the new PHQC system is more approachable than ever and ideal for mine sites looking to take control of their blast hole deviation.
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Mozambique: Beaches of Inhambane Threatened By Mining
M
aputo — Mining companies are planning to extract heavy mineral sands from the pris�ne beaches of the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane. Cited in Monday's issue of the independent newssheet "Carta de Mocambique", David Archer, the chief execu�ve officer of the London-based company Savannah Resources, said the Inhambane beaches are "one of the most a�rac�ve undeveloped deposits of mineral sands in the world". In partnership with the AngloAustralian mul�na�onal Rio Tinto, Savannah has been granted a concession of 400 square kilometres in Inhambane, from which it plans To extract �tanium ores and zircon.
pigments. Titanium can be alloyed with iron, aluminium and other metals to produce lightweight alloys for the aerospace industry and many other applica�ons. Zircon (zirconium silicate) is used in ceramics, water and air purifica�on systems, nuclear fuel rods and cataly�c fuel converters. Savannah has applied for a further 138 square kilometres in the same area, in the districts of Inharrime and Jangamo.
Inhambane town of Vilankulo. Haiyu has been opera�ng in Angoche district, in the northern province of Nampula since 2011, and has been accused of causing major environmental damage. Its opera�ons were blamed for a flash flood that destroyed the coastal village of Nagonha in 2015. Mining the beaches of Inhambane poses an obvious threat to the tourism for which the province is best known, and to the natural beauty of the coastline.
The Chinese company Haiyu wants to open a heavy sands mine near the
The most common �tanium compound, �tanium dioxide, is used in the manufacture of white
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www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Liberia Signs Iron Ore Transshipment MoU With Singaporean Company
The government of Liberia on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Singaporean company Al Khaldiya Mining Private Ltd. for the transshipment of iron ore from neighboring Guinea that will generate millions of dollars for the country annually. As per the MOU, the company will transship some 789 million tons of iron ore from its Diecké project in Guinea, which is just 2 kilometers north of the Ganta, Nimba County, through the Yekepa-Buchanan rail line. "We are very happy to sign this MOU with the Liberian government," Al Khaldiya Mining Private Ltd CEO Rohan Patnaik said in a press release issued on Thursday. "It will enable us to work with Liberian and Guinean
workforce and private sector that will benefit all par�es. The Transshipment of iron ore would provide a significant number of jobs, Patnaik said, adding it would create jobs in the trucking, spare parts, the Port of Buchanan and other markets in the mining supply chain of the mining sector. "This is a win-win situa�on," he said. "We will make sure there are no losers." Al Khaldiya, a private company backed by Kuwai� investment, is expected to export between 4-10 million tons of iron ore through the Port of Buchanan each of the 25 years it is expected to operate the Diecké project. This would generate much-needed revenue and spur growth of the mining sector, which the World Bank es�mates will grow
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
by 7.8 percent this year due to increased gold and iron ore produc�on. The company would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and social impacts of the iron ore transshipment on local communi�es and forest for the transshipment project, Patnaik said. The project sits within a corridor where a recent surge in investment has led to the start of mul�ple iron projects by top-�er interna�onal mining companies, notably HPX, Niron Metals, and the Fortescuebacked Al Maktoum company, alongside ArcelorMi�al's Tokadeh project.
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Multotec builds integrity with hydrocyclone solution at Zambia tailings facility n innova�ve hydrocyclone solu�on from Multotec is allowing a large Zambian copper mine to develop a safe and cost effec�ve tailings storage facility (TSF), the South Africa based company says. The TSF faced a number of specific challenges, according to Frikkie Enslin, Senior Applica�ons Engineer responsible for cyclones at Multotec, including its extensive planned capacity and the area’s flat topography. The mine’s process plant pumps some 10,000 m³/h of tailings to the TSF, requiring its final circumference to reach about 19 km. “The flat area around the mine meant there was no suitable topography to provide a natural dam,” Enslin says. “It was therefore vital to create strong walls to retain the slurry from the plant, so that the integrity of the TSF could be assured.” Simple gravity separa�on and sundrying had proved unable to create material firm enough to cons�tute walls, according to Multotec. In the early days of the plant’s opera�on, it was shown material being deposited by means of plain spigo�ng could s�ll not be walked on even a�er a month of drying in the sun. By contrast, Multotec’s 250 mm GV hydrocyclones were able to deliver an underflow discharge that could be walked on in just two days, the company said. A�er a week, the material could withstand the weight of an excavator.
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The sheer volume of slurry being pumped into the TSF, however, created its own challenge. The hydrocyclones had ini�ally been mounted on metal cradles, which were inundated within a couple of hours. Extrac�ng the cyclone and cradle from the mud for the next placement was difficult and very �me consuming. “The customer needed a solu�on that would keep the cyclone above the slurry level for longer, and would be easier to move,” he says. “To do this, we designed a cyclone cradle that could be a�ached to a long wooden pole, giving much greater height, allowing the customer to leave the cyclones in the same posi�on for a much longer �me.” With Multotec’s experience and facili�es for custom design and manufacture, the hydrocyclones were then modified to be lighter. This made them easier to handle and manoeuvre, it said. “Constructed with a lighter metal, these tailor-made units are industry leaders in terms of being
lightweight and are rubber-lined to ensure long wear life,” he said. “We also made some innova�ve improvements to the vortex finders and the cone sec�ons, which are now metal spun.” Other changes were made to speed up the changing of a spigot, and the moving of the hydrocyclones from one point on the TSF wall to the next. The design now includes a threaded spigot coupling and quickrelease connec�ons on the cyclone. The solu�on has been so successful to date that over 250 of Multotec’s modified GV hydrocyclones have been installed. “Just as we collaborated closely with the customer in developing this solu�on, so we con�nue our partnership in monitoring the performance of our hydrocyclones as the project goes on,” Enslin says. “An expert applica�ons engineer from our Johannesburg head office visits the site regularly, while our Zambia office in Chingola offers solid technical and field service support. We don’t just sell process equipment, but rather process solu�ons.”
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
MICROMINE offers miners free access to Micromine 2020
M
ining so�ware leader MICROMINE has reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering the mining community free access during April to its general mining package, Micromine 2020.
MICROMINE is closely monitoring
design, op�misa�on and scheduling.
the impact of COVID-19 and believes In addi�on to offering the it’s important that their customers know MICROMINE stands behind
The explora�on and mining solu�on has proven valuable for mining projects for more than three decades, with the latest version, Micromine 2020, including a new stope op�misa�on tool among other addi�ons. MICROMINE said: “The mining industry is a major driver of economic growth, so it is impera�ve that business con�nues as usual, where possible. MICROMINE is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 and believes it’s important that their customers know MICROMINE stands behind them during this down�me.”
them during this down�me.” Micromine’s bundle offering is through a secure online pla�orm issuing node-locked licences to an inbox within 24-48 hours – ready to use, according to the company. Micromine 2020 offers integrated tools for modelling, es�ma�on,
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
mining community free access to Micromine 2020, the company is also offering all support and training virtually where face to face events cannot take place.
“The wellbeing of our customers, business partners and employees is our highest priority at MICROMINE, and we are dedicated to tailoring our service to best meet the needs of the industry and this offer is no excep�on.”
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Metso reviewing Vereeniging operations in South Africa
Metso says it is ini�a�ng consulta�ons to evaluate the poten�al closure or other alterna�ves for its opera�ons in Vereeniging, South Africa. The Vereeniging unit provides pumps, spare parts, consumables, and repair services for the mining industry and has around 200 employees, the company says.
The move is part of the global supply footprint development strategy in its Minerals opera�ons. Similar reviews across regions in Metso’s Minerals Consumables business area have led to the closure of the rubber and poly-met wear parts manufacturing facility in Ersmark, Sweden, and a discon�nua�on of the Isithebe foundry in South Africa.
Sami Takaluoma, President, Minerals Consumables business area at Metso, said: “Our strategy is to u�lise synergies of the most efficient manufacturing and sourcing opportuni�es globally. We are con�nuously developing our supply footprint to deliver the best value, availability and quality for our customers.”
Sandvik launches LS312 flameproof LHD in South Africa
andvik Mining and Rock Technologies’ new LS312 underground loader has found favour with South Africa coal miners, with orders already placed for the flameproof LHD. The company announced it would be adding the LS312 to its line of coal load and haul vehicles back in November last year. The first ac�ve units will start rolling off the local produc�on line in the June quarter, according to Richard Hickson, Product Support Manager at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technologies. “The LS312 loader is an enhanced 12 t high-capacity heavy-duty u�lity vehicle, building on the best features of our 10 t LS190 and 12 t LS190S models,” Hickson says. “This raises the bar once more in terms of be�er performance, reduced emissions and lower total cost of ownership.” Powered by the C7.1 mechanical engine, the new genera�on LS312 complies with Tier II emission standards while ensuring quieter and more efficient opera�on, according to Sandvik. “Customers’ produc�vity will benefit from increased engine performance, with 20% higher torque and 8% more power,” he says. “The lower rpm at which the machine can run also translates into less engine wear and lower emission levels.”
S
“Local produc�on of the LS312 units will significantly reduce the lead �me to our market,” Hickson highlights that the new design con�nues to include a focus on reliability and maintenance. The drivetrain has been enhanced with a 12 t axle, while the structural integrity of the front frame has been strengthened. Maintenance crews will have easier access to hydraulic test points, which are now located in a panel on the side of the machine, making for safer working prac�ces, Sandvik says. In addi�on, the improved cooling system will further reduce maintenance �me. The product also offers an op�onal electronic shutdown system, providing easier fault diagnosis and reducing the mean �me to repair. With the industry-driven need for the collec�on of machine and opera�onal informa�on, the Sandvik LS312 LHD offers an on-board data
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
monitoring capability allowing for transfer of informa�on via the mine’s Wi-Fi network and management through the My Sandvik Cloud pla�orm. “Safety is paramount in all our designs, and a proximity detec�on interface is now provided as standard,” Hickson says. “The lower frame design – facilita�ng improved visibility for the operator – has been retained in the LS312.” The local manufacture of this new model brings several benefits to customers and the economy, Stephan Greisiger, Produc�on Manager at Sandvik’s manufacturing facility in Jet Park, South Africa, says. “Local produc�on of the LS312 units will significantly reduce the lead �me to our market,” he said. “This makes it easier for customers to plan capital equipment purchases.”
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MBE Minerals expanding Vibrating screen sales in Southern Africa
Leveraging decades of industry experience and in-house design exper�se, MBE Minerals says it is strengthening its footprint of vibra�ng screens across a range of commodi�es. Sales Manager, Graham Standers, says the company has recently supplied 15 new screens to mining customers in coal, diamonds, iron ore and manganese. These opera�ons are based in South Africa, Botswana and Australia. MBE Minerals has also fully refurbished a further four screens to ‘as new’ condi�on as they approached the end of their planned lifecycle, the company said. “We place high priority on design capacity, to ensure that every screen suits the applica�on and material it must screen,” Standers said. “Five of the screens supplied were newly designed to suit changing customer needs and processes.”
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Each screen is designed by the company’s design office, and the design is then confirmed by finite element analysis through highly specialised so�ware using data from the drawing model, according to the company. “We have also introduced a range of screens designed specifically for fine coal dewatering, using a design which has proven to be cost effec�ve, efficient and reliable,” Standers says. “Focus was placed on the design of the screen deck support system and screen drive, with a view to reducing down�me by minimising maintenance and enhancing reliability.” The design is efficient in terms of the required spares stockholding, further reducing the screen’s overall lifecycle costs, according to the company.
“Our unique T-Lock pinless panel fastening system for polyurethane screen panels also significantly reduces the need to hold spares in stock, while reducing the changeout �me for screen panels,” he says. Technical and sales staff conduct regular on-site visits to customers to carry out inspec�ons of equipment in opera�on. The teams report on equipment condi�on and performance, and provide customers with value-adding feedback and advice. MBE Minerals – previously known as Humboldt Wedag – has been designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing vibra�ng screens in southern Africa for over 40 years. “Our record for reliability is well known, with some of our units having been in service for over 20 years,” Standers says.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
Namibia expects economy to grow in 2020 driven by the mining sector
Namibia’s economy is likely to expand this year, driven by growth in the mining sector, a�er a projected 1.7% contrac�on in 2019, central bank governor Ipumbi Shiimi said on Wednesday. Shiimi said he expected growth to be driven by increased diamond output as all five mining vessels owned by marine diamond producer Debmarine – which mines highquality diamonds from the ocean floor using hi-tech surveying equipment – are expected to be in full produc�on during the year. Diamond mining is the largest taxpayer in Namibia and generates 20% of the southern African country’s export earnings.
be�er growth, especially diamond mining,” Shiimi told Reuters. Shiimi voiced concern over the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China on the industry, however.
make a posi�ve contribu�on to growth, Shiimi said. “So those will probably be able to generate a bit of posi�ve growth, but not significant,” he said.
“China is the number one buyer of diamonds in the world, so with the outbreak of the virus, demand could be nega�vely affected.” Construc�on and the wholesale and retail sectors were also expected to
“In 2020, we believe that the mining sector is going to have
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
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World’s first synthetic wire rope hoist launched with Konecranes new S-series
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Konecranes has launched their new S-series overhead crane which a�er years of research, development and tes�ng, includes Konecrane’s unique synthe�c wire rope hoist. The synthe�c wire rope hoist gives a barb free opera�on, reduced maintenance costs as well as safer handling and easier load carrying.
not only the wire rope hoist, but also motor drives, off-set reeving systems, clutches and brakes – all elements that deliver equipment that performs be�er, lasts longer, delivers greater opera�onal savings, a cleaner and quieter environment, and most importantly adds greater opera�onal safety”.
Emil Berning, Managing Director of Konecranes and Demag (Pty) Ltd said “Konecranes has always believed that investment into research and development delivers improved performance and enhanced safety to their cranes and associated equipment where it ma�ers most, on the factory floor, so we are excep�onally proud to launch this ground breaking wire rope hoist and are the first crane manufacturer globally to introduce synthe�c rope in their standard serial product”. “The S-series represents the next genera�on of our company’s exis�ng industry benchmarked equipment. It offers our customers the latest in technology bringing innova�on to,
“The S-series has been radically redesigned, in par�cular, the stepless hois�ng movement and synthe�c wire rope will make li�ing more precise and powerful with enhanced control” said Berning. The new synthe�c rope is perfect for reeving and its stable symmetric structure eliminates tradi�onal rope defects. Less surface pressure reduces wear and tear considerably. A Tilted drum and off-set reeving are two first-in-the-world innova�ons to eliminate peak rope forces and reduce the wear on reeving components. A standardised inverter for hois�ng and unique Smart
Features enable smooth and accurate load posi�oning with total control. The newly designed main girder is the perfect fit for a runway, and the revolu�onary sliding connec�on allows the end truck to be�er accommodate itself on the crane runway. The new integrated Smart Features ensures that the new Sseries system offers a superior performance comprising of advanced automa�on and accuracy. Customers can access a real-�me view of their crane with TRUCONNECT and see the benefits of our cu�ng-edge digital services. “A key criterion of the S-series redesign is that it offers users total reliability. Every component has been carefully assessed during the re-development phase. The new Sseries has for example, eliminated over-hea�ng issues and introduces improved cooling systems.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
The synthe�c wire rope hoist gives the customer more versa�lity between beams or frames and a greater li�ing power of up to 6.3 tons added Berning.
necessary opera�onal informa�on that will ensure that their equipment is performing op�mally, and all importantly, safely. Advanced Technical Specifica�ons
“In addi�on to being barb free, the new synthe�c wire rope requires no lubrica�on, thereby reducing maintenance costs for the rope drum and sheaves. The revolu�onary trolley and reeving arrangement also reduce wheel loads by up to 45% compared to previous hoist models”. The new S-series cranes are equipped with sensors and have the capability to collect and send data. Every customer can access, via the your KONECRANES portal – the digital service for operators, technicians and management – that allows customers to access all the
- New synthe�c rope: The evolu�onary synthe�c rope is durable but light and doesn’t require lubrica�on. The rope features a strong, symmetric structure for less rope defects and safer handling. - The next genera�on reeving: the �lted rope drum enables more direct rope angles to decrease the wear and tear of reeving components. Offset reeving means more balanced wheel loads for - less stress on the crane structure. - Independent brake: the redesigned independent brake is safer, quick and easy to maintain, and enables higher hois�ng speeds.
- Smart features for advanced handling and crane control: Rope angle measurement allows for the use of Smart Features including Hook Centering, Snag Preven�on and Follow Me. - Hook Centering: hook centering greatly reduces side pull during li�ing by posi�oning the bridge and - trolley directly over the load. - Snag Preven�on: Snag Preven�on is designed to stop all crane movement if the hook, sling or load is detected to be caught on an object. “We believe that our new S-series will re-set the industry benchmark. Its radical re-design sets new standards. It really is not merely an update, it is the new benchmark, and I see major benefits to produc�on industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceu�cals, pulp and paper, clean environments and general manufacturing” concluded Berning. Konecranes’ S-series is one of three new li�ing products the company has recently launched; the other redesigned and improved equipment ranges are the C-series and the Mseries.
www.africamininginsight.co.za | May-June Issue
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