GROUNDBREAKING 

Wits online GIS course for 21st century mining

Rapid technological change in the mining industry is making Geographical Information Systems (GIS) more important than ever – hence the return of the popular Wits Mining Institute (WMI) online GIS course. “Understanding the critical need for GIS skills, we are delighted to announce the return of our highly successful online course – GIS for 21st Century Mining,” said Ahsan Mahboob, the head of the Sibanye-Stillwater digital mining laboratory DigiMine, WMI’s flagship project. Mahboob said that the industry was rapidly advancing into the era of Industry 4.0 and is on its…

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Atlas Copco employees doing it for the planet

The Atlas Copco group does not pay mere lip service to sustainability. The global organisation is active and deliberate in its commitment to developing solutions in terms of best manufacturing practices, cutting-edge technologies and product efficiencies to meet its sustainability goals as well as to assist customers in achieving their own sustainability ambitions, to the ultimate benefit of our planet. “From what we eat to how we travel – we emit tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually,” says Wendy Buffa-Pace, MD – Atlas Copco Industrial South Africa (Pty) Ltd. and…

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Atlas Copco Power Technique Service rolls out unique dealer training programme to further enhance after-market service solutions

Atlas Copco Power Technique’s dealer training programmes help to ensure that the business area’s solid commitment to the sustainable delivery of excellent service and after-market solutions to customers is mirrored by their strategic 25-strong dealer network.   “As our indirect route to market, our dealers look after our customers’ interests at the coal-face,” says Roelf van Niekerk, Service Sales Engineer at Power Technique Service. “The responsibility falls to us to equip our dealer partners with the support they need to assist them in delivering superior service. Our multi-layered support to…

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Side tipper bins for high efficiency in handling

Specialised Container Agencies (SCA) – suppliers of niche market container products – has developed SCA Intermodal Side Tipper Bins, that ensure quick, safe and cost-efficient bulk handling in rail and road applications. “Robust Intermodal Side Tipper Bins have been designed for rapid and efficient off-loading of materials from both rail wagons and road trucks, using specially designed hydraulic tipping cylinders,” explains Ken Mouritzen, Specialised Container Agencies. “SCA’s Intermodal Side Tipper Bins, which are easily handled onto container rail wagons and road trucks by a container handler, increase payload on rail…

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SKF TMBH 5 Bearing Heater – an energy-efficient solution for easy roller bearing installation

The SKF TMBH 5, one of the smallest, most portable induction heaters on the market, incorporates cutting-edge technology and design features to heat roller bearings weighing up to 5kg that are mounted onto a shaft with an interference fit.  Also suitable for heating other ring-shaped, metallic components, this versatile unit is designed for use during the service and maintenance of gearboxes, pumps, fans and blowers.  The TMBH 5 applies advanced medium-frequency electronics to generate a temperature difference between the bearing and the shaft. The heat causes the bearing to expand…

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BMG’s range of Transfluid constant fill fluid couplings has been designed for hydrodynamic transmission,

BMG’s extensive portfolio of Transfluid couplings encompasses constant fill fluid couplings that have been designed to withstand operation in difficult conditions, including hazardous environments. The K series comprises three main elements – the driving impeller (pump) that is mounted on the input shaft, the driven impeller (turbine) mounted on the output shaft and the cover, which is flanged to the output impeller, with an oil-tight seal. An advantage of this system is that the driving and driven impellers can work both as a pump and/or turbine. “Transfluid’s constant fill fluid…

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How digitalising people management improves a mine’s bottom line

Mining companies are being urged to automate their time and attendance procedures if they want to reduce timesheet inaccuracies and labour costs and gain insightful workforce data. Advanced’s Damien Durston said miners were increasingly doing away with paper-based time and attendance solutions in favour of automated ones. “One of the greatest and most complex costs in the mining industry is labour,” Durston said. “With more than 100 award rates in Australia, it’s a huge gamble for employers to pay their employees correctly when time and attendance procedures are still done…

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Bolt and Engineering MD says innovation, reinvention and diversification ensures success even in tough times

As the Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) Group commemorates its 40th year of trading in November 2023, Managing Director Jan Viljoen continues making his mark within this highly respected business. Since joining the company in 1988, Viljoen has played an integral part in the company’s history to date, leveraging his vast industry experience, versatility and commitment to B.E.D.’s ethos of ‘It’s our business to know your business’ and ‘the perfect fit fast’. The B.E.D. Group supplies a comprehensive range of locally produced and imported fasteners, as well as quality tools, welding…

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Tata Steel and ABB will jointly explore technologies to help reduce carbon footprint of steel production

The project will target improvements in energy efficiency, decarbonization and circularity in plants and production facilities Tata Steel is pursuing carbon neutrality by 2045 as one of its major sustainability goals Tata Steel Ltd and global technology leader ABB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will work together to co-create innovative models and technologies to help reduce the carbon footprint of steel production. ABB will bring global experience in automation, electrification and digitalization for the mining and metals industries. Tata Steel is among the top global steel companies…

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Natural gas is a key driver of economic growth in Southern Africa

Gas is a key enabler for economic growth and social development in the region, as well as a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, says Mlandzeni Boyce, CEO of the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company (ROMPCO). Natural gas has the potential to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster regional integration in Southern Africa. It is an important bridge fuel between coal and renewable energy sources, emitting about half as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy as coal. However, the development of the natural gas market…

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