From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

A distributor of Sandvik Rock Processing’s mining and infrastructure project equipment has delivered a hybrid tracked mobile Sandvik QA452e triple-deck screen to a greenfield dam project under development in Lesotho. Tracy Klückow tells us more.

Tracy Hancock:

Centurion-based S&R has sold a hybrid tracked mobile Sandvik QA452e triple-deck screen in in record time. The screen was only in the country for a week before being procured for a greenfield dam project under development in Lesotho, signifying an important shift toward the procurement of more sustainable and efficient mobile crushing and screening solutions in Southern Africa.

S&R MD Stephen Smith…

Tracy Hancock:

A team of trained S&R technicians assisted the client with the commissioning of the screen over a one-month period following delivery on August 22. This process helped to ensure that the 600 ton an hour QA452e delivers optimal production output while also reducing the project’s carbon footprint.

Sandvik Rock Processing crushing and screening solutions business line manager PC Kruger...

Tracy Hancock:

When running on diesel alone, the QA452e typically uses 12 litres to 16 litres an hour compared with 50 kilowatt to 60 kilowatt an hour of electrical power. Depending on the cost of electricity, which varies in different countries, the screen’s electricity consumption essentially equates to one-third of its operating cost. Its advanced screening technology is also seen as a game changer for the mining industry.

Tracy Hancock:

Maintenance is also simplified by displacing the diesel engine with electric drive train components.

Tracy Hancock:

However, for remote or in-pit applications, having a machine that only relies on electricity to operate is undesirable.

Tracy Hancock:

With the model launched in Europe in 2022, Kruger believes the Southern African market was previously not ready for the QA452e.

Tracy Hancock:

The QA452e reflects Sandvick Rock Processing’s global commitment to decarbonisation and support for customers aiming to meet environmental and regulatory goals.

Sashnee Moodley:

India-headquartered vehicle manufacturer Mahindra launched its new R70-million Mahindra Pik Up local assembly plant at the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, in KwaZulu-Natal, last month. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

Located close to Mahindra’s original 2018 assembly site, the new facility is a fully equipped semi-knocked-down assembly plant with a semi-automated line and bonded warehouse.

The plant is ISO 9000-accredited and includes an advanced IT-driven production and warehouse management system for streamlined operations.

Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta…

Sabrina Jardim:

The Durban facility has the capacity to assemble over 1 000 Pik Up single- and double-cab models a month, with the ability to scale further as demand grows. It also offers the flexibility to accommodate new models that Mahindra plans to introduce in the coming years, alongside an increasing level of locally sourced components.

The new facility employs about 100 people, who were all transferred from the old plant.

Earlier this year, Mahindra partnered with the Industrial Development Corporation to launch a feasibility study into building a full-scale manufacturing plant in the country.

Mahindra noted in a media release that the insights from operations at the new Durban facility would play an important role in shaping up the study.

AIH Logistics is Mahindra's local assembly partner.

AIH logistics chairperson Dr Dempsey Naidoo…

Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta…

Sabrina Jardim:

Speaking at the launch event, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba noted that the plant aligned with the city’s aim of growing the automotive sector, which he described as a key pillar of the economy, as well as a source of jobs and innovation.

He explained that by being near the King Shaka International Airport, the Mahindra plant could receive imported components swiftly through the adjacent Dube cargo terminal and finished vehicles could be exported efficiently through Durban port.

eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.