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

Sashnee Moodley:

Process and optimisation company Metso has brought its Concorde flotation cell technology to Africa for the first time. Mining Weekly recently attended the launch of the first Concorde cells in Africa at local steel fabricator Betterect in Krugersdorp. Darren Parker tells us more.

Darren Parker:

Metso has launched the first of its Concorde Cell high-intensity pneumatic flotation units in Africa through local manufacturing partner Betterect, which fabricated Metso’s design in South Africa for the first time.

Metso’s Concorde Cell flotation technology is designed to improve the recovery of fine and ultra-fine particles when processing finely disseminated and complex ore grades, as well as declining ore grades.

Metso Africa minerals VP Charles Ntsele…

Metso technology manager Nathalie Kupka…

Darren Parker:

The Concorde Cell technology is considered to be more sustainable because the increased recovery of fines and smaller plant footprint helps mining clients to further reduce their energy and water consumption in relation to their metal production targets.

As such, the Concorde Cell has been added to Metso’s Planet Positive portfolio, which focuses on the most environmentally efficient technologies that Metso offers.

Metso technology manager Nathalie Kupka…

Darren Parker:

The Concorde Cell provides a very high shear environment with increased bubble surface area flux, which ensures faster flotation kinetics. It features improved froth recovery and selectivity, while forced air allows wider process control and stability for further flotation optimisation

Metso technology manager Nathalie Kupka…

Metso Africa minerals VP Charles Ntsele…

Darren Parker:

For its entry into Africa, Metso chose to work with Betterect to have the units manufactured locally so that units can be shipped to African sites more efficiently.

Metso Africa minerals VP Charles Ntsele…

Sashnee Moodley:

Drone-based services specialist RocketDNA is simplifying the integration of drones in various industries with the introduction of its Xbot solution which encompasses the DJI Dock automated remote drone, developed by drone specialist DJI Enterprise. Nadine Ramdass tells us more. 

Nadine Ramdass:

The drone-in-a-box Xbot solution range includes the InspectBot, PatrolBot and SurveyBot. The range is equipped with customisable software from RocketDNA and operated by its certified remote drone pilots.

RocketDNA quality assurance manager Lesiba Mudau…

Nadine Ramdass:

The solution is versatile and can be used across a variety of industries, such as mining, hospitality and security. It also provides a notable safety advantage by reducing the need to expose drone operators and other personnel to hazardous or risky environments.

RocketDNA quality assurance manager Lesiba Mudau…

Nadine Ramdass:

While RocketDNA has seen significant interest from the security industry, the mining industry is also exploring the drone solution, particularly as the DJI Dock drone can be stored onsite at mines and remotely operated to gather various data through its artificial intelligence (AI) system.

RocketDNA quality assurance manager Lesiba Mudau…

Nadine Ramdass:

RocketDNA manages the drone’s maintenance, thereby enabling customers to focus on their core business while having access to experienced operators, evolving drone technology and support.

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.