Plastics recycling industry showing positive momentum

In the face of adverse economic conditions, key opportunities for growth still remain for the plastics industry in South Africa, as in the last financial year it managed to contribute about 1.6% to... 

Lack of funding undermining circular economy, Redisa argues

Although more businesses are realising the need to become increasingly energy efficient and attempt to be part of the circular economy by way of reusing and recycling material, the lack of funding... 

Software bought by mining companies not always fit for purpose

Although the software companies are trying to feature as much functionality as possible, in many cases, the software that is being purchased by a mining company is not adequate for the intended... 

Working closely with customers helps Aveng Mining retain existing work in tough environment

The continued downturn in commodity prices has affected mining operations globally; however, multidisciplinary construction and engineering group Aveng’s mining division has deployed responsive... 

Steel fabricator taking survival steps as pressures mount

Since China reduced its steel consumption owing to overcapacity in February last year, over the past 18 months, multidisciplinary construction and engineering group Aveng’s Steel division has... 

Entrepreneurial initiative seeks to stimulate student innovation

As part of its corporate social investment (CSI) strategy with a focus in driving innovation and skills development, global distributor of brands in logistics, rental, fleet management and product... 

New device eliminates reverse priming

In the effort to eliminate reverse priming when blasting takes place in mining operations, premixed concrete and shotcrete manufacturer Precrete Holdings has designed the Blasting Control Device... 

Flow-through share scheme could help attract much-needed funding to SA's exploration sector

Declining commodity prices have taken their toll on large mining companies globally and, while investment in small-scale or junior mining operations could provide a silver lining for the industry,... 

Cape Town contractor earns recognition for work on distribution centre

Following Cape Town-based contractor Scheltema winning an award at this year’s Southern African Institute of Steel Construction annual awards last month, the company is currently strengthening its... 

Academy to introduce 'blended training' for artisans in 2016

As of next year, accredited training provider MSC Artisan Academy will implement what it calls ‘blended training’ for artisans, which it hopes will stimulate self-learning and e-learning for its... 

Gauteng learners dominate at Eskom science fair

At the thirty-fifth State-owned power utility Eskom Expo International Science Fair held earlier this month, learners from Gauteng excelled and took home the most number of prizes valued at over... 

Flow-through share scheme could help attract much-needed funding to SA's exploration sector

Declining commodity prices have taken its toll on large mining companies globally, and although investment in small-scale or junior mining operations could provide a silver lining for the industry,... 

DMR calls for collaboration to root out illegal mining

While still being in a quest to establish small-scale mining (SSM) projects that are economically viable and sustainable, illegal mining seems to be an impeding factor, which the Department of... 

More financing available for rental housing projects

As the rental housing market becomes a more feasible option for South Africans, banking services company Nedbank granted a R62.3-million loan facility to property developers Rilamax – which is part... 

Hearing of silicosis, TB lawsuit starts in Gauteng High Court

The hearing of the lawsuit brought against the gold mining industry of South Africa by mineworkers affected by silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) commenced last week at the High Court in Gauteng in... 

Technical support seen as key to stimulating and sustaining township enterprises

About 90% of the budget set aside for the development of townships through the Neighbourhood Development Programme (NDP) by the National Treasury, is being spent on technical assistance for ongoing... 

Property finance remains buoyant despite economic pressures

Despite rising operating costs and low business confidence in the first half of 2015, the local commercial property finance market remains buoyant and continues the strong trend witnessed over the... 

Online mining legislation platform aiming to have all African countries on board by year-end

The African Mining Legislation Atlas (AMLA) – an online platform focussed on promoting accessibility and transparency in the mineral resources sector – aims to have all 53 countries in Africa... 

Business urged to pay attention to South Africa’s water risks, opportunities

Water is a crucial driver of the South African and world economy and, with demand exceeding supply globally, the World Economic Forum has ranked water as the third-most worrying global risk. As a... 

Economy woes affecting built environment

The building industry is an essential component of the South African economy as it contributes about 15% to the gross fixed investment that drives the economy. However, with the country’s economy... 

Business urged to pay attention to South Africa’s water risks – and opportunities

Water is a crucial driver of the economy in South Africa and with its being on the verge of demand exceeding supply globally, the World Economic Forum has ranked water third in the most concerning... 

New SA representative for Caterpillar’s gas turbines business

South Africa-based combustion company The Combustion Group (TCG) has been appointed by global energy solutions company Caterpillar’s gas turbine businesses Turbomach and Solar Turbines Incorporated... 

Wits centre to prioritise health, safety, enviro and socioeconomic research

With a decade having passed since the establishment of University of the Witwatersrand’s (Wits) Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI), for the next ten years, CSMI is focussed on... 

42 small businesses recognised for job creation efforts

Two years since the launch of the Mooinooi Incubator in the North West province, forty two small businesses have created about 300 jobs in the Bojanala community surrounding Lonmin platinum mine,... 

Power products distributor launches new showroom

Alternate power solutions supplier Sub-Sahara Power Distributors (SSPD) officially launched its new showroom last month, which will be dedicated to showcasing the wide range of products on offer. 

Mining contractor acquires tracked stockpiler

Mining contractor Just Coal acquired an Edge Radial Tracked Stockpiler RTS80 for use at Kusile Mining’s Fentonia colliery, owing to the operational efficiencies offered by the product’s design. 

BME now able to customise emulsions to suit needs of each mine, quarry

Owing to ongoing research and development on emulsion explosives for the mining industry, emulsion explosives company BME now has the ability to customise emulsion to suit the needs of each quarry... 

Bank concludes R1.14bn loan facility for Aveng-Collins JV

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (NCIB) has concluded an estimated R1.14-billion loan facility to finance a joint venture (JV) between Durban-based commercial property development company... 

Limpopo SME wins R150 000 from Eskom Foundation to expand business

The State-owned power utility Eskom Business Investment Competition Awards held earlier this month saw Mamapo Chemicals from Limpopo crowned the 2015 winner, winning R150 000 to help expand the... 

Blast optimisation can yield huge cost savings for coal miners

By making improvements of just 1% to their operation’s efficiency through blasting optimisation, coal operators can save significant costs, says explosives manufacturer AEL Mining Services regional... 

Platinum miner maintains good credit rating despite negative industry outlook

Despite the negative outlook in the platinum industry, platinum producer Northam Platinum has kept a stable long-term rating of BBB+ and has upgraded the short-term rating to A1-. 

Lab-grown diamonds set to fill projected deficit as mined production declines

Technological developments that enable manufacturers to produce grown diamonds have presented the industry with a significant growth opportunity, with a noticeable influence on the economy and the... 

Biogas from fish, chocolate used in carpet production

Biogas produced from anaerobic digestion of fish, chocolate and other food waste is currently being used as an ecofriendly agent in the production of carpets by global carpet manufacturer Interface... 

India targets 20% blending of diesel to biodiesel by 2017

The Indian government is planning to boost the use of biofuels in transport fuels after recognising their major contribution to air pollution. 

Cape builders body offers various training schemes to bolster skills

To address the skills shortage witnessed in the construction industry, the Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) has implemented a training programme that will offer basic skills... 

Developing countries adopting energy alternatives as affordability improves

The beckoning affordability and accessibility of energy technologies that provide alternative means of energy have resulted in an increase of over 35% in sustainable energy use in developing... 

Lab-grown diamonds set to fill projected deficit as mined production declines

Technological developments that enable manufacturers to produce grown diamonds have presented the industry with a significant growth opportunity, with a noticeable influence on the economy and the... 

AEL emphasises importance of steady explosives supply

Ensuring that there is a steady supply of explosives for mining operations is important amid pressures already noticeable in the form of declining global commodity prices and increasing mine... 

Pumps group combines new and old technologies to raise efficiency

With the aid of three-dimensional (3D) modelling as well as the collection of original data on the manufacturing and design of axial flow pumps, South African-based pumps manufacturer Brehnor Pumps... 

Logistics giant invests €47-million in its sub-Saharan operations

Global logistics company DHL Group has invested about €47-million in sub-Saharan Africa in order to encourage development in the region and demonstrate the overall importance of emerging markets in...