Legislation, other factors have enhanced deep-level operations

The deep-level mining sector in South Africa has “advanced significantly” from a health and safety perspective, says law firm ENSafrica mine and occupational health and safety executive Willem le... 

Mill equipment advances essential for industry

With the local sugar industry being more than 150 years old, advances in equipment critical to the milling process add “immense value”, as they improve the operational efficiency potential of the... 

Equipment design vital for sugar industry

A critical aspect of servicing the sugar industry is equipment design, says integrated engineering technology and project management company Bosch Projects sugar sector director Steve Rosettenstein. 

Mill closures, continued market decline a concern for growers

With two sugar mills closing down and being mothballed for the 2020/21 season, growers are concerned that the remaining 12 mills might potentially struggle to successfully complete this season’s... 

Components provider extends offering for sugar industry

Engineering components provider BMG has extended its range of power transmission components to include its recently upgraded Fenagrid Premium range. 

Company transforming amid difficulties

JSE-listed sugar producer Tongaat Hulett is striving to reconstruct its business to be innovative, resilient and cost effective. 

Distributor’s experience makes for sweeter projects supply

With more than 60 years of servicing the sugar industry, power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) has gained meaningful expertise, which enables the company to continue... 

Mechanised systems gaining momentum

Manual harvesting currently dominates sugarcane harvesting operations. 

Industry reaction to Minister’s call for higher levels of clean-coal investment

There is much scepticism domestically and internationally about the potential for clean-coal technology (CCT). In South Africa, however, there has been an amplification in recent months of calls... 

Emerging miner on the difficulties in accessing project capital

The mining sector is transforming as technology presents new industry opportunities, says emerging miner Lurco Group COO Aubrey Chauke. 

Turbochargers critical for mining equipment

Turbochargers are “critical components” for almost every diesel engine in production, says automotive turbocharger distributor and service provider TurboDirect South Africa (SA). 

Clean fuel pivotal for engine life

Clean, uncontaminated fuel is key to optimal fuel system performance and engine longevity in the mining industry, says filtration designer and manufacturer Cummins Filtration mining sales manager... 

Education shift could bridge skills gap

South Africa has “excellent artisans” who have valuable experience in the mining industry, says end-to-end supply chain management company ITM Katope South Africa (SA) country manager Loraine... 

Local steel industry still holds much potential

The current capacity and capabilities of the local steel industry are still largely understated, says export trade promotion agency the International Steel Fabricators (ISF). 

Stainless steel growth unlikely in 2020

The level of activity in the local stainless steel sector’s value chain has dwindled in the past decade, mainly owing to international competition, low steel prices and the slow growth of the local... 

Volatile steel prices to continue in 2020

The volatile prices of domestic steel producers and domestic steel merchants are likely to continue in 2020, says national employer federation Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of... 

Sector in dire need of transformation

The manufacturing industry, and particularly the metals and engineering sector, is in much need of transformation, says national employer federation the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation... 

Digitalisation beneficial for steel producers

Digitalisation will become an increasingly important strategy for steel producers to achieve a competitive advantage in the market, says metallurgical industry plant and integrated systems provider... 

Market feels project pinch

The lack of significant public infrastructure spend to boost steel consumption and construction activity are some of the challenges that the local steel tube market has to deal with, says steel... 

Rubber remains resilient despite strained sector

Engineered rubber remains a requirement for many industries notwithstanding local manufacturing industry woes, says rubber products manufacturer Hudson Rubber MD Stoney Steenkamp. 

Specialist on course despite pressures

Despite the local manufacturing sector being under pressure, mouldered product specialist DEMS’ rubber manufacturing division – which operates within a very niche and specialised market – has not... 

Bleak outlook for rubber SMMEs in 2020

With the industrial market aspect of its rubber business having declined in 2019 by 25%, rubber compounding specialist National Rubber Matmin (NRM) MD Mike Stuart says 2020 is “not looking much... 

Regulator says local tyres are ‘export worthy’

South African pneumatic tyres are on par with their global counterparts, says regulatory authority the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). 

Regulator seeks to improve tyre homologation process

Regulatory authority the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is not “completely satisfied” with the current approval period for pneumatic tyre homologation, says NRCS automotive... 

Solar price signifies renewables’ viability

Although renewables were perceived as expensive a decade ago, the same cannot be said today, says energy company Abengoa. The sentiment that renewable energy is unreliable and provides power only... 

Mines need energy alternatives

Although South African mines are not yet ready to fully adopt renewable energy, they are desperate for a reliable and cost-effective alternative to State-owned power utility Eskom’s monopoly, says... 

New focus implies decarbonisation assent

In its seventh year, the 2019 Energy and Mines World Congress marked a “historic shift in conversations about energy in mining”, says Energy and Mines director Adrienne Baker. 

Centenary milestone spurs ‘new dawn’ for genset specialist

Global diesel and alternative fuel engines supplier Cummins celebrated its hundredth year in 2019, which Cummins South Africa application engineer Rodney Naidoo states has resulted in a “new dawn”,... 

Company supplies motors for automotive plant upgrade

Drive technology provider SEW-Eurodrive has supplied geared motors to an automotive company as part of an expansion project at its assembly plant in Silverton, Pretoria. 

More demand for lower costs and efficient designs

There has been growing demand in the conveyor market for more compact and efficient designs at lower costs, says industrial equipment supplier BMG. 

Global sights set for export association

Steel industry association the Steel Tube Export Association of South Africa (Steasa) and some of its members will participate at the national pavilion at the International Wire and Tube Trade Fair... 

Engine specialist introduces low-emission engines for pumps

Amid a bleak global economic outlook, mining companies are exploring means of tightening their budgets. 

Company launches unique water plant, empowers community

Mineral water company Aqua Air Africa (AAA) officially launched Africa’s first atmospheric water-generating plant at the Ga-Rankuwa industrial site, in Gauteng, in November. 

Water project uplifts Diepsloot school

About 38 Engen Fuel Retail owners undertook an eight-month task to transform the schooling facilities in Diepsloot, Gauteng, by working on a water and classroom project for learners who are mainly... 

Science, innovation investment crucial to Africa’s development

Africa still does not realise the potential and opportunity that science and innovation hold for its development, says South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor. 

Small enterprises present strongest growth potential – Ramaphosa

With the local and global economy under pressure, it is small enterprises that present the greatest potential for growth, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Government reaffirms support for rural, township economies

To improve access to information and bring economic infrastructure support closer to township and rural-based enterprises, government is expanding incubators and digital hubs to townships and rural... 

Private-sector investment a key driver of growth

Ahead of the 2019 South African Investment Conference, JSE-listed and diversified mining company Exxaro hosted a media tour, which started at The conneXXion – its head office in Centurion, Gauteng.  

Diversified miner announces R20-billion investment drive

JSE-listed diversified mining company Exxaro officially announced its commitment of R20-billion towards President Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment drive for South Africa at the 2019 South African... 

Lurco's application against Koornfontein sale to be heard in January

Coal and chrome beneficiation and trading company Lurco Group is forging ahead with plans to take legal action against the sale of Koornfontein coal mine, with a new court date set for January 28,...