After years of increasing intimidation and violence on large and small construction sites around South Africa, stakeholders are starting to work together to roll back this scourge.
These hopeful signs are important to the future of the country’s economy, as government prepares to invest in long-awaited public infrastructure. According to Lindie Fourie, operations manager at the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI), it is encouraging to see growing collaboration among public sector organisations, business groups and other key participants.
“This year has seen the BCCEI develop and implement an Action Plan to serve its members, who are employers and employees in civil engineering,” says Fourie. “This plan is focused on making our work sites safe and productive again, after years of facing brazen intimidation, violence and theft.”
She highlights that civil engineering contractors prioritise the safety of their staff, and their contractual obligations to clients. With the rise of construction mafias and general crime in the country, many work sites have been forced to meet criminal demands or face life-threatening consequences.
“The situation in many areas is so serious that workers and employers are even too scared to report the criminals to the police – for fear of reprisal,” she explains. “The police in turn say they can’t act without a docket. With our new communication channels, we are exploring ways that incidents can be reported without jeopardising people’s safety.”
She argues that trade unions and employer bodies are at the heart of the BCCEI, and these groups work together to protect lives and jobs. This is the basis for growing South Africa’s economy so that standards of living can improve.
“This is why the BCCEI cannot ignore the devastating impact of criminality on construction sites, as this is destroying jobs and preventing growth,” she says.
The BCCEI’s Action Plan dovetails with other national initiatives to rescue the economy from construction mafias and other criminal activity; central to these efforts is the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Anti-Corruption Forum. The BCCEI’s work has opened the door to collaboration with policing authorities, local government and other business bodies who are fighting crime.
“This year, we have been encouraged by the willingness of many of these stakeholders to join hands and push back against those elements who are eroding our industry and future,” says Fourie. “Of course, it is still early days in getting results, and we realise how difficult the process is going to be. However, a start has been made and everyone really needs to step forward now.”
She notes that the BCCEI has received compliments on its Action Plan, with stakeholders congratulating the bargaining council for helping to facilitate stability at disrupted work sites.
“We urge all organisations, companies and communities who are facing obstacles or threats to the successful execution of civil engineering projects, to contact the BCCEI,” she says. “We are developing a platform where people can raise their concerns and be provided with guidance on how to address the issues.”
It was also vital to take steps to prevent the criminal disruption of sites – not just to respond after it happens. The work of the BCCEI therefore includes plans and procedures for contractors to engage with local and other stakeholders before a construction project was even started. Fourie says these interventions help to educate the community and alert the relevant local players of possible risks – so that these can be avoided by timeous action.
After beginning construction this July, Concor is well on track to soon top out another elegant office block in the Oxford Parks precinct – with environmentally responsible readymix with a low CO2 footprint from AfriSam.
The modern 5 Parks Boulevard building is one of Intraprop’s latest projects in this fast-growing mixed-use development in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Such has been Concor’s success at Oxford Parks that the building is its seventh contract there.
“Like our previous Oxford Parks projects, this building is designed to achieve a high Green Star rating by the Green Buildings Council South Africa (GBCSA),” says Martin Muller, contract manager at Concor.
The office block will comprise four basement levels and five office levels, offering about 7,300 square metres of gross leasable area (GLA). The design includes a triple-volume atrium in the reception area to make the most of natural light and reduce energy. This feature extends from the ground floor through to the second floor. Further utilising the natural light is a double-volume area on the third and fourth floors.
“The structure is based on conventional reinforced concrete slabs from the basements to the roof, with a lift core to accommodate three lifts down to the lowest basement,” says Muller. “As the bulk concrete supplier, AfriSam is providing between 150 m3 and 250 m3 of readymix concrete for each slab.”
With its advanced concrete technology and extensive R&D, AfriSam is one of the leading readymix suppliers in the industry.One tower crane facilitates the quick pace of construction. About 80 piles are being constructed for the project.
He highlights that, as a Green Star rated building, the concrete mix designs are required to reduce the overall CO2 footprint of the structure. This has been achieved by using more fly ash in the mixes, thereby reducing cement levels by 30%. He notes that the quality and consistency of AfriSam’s mixes have allowed Concor to reduce the cycle time of each slab pour from the normal 11 days to nine or 10 days.
“On a fast track projects like this one, this enables us to speed up our cycle times as we can de-stress the slab and recycle formwork to the next level more quickly,” he says. “This will help us to top out the structure before the builders have their Christmas break this December.”
Quality assurance on the concrete is done both by AfriSam and Concor. After every concrete slab pour, concrete cubes are cast – then are crushed to test their strength after seven days, 14 days and 28 days. While 25 MPa strength concrete is used for the slabs, higher strengths from 35 MPa to 60 MPa are used for the columns and verticals.
The anchor tenant plans to occupy the third and fourth levels of 5 Parks Boulevard, and the schedule will see them take beneficial occupation in February 2023 to fit out the new building.
When dry-type transformer specialist Trafo Power Solutions was asked to supply three units to an underground South African gold mine, it was given a hill to climb in terms of design and logistics.
The mine required the transformers to operate in the usual demanding conditions of dust, moisture and heat, says Trafo Power Solutions managing director David Claassen. However, there were a range of other challenges – not least the weight and height restrictions of a deep mine. While two of the transformers are relatively small – 250 kVA and 630 kVA – the third is a substantial 3150 kVA.
“The transformers are to operate at about 1km below surface, and will have to be transported through both an incline shaft and vertical shaft,” says Claassen. “Especially with the larger unit, we had to work very closely with our Italian technology partner TMC to reach a design that could be moved within these constraints.”
Trafo Power Solutions also designed the enclosures locally, in a manner that would allow them to be transported in manageable components before being re-assembled underground. The enclosure design had to ensure that while dust and moisture were kept out, there was still enough air circulation to cool the unit. The dry-type transformers will be supplying loads for a refrigeration plant.
“Trafo Power Solutions conducted the complete designs, which were then verified and vetted by TMC,” he says. “This quality control is central to our approach in ensuring fit-for-purpose solutions.”
He emphasised that the design and manufacture of the units was carried out according to schedule and they are on track to be supplied within the customer’s required timeframes.
“On-time supply is an increasingly important aspect of success for mining companies,” he says. “Mines’ capital expenditure is planned according to the expected returns on any project, and supplier delays can undermine these forecasts.”
Meeting delivery expectations goes hand-in-hand with the efficiency and reliability of Trafo Power Solutions’ offerings, he explains. These factors contribute significantly towards total cost of ownership, which is of utmost importance to mining customers.
Trafo Power Solutions also designed the specialised skid bases for the transformers, to facilitate moving the units to their operating destination. These accommodate the considerable weight of the units, particularly the 10-tonne mass of the large 3150 kVA unit.
Delivery of the transformers is expected to take place by the fourth quarter of 2022, with Trafo Power Solutions supervising the installation and commissioning process.
When dry-type transformer specialist Trafo Power Solutions was asked to supply three units to an underground South African gold mine, it was given a hill to climb in terms of design and logistics.
The mine required the transformers to operate in the usual demanding conditions of dust, moisture and heat, says Trafo Power Solutions managing director David Claassen. However, there were a range of other challenges – not least the weight and height restrictions of a deep mine. While two of the transformers are relatively small – 250 kVA and 630 kVA – the third is a substantial 3150 kVA.
The dry-type transformers were designed in such a manner as to allow them to be transported in manageable components underground and reassembled.
“The transformers are to operate at about 1km below surface, and will have to be transported through both an incline shaft and vertical shaft,” says Claassen. “Especially with the larger unit, we had to work very closely with our Italian technology partner TMC to reach a design that could be moved within these constraints.”
Trafo Power Solutions also designed the enclosures locally, in a manner that would allow them to be transported in manageable components before being re-assembled underground. The enclosure design had to ensure that while dust and moisture were kept out, there was still enough air circulation to cool the unit. The dry-type transformers will be supplying loads for a refrigeration plant.
“Trafo Power Solutions conducted the complete designs, which were then verified and vetted by TMC,” he says. “This quality control is central to our approach in ensuring fit-for-purpose solutions.”
The dry-type transformers will be supplying loads for a refrigeration plant on a gold mine. Meeting delivery expectations goes hand-in-hand with the efficiency and reliability of Trafo Power Solutions’ offerings.Trafo Power Solutions worked very closely with its Italian technology partner TMC to reach a design that could be moved within these constraints.
He emphasised that the design and manufacture of the units was carried out according to schedule and they are on track to be supplied within the customer’s required timeframes.
“On-time supply is an increasingly important aspect of success for mining companies,” he says. “Mines’ capital expenditure is planned according to the expected returns on any project, and supplier delays can undermine these forecasts.”
Meeting delivery expectations goes hand-in-hand with the efficiency and reliability of Trafo Power Solutions’ offerings, he explains. These factors contribute significantly towards total cost of ownership, which is of utmost importance to mining customers.
Trafo Power Solutions also designed the specialised skid bases for the transformers, to facilitate moving the units to their operating destination. These accommodate the considerable weight of the units, particularly the 10-tonne mass of the large 3150 kVA unit.
Delivery of the transformers is expected to take place by the fourth quarter of 2022, with Trafo Power Solutions supervising the installation and commissioning process.
SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, a specialist in drive and control technologies, moved into its new state-of-the-art 26 000-m2 headquarters complex in Aeroton, Johannesburg, earlier this year. The new complex more than triples the floor and factory space that was available at its previous premises.
SEW-EURODRIVE has used its own technology to automate operations at the Aeroton facility.
Built and equipped at a cost of R200 million and modelled on SEW-EURODRIVE’s showcase factory in Graben-Neudorf in Germany, the facility – which accommodates approximately 150 employees– makes extensive use of the latest technologies to effectively network people, processes, services and data.
The investment reflects SEW-EURODRIVE’s confidence in the future of both South Africa and the African continent. The company points out that Africa is regarded as the world’s next growth market. Home to 17 % of the global population in 2019, it is expected to account for 26 % by 2050, as well as an estimated US$16,2 trillion of combined consumer and business spending.
The new facility will play a pivotal role in allowing SEW-EURODRIVE to service the burgeoning Africa market efficiently.
Commenting on the investment, Raymond Obermeyer, Managing Director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says: “This is a bold step that demonstrates our commitment to being part of solving South Africa’s problems and developing the economies of countries across Africa.”
SEW-EURODRIVE currently services 23 countries throughout the African continent from South Africa. “With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol, which came into effect in early 2021, and a push to grow manufacturing on the continent, we are expecting African markets to account for around 50 % of our turnover within the next few years,” says Obermeyer.
The new facility will play a pivotal role in allowing SEW-EURODRIVE to service the burgeoning Africa market efficiently. It houses not only the group’s African head office but also an assembly plant for industrial gears and electric drives, expanded central warehousing and repair facilities. It also encompasses assembly and repair of all VSD’s, AGV’s and Servo motor technology. SEW-EURODRIVE also employs multiple mechanical, electrical and mechatronic engineers to further support technical customer queries.
In addition, it accommodates SEW-EURODRIVE’s unrivalled Drive Academy, which delivers product awareness and maintenance training to customers. Online and virtual AR training and support is also now available, in direct support of SEW-EURODRIVE’s social development plans.
SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, a specialist in drive and control technologies, moved into its new state-of-the-art 26 000-m2 headquarters complex in Aeroton, Johannesburg.Built and equipped at a cost of R200 million the new SEW-EURODRIVE facility makes extensive use of the latest technologies to effectively network people, processes, services and data.
The expanded warehousing gives SEW-EURODRIVE the ability to increase stock levels, a huge benefit given the problems currently affecting the global supply chain. It means the company’s customers in Africa will be able to able to get orders – for new equipment or spares – fulfilled with minimal delay.
“The new facility allows us to service our customers more efficiently, reducing the high cost of unplanned downtime and allowing them to adhere to their scheduled maintenance programmes,” Obermeyer states. “Ensuring our customers’ continued productivity has been the key driver behind the development of our new premises.”
Over a three to five-year period, SEW-EURODRIVE will incorporate further 4IR technologies, including automated assembly machines and guided vehicles, into the Aeroton factory at a cost of an additional R200 million.
“We are working hard to shape the factory of tomorrow with system solutions for Industry 4.0 and a focus on raising productivity and implementing smart maintenance while, at the same time, providing ergonomic support for the people working in these facilities,” notes Obermeyer.
SEW-EURODRIVE has used its own technology to automate operations at the Aeroton facility, with the main production conveyor being based on the company’s high-tech MOVI-C® all-in-one modular drive solution which is now being introduced to the African market. MOVI-C® had its official African launch at the recent Electra Mining Africa 2022 show in Johannesburg.
In essence, MOVI-C®C is a suite of products – which includes controllers (PLCs), variable speed drives, gear motors and servomotors – that automates drive applications, whether they be simple or very complex.
The installation – which has resulted in a 40 % productivity gain – includes the MOVIGEAR® mechatronic drive system. The MOVIGEAR® units – which combine an energy-efficient IE5 motor, gear unit and corresponding drive electronics in a single housing – control and drive the production conveyor. The modular nature of the installation means it can easily be extended in the future should the need arise.
The assembly line for geared motors can accommodate 7 000 units per month while assembly of industrial gear (IG) units is currently being ramped up to between 100 to 140 IG units per month, doubling current capacity. New spray booths and automated oil filling stations have been installed to cater for these volumes.
All local assembly is conducted in accordance with SEW-EURODRIVE’s global quality standards, with the assembly of VSDs, servo motors and other sensitive equipment being conducted in an isolated clean area – with copper grounding and anti-static mats – of the facility. The assembly and logistics processes are also now incorporated into SEW-EURODRIVE’s SAP system, which gives better traceability and visibility of all orders as they move through assembly processes.
Among the products to be produced at the new facility are SEW-EURODRIVE’s modular air-cooled condenser (MACC) drives, which have already experienced excellent sales in South Africa with two units having been installed recently in the Northern Cape and a further 24 units at a Limpopo site.
Forming part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s M-Series modular IG range, the MACC is a purpose-designed gearbox solution for driving the modern fan-based air-cooled condenser systems used in steam-driven power generation units.
SEW-EURODRIVE will stock a single casing size with multiple components and specific ratios depending on which power station requires the drive. This modular approach will enable the new facility to custom assemble MACCs at a rate of approximately two to three units a week, drastically cutting the long lead times typically associated with equipment of this type.
Other notable products to be locally assembled include the New Generation X.e Series industrial gears; the P-series planetary industrial gears for high torque mining applications; short importation and commission lead times for mill drive solutions with power packs; electric motors; and the customised single-stage M1 range of speed reducers, which consists of 37 options for fine tuning a drive’s output speed and torque.
Illustrating the benefits of the new Johannesburg facility, SEW-EURODRIVE anticipates being able to assemble and test customised M1 units within two to three weeks from an order being placed. Previously they had to be imported from overseas with lead times of between 16 and 20 weeks.
Quick facts
Purpose-designed facility offering 26 000 m2 of floor and office space
Serves as the hub for SEW-EURODRIVE’s fast-expanding African operations
Allows delivery times to customers to be cut dramatically
Operates in accordance with SEW-EURODRIVE’s demanding global quality standards
Incorporates the latest 4IR technologies
Features a main production conveyor based on the MOVI-C® modular drive solution
Decades of experience have combined with leading edge software to give Booyco Engineering world-class rapid prototyping capability.
Known best for its customised heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) systems, it has embraced technology to meet global standards. According to Brenton Spies, managing director at Booyco Engineering, simulation software is a key asset.
Booyco Engineering’s CFD simulation to balance flow rates out of louvres in a vehicles ducting.
“In the past, the conventional practice in product development was to build a physical prototype and then put it through a series of tests,” says Spies. “Often, these tests would lead to the rebuilding of new prototypes – to progressively remove the weaknesses we discovered by testing.”
The company has invested over R10 million in specialised Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. These are used for modelling factors such as the strength of components, structure-borne vibration, and airflow and heat distribution inside its HVACs and conditioned spaces.
“These resources allow us to run simulations and iron out most of the issues before we even build a prototype,” he says. “The simulations cut down significantly on the time taken by the traditional ‘trial and error’ route in developing solutions for customers, allowing us to get product to the customer faster, saving both time and money.”
Booyco Engineering’s FEA simulation to determine structural vibrations within a roof mounted HVAC system.Booyco Engineering’s CFD simulation to verify airflow distribution inside an electronic equipment rack inside a vehicle.
This capacity has led to Booyco Engineering becoming an approved supplier to global rail OEMs. Grant Miller, executive director at Booyco Engineering, explains how the company became the first South African supplier to locally manufacture a cooling tower for electric locomotives. Working within the customer’s demanding framework of specifications and standards, the value added by the software was vital to the successful outcome.
“We developed our initial prototype design, which was then systematically verified against the customer specifications using CFD or FEA simulations to ensure the design was producing the expected results,” says Miller.
Only then was a physical test conducted. This test, he says, was almost a formality – to verify the calculations and simulations.
“For the cooling tower we designed and built, we physically vibration-tested the components but not the actual structure,” he says. “This was because the structure weighed about a ton and a half. But we could conduct a detailed FEA to verify the structure, which satisfied the customer’s requirements.”
This approach is proved by the fact that this cooling tower has successfully operated on an electric locomotive since 2016 with no structural failures.
Putting safe distance between people and the range of mobile equipment on surface mines – from off-road dump trucks to excavators and loaders – Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) have become integral to mining safety.
Underpinning the success of CAS has been years of intensive research and development, says Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens. This work has actively embraced various new and existing technologies, further raising the reliability and functionality of CAS.
“Pioneering companies like Booyco Electronics – in this game for over 16 years – have taken advantage of developments in satellite positioning systems, for instance,” says Lourens. “This has enabled us to achieve greater performance in collision algorithms.”
“We have become interested in smart vision systems that allow intelligent perception of people, vehicles, objects and other risks,” he says. “Wearable technology also allows us to enhance context and to readily distribute safety information. New technologies have even allowed us to embrace cutting edge fatigue detection solutions.”
He explains that Industry 4.0 has brought levels of digitalisation and automation that could not be envisaged until recently. In response, Booyco Electronics has invested vigorously in software-based solutions, paving the way for increased flexibility to customise solutions for specific needs.
“This has meant that our equipment can be improved and customised through its software elements rather than its hardware,” he says. “Functionality can therefore be adapted more easily, and can be applied remotely through a wireless connection instead of requiring in-person attention on site.”
Rapid developments in sensor and tracking technology were also delivering exciting opportunities to advance CAS capabilities. Integration is really the key to success in these endeavours, he argues.
“We have progressed considerably down the path of combining the power of sensors with information technology,” says Lourens. “This allows us to capture extensive data about the respective locations of personnel and machinery through PDS.”
Digitalisation gives Booyco Electronics the ability to upload and analyse this data in real time, so that it can inform on-mine decisions and enhance safety strategies. More than this, CAS can now contribute to emerging automated mine ecosystems. As autonomous mining is gradually rolled out in the sector, CAS can be relied upon to support this process with the necessary safety levels.
In a creative collaboration that will undoubtedly change lives and an industry-first, construction materials leader AfriSam, with its advertising and brand agency, Promise Group, and leading architecture firm, BlackStudio, is inspiring modular, low cost homes that can grow as needed, foster lasting communities and create concrete opportunities.
AfriSam’s ‘Plan (a)’ campaign helps people to build their own homes from an architect-approved plan. The modular design allows for the home to be expanded as needs change and financial resources allow. As part of its ongoing branding efforts, AfriSam has for many years provided practical guidance for customers on how best to use its cement and other construction materials. This has included Top Tips on working with cement and concrete, as well as Handy Guides on various aspects of building projects.
For people wanting to build their own homes over time, AfriSam has opened the door to more concrete possibilities.
In the latest campaign, a carefully designed fit-for-purpose and architect-approved plan for a modular home is being published as a double page spread in popular community newspapers. The social significance of improved home design and quality is hard to over-estimate, according to architect Moremi Mowela, co-founder and architect at black-owned architectural practice BlackStudio – one of the collaboration partners in this initiative. He points out that many township areas are considered as transitory spaces by young people, and are still ‘dormitory towns’ serving the large cities.
AfriSam’s ‘Plan (a)’ campaign helps people to build their own homes from an architect-approved plan.
“This leads to many people leaving townships as soon as they have the means, creating a drain on skills and capital,” says Mowela. “This process can be reversed if those residential spaces can become aspirational, thereby playing a transformational role in shaping behaviour.”
He argues that building a professionally designed home – by using AfriSam’s flexible house plan – can be a crucial step in building attractive spaces. When people aspire to live and invest in these areas for the long term, he says, then thriving communities can be fostered.
The campaign concept was the brainchild of the Promise Group creative advertising agency. Nic Kostouros, integrated creative director at Promise, owed the concept’s success to the way it addressed one of South Africa’s burning social needs, supported by AfriSam’s vision of building a positive African future.
The architect’s plan adds value across a range of aspects from technical issues like foundation structures, to how the spatial design over time would accommodate changing family needs.Credible research points to the importance of decent housing as an anchor – both financial and psychological – for people’s progression as they seek a better life.A carefully designed fit-for-purpose and architect-approved plan for a modular home is being published as a double page spread in popular community newspapers.
“Credible research points to the importance of decent housing as an anchor – both financial and psychological – for people’s progression as they seek a better life,” says Kostouros. “With the backlog in housing provision around the country, many people are taking the initiative to build their own homes.”
He highlights that many working people save diligently to initiate the building process, but that corners may be cut due to lack of knowledge or finances. By taking a broad view of what a first-time home builder needs to know, AfriSam’s ‘Plan (a)’ campaign helps to improve project outputs while not necessarily adding to the upfront costs. The plan allows a home to be built in modules, starting off small and extending as families grow.
“The architect’s plan adds value across a range of aspects from technical issues like foundation structures, to how the spatial design over time would accommodate changing family needs,” he says. “There is a lot that can go wrong in a home building project, so our campaign helps readers to avoid these pitfalls. The ability to build according to a plan maximises the long-term fulfilment they can get from their hard-earned investment.”
Bauba Maila, co-founder and architect at BlackStudio, notes that the company’s experience with township clients has shown that a modular design was common, and stands were often similar in their sizes and orientation to the street.
“Working from these common elements allowed us to create a house plan that would be relevant to most people’s conditions,” says Maila. “What we finally achieved was a plan that has been designed and vetted by an architect, and a procedure for people to apply these ideas; this was previously out of their reach.”
Group marketing manager at AfriSam, Ebeth van den Berg, adds that the sentiment behind the campaign was very much to ‘pay it forward’ for customers and the South African public.
“We look forward to developing this concept toward creating a hub for this kind of information,” says van den Berg. “There is clearly a need for a highly credible platform where key segments of the housing market can be empowered with professional insights and tools.”
From a creative perspective, the double-page advertisement containing the plan has already been recognised by peers in the media industry, says Kostouros. After launching in July, ‘Plan (a)’ was judged Ad of the Month by the Creative Circle – adjudicated by some of the sector’s leading creative minds.
In addition, ‘Plan (a)’ scooped a coveted Gold Loerie at the recent 2022 Loerie Awards in the Print Category, as appreciation by the advertising and brand communication industry for this fresh and innovative campaign.
Putting safe distance between people and the range of mobile equipment on surface mines – from off-road dump trucks to excavators and loaders – Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) have become integral to mining safety.
Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics.
Underpinning the success of CAS has been years of intensive research and development, says Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens. This work has actively embraced various new and existing technologies, further raising the reliability and functionality of CAS.
“Pioneering companies like Booyco Electronics – in this game for over 16 years – have taken advantage of developments in satellite positioning systems, for instance,” says Lourens. “This has enabled us to achieve greater performance in collision algorithms.”
“We have become interested in smart vision systems that allow intelligent perception of people, vehicles, objects and other risks,” he says. “Wearable technology also allows us to enhance context and to readily distribute safety information. New technologies have even allowed us to embrace cutting edge fatigue detection solutions.”
He explains that Industry 4.0 has brought levels of digitalisation and automation that could not be envisaged until recently. In response, Booyco Electronics has invested vigorously in software-based solutions, paving the way for increased flexibility to customise solutions for specific needs.
By capturing and processing more data in real time there is growing potential for CAS systems to make surface mining even safer.The rapid evolution of Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) for surface mines has embraced technologies like satellite positioning systems, radar and smart vision.
“This has meant that our equipment can be improved and customised through its software elements rather than its hardware,” he says. “Functionality can therefore be adapted more easily, and can be applied remotely through a wireless connection instead of requiring in-person attention on site.”
Rapid developments in sensor and tracking technology were also delivering exciting opportunities to advance CAS capabilities. Integration is really the key to success in these endeavours, he argues.
“We have progressed considerably down the path of combining the power of sensors with information technology,” says Lourens. “This allows us to capture extensive data about the respective locations of personnel and machinery through PDS.”
Digitalisation gives Booyco Electronics the ability to upload and analyse this data in real time, so that it can inform on-mine decisions and enhance safety strategies. More than this, CAS can now contribute to emerging automated mine ecosystems. As autonomous mining is gradually rolled out in the sector, CAS can be relied upon to support this process with the necessary safety levels.
Leading underground mining contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation has named Japie du Plessis as managing director designate. He will take up his position on 1 March 2023. Du Plessis will succeed the current managing director, Mike Wells, who retires at the end of February next year.
Leading underground mining contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation has named Japie du Plessis as managing director designate.
Wells’ retirement will mark the end of a distinguished career in mining spanning 39 years. After studying Mining Engineering at Wits and graduating in 1981, he spent the first 10 years of his career working for the gold division of Anglo American at the Elandsrand (now Kusasalethu), TauTona and President Brand gold mines.
He joined Cementation Africa in 1994, a company which was subsequently acquired by Murray & Roberts in 2005 and merged with its existing mining contracting arm, RUC, to form Murray & Roberts Cementation.
His move to Cementation brought him into project work and in particular the sinking of the 3 km deep, 9 m diameter twin shafts of the South Deep gold mine, representing at the time the biggest shaft sinking contract ever let anywhere in the world. The project extended over nine years from start to finish, with Wells acting as project manager for part of this period, which he regards as one of the highlights of his career.
While engaged on the project, Wells was involved in devising and constructing a concrete plug to seal off a major water intersection encountered during shaft sinking. A technical paper he wrote in on the methodology adopted earned him in 1997 the Association of Mine Managers Gold Medal for the best paper of the year.
After successively serving as senior projects manager, project executive and technical director, Wells was appointed managing director of Murray & Roberts Cementation in 2017. Over his tenure, the company has gone from strength to strength, confirming its status as one of the world’s leading mining contracting organisations. A particular achievement that he takes great pride in is the company’s safety record – it has now gone eight years without a single fatality and recently celebrated six million fatality free shifts.
In Japie du Plessis, Murray & Roberts Cementation has found a successor to Wells with a similar depth of technical and management expertise. A mechanical engineer, he has spent most of his career in mining. His first assignment after graduating was at Anglo American Platinum’s Amandebult mine, where he worked his way up to the position of section engineer. He then left for a two year stint with a sugar company in Mpumalanga before joining Murray & Roberts Cementation in 2008. He has been with the company ever since.
Contracts he has been involved with over the years he has been with Murray & Roberts Cementation include Paardekraal 2 shaft and Impala 20 shaft, both in the platinum sector, the Wessels manganese mine, the Booysendal platinum mine and the Cullinan diamond mine. Positions he has occupied include site engineer, contracts engineer, senior project manager, engineering manager and project executive.
Over the past seven years, he has had special responsibility for the Venetia Underground Project (VUP) of De Beers, one of Murray & Roberts Cementation’s flagship contracts.
Du Plessis was selected by a panel within Murray & Roberts Cementation that considered both external and internal candidates. “He was by far the best qualified for the position,” comments Wells. “His experience is second to none and he has mining contracting in his DNA. The fact that he is an internal candidate is a further advantage as he has a thorough understanding of how the company works and the culture that drives it.”
Looking ahead, Du Plessis says one of his prime objectives will be to extend the company’s African footprint as the majority of its work is currently in South Africa (although it does have raiseboring contracts in progress in Zambia, Tanzania and Burkina Faso). He will also work to ensure that it stays at the forefront of the move by the mining industry towards ‘green’ mining, digitalisation and automation. Murray & Roberts Cementation is the African arm of Murray & Roberts’ global mining platform, which also includes operations in the Americas and Australia. The platform is headed by Mike da Costa, who is based in Perth in Australia.
