IPR EXPANDS RAPID RESPONSE DEWATERING SERVICES ACROSS SOUTHERN AFRICA 

Leading dewatering pump solutions provider, IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) is taking a significant step forward in its service offering following its acquisition by Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division. With this strategic move, IPR is poised to bring the same rapid-response service that its South African customers have come to rely on, to mining sectors across Southern Africa.

Mining operations across Southern Africa are often challenged by heavy rainfall, groundwater infiltration and operational water management issues. Efficient and reliable dewatering solutions are critical for minimising disruptions, safeguarding operational continuity and maximising productivity. IPR’s newly expanded footprint, supported by Atlas Copco’s vast resources and regional presence, ensures that mining clients in neighbouring countries will now have easier access to high quality pump rental services, faster response times and broader technical support.

Leveraging Atlas Copco’s Strengths

Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is known globally for its comprehensive service offerings, providing critical equipment for various industries including mining. Through this acquisition, IPR is now able to leverage Atlas Copco’s extensive regional footprint, advanced logistics and strong presence in Southern Africa’s mining hubs. This allows IPR to provide rapid service responses to customers in remote mining locations with greater efficiency.

Customers will benefit from faster access to dewatering pumps and solutions as the acquisition enhances IPR’s ability to deliver both diesel-driven surface and electric submersible pumps quickly across borders, minimising downtime for mines experiencing water management challenges.

Wider service coverage is now a given with Atlas Copco’s established operations and networks across Southern Africa. This will allow IPR to deliver its services to regions that were previously harder to reach, supporting mines from Angola and Zambia to Namibia and Mozambique.

IPR will also tap into Atlas Copco’s extensive engineering expertise, further enhancing the level of technical support available to customers across the region. This will ensure that customers receive not just the equipment, but also the best advice and after-sales support, helping mines optimise their water management and minimise operational risks. 

In South Africa, IPR has built a solid reputation for providing rental solutions for short, medium and long-term dewatering needs. Its product range includes Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets as well as electric submersible pumps, Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps and SlurrySucker dredging units, which are critical for desilting operations in dams and reservoirs. By being under the Atlas Copco umbrella, IPR now extends this level of reliable tailored service to mining operations across the broader region.

“We are excited to bring our efficient dewatering solutions to more mining operations across Southern Africa,” says Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR. “By leveraging Atlas Copco’s well-established presence, we can ensure faster delivery, better service and superior support to our customers. This means minimised downtime and maximum productivity, wherever they are located.”

As mining operations across Southern Africa continue to face unpredictable weather patterns and growing demands for operational efficiency, IPR’s expanded reach promises a significant improvement in the management of dewatering challenges. With the backing of Atlas Copco’s vast resources, the future looks bright for mines looking for dependable dewatering solutions delivered with speed and expertise.

The acquisition of IPR by Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is a win for the Southern African mining sector. With faster access to top-tier dewatering equipment and support, mines across the region can now expect the same level of service excellence that has defined IPR’s operations in South Africa. This expanded footprint and enhanced response capability underscore IPR’s commitment to providing timely, reliable dewatering solutions to mining operations, no matter how remote.

UNLEASH THE POWER OF SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION WITH AFRISAM HIGH STRENGTH CEMENT

AfriSam High Strength Cement has become the benchmark in the South African construction industry, providing unmatched strength and durability that cater to both large-scale projects and intricate construction needs. This premium product is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction, offering a multitude of benefits that enhance the quality and longevity of structures.

This versatile product is designed for a wide range of applications, and is particularly suited for the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges and other infrastructure projects that require exceptional strength and resilience. Its superior compressive strength makes it ideal for load-bearing structures, ensuring stability and safety over extended periods. Additionally, this cement is perfect for use in precast concrete products, where consistency and reliability are paramount.

One of the key advantages of AfriSam High Strength Cement is its enhanced durability. Structures built with this cement are better equipped to withstand environmental stresses such as extreme weather conditions, chemical exposure and mechanical wear and tear. This results in longer lasting constructions that require less maintenance and repair, ultimately leading to significant cost savings over the lifespan of the structures.

The cement’s rapid strength development is another noteworthy benefit. Projects using AfriSam High Strength Cement can achieve faster turnaround times, as the cement reaches its optimal strength more quickly than standard cement types. This efficiency not only accelerates construction schedules but also reduces labour costs and minimises the potential for project delays.

AfriSam High Strength Cement boasts excellent workability, allowing for easier handling and application. This facilitates smoother and more precise construction processes, contributing to higher quality finishes and reduced wastage. The cement’s compatibility with various admixtures further enhances its versatility, enabling it to be tailored to specific project requirements and environmental conditions.

Sustainability is a core value at AfriSam, and its High Strength Cement reflects this commitment. The product is manufactured using environmentally responsible practices, minimising its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable construction. By choosing AfriSam High Strength Cement, builders and developers are contributing to a more sustainable future while benefiting from a product that delivers exceptional performance.

SETTING THE ACCURACY STANDARD IN CONVEYOR WEIGHING SOLUTIONS

The accurate measurement of bulk materials is essential across industries like mining, processing plants and aggregate handling. Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems are at the forefront of delivering innovative technology that ensures precise and reliable measurements, setting new benchmarks in conveyor belt efficiency and operational control.

In industries reliant on efficient material handling, maintaining precise weighing systems is paramount for optimising production processes and managing inventory effectively. Tru-Trac Belt Scale Systems offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability, even in challenging environments. They provide crucial data for informed decision-making and operational streamlining.

Traditional belt scales often struggle in harsh industrial settings, where conditions can lead to inaccuracies and frequent recalibrations. Tru-Trac’s advanced belt scale systems overcome these challenges by integrating state-of-the-art technology with robust design principles, ensuring consistent performance and precision.

A key component to Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems are high-precision load cells that deliver accurate measurements essential for effective material handling. These systems feature innovative digitisation located close to the load cells and carriage, eliminating the need for traditional junction boxes. This design enhances signal integrity, ensuring precise data transmission and reliable weighing results critical for optimal operational control.

Tinus Ludik, BMH Sales Manager at Tru-Trac, highlights the system’s design advantages: “Our belt scales leverage advanced digitisation to maintain high signal integrity and accuracy, minimising errors and delivering consistent, precise measurements crucial for efficient material handling.”

Tru-Trac’s Belt Scales are engineered for seamless integration into both new and existing conveyor systems. Their flexibility allows them to meet diverse operational requirements, from single conveyor installations to complex multi-scale setups. The user-friendly human-machine interface (HMI) with a touch screen provides intuitive controls, making the system accessible even in harsh industrial conditions.

The belt scales support multiple communication protocols through various integrators, ensuring compatibility with different control systems. This flexibility simplifies integration and facilitates efficient data management, enhancing overall system efficiency and reliability.

An optional feature of Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems is the Remote Monitoring System (RMS) offering real-time access to operational data and remote calibration capabilities. This system minimises the need for on-site maintenance, allowing users to monitor their systems from any networked device. “Our RMS provides real-time data access and remote calibration, reducing maintenance needs and offering continuous operational oversight,” Ludik says. 

At a major aggregate handling facility, Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale System delivered transformative results. Faced with accuracy and reliability challenges in their existing systems, the facility experienced operational inefficiencies and increased costs. Tru-Trac’s advanced system featuring high-precision load cells and enhanced digitisation provided accurate reliable measurements, improving inventory management and production control.

Ludik says that implementing the Tru-Trac Belt Scale System at the aggregate facility demonstrated its effectiveness in providing precise measurements, even in challenging environments. The accurate data optimised production processes and reduced operational inefficiencies. 

“The aggregate facility witnessed significant improvements in weighing accuracy and operational efficiency. Our technology proved capable of handling demanding conditions while delivering the precision needed to enhance performance,” he says. 

Tru-Trac’s capabilities extend beyond accurate weighing to include comprehensive conveyor solutions such as belt cleaners and impact and spillage control around loading zones. These systems integrate seamlessly with Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems, ensuring cohesive management of material handling processes and reducing material loss.

By combining Tru-Trac’s belt scales with Rip Detection and Metal Detector solutions, operators achieve a streamlined material handling process, minimizing maintenance and optimizing performance.

Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems represent a breakthrough in conveyor weighing technology, offering high-precision load cells, advanced digitization, and real-time monitoring capabilities. These systems deliver the accuracy and reliability needed for efficient bulk material handling, making them ideal for both new installations and retrofits.

CUSTOM CHUTES SHOW THEIR METTLE WITH ABRASIVE ORE

With most of its 5,000-strong global footprint of transfer chutes being installed in Southern Africa, Johannesburg-based Weba Chute Systems has built a reputation in demanding mining conditions.

The region is a leading producer of platinum and manganese, for instance, which are both highly abrasive ores, points out Dewald Tintinger, Technical Manager at Weba Chute Systems. The company’s innovative approach and customised designs control material flow and resist wear, matching specific site conditions.

“First and foremost, a chute must facilitate optimal throughput so that mining production is not hampered by frequent blockages or repairs,” says Tintinger. “It is well known that the cost of a quality chute is a fraction of the cost of lost production through downtime.”

He highlights that Weba Chute Systems takes a systematic approach to assessing each customer’s requirements, starting with the general arrangement of the area around transfer points. The depth of experience accumulated over 40 years in business allows the company’s experts to suggest improvements to the layout – where these are possible and where they affect the chute performance.

“Then we consider a range of key factors like the material characteristics, the throughput tonnages and speed of travel, when we plan the design,” he says. “These considerations guide the application of our controlled flow philosophy.”

The design is built on scientific calculations using the anticipated trajectories, impacts and pressures on the structure. The main conceptual options are Weba’s Cascade Chute with dead boxes, the Weba Superflow chute with liners or a combination of both. 

“A key element of our popular Cascade Chute is the use of dead boxes and lips on the inside of the structure, which traps material and allows other material to flow over it,” says Tintinger. “This ensures that up to 70% of the wear surface is protected by stationery material, which substantially reduces wear and maintenance costs while extending service intervals.”

As material enters the chute and flows through, it lands mainly on other material which absorbs the impact more effectively, protecting the underlying wear plates and structure from undue damage. This also reduces dust creation, he notes, which is an ongoing health and safety concern on mines.  

“Controlling material flow through the right chute design also protects costly equipment like conveyor belts,” he says. In one example, Weba Chute Systems installed a cascade chute at a Southern African copper mine to better control the flow of material onto conveyor belts. This saved immediately on belt costs – while boosting productivity through improved uptime.

SEW-EURODRIVE’S ECO2 DESIGN PRIORITISES ECOLOGY, ECONOMY 

Committed to environmental sustainability principles, SEW-EURODRIVE has developed the ECO2 design to offer drives with uncoated aluminium, with no compromise in their performance and durability. 

“Our markets are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products, and we responded with our sustainable coating-free drives and a responsible use of raw materials,” says Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Our ECO2 design allows customers to select the specifications they need, while meeting their goals in terms of both ecology and economy.”

No coatings or solvents are used on the outer surfaces of these drives, which also makes them more economical as a result of the cost efficient manufacture and assembly. The components can also be recycled more efficiently and sustainably at the end of their lifecycle. McKey points out that the ECO2 option is suitable for applications where drives are operated in closed rooms, and where they are well protected from cold, heat and moisture. 

“The metallic surfaces of ECO2 products are predominantly aluminium and are not prone to corrosion under normal ambient conditions, which makes them especially durable,” he explains. “In fact, aluminium reacts with oxygen to form a particle, creating a thin protective layer in a dry neutral environment – protecting the outer surface from corrosion.”

This makes drives in the ECO2 design efficient and reliable in indoor spaces with a maximum humidity of 60%, where ambient temperatures can range between minus 20°C and 60°C. Their durability is demonstrated by their ability to meet the requirements of ISO 12944 corrosivity category C1. 

“Our manufacturing process for ECO2 drives is more energy-efficient as there is no need for the drying stages, and also no need for recoating after repairs,” he says. “With lower carbon dioxide emissions in production, there are fewer harmful greenhouse gases released thanks to having no coatings on these units.”

Among the many applications of ECO2 drives are cleaning systems, conveyor belts and dispensing systems for powders and granules. McKey highlights that they are available in multiple designs and configurations. 

“The available gear unit sizes include 07, 17 and 27 in helical gear units, 27 in parallel-shaft helical gear units, 19 and 29 in helical-bevel gear units, and a variety of SPIROPLAN® right angle gear unit sizes,” he says. “ECO2 drives are available with all additional electrical features, number of poles, power ratings, voltages and frequencies; the gear motors also hold all the relevant approvals and certifications.”

DOPPIATRAC DR400 – NEXT GENERATION DOUBLE-ROLL CRUSHING SOLUTION FOR COAL APPLICATIONS

The DoppiaTrac DR400 is a track-mounted self-driven, feeding, crushing and stockpiling machine, that is purpose-engineered to tackle medium to hard bituminous coal applications. This innovative crushing solution, manufactured by Pilot Crushtec, features a custom-designed 3636 double drum roll and has been making its mark on coal operations where it has established a reputation for superior performance and efficiency.

Capable of processing feed sizes up to 180 mm, the DoppiaTrac DR400 guarantees precise product sizing in a single pass, delivering material as small as 35 mm without the need for additional screening. The machine operates with a unique crushing action that minimises fines generation, setting it apart from conventional impact crushers.

This fully mobile crusher is designed for ease of transport and quick setup, making it a highly flexible solution for site operations. It can operate independently when loaded by front-end loaders or can be integrated seamlessly into a crushing train, allowing communication between upstream and downstream equipment for optimal performance.

At its core, the DoppiaTrac DR400 is powered by the latest generation Volvo engine, providing a highly efficient crushing process that consumes minimal energy per ton produced. Additionally, the crusher’s low transport weight and compact design enhance its mobility, while the machine’s robust construction ensures it meets the demands of mining environments.

The DoppiaTrac DR400 features a heavy-duty belt feed hopper with a capacity of approximately 6 m³. It is equipped with a low-level drop-down rear feed flap and can be fed from the side by a front-end loader or from the rear by a primary mobile crusher. The robust feed belt is built with durable materials, including a Class 630/4 ply belt with a 5 mm top cover, ensuring reliable performance under tough conditions.

One of the standout features of the DoppiaTrac DR400 is its tailored double-roll crushing action, designed to minimise fines. Unlike impact crushers that produce excess fines through high-energy impact, the double-roll crusher maintains a constant gap, using only the necessary energy to break material down to the desired size. When operating at full capacity—up to 400 tons per hour—the efficiency is further enhanced as the feed material enters the crusher at the same speed as the spinning drums, minimising attrition and friction.

The machine is equipped with a 1.2 m wide conveyor belt, designed for hydraulic folding during transport and offering a stockpile height of up to 3.7 m, providing ample capacity for coal stockpiling. 

The DoppiaTrac DR400 is mounted on a crawler track system for optimal site mobility. Radio remote control ensures easy tracking, with an optional pendant control box also available for added convenience during site operation.

With its cutting-edge technology, robust design and focus on efficiency, the DoppiaTrac DR400 is the ideal solution for operations requiring reliable high performance crushing in coal applications.