Monthly Archives: March 2025

Client Focus

CONCOR IMPLEMENTS RAPID TECHNICAL FIX AT KUSILE

Concor recently showcased its engineering and construction expertise at Eskom’s Kusile power station in Mpumalanga by taking on a critical project to restore the power station’s boilers. This was in response to the unexpected failure of the original flue gas duct, known as the West Chimney for Kusile Unit 1, which had severely impacted South Africa’s electricity supply. The project involved constructing three steel flue gas stacks, each using 605 tons of steel, to urgently bring the boilers back online.

Juan Passmore, Project Director, Kusile Chimney West – Repair & Related Works Project at Concor, explains that the temporary nature of the structures and the tight deadlines required the team to execute the project rapidly while ensuring that materials and subcontractors were available to meet the demands. The design, intended for eventual dismantling once the West Chimney was repaired, added complexity to the project.

“In collaboration with ICC Commonwealth, Concor selected steel as the optimal material due to its availability and suitability for the accelerated schedule. Early acquisition of the necessary steel plates allowed the design process to begin promptly, focusing on the specific requirements of the project,” he says. 

The final design featured freestanding structures; each 116 metres tall with a 7 metre internal diameter. These stacks were strategically located near the power station’s turbine units, and measures were taken to ensure their stability, including the addition of helical strakes to counteract wind effects.

The steel stacks were fabricated in controlled conditions at a facility in Vanderbijlpark, minimising the need for on-site work. Concor’s subcontractor worked around the clock to meet the stringent deadlines, fabricating the stacks in segments that were then transported to the site for assembly.

Given the temporary nature of the project, the stacks were coated with a single layer of primer, and foundations were laid using 16 piled foundations for each stack. 

Passmore says that site installation was meticulously planned, with preassembly occurring away from the power station’s operating areas to minimise disruption. “High-capacity cranes were used to assemble the stacks on-site, with operations carefully timed to avoid wind and lightning risks,” he says. In total, 4,776 bolts were used to secure each stack, ensuring a stable and secure structure.

“Concor’s successful completion of this fast-track project underscores our capability to manage complex, time-sensitive projects in challenging environments, solidifying our leadership in the South African construction industry,” Passmore concludes. 

Client Focus

MINES LOOK FOR CRUSHING, SCREENING FLEXIBILITY IN CRITICAL MINERALS

With demand for most commodities – especially for critical minerals – looking strong, mining projects in Africa want to be able to ramp up crushing and screening capacity quickly to make the best of market changes. 

According to Frengelina Mabotja, Business Line Manager Screening Solutions at Sandvik Rock Processing, this means harnessing the power of the latest technologies and digital tools. Mabotja points to the company’s next generation vibrating screens – the SK range – which are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and productivity.

“These screens deliver the lowest total cost of ownership, ensuring that customers achieve maximum uptime and reliability,” she explains. 

The successful integration of screens with crushers is another key aspect of Sandvik Rock Processing’s capability, given its extensive range of solutions across the process flow sheet. This allows multiple opportunities for performance improvement, as the company understands each aspect of the flow sheet. Precise integration between all the elements of the plant makes for optimal efficiency in crushing and screening, says Tarynn Yatras, Vice President of Sales Area Africa at Sandvik Rock Processing. 

“With our depth of expertise and wide range of offerings, we are able to analyse the performance of crushers and screens in relation to each other, not only the behaviour of each,” she says. “This can unlock value in both throughput and recoveries, with performance being further enhanced by remote monitoring using digital technologies.”

The company has also released an exciting range of crushers that are equipped with automation and digital features that facilitate easy integration into a connected system, says PC Kruger, Business Line Manager for Crushing Solutions at Sandvik Rock Processing. The Sandvik 800 Series cone crushers include the hydraulic Hydroset system, which provides safety and setting-adjustment functions. An electric dump valve releases any hazardous objects from the crusher before any serious damage can be caused.

Yatras points to the value of the company’s ‘Connect the Crusher’ initiative, which is digitally connecting its large installed base of crushers around Africa. This allows equipment’s performance to be carefully monitored, providing data to improve and optimise performance and prevent unplanned downtime. 

“Our ever-evolving digital assistant platform SAM is an important element of this technology journey, supporting customers and our own technical teams in achieving operational excellence,” she says. SAM analyses large volumes of performance data using powerful models and algorithms, to make timeous recommendations on which interventions may be necessary.

Client Focus

WEIR’S WEAR REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY CUTS ENERGY COSTS IN PUMPING

As part of Weir’s mission to support its customers’ sustainability efforts, Wear Reduction Technology (WRT®) upgrades have made both WARMAN® and ENVIROTECH® pumps more energy efficient and longer lasting.

With Weir’s large installed base of WARMAN® and ENVIROTECH® pumps around the world, the most impactful sustainability strategy was to improve the efficiency of equipment already in the field, according to Marnus Koorts, General Manager Original Equipment at Weir. The best place to start was with its renowned WARMAN® AH® pumps which are used by almost every mine on the planet.

“Our aim was to enhance our current models to deliver superior wear life and energy efficiency,” he says. “The WRT component combination does this by allowing upgrades that integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure without extra capital investment.”

Introduced to the African market in 2010, WRT® components deliver an energy saving of 3 to 5% to WARMAN® AH® pump owners and have extended the lifespan of these pumps by from 30% to 50%. This has meant direct on-site cost savings and significantly reduced energy consumption from the large number of these pumps in operation worldwide.

At the heart of the WRT® component breakthrough is improved hydraulic efficiency, achieved through advances such as the optimised design of the impeller and throatbush. For instance, the WRT® impeller features specially developed vanes that guide fluid more efficiently, reducing turbulence and minimising energy loss. 

“The design of the WRT impeller improves flow characteristics, compared to older designs with steeper vane angles,” he explains. 

In another innovation, the new design of the impeller guides fluid more efficiently to mitigate against the creation of eddies. These eddies are swirling circular currents of fluid which form within the pump volute due to turbulent flow, and lead to fluid moving against the main flow, wasting energy and increasing wear on internal components.

“We have also improved efficiency by minimising the surface area of the WRT impeller, by reducing the number of vanes from five to four,” he says. “This creates more space for the material to flow while still delivering the same duty.”

Critical to the impact that the WRT® component upgrade has had on energy efficiency in pumping operations is its enthusiastic uptake by the market. Koorts highlights that Weir’s strategy was to make the transition for customers as easy and economical as possible. Being interchangeable with WARMAN® pumps’ older technology, the WRT® components allow customers to switch over without extra capital expenditure – by changing to WRT® options when existing parts need to be replaced. 

“This has already allowed most of our customer base to adopt the latest energy-efficient options,” he says. “In Africa, for instance, all new WARMAN AH pumps sold contain WRT technology and a majority of our existing WARMAN AH pumps have already been converted.”

With Africa being home to a large installed base of ENVIROTECH® pumps, the WRT® component technology has been extended to this popular range. Koorts notes that the company is committed to Africa and to the technologies currently in use. 

“For the past two years, therefore, we have been supplying our ENVIROTECH pumps with WRT as standard,” he says. “Today, more than half of all our ENVIROTECH pump spares sales are WRT designs.”

Underpinning these technical advancements is Weir’s local investment in production capacity, which allows the company to cast and machine its pumps and components in South Africa.

Client Focus

EARLY PLANNING OF TRANSFER POINTS CRUCIAL FOR EPCM SUCCESS

As the mining sector increasingly relies on Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) firms for new builds, expansions and plant optimisation, the strategic integration of transfer points in the early stages of project planning is gaining recognition. Mark Baller, CEO of Weba Chute Systems, emphasises that engaging transfer point specialists at the feasibility stage can significantly enhance plant performance and cost efficiency.

“EPCMs play a crucial role in ensuring projects are executed efficiently, but to truly maximise value they need to involve transfer point specialists at the earliest phases,” says Baller. “Too often, transfer points are considered late in the process, leading to costly design alterations and operational inefficiencies.”

He notes that in the past, transfer chutes were often regarded as minor components in plant layouts with more focus placed on high-capital items. However, the industry is now recognising the substantial impact that poorly designed chutes can have on plant performance.

“When transfer points are not optimally positioned or engineered, mines experience a range of issues from material choking and excessive wear to belt misalignment and spillage,” Baller explains. “These problems translate directly into increased downtime, higher maintenance costs and disruptions to the entire process.”

By integrating transfer point expertise early on, EPCMs can avoid these challenges while improving cost predictability for their clients. Baller highlights that key factors such as chute height, ore flow dynamics and impact control must be considered before finalising plant layouts.

“Once critical equipment positions and heights are set without our input, achieving optimal material flow can become a challenge,” he says. “Retrofitting solutions or making late-stage design adjustments inevitably increases costs, something no mine operator wants. Getting the design right from the start ensures efficiency and enhances the reputation of the EPCM.”

A case in point, Baller notes, is a manganese mine in South Africa’s Northern Cape that approached Weba Chute Systems after experiencing severe material flow disruptions due to inadequate chutes. The mine was plagued by high wear, frequent breakdowns and operational inefficiencies.

“We stepped in to redesign and replace nearly 30 chutes at the site,” he recalls. “The results were immediate – improved material flow, reduced maintenance requirements and a return to normal operations.”

One of the key advantages of Weba Chute Systems’ technology is its scientific approach to material transfer, ensuring that ore moves through the system with controlled velocity and minimal impact. This prevents excessive wear on conveyor belts, extends the lifespan of plant equipment and reduces dust generation, which is a growing concern in many mining operations. Additionally, Weba’s custom-engineered chutes are designed to handle a variety of materials ensuring optimal performance across different mining applications.

Beyond efficiency, Baller also underscores the safety benefits of Weba Chute Systems’ maintenance-friendly designs. “Our chutes are engineered for easier access and quicker maintenance, reducing downtime while ensuring a safer working environment for maintenance teams.”

With EPCMs continuing to shape the future of mining infrastructure, Baller urges them to rethink their approach to transfer points. “Considering transfer chutes early is not just a design choice – it’s a strategic move that optimises plant performance, minimises costs and enhances overall project success. By leveraging our proven expertise, EPCMs can ensure long-term operational reliability for their mining clients.”

Client Focus

INTEGRATED PUMP TECHNOLOGY PUMPS EFFECTIVE MINE DEWATERING ACROSS AFRICA

Integrated Pump Technology has been at the forefront of helping mining operations deal with the persistent challenges posed by groundwater ingress, both at surface and underground. Groundwater can cause significant disruptions to mining activities, particularly during the rainy season, which varies across different regions of Africa. From heavy seasonal downpours to localised conditions in different geographic and geological environments, mining operations need effective dewatering strategies to ensure productivity and safety.

Managing Director, Jordan Marsh explains that, as the authorised distributor of Grindex electric submersible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven self-priming pumps, Integrated Pump Technology provides a range of reliable dewatering solutions tailored to various application. 

“Both these pump ranges are well-known global brands that are designed to handle the often harsh and unpredictable conditions that mines face across the continent. Mining operations in many parts of Africa, where dewatering is mission-critical, have been quick to adopt dewatering solutions from us, knowing that our team understands the requirements and the support is in place to ensure reliable operation,” he says.

The uptake being experienced is a reflection of Integrated Pump Technology’s strategic drive to expand its footprint in key markets. One of the most notable success stories comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. The increasing global demand for copper, driven by the world’s push toward a lower-carbon future, has led to an expansion of mining activities in these regions. Many of the copper mines in the DRC, known as some of the wettest in the world, present a unique challenge when it comes to managing water ingress.

Marsh highlights that dewatering has become an indispensable task for these mining operations. “Our Grindex submersible pumps have long been the go-to solution for dewatering in these extremely wet mines, and with the addition last year of the diesel driven Godwin pump range to our portfolio we have seen increased demand for these units, whether skid or trailer mounted,” he says. 

Integrated Pump Technology is committed to establishing and maintaining robust sales and support channels through local distributors, and this is seen by end-users as vital to the service being offered. 

Commenting on the application of Grindex submersible pumps, Marsh says that many Southern African copper mines are not only expanding but also going deeper underground which exposes them to greater volumes of groundwater. “Grindex pumps, known for their durability and effectiveness, are playing a pivotal role in keeping these deeper mining operations operational and safe. Significantly, the demand is for both smaller pumps (3.7 kW and 5.6 kW) and larger units (up to 90 kW),” he notes. 

Beyond the DRC and Zambia, Integrated Pump Technology continues to make inroads into other areas including East and West Africa. Central to Integrated Pump Technology’s success is its commitment to building a comprehensive distributor network across the continent. This network ensures that mining operations in countries such as Angola, DRC, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda are supported with the necessary expertise and equipment to meet their specific challenges.

“Our business development drive into these African territories is yielding exciting progress,” Marsh concludes. 

Client Focus

CAPE TOWN’S CONRADIE PARK IS URBAN DESIGN PIONEER

The site of Cape Town’s old Conradie Hospital is today buzzing with the sounds of a community being built, with over 1,250 families now enjoying new homes and the final phases of construction lying ahead.

Concor has pioneered the Conradie Park project in close partnership with the architectural consortium of dhk Architects and Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers. This has ensured a holistic urban design philosophy that underpins the planning and construction work and creates a firm foundation for its success. 

Mark Schonrock, Property Development Executive at Concor, highlights that the project was made possible by the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Better Living Model Game Changer initiative, which was driven by the Premier’s office. 

“A key directive was to create a mix of tenures including open-market housing and grant-funded or affordable units,” says Schonrock. “This allows the project to cater to different income groups, promoting economic inclusion and improving lives.”

dhk Architects Partner Peter Stokes says it was important to include a multidisciplinary team of urban design experts, architects and landscape designers in the conceptual and planning stages of Conradie Park.

“We were guided by global best practice, drawing inspiration from understanding the developmental context, and referencing urban planning models in cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam,” says Stokes. “These environments prioritise walkability, security and access to public spaces – which is the approach we have taken at Conradie Park.” 

Gabs Pather, a director at Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers, reflects on the many lessons learned throughout the project: “While the approach is in the natural course of development in mature cities, curating the mixed-use, mixed-income neighbourhood required considerable testing and tweaking to ensure the viability of the financial model and the development’s buildability.” 

These lessons included managing housing standards and consequential architectural qualities, using architectural expression to blur income disparities. “The result is a very liveable environment for children and adults alike. Watching the neighbourhood come to life brought us endless joy, reinforced by our learnings and the tools we have developed so that the model can be replicated elsewhere,” he says.

One of the defining features of the project, for instance, is the use of perimeter block typology which is aesthetically pleasing and also addresses critical issues like safety, accessibility and community interaction.

“The use of perimeter blocks and well-defined streetscapes creates a hierarchy of defensible spaces that enhance a sense of security and connection between residents,” he explains. “We also used landscaping to deliver functional green infrastructure such as surface waterways and swales to act as stormwater channels while also enhancing the aesthetic value of the neighbourhood.”

The project’s mixed-use character facilitates a self-sustaining neighbourhood, with schools, retail spaces, green areas and sports fields giving residents access to essential services on their doorsteps. 

Construction on the remaining development – The Pines – will begin in 2025 and will include five residential towers and 12,000 m2 of retail space designed for convenience and accessibility. In addition to the retail facility will be 2,200 m2 for co-working facilities and play areas, 230 open parking spaces at ground level and 330 covered parking bays on the first floor. 

The residential buildings around The Pines will add another 650 units to the Conradie Park complex. Completion is expected in early 2026.

Client Focus

TRU-TRAC’S NEW APEX TROUGH TRACKER DESIGN EXCELS AT RBCT

With its range of belt tracking solutions undergoing constant innovation, Tru-Trac has proven its patented Apex Trough Tracker under arduous conditions at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) in KwaZulu-Natal – one of the world’s largest coal export facilities.

Guy Fitt, Sales Manager at Tru-Trac, says that the company had achieved great success with its new Apex Trackers at mining operations and was keen to test the new design in challenging applications on wider and faster belts. RBCT was the ideal site, as it operates some of the most demanding conveyor systems, says Fitt.

“These include 2,2 metre wide steel-cord belts running at 6,7 metres per second and carrying up to 11,000 tonnes of coal per hour,” he says. “We already have some of our older generation trackers on RBCT’s conveyors, and were excited to offer them the advantages of our latest innovation.”

Tru-Trac placed their test unit on one of RBCT’s larger conveyors where the belt was experiencing frequent misalignment, causing damage to the conveyor structure and the belt itself. This was also causing material spillage, leading to production losses. 

Tru-Trac Technical Manager Gerhard Strydom explains that the new Apex design has reduced the amount of steelwork around the tracker’s cradle and uses cantilever wing rolls with an angle adjustment mechanism located below the rollers. This makes the cradle lighter allowing it to react more quickly to movements of the conveyor belt and eliminates protruding adjustment bolts on older models. 

“Even before the end of the initial four week testing phase at RBCT, the Apex Trough Tracker had proven its value by performing exceptionally well in keeping the belt aligned,” says Strydom. “The RBCT team were so impressed with the performance that they placed an order for additional units.”

Another important benefit of the Apex Trough Tracker is its adjustable wing rolls which allows for a range of adjustment from 10 degrees to 60 degrees, making it a versatile retrofit to any conveyor belt. When adjusted to the lowest level the unit is almost flat making storage, handling and installation much safer and quicker – especially when working with heavier belts – as the tracker can be easily slid under the belt. 

“When working with belt widths of between 2,1 metre and 3 metre, the installation process of a conventional tracker may need special lifting equipment, which is not always available at short notice,” he says. “The adjustable wing rolls of the Apex Trough Tracker make for faster installation, so conveyor system uptime is optimised.”

At RBCT, the installation process took a little over an hour, he says, compared to a typical installation time in the industry of between two to three hours. Ease of maintenance has also been improved by the new Apex Trough Tracker design. 

“The maintenance technicians can now simply drop the wing rolls down, slide the tracker out and install the new unit in the same way before adjusting the wing rolls to their operating angles,” he says. 

The Apex Trough Tracker installation at RBCT also demonstrated a further advantage with the new design. Previously it had been necessary to create space in the conveyor hoods or guards to allow for the adjusting rod protruding from the wing rolls. This required permission from the relevant safety personnel as well as some additional metalwork – all of which extended the installation time.

“In our latest innovative design, the cradle no longer requires that section – so it allows a more universal installation ability as there are no restrictions to consider,” says Fitt.

Tru-Trac’s ongoing innovation continues to enhance the performance of the Apex Trough Tracker, according to Fitt. The company is currently commissioning its own unique in-house injection moulded rubber lagging system. In addition to better turnaround times and quality control, this will also allow design improvements to the lagging itself, to deliver better grip and faster reaction times.

“The performance of our latest Apex Trough Tracker at RBCT has definitely opened doors for us,” Fitt says. “It has given us a strong reference point to showcase our capability on high-speed high-tonnage conveyors in international markets – both in coal and hard-rock applications.”

Client Focus

DRY-TYPE TRANSFORMERS PUSH BOUNDARIES IN DUTCH INTAKE SUBSTATION

A data center in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation. Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, David Claassen explains the significance of this pioneering project.

“Trafo Power Solutions was involved in this project from inception having been the first point of contact with the substation engineering team, and TMC Transformers gratefully accepted the challenge,” he says. “Following multiple conceptual studies, the design was completed and the project started.”

The supply of three dry-type transformers for a large intake substation in the Netherlands has pushed the boundaries of this technology’s application, according to Claassen.

The substation project, for a data center expansion, also led to the manufacture of the largest dry-type transformers yet by leading Italy-based multinational TMC Transformers. The scope of supply for the data center included three 22,5 MVA transformers operating at a voltage level of 50 kV, stepping down to 13,8 kV. 

Claassen highlights that the use of dry-type transformers in a large substation like this is unusual, as they are more often used in lower power distribution applications in data centers. 

“This is an exciting flagship project for both TMC and Trafo Power Solutions, as it is a strong affirmation of our efforts to expand the application of dry-type technology to projects that demand higher power and voltage,” says Claassen. “It also adds considerably to the options for customers in many industrial applications.”

By selecting the dry-type transformer option for its substation, the data center could locate the transformers inside the facility, where it could be built in close proximity to the indoor switchgear. 

“An important challenge in implementing this design is the dissipation of heat,” he explains. “Dry-type transformers are predominantly used indoors and their application on such a large scale required innovative cooling strategies.”

This is where the design ingenuity of Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers won through, leading to the implementation of the appropriate design and cooling strategies. The final result was achieved through a number of design iterations by Trafo Power Solutions, worked through with TMC, the substation provider and the end-client.

The installation means that the intake transformer now gains from the established benefits of dry-type transformers. A key advantage is their high level of reliability and the minimal maintenance they require. 

“In this data center application, these benefits are particularly important, as these facilities prioritise uptime,” he says. “As a critical item of equipment, the intake transformer needs to ensure minimal downtime which dry-type transformers typically deliver.”

The success of this project was underpinned by Trafo Power Solutions’ synergy with TMC Transformers, he says, who are known not only for the manufacturing quality of their standard-type transformers but for their expertise in special designs. This capability includes producing dry-type transformers that need to cater for a high voltage or power range. 

“While many companies in Europe tend to be more conservative than we are in South Africa, we have found an innovative partner in TMC,” he argues. 

Client Focus

POSITIVE ECONOMIC SHIFTS HIGHLIGHTED AT AFRISAM ANNUAL BUDGET BREAKDOWN EVENT 

Despite ongoing challenges in the construction sector, South Africa’s economic outlook is showing encouraging signs of improvement. This was one of the key messages at AfriSam’s Annual Budget Breakdown event held in Johannesburg in February 2025, where Dr Azar Jammine, Econometrix Director and Chief Economist, highlighted a renewed sense of business confidence.

As a leading supplier of construction materials, AfriSam has long been at the forefront of industry developments, supporting infrastructure growth and economic progress. Speaking at the event, Dr Jammine noted that indicators such as the Bureau for Economic Research’s Business Confidence Index and Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index reflected a marked improvement in sentiment over the past six months.

“The latest data shows increased optimism with businesses expecting better conditions ahead,” he said. “Key factors include reduced load shedding and a government more open to private sector collaboration.”

Dr Jammine attributed part of this shift to Eskom’s recent leadership changes which have prioritised skills and expertise as well as the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) which is fostering greater oversight and reducing corruption. He also pointed to stronger cooperation between government and business as an essential step in revitalising economic growth.

However, significant challenges remain particularly in the construction sector. Structural constraints, such as inefficiencies in logistics and the continued decline in investment, continue to weigh on economic growth. Gross fixed capital formation – a key driver of demand for cement and other construction materials – remains well below international benchmarks. This has had a direct impact on infrastructure projects and commercial developments.

Despite these concerns, AfriSam remains committed to supporting the industry. AfriSam Executive Chairman Eric Diack said that AfriSam has strategically positioned itself to weather industry fluctuations while safeguarding its expertise and operational capacity. 

“We understand that maintaining a strong foundation of skills, experience and technical proficiency is critical to ensuring long term sustainability,” he said. “By continuing to invest in our people, processes and infrastructure, AfriSam has remained resilient, ready to support the industry’s growth as market conditions improve.”

This steadfast approach has allowed AfriSam to reinforce its role as a trusted partner in the construction sector, ensuring customers continue to receive high quality materials and reliable service. Diack added that AfriSam’s commitment extends beyond its own operational stability, as the company also plays a proactive role in driving industry-wide progress. 

“We recognise the importance of collaboration in revitalising the sector and we continue to engage with stakeholders across the value chain to find solutions that benefit everyone,” he said. 

Political and economic analyst and strategist Frans Cronje also addressed the event, reinforcing the theme of resilience and collaboration. He highlighted strong public support for pragmatic governance, noting that the GNU aligns with the economic aspirations of South Africans across demographics.

“The majority of South Africans want policies that foster stability, growth and job creation,” said Cronje. “This reflects a positive long term trajectory for the country.”

AfriSam’s Annual Budget Breakdown remains a key platform for industry insights reinforcing the company’s role as a leader in South Africa’s construction sector. With renewed optimism in the economic environment and a commitment to sustainable growth, AfriSam continues to support the development of vital infrastructure, helping to shape the country’s future.

Client Focus

VALUE OF PDS GROWS WITH DATA AND SENSING TECHNOLOGY

Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers, according to Anton Lourens, CEO of Johannesburg-based PDS pioneer Booyco Electronics.

“The world of electronic technology is an ever-evolving space with newer solutions and offerings being made available quicker than ever,” says Lourens. “Based on our experience in this space, we see improved PDS solutions being developed; one such instance is the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.”

This integrated sensing solution is then optimised through functional performance driven mainly by software for these specific comprehensive PDS requirements, he adds. As PDS technology evolves and matures, he notes that the demand for processing power, and the ability to process multiple sensors, has increased dramatically since the first basic PDS units were developed. 

“Fortunately, in our continuously evolving electronic world – including the global development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and big data mining – the PDS industry can access the required processing platforms,” he explains. “Similarly, sensing technology is also expanding rapidly; this is introducing more suppliers of specific technology solutions, often making available different and better functions.”

Lourens argues that PDS is definitely playing a vital part in mine automation; indeed, it is seen by some stakeholders as the foundation for autonomous vehicles, specifically with the enhancements around Level 9 engineering control solutions for trackless mobile machines (TMMs). In another important trend, various mining stakeholders and organisations are engaged in workstreams to clearly define specific PDS requirements that are applicable to different operations. 

“For instance, labour intensive operations have different requirements to automated operations,” he says. “At the same time, we are also experiencing more engagement from OEMs, who have an integral role in the overall proximity detection ecosystem. This is also driving their own standards and regulatory compliance.”

In general, Booyco Electronics is seeing more collaboration from a variety of stakeholders to ensure improvements on safety standards – actively promoting the drive towards Zero Harm. As a leading player in PDS technology, the company remains committed to continuous improvement and meeting best practices that include integrated real-time data solutions for customers, says Lourens. 

“In addition to the standard PDS functionality, the user gains significant benefits from using the data as a tool for change management,” he explains. “Beyond the ability to analyse traffic flow, for example, mines can identify actual high-risk areas and apply mitigation interventions.”

“With the deployment of additional integrated technology, the value of this data can be further extended to include the measurement and improvement of operator behaviour, which in turn could lead to productivity increases,” he concludes.