Monthly Archives: October 2025

Client Focus

WEBA CHUTE SYSTEMS MD UNPACKS INDUSTRY SHIFT IN TRANSFER POINT DESIGN

As mining operations push for greater efficiency, safety and sustainability, the role of transfer points has moved from the periphery to the forefront of materials handling strategy. Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, says the company is seeing a significant shift in how the industry views and manages these critical components.

“Transfer points are no longer treated as secondary or generic elements of a plant,” Baller says. “We are pleased to see that in many instances chute systems are now being recognised as strategic assets that influence uptime, wear rates, energy use and even compliance with environmental standards.”

This changing mindset is driving demand for custom-engineered chute systems that are designed not only to move material, but to do so in a controlled and predictable manner. Baller explains that uncontrolled flow, free falling material and high impact zones at transfer points are key contributors to excessive dust, spillage and equipment wear – all of which erode productivity and increase operational risk. 

Weba Chute Systems addresses this by focusing on flow control and energy dissipation in every chute it designs. “Increasingly, mines are asking for solutions that go beyond simply transferring material from one conveyor to another,” he says. “They want reduced dust emissions, longer wear life, easier maintenance access and ultimately, a safer and cleaner plant environment. These outcomes are only achievable through tailored designs based on site-specific conditions.”

To meet these expectations, Weba Chute Systems relies heavily on Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) to simulate material flow and optimise performance before a chute is manufactured. This digital approach not only predicts how material will behave but allows the company’s skilled engineers to pinpoint high wear zones and ensure the correct liners are placed for maximum protection. The result is a solution that extends wear life, reduces the need for unplanned maintenance and cuts down on associated downtime.

Baller notes that there is a growing preference for bespoke chute systems rather than standardised units, and this is exactly where Weba Chute Systems has achieved its mark in the mining and materials handling industry globally. 

“Mining operations are increasingly aware that variations in material type, particle size, flow rate and plant layout require a design that is purpose-built and not off the shelf,” Baller says. “Our approach begins with an on-site assessment and consultation, ensuring that each chute integrates seamlessly into the surrounding infrastructure, whether feeding a crusher, a screen or another conveyor.” 

He adds that effective chute design also plays a vital role in safety performance and environmental compliance. By eliminating uncontrolled discharge and managing flow paths with precision, custom engineered Weba chutes reduce spillage, limit dust clouds and improve visibility in areas that are often congested and high risk.

“What we are seeing is a deeper appreciation for what happens at transfer points, and a recognition that investing in smarter design upfront has long term benefits,” says Baller. “Our systems are not just engineered to move material. They are engineered to protect assets, people and productivity.”

With over 5 000 Weba chutes operating in mines and materials handling facilities around the world, the company’s reputation is built on a foundation of innovation, reliability and application-specific performance. As the industry continues to evolve, Weba Chute Systems remains committed to leading the way in transforming transfer points into enablers of efficient, safe and sustainable mining.

Client Focus

NEW SEW-EURODRIVE SERVICE CENTRE TRANSFORMS FUTURE OF DRIVE REPAIRS

In a momentous step for the local industrial gearbox and drives market, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has formally opened a new service and repair facility alongside its headquarters in Aeroton, Johannesburg. 

“For the first time, customers can have all aspects of their industrial gearbox dealt with in one place – and to the highest OEM quality standards,” Raymond Obermeyer, Managing Director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says. “This allows us to offer unprecedented warranties on service work, giving the market peace of mind, quicker turnarounds and enhanced uptime on their repaired and refurbished units.”

The company has invested almost R385 million in the new 17 000 m² facility, where construction began a year ago. Significantly this followed just years after company built its R500 million, 26 000 m² head office complex in Aeroton, into which it expanded in 2022. These developments form part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s proactive investment in added service capabilities across the world, which amounted to €1 billion in 2024 alone.  

Obermeyer explains that in an unprecedented move the new service facility marks the end of an era in South Africa in which industrial gearbox users would have to involve multiple service providers in a single repair or refurbishment contract. 

“The expertise and equipment in this facility allow SEW-EURODRIVE to conduct all aspects of a drivetrain repair – from the gearbox and coupling to the motor, steelwork and electronics,” he says. “We now have all this capability at our disposal, which is gamechanging in terms of quality, reliability and warranties.”

He highlights that the investment in skills and sophisticated hardware now gives the company comprehensive control over the repair process and the results. 

“Previously, we were often limited by the fact that other players were involved in the work on many service interventions – and we could not take responsibility for their level of workmanship,” he explains. “As a world class OEM and with our steadfast commitment to quality processes and components, we can now offer warranties of two years on our repairs and refurbishments. This has never been possible before and represents a significant and high-value development for customers all over Africa.”

The new service centre will even conduct work on gear units from other manufacturers, he notes, given the depth of the experience and infrastructure at SEW-EURODRIVE’s new world class service and repair facility. Over 65 additional technical staff are in the process of being brought on board at the site including engineering managers, field service engineers and artisans in various specialised disciplines. 

“Our centre is being equipped with the some of the most experienced skills in the local market, and our in-house DriveAcademy is busy finetuning their expertise in line with our wide range of drive solutions,” Obermeyer says. 

Fully equipped with the latest technical infrastructure, the work of the new facility will include vibration analysis and diagnostic testing for motors and drives as well as equipment for 3D scanning and CNC machining. Winding machines will allow for motors to be rewound in-house and tested in line with SEW-EURODRIVE world class OEM standards. 

“The facility will also include a fabrication department, so that we don’t have to outsource aspects like base plates, flanges, guards and other steelwork,” he says. “With the capacity to do our own cutting, bending and welding, this department allows us to conduct all this work in-house – speeding up turnaround times and ensuring constant quality control.”

Obermeyer concludes that the breadth of in-house services and engineering equipment at the SEW EURODRIVE service and repair centre represents a significant investment in the re-industrialisation of the local economy – allowing customers to optimise the longevity and performance of their drive systems and is aligned with the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as the leading industrial gearboxes and drives provided on the African continent. 

Client Focus

AFRISAM CONCRETE SUPPORTS COMPLEX WATER TOWER PROJECT IN GAUTENG

AfriSam is playing a pivotal role in the construction of one of Gauteng’s largest and most technically complex water towers, supplying specially designed readymix concrete to meet both structural and seismic performance requirements. Located near Main Reef Road south of Johannesburg, the 43 metre high water tower will store 3,2 mega litres of water to support the new Goudrand mega city development.

With construction led by M&D Construction and engineering design by SCIP Engineering Group, the project has demanded highly customised concrete solutions from AfriSam. The structure is located in a seismically active zone and required additional reinforcement in the lower section of the shaft to withstand ground acceleration above 0,1g. This called for increased steel density and a concrete mix that could deliver strength, flowability and controlled heat of hydration.

AfriSam’s Product Technical Team Leader, Mduduzi Ndlovu, explains that the concrete mix was developed with a high proportion of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the heat generated during curing. “The base mix comprised 70% ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) and 30% AfriSam High Strength Cement, reducing the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content to just 20%,” says Ndlovu. “Despite the low OPC content, the mix exceeded expectations – achieving the target strength of 51 MPa was achieved in only 28 days in relation to the designed 56 day requirement. ”

The construction process placed high demands on the readymix in terms of both slump control and delivery precision. With over 210 kg of rebar per cubic metre in some sections, AfriSam developed a high slump pump mix for vertical pours, while limiting slump to 130 mm for slanted sections to avoid concrete sliding off shuttering.

Sheldon Temlett, Contracts Manager at M&D Construction, highlights the importance of this mix performance. “With such dense steel and complex geometry, AfriSam’s mix gave us the workability we needed without compromising quality. Their team worked closely with us to adjust slump levels and plan deliveries around our 12 m³/hour pour rate.”

AfriSam Territory Manager Toni Williams adds that logistics were carefully aligned with construction progress to avoid delays or idle time on site. “Coordination was key to supporting M&D’s controlled rise rate of 1 metre per hour, especially as the concrete had to partially set before each formwork lift could proceed.”

Construction of the Main Reef water tower began in September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in April 2026. Once commissioned, it will provide essential water infrastructure to approximately 20,000 homes in the Goudrand housing development – a major project spearheaded by the Gauteng Department of Housing, the City of Johannesburg and Blue Print Housing.

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Client Focus

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE: TRAFO POWER SOLUTIONS AND TMC TRANSFORMERS SET NEW STANDARDS IN DRY-TYPE TECHNOLOGY

As demand grows for safer more reliable and environmentally responsible power infrastructure, dry-type transformer technology is gaining ground globally – and leading the charge in Africa is Trafo Power Solutions, in partnership with renowned Italian manufacturer TMC Transformers.

This dynamic collaboration, now in its seventh year, continues to push the boundaries of dry-type transformer design and application. According to Trafo Power Solutions Managing Director David Claassen, the company has played a pivotal role in introducing this technology to a wide range of industries across Africa, from mining and manufacturing to renewable energy and infrastructure.

“Our work with TMC Transformers enables us to deliver custom engineered dry-type transformer solutions that meet even the most demanding specifications,” says Claassen. “Our success lies in a shared culture of innovation, agility and technical excellence.”

TMC Transformers Sales Director Andrea Ghidini explains that the company is known for tackling complex challenges with highly specialised solutions. “We are often approached for non-standard applications, such as transformers with ratings up to 25 MVA or primary windings at 50 kV, or units handling extreme harmonic distortion or secondary currents of up to 30,000 amps,” he says.

In African mining operations – one of Trafo Power Solutions’ primary markets – the challenges extend beyond electrical performance. Transformers must be robust enough to endure long and difficult transport routes, severe vibration, high dust levels and extreme temperatures.

“Dry-type technology is ideal in these environments, especially as safety and environmental concerns grow,” Claassen notes. “Unlike oil-filled transformers, dry-type units are air-cooled and present minimal fire risk, making them suitable for installation near operational areas and personnel.”

Once confined to indoor use, dry-type transformers are now widely used in outdoor applications thanks to technological advancements. Higher protection ratings and improved cooling options, including forced-air, air-to-water and direct or indirect water cooling, allow these units to operate reliably even in Africa’s toughest climates.

What sets this partnership apart is its commitment to engineering precision. TMC uses advanced simulation tools, including finite element analysis and thermo-dynamic modelling, to verify every design before production. This ensures optimal performance, long-term reliability and reduced operational risk.

“Rather than just meeting the brief, we interrogate every application to offer smarter alternatives or highlight potential issues,” says Ghidini. “That is the value of custom engineering.”

Claassen adds that customers benefit from this depth of expertise: “We don’t just sell transformers – we deliver engineered power solutions that support long-term operational success.”

With this collaboration, Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers continue to redefine what is possible in dry-type transformer technology – setting new benchmarks for innovation, safety and performance across the continent.

Client Focus

INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS ACROSS COMMINUTION FLOWSHEET SET WEIR APART

To complement its market-leading ENDURON® range of high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs), Weir has developed a robust range of crushers and screens under the same premium brand – now further strengthened by its in-house screening media.

“Combined with our renowned service culture and extensive global footprint, this creates a truly unmatched offering,” says JD Singleton, Weir’s Comminution Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “In just 15 years, we have evolved from being primarily recognised for our high quality pump solutions to becoming a global leader in the comminution space.”

He notes that Weir’s large ENDURON® Elite double-deck banana screens have been in high demand, and will soon be produced at the company’s Alrode facility south of Johannesburg – where expansions are underway to create a dedicated production bay for this purpose.

“Large vibrating screens are vital to complement large capacity crushing plants and HPGR circuits and our ENDURON Elite range is playing an important role in hard rock mining developments throughout Africa,” he says. The latest orders include a contract with a leading brownfields mining project in Zambia. The first units from Weir’s Alrode plant expansion are expected to start rolling out later this year.

Weir’s research, development and innovation behind the ENDURON® Elite range of screen includes creating the largest exciters available in the market. Having developed the LTX exciter to generate the +1 mega newton force to vibrate these screens, Weir went on to develop its second-generation exciter – the ETX, with 1.28 mega newton force which has been nominated for technology awards, says Singleton. 

Weir’s ENDURON® Elite ETX Exciter is a groundbreaking advancement in vibratory screening technology, delivering the world’s only “mega” newton linear motion exciter capable of generating forces equivalent to a fully laden A380 on take-off, 12 to 16 times per second. This patented innovation redefines a 50 year old mechanism, setting a new global benchmark in performance, reliability and efficiency.

The ENDURON® range of jaw and cone crushers, equipped with improved control and lubrication systems, come standard with premier ESCO® crusher liners for longer life and less downtime. The latest generation of Weir’s ENDURON® cone crushers and jaw crushers has also just been introduced. 

“A key factor behind the success of ENDURON HPGRs and our complementary crushers and screens in the circuit has been the rising cost of electricity, affecting not only South Africa but many other countries in Africa,” he says. “Mines are adopting HPGR circuits as an energy efficient alternative to the traditional semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill circuits.”

Among the studies in which Weir assists customers is the comparison of a circuit using a primary crusher, SAG mill and ball mill with a circuit that comprises a primary crusher, a secondary cone crusher, HPGR, screen and ball mill. 

“We work with customers at early planning stages to find ways of reducing energy consumption with technology like HPGRs,” he says. Weir supports these solutions through its service culture across a wide footprint, giving the company a presence within 200 km of any large mine anywhere in the world. 

Client Focus

FIRST SANDVIK HYBRID MOBILE MACHINE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Sandvik Rock Processing, in partnership with its southern African distributor, S&R Enterprises, has launched its first dual-powered mobile machine in southern Africa, a tracked Sandvik QA452e triple deck sizing screen with Doublescreen technology. 

Upon its arrival, the machine was immediately dispatched by S&R Enterprises to its owner, a contractor operating on a major dam project in Lesotho, where the machine has already been deployed to produce G2 and G5 material.  

PC Kruger, Business Line Manager Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing, says the launch of the first Sandvik electric unit in southern Africa is in direct response to the apparent growing appetite for electric mobile crushing and screening solutions in the region. While the technology provides both cost and sustainability benefits, Kruger believes that the major driver in southern Africa to date is largely the need to reduce total cost of ownership. 

“Customers in southern Africa are increasingly pursuing energy efficiency due to the significant financial benefits of reducing energy consumption, which is generally a major operational cost. Hybrid solutions, which can be powered by either diesel or grid electricity, offer significant fuel savings and more versatile operation, with the added benefit of reduced carbon emissions,” says Kruger. 

According to Stephen Smith, MD of S&R Enterprises, the major talking point on the Sandvik QA452e screen is its hybrid “e” drive option, which provides the flexibility to operate in diesel or electric mode for lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions. Powering the machine using an external electric source can bring several advantages, including lower running costs, extended drivetrain service intervals, reduced onsite emissions and noise levels.

“One of the major benefits of this technology is reduced maintenance costs,” says Smith. “The electric motor drive reduces the need for diesel engine servicing and hydraulic oil, increasing machine availability and reducing costs. In fact, the machine consumes up to 50% less hydraulic oil over 10 000 hours of usage. Consequently, hydraulic service intervals have been increased from 2 000 to 4 000 hours, subject to oil sampling.”

In addition, the standard Sandvik mobile equipment warranty has gone up from the traditional 12 months/1 000 hours to 24 months/3 000 hours, with extended warranty options up to six years, providing the much-needed peace of mind for customers. 

The QA452e features Sandvik’s patented Doublescreen technology for high throughput and efficiency. It is a revolutionary design that utilises two high velocity screen boxes that work independently of each other; the primary screen works as a fines extractor, while the secondary screen operates as a grader. 

“Doublescreen advantages over competing products include greater material control, greater adjustability, increased accuracy and higher screening efficiencies, making this unit ideal for producing massive volumes of high specification products, without compromising on productivity,” says Smith. 

The patented Doublescreen design features three independent 20’ x 5’ (6 m x 1,5 m) screens, each providing a screening area of 9 m³/9,3 m², with the bottom deck being 11% longer for more screen area and fines extraction. Compared to conventional 20’ x 5’ screen boxes, the Doublescreen technology typically outperforms traditional screens by up to 30%. It also allows up to 42 screen angle options due to the two screen boxes. 

“The arrival of the first Sandvik dual-powered machine marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the local mobile crushing and screening industry,” concludes Kruger. 

Client Focus

SEW-EURODRIVE SAYS MEPS RULES CREATE OPPORTUNITY BUT SMART MOVES ARE CRITICAL

South African regulations on premium efficiency IE3 motors open a door of opportunity for geared motor users, says SEW-EURODRIVE, but forward planning and the considered advice of established and trusted experts is vital.

With the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) now mandatory since June 2025, many users of electric motors might be confused about their next step. Worse still, they may be vulnerable to poor decision-making due to uncertainty and opportunistic buying, according to Willem Strydom, SEW-EURODRIVE’S Manager for Business Development Electronics. 

“Having supplied IE3 motors as standard in our relevant geared units for some years already, and at no added cost, there is nothing in the regulations surprising to us or our customer base,” explains Strydom. “However, there are still many players in the market who might not be up to date with the regulatory developments – and we are well placed to be of service.”

He notes that some companies may feel pressurised by fear-mongering messages in the market to unnecessarily replace less efficient motors. On the other hand, the looming moratorium on the sale of IE1 and IE2 motors may lead to these units being ‘dumped’ on the market at cut-rate prices. This may tempt companies to buy old technology that will cost them dearly in terms of energy consumption.

“The regulations remind the market of the financial and sustainability value of using more efficient motors –  but the real benefit lies in system efficiencies,” says Strydom. “This is where companies can benefit the most when planning their shift to IE3 motors.”

Natasha Meintjies, Business Development Electronics Proposal Engineer at SEW-EURODRIVE, explains that the customer journey often begins with an energy efficiency test – which SEW-EURODRIVE conducts at no cost at the customer’s site. 

“By measuring the energy consumption on the customer’s existing motors and comparing this to our IE3 motors, we can provide them with an energy cost saving analysis,” says Meintjies. “There is typically an immediate cost saving of 4 to 8% of the motor’s power consumption, but more significant benefits can be achieved when moving to system level.”

This includes SEW-EURODRIVE’s more energy efficient drives, which can take the energy savings to another level – up to 20 to 30%, she says. These results are achieved from integrating the latest monitoring and optimisation technologies into the system.

“This also gives the customer more overall process stability and reduced maintenance costs,” she says. “Our modular designs ensure that all the components work together seamlessly for the best efficiencies and performance, making the whole system more reliable.”

Strydom highlights that SEW-EURODRIVE’s global research and development has ensured that the company already has ‘super premium efficiency’ IE4 and ‘ultra premium efficiency’ IE5 motors in its market offerings already.

“Our in-house laboratory in Germany is also third-party approved to test our motors for energy efficiency – as the IE3 benchmark has been mandatory for some years in Europe,” he says. “The test certificates that we issue are therefore accepted by South Africa’s national regulator; we worked on this well in advance to be ready for these regulations.” 

He points out that MEPS will be a valuable enabler for companies to mitigate the effect of rising power costs, especially as they reassess their drive systems with an integrated approach in mind and with experts like SEW-EURODRIVE to advise.

The MEPS specification applies to a broad range of three-phase, low voltage electric motors with rated power output between 0,75 kW to 375 kW and includes motors with non-standard mechanical dimensions and geared motors. Motor users are permitted to run their existing IE1 and IE2 motors until they need to replace them due to failure. From a retailer’s point of view, these IE1 and IE2 motors are allowed to be sold until May 2026. 

Client Focus

WEBA CHUTE SYSTEMS DRIVE DOWN DUST TRANSMISSION IN BULK MATERIALS HANDLING

Dust generation has long been a critical challenge in bulk materials handling, with significant implications for safety, health and environmental compliance. Weba Chute Systems, a leading specialist in custom-engineered transfer point solutions, has positioned its technology as a proven way to dramatically reduce dust transmission while simultaneously improving operational efficiency.

Dust – More Than Just a Nuisance

In industries such as mining, power generation, cement and ports, dust is more than a simple housekeeping concern. Airborne dust creates serious health risks for workers, contributes to environmental pollution and can trigger regulatory penalties when emissions exceed permissible levels. Dust also increases maintenance requirements, shortens equipment life and can even create safety hazards such as reduced visibility or combustible atmospheres.

“These are not minor inconveniences,” notes Dewald Tintinger, Technical Director at Weba Chute Systems. “Dust impacts the health of employees, the lifespan of equipment and the company’s environmental footprint. Left unchecked, it can cost operations heavily – both financially and reputationally.”

These challenges have intensified with stricter environmental regulations globally and a growing focus on sustainable operations. Companies are under pressure not only to comply with legislation but also to improve their ESG performance. Weba Chute Systems’ transfer point solutions are helping operators address these concerns head-on.

Engineered Chutes That Control Flow

At the heart of Weba Chute Systems’ dust-reduction capability lies its fundamental design philosophy – controlling the flow of material. Traditional chute systems often allow material to free-fall, leading to uncontrolled impact, turbulence and the generation of dust clouds. By contrast, Weba Chute Systems are engineered to control both the velocity and direction of material flow.

“The principle is simple,” Tintinger explains. “If you reduce impact and turbulence, you reduce the energy that causes particles to become airborne.” By carefully directing material onto the conveyor in a streamlined manner, dust generation is drastically curtailed.

“Our designs are not generic. Every transfer point is engineered to suit a customer’s specific conditions, so the system works with the material rather than against it,” he adds. 

Lining and Sealing for Dust Containment

A further feature of Weba’s design is the effective sealing of the chute system. Engineered with wear resistant liners and designed with attention to transfer geometry, the chutes prevent dust from escaping into surrounding areas. Where needed, dust suppression or extraction systems can be integrated seamlessly into the chute design, ensuring compliance with the most stringent emission standards.

Weba Chute Systems’ in-house design team uses the latest simulation software, including discrete element modelling (DEM), to predict material behaviour inside the chute. This allows the company to optimise liners, flow paths and sealing systems before manufacturing begins. The result is a custom-engineered solution that not only contains dust but also minimises spillage and wear.

“Our DEM capability gives us a powerful window into how the material will behave,” Tintinger points out. “We can predict dust issues before they occur and design them out of the system – that is a real gamechanger.”

Efficiency and Environmental Gains

Reducing dust transmission is not just about compliance; it also improves the bottom line. Dust that escapes into the air represents a loss of valuable product. By containing material more effectively, Weba Chute Systems help customers improve throughput and reduce waste.

At the same time, less dust means reduced wear on conveyor components, lower cleaning and maintenance requirements and safer working environments. These gains contribute directly to operational efficiency and sustainability.

“As much as dust control is a health and safety imperative, it is also a cost issue,” says Tintinger. “Every ton of material lost to dust is revenue gone. By addressing dust, we protect both people and profits.”

Proven Success Across Industries

Weba Chute Systems’ dust-control solutions are in operation across a range of industries and commodities from mines to power stations, cement plants and other bulk handling facilities. Each system is custom engineered for its specific application, taking into account the type of material, the rate of flow, particle size and environmental requirements. 

In ports and loading terminals, where dust emissions are highly visible and subject to strict monitoring, the systems ensure compliance while maintaining fast loading rates.

“Whether it is in large scale port operations or on a mine, the principle is the same,” Tintinger says. “Control the flow, contain the dust and you achieve safer, cleaner, more efficient operations.”

Commitment to Innovation

With decades of experience and thousands of installations globally, Weba Chute Systems continues to invest in innovation. Its dedicated research and development team works constantly to refine designs, enhance materials and explore new methods of dust suppression.

The company’s approach is not limited to the initial installation. Weba Chute Systems provides ongoing inspection and maintenance services to ensure systems continue to perform optimally over their lifetime. Customers benefit from reliable transfer points that remain compliant and efficient long after commissioning.

Tintinger says that as industries move towards more sustainable, responsible and efficient operations, dust control has become an imperative rather than an option. “Our engineered transfer points provide a holistic solution, reducing dust transmission, enhancing safety, safeguarding the environment and improving efficiency,” he says.

“By addressing dust at its source – within the transfer point itself – we help operators move beyond reactive measures and achieve proactive control. This not only ensures regulatory compliance but also delivers lasting value to both business and society,” Tintinger concludes.

Client Focus

GRINDEX SUBMERSIBLE DEWATERING PUMPS PROVE THEIR METTLE IN THE COPPERBELT

Grindex submersible dewatering pumps continue to gain significant traction among mining operations in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the demand for reliable and efficient dewatering solutions is on the rise. These pumps, renowned for their durability and high performance, have become a preferred choice for mines facing challenging underground water ingress conditions.

Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, the official distributor of Grindex pumps in Southern Africa, confirms that the brand has built a solid reputation over the past decade in the most demanding dewatering applications. He anticipates a continued surge in demand as underground mining operations extend deeper, requiring even more robust pumping solutions.

“Dewatering in deep underground mines demands pumps that can handle high flow rates and high heads, while maintaining absolute reliability in extreme conditions,” says Marsh. “Grindex pumps have proven their ability to perform consistently in these environments, making them a trusted choice for copper mines in the region.”

Recent orders, received through Integrated Pump Technology’s distributor partner in the DRC were from a major copper mine and included a range of Grindex submersible pumps, spanning from 5.5 kW to 90 kW. Among these are the Grindex N series, capable of handling high flow rates from 20 litres per second up to 100 litres per second, and the Grindex H series, which can pump to impressive heads of up to 180 metres.

This particular mining operation has relied on Grindex submersible pumps for its dewatering needs since 2022, with consistently outstanding performance. Marsh attributes the ongoing preference for Grindex to the pumps’ rugged construction and high efficiency, both critical factors in maintaining optimum production levels and ensuring the safety of underground personnel in waterlogged areas.

To further support its growing base of Grindex users in the region, Integrated Pump Technology deploys teams regularly to assess dewatering applications and ensure that the correct pump solutions are in place. Additionally, through its local distributors the company provides technical support and spare parts availability, ensuring that downtime is minimised and operations remain uninterrupted.

“As mines go deeper, dewatering becomes an increasingly complex challenge. With Grindex submersible pumps, our customers have a reliable and cost effective solution that is built to withstand the harshest mining conditions,” Marsh concludes. 

Client Focus

CUTTING CORNERS ON HVAC SPECS COULD LEAVE OPERATORS IN THE HEAT, WARNS BOOYCO ENGINEERING

As surface mining and quarrying operations grapple with rising ambient temperatures, the way HVAC systems are specified for mobile equipment is coming under increasing scrutiny. Booyco Engineering, a specialist Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of HVAC systems with over 40 years of experience in these demanding sectors, is sounding the alarm on the risks of relying solely on kilowatt ratings when selecting HVAC solutions.

Brenton Spies, Managing Director at Booyco Engineering, highlights a growing trend where specifiers and procurement departments are using only an HVAC system’s kW rating as a benchmark for selection. While this may seem like a straightforward approach, it is leading to complications on site often only becoming apparent once the equipment is installed and in full operation on the mobile mining machines.

“Not all HVAC systems  with the same kilowatt rating are created equal,” says Spies. “We are encountering cases where a unit is rejected for being ‘too expensive’ compared to other products with the same kW rating – only for the customer to discover later that the chosen system cannot cope with the site’s actual ambient conditions.”

The underlying issue, he explains, is that many buyers overlook critical international standards – specifically the ISO 5151 classification – which define the temperature classes to which HVAC systems are engineered. Known in industry as T1 and T3, these classifications set clear parameters for how equipment is expected to perform under different thermal conditions.

“These standards exist to guide the design, testing and validation of systems for specific environments,” Spies explains. “The materials, cooling capacities and componentry of a T3-class HVAC system, for example, are engineered to handle far harsher conditions than those of a T1-class system. This makes a significant difference in high temperature mining environments, where system failure is not just inconvenient but can compromise safety and productivity.”

“Our air conditioning systems are ISO 5151 T3-rated, meaning they are designed to operate in ambient temperatures of at least 46°C unlike many competitor systems, which are ISO 5151 T1-rated for just 35°C ambient temperatures,” says Spies. “This higher rating ensures our products maintain the specified performance in extremely demanding environments. A system designed for T1 will simply just not perform in T3 conditions, leaving the operator exposed to hazardous conditions.”

Spies emphasises that cutting costs at the procurement stage by opting for a cheaper system based on kW rating alone can end up costing operators far more in the long run. Unsuitable HVAC systems not only underperform in extreme conditions, but they are also more likely to suffer premature wear and require frequent maintenance or replacement.

He urges those responsible for specifying HVAC systems – particularly for mobile mining and earthmoving equipment – to consider environmental conditions and the applicable temperature classes as a fundamental part of the selection process. With climate conditions becoming more extreme, especially in remote and open-pit mining environments, ensuring that HVAC units are fit-for-purpose is more critical than ever.

Booyco Engineering continues to work closely with OEMs and end-users alike, applying its decades of expertise to ensure every HVAC system it supplies meets the rigorous demands of the application – not just in theory, but in real-world conditions.