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Published: 28 Jun 24

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the issues tackled during Phase 1 of Operation Vulindlela and the successes achieved thus far; the likelihood of Operation Vulindlela continuing as programme of action under the new government of national unity; and what could be on the agenda during Phase 2.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, mining's socioeconomics, Western mining make headlines

Published: 28 Jun 24

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses the initiative that will boost platinum-based hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles; the role of mining in South Africa’s socioeconomic wellbeing; and the the business model of the Western mining industry needing new power.

Image of The Spar Group national logistics executive Solly Engelbrecht

The Spar Group targets water-saving measures

Published: 28 Jun 24

The Spar Group has been steadily implementing proactive water-saving measures within its logistics operations amid the increasing threat of water insecurity across South Africa. Potential water insecurity poses a significant threat to the integrity of retail supply chains across South Africa, as disruptions to water supply and water quality can lead to significant operational and financial risks to the South African economy, said The Spar Group national logistics executive Solly Engelbrecht.

GLOBAL PUMP SUPPLY
The company supplies a variety of pumps to diamond processing and beneficiation plants globally

Pumps maker targets diamond processing

Published: 28 Jun 24

As the diamond mining industry faces challenges such as resource depletion, increasing operational costs and competition from synthetically made diamonds, heavy-duty centrifugal slurry pump manufacturer Schurco Slurry is expanding its product range to include comprehensive dewatering pump solutions, designed to meet a wide spectrum of applications in the mining sector. “The future of diamond mining will depend on how well the industry can adapt to new challenges and opportunities,” says Schurco pump applications and project manager Marc Young, noting that Schurco Slurry, in particular, is supporting this adaptation through continuous innovation and by providing high-quality products for customers.

NEW ERA
The scheduled start of underground production in the first half of 2028 is anticipated to bring a new era of high-value diamond recovery for Lucara

Underground expansion progressing towards 2028 start

Published: 28 Jun 24

With careful planning, innovative solutions and a dedicated team, diamond miner Lucara Diamond Corporation’s Karowe Underground Expansion Project (UGP) at the wholly owned Karowe diamond mine, in Botswana, is well-positioned to achieve its goals, says CEO and president William Lamb. The scheduled start of underground production in the first half of 2028 is anticipated to bring “a new era of high-value diamond recovery, further solidifying Lucara’s position in the global market”, he adds, noting that as the project progresses, the continued collaboration with the government of Botswana and the local communities will be pivotal.

SHINING INVITATION
De Beers Group is calling on young aspiring jewellery designers from their producer countries to enter the 2024 Shining Light Awards

Awards focus on development of designers

Published: 28 Jun 24

By focusing on sustainability, innovation and comprehensive industry exposure, diamond miner De Beers’ Shining Light Awards is evolving to meet the changing needs of the jewellery industry to recognise and support talented youth and as a means of boosting their careers. The competition, established in 1996, has become a key platform for discovering and nurturing young jewellery design and innovation talent, says De Beers beneficiation manager Kagiso Fredericks.

MAJOR SERVICE The 50 000-hour component replacement project is intended to bring heavy-wear components back into a serviceable state that is in line with original equipment manufacturer specification

Electric shovels receive 50 000-hour service

Published: 28 Jun 24

A 50 000-hour component replacement project on one of the large electric rope shovels owned and operated by original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Barloworld Equipment (BWE) Botswana is going to plan, with recommissioning of the equipment expected in September 2024. The project is being undertaken by diamond producer Debswana which employs Bucyrus electric rope shovels of the 212 model at its Jwaneng operation, for which BWE Botswana provides parts and maintenance services.

Yes, there are problems at SA ports, but World Bank report not entirely accurate – SAAFF

Published: 28 Jun 24

The newest World Bank Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) report, which places a number of South African ports at the bottom of the list, covers the crisis-ridden 2023 period, and does not take into account the corrective action taken since Transnet has been under new management as part of a recovery and transformation strategy, says Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) CEO Dr Juanita Maree. “To contextualise, this was a period at the height of the crisis.

Cape Town calls for private-sector intervention as port ranks worst in the world

Published: 28 Jun 24

According to the newly published World Bank Container Port Performance Index, compiled from 2023 data, the Port of Cape Town is the worst performing port in the world. It is joined in the bottom 16 of the 405-strong list of container ports by Durban, Ngqura and Port Elizabeth (Transnet still refers to the port by this name).

Recovery in logistics sector continued in April despite ports being lashed by storms – Ctrack index

Published: 28 Jun 24

After declining in the first two months of the year, the Ctrack Transport and Freight Index (Ctrack TFI) continued its momentum in April to reach a level of 123.4 – an increase of 2.8% compared with March. This is also 1.5% above the levels seen a year ago.