PRESS RELEASES

The efficiency and reliability of transfer points are pivotal in lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) on mines and minerals processing plants. These transfer points, where materials move from one conveyor belt to another, from conveyor to equipment or into storage facilities, are critical junctions that, when optimised, can lead to significant cost savings and operational benefits.

Mark Baller, CEO of Weba Chute Systems explains that transfer points serve as the heart of materials handling systems. “Chute systems ensure the seamless flow of bulk materials such as minerals and aggregates, from one process to another. However, these points are also prone to issues like spillage, dust generation, material degradation and equipment wear. Addressing these challenges is key to reducing maintenance costs, downtime, and overall TCO.”

Innovative solutions

Weba Chute Systems, a leader in transfer point solutions, has been instrumental in assisting mining and minerals handling operations to achieve lower costs and increased reliability. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges in bulk material handling, the company has developed innovative solutions that address the critical issues associated with transfer points.

Baller says that optimised transfer points are designed to minimise spillage and dust creation. “Using well-engineered chutes can greatly reduce material loss through the creation of excessive finds or spillages eliminating the need for frequent clean-ups. This not only lowers labour costs but also mitigates environmental and health risks,” he says.

While contractors are employed primarily to execute projects on behalf of mining companies and project houses, experienced underground mining specialists like Murray & Roberts Cementation also offer invaluable insights from earlier stages of development.

“Over the decades, we have found that our early engagement with clients provides many vital opportunities to optimise their ideas and plans,” says Graham Chamberlain, New Business Director at Murray & Roberts Cementation. “Especially in the shaft sinking phase – which is highly capital intensive – the devil is in the detail, and there are many aspects to consider when working to achieve a streamlined and cost effective process.”

Chamberlain highlights how the company is often engaged in the very early days of a project, to work with the client right from the concept and design phases. Often, third party consultants even use Murray & Roberts Cementation to conduct project designs, he says, as this creates a more seamless flow into the execution stage. Ваш текст ссылки

Successful performance

“Our approach is to work with the client on developing a range of options for each aspect of the project,” he explains. “This provides a broader scope of what is possible, with each option being discussed in the light of the client’s goals; these alternatives can be steadily whittled down to the two or three best, so that an intensive comparison can be conducted to make a final selection.” megapari

A shaft design, for example, is a central factor in the successful performance of a mining operation –not just at its start but over its entire lifecycle. Whereas it may be considered feasible to reduce the diameter of shaft in the planning stage to reduce capital costs, a more farsighted view will expose the limitations that such a decision will create for the mine’s future.

“Technology in crushing, milling and processing is always evolving, and many mines can upgrade this infrastructure to generate more revenue,” he says. “However, such changes will be limited to 10 to 15% improvements if shaft capacity is at its limit. The shaft design therefore needs to accommodate the longer term goals of the mine – where market demand could allow throughput to grow in orders of magnitude.”

He emphasises the importance of understanding local conditions – both regulatory and physical – in managing risk on shaft sinking, development and contract mining projects. Where there are requirements for local procurement and hiring, for instance, the company has aligned its policies and developed extensive experience putting these into practice. These social and labour regulations, which are well established in South Africa, are also being applied across Africa and even in some South American countries.

Every project should be regarded as a ‘monument’ to the efforts of the developer, he explains, and therefore needs to leave a strong and positive legacy. This extends beyond the structural elements to the livelihoods, skills and prosperity of local communities. Murray & Roberts Cementation actively contributes to these developmental aspects, not least through its well-resourced training academy.

“Cost and productivity are key elements of success in our line of work, so risk needs to be carefully managed to produce the best outcome,” he says. “Many contractors operating globally in our field are not familiar with the unique requirements of the African market, and consequently, they often struggle to optimise cost and productivity factors in this region.”

Innovation also underpins the input that Murray & Roberts Cementation makes in planning for projects, Chamberlain continues. This is as much about developing new methodologies as it is about leaving others behind. Bold steps have been taken to find safer alternatives in equipment use; the cactus grab – historically a staple item on any shaft sinking site – is no longer employed, for instance.

“We adapted Canadian practices into a Murray & Roberts method of shaft sinking – using an understage-mounted excavator arm – to clean after blasts,” he says. “This is all part of a no- compromise approach to safety on our sites, which we share with clients as part of our initial discussions on scheduling, costs and productivity.” adding value beyond execution

A critical value-add from the company’s early engagement with clients is its extensive library or database of lessons learnt and technologies applied. This institutional knowledge, which dates back decades, can then be suitably ‘packaged’ by experienced practitioners who are experts in their field. He notes that one idea on its own is not going solve the various challenges that each project faces.

“Our work in the mining environment is complex, and must address matters from hoisting and logistics to safety factors and ground conditions,” he says. “The value of experience cannot be overstated, and requires careful consideration of all the options.”

ENERGYValves, a division of EMVAfrica and a leading provider of valve solutions, is excited to announce the expansion of its operations with a new facility in Cape Town. The new premises, located at the corner of Milan and London Circle, Brackengate Business Park, Brackenfell, will significantly enhance ENERGYValves’ capacity to serve the Cape Town market and surrounding areas.

The expansion location marks a significant milestone for the ENERGYValves division, enabling the brand to meet the growing demand for high-quality valve solutions. The new workshop is equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure, allowing for warehousing, assembly, and servicing of a wide range of valves and actuators. betlabel

Key Benefits of the New Facility:

1. Increased Capacity: The new premises will allow ENERGYValves to boost its stocking and service capabilities, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions to customers in Cape Town and beyond.
2. Enhanced Service Delivery: With a dedicated workshop for valve solutions and actuators, ENERGYValves can now provide more comprehensive and tailored services to meet the unique needs of its clients.
3. Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of Brackengate Business Park, the new facility offers excellent accessibility for clients and partners, fostering stronger business relationships and operational efficiency.
4. Comprehensive Solutions: In addition to valve solutions, the new workshop will also stock a wide range of valve accessories, making ENERGYValves a one-stop shop for all valve-related needs.

“We are thrilled to expand our base of operations,”said Justin Orwin, Branch Manager for EMVAfrica CPT. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional valve solutions and services. The new premises will not only enable us to increase our capacity but also enhance our ability to serve the Cape Town market.” CPT Valves Sales Manager, Cameron Du Plessis added, “What makes ENERGYValves’ products stand out in the market is our excellent product standard and quality.By ensuring that our customers are given the best quality product at a reasonable price, we position ourselves strongly in the current market landscape.”

Reflecting on the future, Du Plessis shared, “Our goal is to ensure growth in the valves industry and to become the best valve supplier out there. It makes me proud to see the valves department grow. The more growth, the better the future in the business for me. It gives me joy to know that our customers and clients are happy with our service, and we will continue to serve them with pride.”

The expansion underscores ENERGYValves’ dedication to driving growth and innovation within the valve industry. As the company continues to expand its footprint, it remains committed to delivering superior quality products and services that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

About ENERGYValves

At ENERGYValves, we are guided by a clear vision: To be the leading provider of a broad range of industrial valves, actuators, and accessories. Our vision drives us to constantly innovate, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the valve solution industry.

Our mission at ENERGYValves is to provide our customers with valve solutions that meet and exceed their expectations. We are committed to delivering reliable, durable, and technologically advanced valves, actuators, and accessories for a wide range of applications in various sectors. Our dedicated team of experts is focused on solving challenges and delivering value to our customers.

Becker Mining South Africa will participate at this year’s Electra Mining event. (Hall 8 Stand C18). The company – part of a global organisation, which has made a substantial investment in advanced technologies and the latest designs – will showcase a broad range of products that has been developed especially for the mining sector. 1xslots

Through interactive videos, Becker Mining will showcase its extensive product portfolio, which complies with the most stringent government mining regulations and mining house specifications. This equipment includes high-performance, fit-for-purpose communication and safety solutions for underground and surface mining installations – Leaky Feeder, Wi-Fi, tagging and tracking, as well as environmental monitoring PDS systems.

In addition to communications solutions, Becker also offers intrinsically safe (IS) and flameproof underground electrical reticulation products, fluid transfer, rigging, rope attachment, steel arch tunnel support and underground transportation systems. An important feature of all systems is they are designed to facilitate future upgrades.

New products

The company will be introducing new products at this year’s Electra Mining event, including a new belt rip detection system (BRS 4-0) and a new generation energy distribution system – the ENDIS 4.0 gate-end-box