Changes on the Horizon for ESG Disclosures in South Africa

Details

Created: Thursday, 08 August 2024 06:58

Changes on the Horizon for ESG Disclosures in South Africa

by Dalit Anstey, Knowledge Lawyer at Webber Wentzel

Boards should be aware of changes that are on the horizon to South Africa's ESG reporting landscape, including the potential incorporation of the ISSB Standards. However, the mechanics still need to be fleshed out.

The rise in ESG and sustainability-related disclosure standards

The global reporting landscape has undergone a tectonic shift over the last decade, fueled by the recognition that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) or sustainability issues have the potential to impact financial value. Integrated reporting practices have become popular, allowing companies to report on material information about their strategy, governance, performance and prospects in a way that reflects the commercial, social and environmental context within which they operate. South Africa (SA) was one of the first countries to adopt the Integrated Reporting Framework as part of its corporate governance framework.

Globally, reporting on ESG or sustainability matters has become common and multiple sustainability-related disclosure standards have emerged containing diverging guidelines. Significant progress has been made towards the standardisation, convergence and consolidation of sustainability-related disclosure standards. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation, an organisation that was once only concerned with the global convergence of accounting standards (being responsible for the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) who developed the 'IFRS Accounting Standards'), has now expanded its focus to sustainability-related disclosure standards by forming the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in November 2021. The ISSB is responsible for developing the ISSB Standards.

According to the IFRS Foundation, the IFRS Accounting Standards and the ISSB Standards are meant to complement each other to create high-quality, transparent and comparable information in financial statements and in sustainability disclosures that is useful to investors and other participants in the world’s capital markets in making economic decisions.

Global adoption of the ISSB Standards

Last year, the ISSB published inaugural standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2) (ISSB Standards) that aim to promote consistency and comparability in sustainability reporting and disclosure. The ISSB Standards broadly incorporate the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Various countries, including Canada, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia, are consulting or have ended consultations on incorporating sustainability-related disclosures in their respective regulatory frameworks through the adoption or other use of the ISSB Standards. Brazil, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Turkey have already indicated their intention to adopt or otherwise use the ISSB Standards. In June 2022, the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) maintained that the ISSB Standards be incorporated into the European Sustainability Reporting Standards to the greatest extent possible. China issued the Exposure Draft of Chinese Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Business Enterprises—Basic Standard and Explanation of the Drafting, which formulates the unified China Sustainability Disclosure Standards based on ISSB Standards but aligns with China's context. The USA Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) climate disclosure rule also has similarities with the ISSB Standards (although there are also some important differences, for example relating to Scope 3 emissions).

In May 2024, the United Kingdom (UK) published an update setting out the next steps of implementing the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements, which states that the UK government aims to make UK-endorsed ISSB Standards. Australia is in the process of finalising legislation that would introduce mandatory climate-related financial disclosures. The proposed legislation has important consequences for potential director liability in relation to climate-related disclosures in Australia. The EU's CSRD (as well as the recently adopted Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) will also have consequences for directors in relation to sustainability disclosures and reporting.

How the ISSB Standards are adopted in a particular jurisdiction ultimately depends on the regulatory framework operational in that jurisdiction. According to the IFRS Foundation's Jurisdictional Guide for the adoption or other use of ISSB Standards, it usually begins with a policy decision to adopt ISSB, which identifies the policy rationale, defines which entities are in scope and the date of the application. This is usually followed by a regulatory implementation programme, which would include transitional arrangements.

ESG/sustainability-related disclosures in SA

The Companies Act, 2008 and the Companies Regulations, 2011 (Companies Regulations) require certain companies (including state-owned companies, public companies listed on an exchange and non-profit companies incorporated by the state or performing a statutory or regulatory function) to comply with the IFRS when preparing their financial statements. The Companies Regulations define the IFRS as "the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued from time to time by the International Accounting Standards Board or its successor body".

Sustainability-related or ESG disclosures and reporting are currently addressed in the King IV Code on Corporate Governance (King IV) (as part of the integrated reporting framework approach adopted in King IV), which is a set of voluntary principles but is mandatory for JSE-listed entities by virtue of the JSE Listing Requirements. However, King IV does not provide detailed guidance on what sustainability or ESG disclosure standards should be adopted.

In 2022, the JSE issued Sustainability and Climate Disclosure Guidance documents, that draw on and are aligned with influential global initiatives on sustainability/ESG and climate change disclosure, including the ISSB's prototype disclosure requirements (which ultimately informed the final ISSB Standards). On 10 May 2024, SA's Prudential Authority issued guidance notes to banks and insurers on climate-related disclosures, governance, and risk practices, which also draw on the ISSB Standards and recommendations of the TCFD.

Many JSE-listed companies have already been reporting on sustainability-related matters in their integrated reports or as part of their annual reporting suite. The IFRS Foundation notes that the transition to ISSB Standards may be easier in jurisdictions where guidance has been set on the Integrated Reporting Framework or the recommendations of the TCFD, as important elements of these reporting frameworks and standards are built into ISSB Standards. Nevertheless, the adoption of mandatory ESG disclosures, prepared in accordance with the ISSB Standards, would require significant changes to the existing regime. First, it would require a shift in the mindsets of many South African companies who do not currently perceive sustainability-related or climate-related disclosures to be financial in nature.

Second, it would require changes to the existing regulatory regime, which would need to be made to cater to a policy decision to adopt ISSB Standards on a mandatory basis (for example, the definition of 'IFRS' in the Companies Regulations could be updated to include the 'ISSB', as the definition currently only refers to the 'IASB'). Third, in terms of application, a mandatory ESG reporting regime would likely apply to a wider range of companies than currently captured, create more specificity around the content of disclosures (although materiality would still matter), and could have implications for legal liability for non-compliances, non-disclosures or misstatements.

In March 2024, the Chair of the ISSB met with leaders in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to discuss considerations for the implementation of the ISSB Standards in Africa. Although the path towards adopting the ISSB Standards and/or mandatory ESG disclosures in SA has not yet been clearly paved, boards should keep up with developments taking place globally and should ensure that companies have robust ESG practices in place. Sustainability should not be relegated to a tick-box exercise.

Ends…

IZA Africa hosts expert seminar on the role of zinc in corrosion protection

Details

Created: Thursday, 08 August 2024 06:57

IZA Africa hosts expert seminar on the role of zinc in corrosion protection

17 July 2024: An expert seminar for South African civil engineers, consulting engineers, marine engineers and architects was hosted by the International Zinc Association (IZA) on 13 June in Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town in the Western Cape on 21 June 2024.

Attended by 30 consulting engineers, the seminar focused on the critical role of zinc coatings and galvanized steel, explains IZA Africa Director Simon Norton. In addition to looking in-depth at the role of zinc in corrosion protection, the seminar also delved into topics such as hot dip galvanizing, continuous galvanizing, zinc thermal spray, zinc rich paints and zinc thermal diffusion.

Zinc thermal spraying steel to ensure the corrosion protection of steel

An expert consultant in corrosion and failure investigation, Norton presented the seminars in conjunction with Terence Smith, formerly technical director of the Hot Dip Galvanizing Association of South Africa (HDGASA) and now an independent expert consultant in galvanizing.

The intensive one-day seminar provided engineers and architects with expert knowledge concerning the use of zinc as an anti-corrosion protective coating on steel. All delegates received IZA literature to accompany the seminar in the form of the IZA book ‘Essentials of Galvanizing’ published in 2020 and the new IZA book published in May 2024 entitled ‘Expert Guide to Galvanizing’.

When applied to steel, zinc acts as a sacrificial anode that corrodes preferentially, sacrificing itself to protect the underlying metal. Zinc corrodes instead of the base metal to prevent rust and degradation. Its most notable property is its ability to protect metals from corrosion through galvanic action.

As the zinc coating reacts, it forms a dense, adherent layer of byproducts known as a zinc patina which transforms the galvanized item from a shiny silver look to a matt dark grey appearance. The galvanized or zinc coated steel can then be overcoated with an organic coating, known as duplex coating of steel and a powerful means to effect long life to steel structures.

The zinc coating also acts as an additional barrier between the steel and the environment, slowing down the rate of corrosion considerably compared to unprotected exposed steel materials. As zinc corrodes, an oxy/hydroxy carbonate forms on protective zinc coatings. This self-healing process creates an impervious, coating resistant to the atmospheric environment.

IZA Africa imminently expects to offer its new zinc and corrosion protection seminar in Johannesburg and elsewhere if so requested. Consulting engineering firms are encouraged to contact IZA Africa about its experts presenting zinc in corrosion protection in the convenience of their own offices.

To book your place, email zinc@iafrica.com or call 082 831 2924.

Ends

Integrating disciplines helps mines manage groundwater

Details

Created: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 09:32

SRK – media release on mine water

Integrating disciplines helps mines manage groundwater

The management of groundwater resources by mines is increasingly demanding the integration of various disciplines, both to achieve corporate sustainability objectives and to remain compliant with legislation.

According to Ismail Mohamed, principal hydrogeologist at SRK Consulting, a project team for mine water supply and dewatering, for instance, would typically include a hydrogeologist, a hydrologist, engineers and environmental specialists.

“The hydrogeologist guides the project in the definition of water sources, while the hydrologist assists with achieving a water balance for the operation,” says Mohamed. “Civil and chemical engineers will design reticulation, water quality and treatment, and an environmental specialist would need to assess the project’s impacts.”

He added that rock mechanics engineers, structural geologists and mining engineers also contribute to managing mine water. Highlighting the central role played by hydrogeologists in navigating options for responsible groundwater use, SRK Consulting principal hydrogeologist Wadzanai Chimhanda said that these professionals design strategies and systems to ensure sustainability and compliance in the mine’s abstraction practices.

“We work with our colleagues in consulting engineering teams to gather high quality data for decision-making, as a key starting point in responsible water management,” said Chimhanda. This invariably requires borehole drilling, which would need to be supervised by a hydrogeological technician; the hydrogeologist could even be involved in the appointment of reputable drilling contractors.

“Gathering a range of detailed data, we can generate models for the client which takes into account their mining plan,” she said. “This allows us to advise on how much water is required by the mine and process plant, where it can be sourced and stored, and how much water will likely have to be discharged after required treatment.”

Mohamed pointed to a completed project in West Africa, which began with characterising the key aquifers at the mine in the pre-construction phase.

“We then developed a dewatering system based on both site testing and numerical modelling, and generated a water balance,” he said. “Based on the project’s dewatering system and water requirements, our civil engineers were then able to provide the client with a design and also assist with implementation during construction.”

He emphasised that – through developing a dewatering plan – the mine was able to proactively initiate dewatering ahead of mining, preventing groundwater from adversely affecting mining operations.

“The pumping system was engineered to be efficient, thereby conserving power and optimising equipment requirements,” he explained. “The water could then be productively utilised, minimising clean water abstraction from streams in use by communities located further downstream. So besides economic imperatives, this approach also delivers operational and duty-of-care benefits.”

Chimhanda noted that, while compliance to local regulations is a key concern for mining clients, it is vital for mines to recognise the principles of industry best practice and international standards.

“This gives projects a firmer basis to mitigate risk when regulations change, while raising the bar for the whole sector,” she said. “Leading mining companies and industry associations are also strong drivers of commitments like the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals – and water remains a crucial aspect of achieving many of these objectives.”

Words: 506

 Ismail Mohomed, Principal hydrogeologist at SRK Consulting

 Wadzanai Chimhanda, Principal hydrogeologist at SRK Consulting

Responsible sourcing of cobalt puts spotlight on artisanal mining

Details

Created: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 09:24

SRK – updated media release on artisanal mining

Responsible sourcing of cobalt puts spotlight on artisanal mining

With many rural communities in Africa being reliant on artisanal mining for their livelihoods, industries using cobalt are becoming sensitive to potential negative impacts in the mining supply chain.

News agency Reuters has reported there are 150,000 to 200,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone who earn their living from informal cobalt mining. At the same time, manufacturers of products such as batteries and electric vehicles want to ensure that their supply chains are ethical, according to Wouter Jordaan, partner and principal environmental scientist at SRK Consulting.

“Social aspects such as human rights violations have come to the fore as serious risks to formal cobalt producers, as customers want better traceability and integrity in their supply chains,” said Jordaan. “Many companies are now applying or incorporating standards and guidelines such as the due diligence guidelines from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), to audit their supply chains.”

Human rights abuses

These principles – published as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas – affect mines which source minerals from artisanal miners, or any other mines for that matter, he said.

“Due to the history of human rights abuses in cobalt mining, investors and lenders are cautious about being involved in transactions in this sector, especially in Africa,” he said.

He noted that large volumes of cobalt were shipped out of Africa for processing abroad, so the due diligence process was now also starting to target the entire supply chain, even shipping companies – to track who is engaged in the logistical aspects of this trade. This is the only way of ensuring that minerals cannot be fed into a processing facility without its provenance being known.

Fair operation and trade

“Quite a few Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Standards incorporate the OECD due diligence framework to check for human rights compliance, and also the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) requirements to monitor labour conditions,” explained Jordaan. “Similarly, organisations like the Fair Cobalt Alliance focus on artisanal and small-scale mining, making interventions where they can in areas such as environmental rehabilitation.”

These guidelines, standards and groups are playing a steadily more important role in assuring lenders, end-users and consumers that the commodities in their products have been sourced responsibly. Jordaan added that the government in the DRC was working towards formalising artisanal mining, but this was a difficult task.

“Government has tried to introduce more control over where artisanal mining can take place, and the channels through which the product can be sold,” he said. “One of the challenges is that government doesn’t monitor directly what actually happens at an operational level – so problems like unsafe working conditions and the use of child labour are not completely eliminated.”

Engagement

Jordaan highlighted that the miners themselves still earn only a fraction of the income that is generated – which undermines the potential impact of mining on community livelihoods. The interplay between formal mining companies and the artisanal workers remains a complex and difficult issue, but it is becoming clear that engagement is the best way forward.

As a basic foundation, for instance, mines are required to develop and apply a systematic Cahier de Charge – a plan for local social development – in consultation with local stakeholders. The communities that this plan affects often includes artisanal miners, who frequently work in deposits close to the mine itself. Operational decisions taken by the mines will invariably impact on these workers. SRK Consulting helps mines to facilitate the compulsory consultative process – as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment – to ensure that social development plans align with the real needs and preferences of the communities.

“Artisanal mining sites tend to be served by many informal businesses, set up by community members drawn to these busy locations,” said Jordaan. “Where a formal mine is operating close to an artisanal area, there is scope for those small businesses to be drawn into the mine’s supply chain – and developed as sustainable enterprises.”

While issues such as artisanal mining and responsible sourcing in the mining sector reflect significant shifts in thinking and strategy, the essential direction of movement toward good mining practice is relatively constant and will continue strongly into 2024.

Images and captions:

Industry organisations are promoting good practice and higher standards are making important contributions towards finding collaboration models that work

About SRK

SRK is an independent, global network of over 45 consulting practices on six continents. Its experienced engineers and scientists work with clients in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated, sustainable technical solutions across a range of sectors – mining, water, environment, infrastructure and energy. For more information, visit www.srk.co.za

ABBs women engineers enhance the profession with their innovation and diversity

Details

Created: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 09:20

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 18 JUNE 2024

ABB’s women engineers enhance the profession with their

INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY

An annual event that celebrates the incredible contributions of women engineers worldwide, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) mark its 11^th anniversary in 2024 under the theme of #EnhancedByEngineering. This year, INWED celebrates women engineers who have enhanced lives and livelihoods through their work. These remarkable individuals contribute to building a brighter future for all of us.

Mashadi Sebola, Engineering Manager, ABB South Africa, Test Department

Mashadi has a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering and is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. She commenced her career at ABB in 2011 as a P1/P2 trainee.

In 2013 she was permanently employed as a Test Technician, ensuring product quality, dependability, and customer interaction. In November 2016 she took up the challenge to join the tendering department, motivated by curiosity and an interest in the business’s commercial elements.

This transfer allowed Mashadi to gain experience in tender procedures and customer interactions. Seeking new challenges and growth prospects, she then embarked on a career outside in the rail industry. However, her admiration for ABB’s culture and desire to contribute to its success drew her back when an opportunity for Test Manager arose and she was successfully appointed.

Mashadi oversees a team of competent test engineers responsible for creating and executing test plans to validate product performance. She collaborates with cross-functional teams like design engineers, project managers, senior management, and production team to define test requirements, implement processes, and generate results.

In addition, she administers testing operations and plans long-term strategic testing infrastructure and capabilities. She is also responsible for exploring new testing technologies and tools to enhance efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness. The role blends technical knowledge, project management skills, and leadership.

The Test Department is the training ground for all young engineering students wishing to become test engineers, design engineers, or wherever their aspirations lie. “I am very proud to manage a team of devoted test engineers who are eager about guaranteeing the quality and dependability of our products, eventually contributing to ABB’s success in providing creative solutions to our clients,” comments Mashadi.

Engineering provides a platform for making important contributions, solving technical problems, increasing efficiency and productivity, and improving systems. “I am inspired by the opportunity to address issues that have an impact on the world around us. Furthermore, being a part of a traditionally male-dominated industry motivates me to challenge preconceptions and urge other women to seek jobs in STEM. I am eager to challenge the status quo and drive change in the industry, pushing boundaries, and paving the way for future generations of female engineers,” says Mashadi.

ABB is committed to promoting inclusion and diversity at all levels of its business, recognising its role in innovation, creativity, and corporate success. The company actively seeks diverse applicants and fosters a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and respected. It promotes diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups, training programmes, and awareness campaigns, fostering networking and advocacy for positive change within the business, thereby promoting workplace diversity.

She concludes: “It is important to embrace your abilities, hobbies, and curiosity, and not let gender influence your career. Seek mentors and role models, especially female engineers, to gain experience and advice. Building a strong support network can significantly impact your career goals and help you achieve your career goals.”

Sweetness Rakosa, Marketing and Sales Manager, ABB Electrification

Sweetness studied Electrical Engineering (Light Current) at the University of South Africa. She started her career as a Junior Electrical Engineer for a crane company, where her main responsibility was the electrical design for cranes.

She has over 20 years’ work experience in different industries and companies, including Siemens Energy, ABB, Atlas Copco, Siemens Gamesa, and Vestas. Over the years she became more interested in technical sales and contracts management. Her current role at ABB Electrification Service is Marketing and Sales Manager.

Sweetness leads and develops the service sales team to exceed the sales targets through high performance to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. She implements the service sales strategy aligned with ABB’s global service priorities and local strategic direction to profitably achieve qualitative and quantitative targets.

“I am passionate about engineering because you always learn new things and tackle complex challenges. You get to create and implement solutions that will improve or change the world,” comments Sweetness. ABB creates an environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all its employees and does not tolerate any form of discrimination including gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, religion, ability, and age.

“We need to encourage and mentor girls who have a passion for engineering. We need to show them the positive impact that women engineers have had in the world and how they can continue that legacy,” adds Sweetness.

Her message to girls wanting to embark on a similar career is simple: “The way has already been paved for you by the remarkable women engineers in the world. Nothing is impossible; follow your dreams and change the world.”

ENDS

Municipalities share the risk of tailings dam failure with mines

Details

Created: Monday, 10 June 2024 08:21

SRK – general release for Water quarter

Municipalities share the risk of tailings dam failure with mines

In the event of a mine tailings dam failure, the latest global standards reiterate that municipalities must play an important role in the emergency response and recovery.

Indeed, local government in South Africa has a legal responsibility for any disaster in its jurisdiction, imposed by the country’s Disaster Management Act and the Disaster Management Framework. The latest Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) raises the bar further, according to Andries Fourie, senior technologist in disaster and risk management at SRK Consulting.

“Principles 13 and 14 of the GISTM relate specifically to emergency preparedness, response planning and long-term recovery after the failure of a tailings dam – or tailings storage facility (TSF),” said Fourie. “The GISTM highlights that government agencies including municipalities need to be part of a close collaboration with mines if the response to tailings dam incidents is to be effective.”

He explained that the GISTM requires a ‘shared state of readiness’ among stakeholders, based on a site-specific TSF Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP). This plan demands a supportive relationship between the mine and the local and district municipality – without which such a state of readiness would be difficult to achieve.

“The GISTM in fact paves the way for more positive cooperation between mines and government at all levels,” said Fourie. “On a practical level, mines could play a greater role as part of the disaster management advisory forums which are convened at district, provincial and national levels of government.”

Municipalities in mining areas could benefit considerably by staying abreast of the GISTM’s new requirements that mines were subscribing to, as these would undoubtedly contribute to community safety. However, many municipalities were not yet fully aware of the GISTM and its implications, he pointed out.

“More active collaboration between mines and municipalities would certainly be within the spirit of the GISTM,” he said, “and would clearly support the municipalities’ mandate to keep communities safe.”

Such a relationship begins with aligning the mine’s EPRP and the local municipality’s legally required Disaster Management Plan, says Herman Booysen, principal scientist at SRK Consulting. Legislation, such as the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 as amended, requires local government to analyse and understand the risks and hazards within its area of jurisdiction, and to have a disaster management plan in place.

“The risk associated with tailings dams clearly creates an important overlap between the respective disaster management responsibilities of the municipality, and the mine” said Booysen. “Unfortunately, many of the disaster management plans for municipalities are prepared by outside consultants, who often do not fully appreciate TSF-related risks.”

The mining industry’s embracing of the GISTM should provide an opportunity for municipalities and their consultants to look more closely at TSF-related risks and responses, he added.

Currently, however, Fourie warned that many municipalities now have only limited delivery capacity; this means that mines will need to take more responsibility for TSF-related disaster management – even long-term recovery.

“While government would normally lead emergency responses of a humanitarian nature, not all municipalities located close to TSFs are adequately resourced to provide these services in the event of a disaster,” he said.

Words: 579

SRK supports ESG journey through Africa-Asia collaboration

Details

Created: Monday, 10 June 2024 08:20

SRK supports ESG journey through Africa-Asia collaboration

With mining companies in Asia taking a growing interest in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects of their operations, SRK Consulting engaged over 40 of its clients and other companies in a workshop dedicated to these topics in Beijing recently.

This followed an internal SRK knowledge-sharing workshop in which staff from its Asian and African offices discussed ways to integrate ESG issues into the company’s range of other resource-related disciplines. Vis Reddy, current chairman of SRK Consulting South Africa and now Africa regional coordinator at SRK Consulting, said the topics presented to clients included the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), climate change and responsible sourcing.

“There is considerable concern about ESG issues among many of the Chinese-owned companies that operate in Africa,” said Reddy. “These workshops were an important way in which SRK’s Africa and Asia practices are jointly reaching out to clients with our experience and insights – to build ESG awareness and capability wherever we operate.”

Other related topics for discussion were water stewardship and mine closure – both growing in importance globally on the responsible mining agenda. With several China-based mining companies active in African countries, the sessions were able to draw on case studies from SRK’s work in Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo and sharing the challenges that Asian (Chinese) mining houses encounter when working on the continent and how these challenges can be overcome.

The Beijing workshop was in fact the second that SRK has held in China in as many years, with a session last year addressed by SRK South Africa managing director Andrew van Zyl, SRK DRC Director Wouter Jordaan and SRK China principal geologist Frank Li. According to SRK China managing director Pengfei Xiao, the focus on ESG in China’s mining sector is relatively young but many companies are now putting these policies in place.

“The real challenge for many companies is that, at this stage, they do not have much expertise or experience in practically integrating ESG into their daily operations,” said Pengfei. “We have therefore begun with sharing the insights of our ESG experts, making clients aware of the global benchmarks and how these are evolving – as well as the local requirements in specific countries.”

At the same time, he said, SRK China was building its capacity to deliver ESG-related services through engaging local expertise – and learning from colleagues in other practices. This was paving the way to providing assistance to clients at both corporate and operational levels.

Among the professionals involved in the workshop from SRK South Africa was partner and principal environmental scientist Philippa Burmeister, who emphasised the importance of building relationships not only with clients but with mining suppliers.

“Our visits to China give us better first-hand insight into available and evolving technologies – such as electric trucks – which clients may want to consider in their decarbonisation strategies,” said Burmeister. “Cities like Beijing are well populated with electric vehicles on the road, and this technology is fast reaching into other sectors and larger applications.”

China is already significantly advanced in the production of cleaner, renewable energy, according to Li, with the International Energy Agency reporting that the country already produces about 23% of its electricity from renewable sources. This is another indication of its momentum towards embracing ESG principles in business.

Wouter Jordaan, a partner and leading environmental scientist at SRK South Africa, has contributed to the Asian workshops since the outset. He pointed out the increasing intricacies involved in adhering to ESG standards, mentioning that mining companies endeavoring to improve in these areas are frequently met with challenges.

“Evolving ESG standards and frameworks developed at global level – overlaid by different legislation and regulations on a national level – create a complicated terrain for mining companies to navigate,” he said. “Many mines struggle at site level with a range of operational challenges, and also face a range of compliance and policy requirements which are not negotiable. Our role has been to help clients understand what applies to them and the strategies required to be compliant – while also working to achieve international good practice standards.”

Words: 677

ABB helps business map a route to energy efficiency savings with new online calculator

Details

Created: Monday, 10 June 2024 08:19

zurich, switzerland, 3 june 2024

ABB helps business map a route to energy efficiency savings with new online calculator

• At IEA’s Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, ABB strived to showcase decision makers how energy efficiency can help reach emissions targets and increase productivity
• ABB’s online calculator supports businesses to estimate potential benefits of enhancing the energy efficiency of their low voltage motors in pump and fan applications
• The calculator is a light version of ABB’s in-depth energy efficiency audit and is based on the same algorithm

With the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s 9^th Global Conference taking place from 21 to 22 May in Nairobi, businesses across the world face the goal of doubling progress towards energy efficiency by 2030 to meet COP28 emissions targets and cut energy costs. However, a recent report from the Energy Efficiency Movement shows that while there is optimism and appetite among businesses to invest in energy efficiency, the survey also identified barriers, including a lack of specialist resources (33 percent).

To address this deficit and help businesses take the first step on their journey towards energy efficiency, ABB is launching an online calculator which offers easy access to data insight based on the energy performance of motor-driven systems. By inputting basic details about their motor fleet, running hours and average operating power, the customer can estimate energy and emissions savings, and payback period. The online calculator is a light version of the in-depth energy efficiency audit used by ABB’s experts in a full study and is based on the same algorithm.

“Improving energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways for industrial organisations to reduce their environmental impact and operating costs,” said Erich Labuda, President of the Motion Services division at ABB. “However, many businesses lack the data insights needed to act. Our new online calculator democratises access to this valuable information and helps businesses understand the scale of the opportunity.”

The calculator provides an initial estimate of the potential energy and cost savings achievable by upgrading pump and fan systems driven by low voltage direct online (DOL) motors, which are installed without a variable speed drive (VSD) to control their speed. The calculator focuses on low voltage motors of efficiency class IE3 and below. It estimates the energy savings that could be achieved by upgrading to the latest motor and drive technology – the IE5 SynRM package – for optimal energy efficiency gains.

After seeing the potential results, the next step in the energy efficiency journey is a full energy efficiency audit, where ABB’s experts gather site-specific data to precisely identify an operator’s top opportunities for saving energy. Once an audit’s recommendations are implemented, the final step is to protect their investments with customised service agreements that keep their motors and drives operating efficiently and reliably through their lifetime.

To try the online energy efficiency calculator, click here.

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. We deliver motor driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 22,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day. go.abb/motion

Effective engagement eases WULAs in South Africa

Details

Created: Sunday, 19 May 2024 15:36

SRK – media release on navigating complexity of WULAs

Effective engagement eases WULAs in South Africa

As South Africa pays closer attention to managing its scarce water resources, it has inevitably become more complex to apply for water use licences; however, there are experts providing support through this process.

“For the best results, the water use licence application (WULA) process really needs close and constant engagement with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), as well as the various technical specialists who conduct studies for the application,” said Avril Owens, principal environmental scientist and associate partner at SRK Consulting. “Specialised consultants can help applicants to streamline this process.”

For instance, there is often insufficient information at the early stages of a project to meet application requirements, but the process is generally initiated early because it can be lengthy. To deal with this challenge, environmental experts can be consulted in the concept phase, and can start the WULA process with detailed information gathering and review. This assessment of available data helps determine the best way forward, including detailed schedules with clear permitting milestones, roles and responsibilities and action plans to close identified information gaps.

Owens noted that the DWS Electronic Water Use Licence Application and Authorisation System (e-WULAAS) has been a significant step forward in streamlining the application process.

“This online system allows for uploading of documentation and assists DWS with tracking and reviewing the application,” she said. “It also allows vital communication to be conveyed to and from applicants.”

She highlights that structured communication protocols with DWS officials are important throughout the application process. These protocols may vary between the different case officers and therefore agreed upon channels of communication at the beginning of the process is vital. The officials manage multiple applications, which may impact on their availability to address ad hoc queries regarding specific project requirements. There may also be slightly different technical requirements between the various DWS regional offices, making it crucial for these to be outlined early on.

It can happen that the DWS case officer changes during the application, pointed out Giulia Barr, senior environmental scientist at SRK Consulting, therefore communication is key to bring the new case officer up to speed.

“This provides context to assist with the application review – facilitating decision making within the timeframe,” said Barr. “It is also a good idea to select one person per project or site to engage with DWS – so that there is continuity in communication.”

A WULA hinges on scientific specialist assessments and/or engineering designs. A consultants’ assistance is invaluable in terms of integrating and sharing this information with the project team. Integration and sharing information takes considerable time and effort, often requiring technical integration workshops at key stages of the project where the needs and challenges of specific disciplines can be addressed to meet the DWS WULA requirements

Owens noted that a common complication in WULAs is when there are project changes, after the application process has commenced, affecting water uses and associated mitigation measures –.

“These changes can affect the specialist assessments, incur extra cost and cause schedule delays,” she said. “It is advisable that a scope freeze be agreed upon upfront and signed off as the impact of scope changes may be challenging to mitigate.”

Words in article: 662

FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA introduces latest calcium sulphonate grease for mining

Details

Created: Sunday, 19 May 2024 15:35

FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA introduces latest calcium sulphonate grease for mining

22 April 2024: One of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies has standardised on FUCHS’ RENOLIT CSX ULTRA across all its heavy mobile equipment, following extensive testing. The calcium sulphonate complex grease is now being blended locally by FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA for its extensive mining customer base, reveals Dave Gons, Mining Export Technical Export.

“RENOLIT CSX ULTRA rom FUCHS is a grease capable of meeting and exceeding all major mining OEM grease performance criteria at a sustainable cost,” says Gons. It is in line with changing maintenance practices as mining operations push to reduce the number of products used on-site.

A simple lithium grease has a typical dropping point of about 190°C, which is the temperature at which it transitions from a semi-solid to a liquid. However, a lithium complex grease can withstand even higher temperatures, with a dropping point of up to 260°C.

“Calcium sulphonate greases have superior high-temperature performance,” notes Gons. Their dropping point and high-temperature life are superior to that of lithium greases, allowing them to operate at elevated temperatures.

They also perform better than lithium grease in terms of oxidation resistance, making them much more stable under challenging conditions. Another benefit is higher mechanical stability compared to lithium greases.

Thus, they are less prone to leakage and runout during operation. They also act as a natural rust inhibitor, whereas lithium complex greases often require additional rust-inhibiting additives. The ongoing shortage of lithium also makes them much more expensive to produce.

“RENOLIT CSX ULTRArom FUCHS offers several advantages, particularly in the context of sustainability and rising lithium prices,” notes Gons. It performs well even at elevated temperatures, making it idea for arduous applications such as mining.

It maintains its consistency even in the presence of water, which is crucial for mining equipment that is often exposed to chemically treated water or other process fluids. In addition, RENOLIT CSX ULTRA resists breakdown or shear and retains its consistency under operating conditions with high water contamination.

It provides robust protection against wear and extreme pressure for enhanced equipment longevity. The optimised base oil viscosity ensures a thicker lubricant film to protect against shock loading, heavy loads, and boundary lubrication. It also guards against corrosion, especially in harsh environments.

“In mining applications in particular, RENOLIT CSX ULTRA provides excellent extreme pressure protection by forming a durable lubricating film. It reduces wear and extends the life of critical components such as pins, bushes, slew gears, and slew bearings,” explains Gons.

Other applications are heavily loaded roller bearings and plain bearings in rotating, oscillating, and sliding contact pins on excavators, rope shovels, loaders, dozers, and haul trucks – all which require a multipurpose grease, whether in mining or construction, which means a single product can be used effectively to cover an entire fleet.

Ends

Connect with FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA on Social Media to receive the company’s latest news
Facebook: @FuchsLubricantsSouthAfrica https://www.facebook.com/FuchsLubricantsSouthAfrica

LinkedIn: Fuchs Lubricants SA https://www.linkedin.com/company/fuchslubricantssa/?viewAsMember=true

Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this news article, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA link to view its press office.

About FUCHS
FUCHS develops, produces, and markets high-grade lubricants and related specialties for virtually all industries Founded in 1931 as a family business in Mannheim, FUCHS is now the world's largest independent supplier of innovative lubricant solutions, covering almost every industry and application. Today, the company’s 6 000 employees in over 50 countries still share the same goal: To keep the world moving both sustainably and efficiently.

To live up to this claim, we think in terms of perfection, not merely standards. When developing individual solutions, we enter into an intensive customer dialogue – acting as an experienced consultant, innovative problem solver and reliable team partner. The results we provide meet not only the highest technological requirements, but also help customers save on operating costs and emissions. Because at FUCHS, sustainability is not simply an empty phrase, but a mindset – and thus the basis and aspiration of all our business activity.

FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA Contact

Kayla Van Vught
Marketing Specialist
Phone: (011) 565 9738
Email: kayla.vanvught@fuchs.com
Web: www.fuchs.com/za

Media Contact

Rachel Mekgwe
Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel@ngage.co.za

Web: www.ngage.co.za

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client news articles and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za

Empowering workers by incentivising responsible workplace behaviour and financial discipline

Details

Created: Sunday, 19 May 2024 15:34

Empowering workers by incentivising responsible workplace behaviour and financial discipline

By Steve Mallaby, CEO, adumo Payouts

In the ever-changing landscape of workforce management, adumo Payouts recognises the importance of encouraging responsible workplace behaviour and financial discipline, especially considering the growing challenges employees encounter in managing their finances. Introducing the versatile adumo incentive card as a dependable backup fund not only enhances the overall advantages of incentivisation for both employees and their respective companies, but also addresses the pressing need for financial stability.

For many workers, the cycle of receiving a salary and quickly spending it is a common financial struggle. This hasty spending often leaves individuals with little to no savings, making it challenging to build a secure financial future.

adumo Payouts understands the profound impact this immediate spending has on workers’ ability to save. Without a buffer for emergencies or future planning, financial stability becomes an elusive goal for many employees.

Enter the adumo incentive card, a gamechanger in the quest for financial discipline. Unlike regular salaries, the funds on the adumo incentive card cannot be garnisheed, providing workers with a secure financial backup that empowers them to manage their finances responsibly. In a legal context, a garnishee involves taking an amount from someone’s wages or bank account to pay back money owed.

More than just a financial tool, the physical adumo card becomes a proud symbol for workers, representing their financial independence and the ability to control their financial destiny. It symbolises a shift from mere earners to being responsible financial managers in charge of their own future.

For those questioning the necessity for incentives when workers are already receiving a salary, adumo Payouts provides a strategic insight. Incentivisation goes beyond regular pay. It serves as a powerful motivator to achieve production and safety targets, boosting productivity, and cultivating a positive workplace culture.

Moreover, incentivisation is not just about benefiting employees. It significantly enhances a company’s credibility and standing as a responsible corporate citizen. Investing in the well-being and financial security of their workforce, companies not only enhance their reputation, but also nuture positive relationships with employees, trade unions, and the community at large.

Incentivisation is a key tool to maintain a good standing with trade unions. Highlighting a commitment to the financial health of workers, companies can build positive relations with unions, fostering a collaborative and mutually beneficial work environment.

Incentivisation has a ripple effect beyond the individual worker. By boosting spending power, it stimulates economic activity within the broader community, contributing to a positive cycle of growth.

adumo Payouts’ innovative approach to incentivising responsible workplace behaviour and financial discipline goes beyond traditional payroll systems. The adumo incentive card not only addresses immediate spending challenges but also empowers workers to take control of their financial future. By embracing incentivisation, companies not only boost productivity, they strengthen their credibility as responsible corporate citizens committed to the well-being of their workforce.

Ends

Connect with adumo Payouts on Social Media to receive the company’s latest news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adumogroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adumo/

Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the adumo Payouts link to view the company’s press office.

About adumo Payouts

Physical and digital prepaid, secure payout solutions for South African businesses.

Trusted by over 500 corporates and backed by Mastercard, our transactional card products empower you to recognise and reward positive workplace behaviours.

adumo Payouts Contact

Steve Mallaby
CEO
Phone: (011) 290 9931
Email: steve@adumo.com
Website: www.adumo.com/payouts

Media Contact

Andile Mbethe

Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client news articles and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za

End-of-life planning for mines requires careful planning and assessment

Details

Created: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 11:27

PRESS RELEASE

End-of-life planning for mines requires careful planning and assessment

13 March 2024: Due to the nature of mining, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) requires mines to have an environmental management programme in place, with the necessary funds allocated to it for closure before a mining permit is issued.

Mining and heavy industry are always evolving as new technology results in new methods and optimised operations. As such, consultation may occur in multiple stages during a facility’s lifespan, most notably after major upgrades or changes to on-site infrastructure.

“Wherever there is industry, there is a need for end-of-life planning. Africa’s rich and diverse mineral reserves are perfect for continuous improvement in systems and processes, in turn leading to more challenging and exciting planning opportunities,” comments Kate Bester, Project and Contracts Manager at Jet Demolition.

The company provides professional on-site demolition assessments to large mining houses and industrial clients whereby experienced staff conduct on-site investigations of existing infrastructure. The main aim is to determine the cost, resources, and schedule details relating to the demolition aspects of future closures.

More crucially, however, it is an opportunity for early involvement in final closure planning, which may ultimately result in an optimised closure approach. Such an assessment extends beyond measuring and quantifying what is present.

It affords the opportunity to identify, record and plan for heritage on-site conditions that may require special attention, allows for the identification of assets that may be transferred or sold prior to closure, and also considers options with regard to the timing, sequencing, and execution of closure.

The highly experienced members of the engineering and operations department at Jet Demolition who carry out these assessments possess various qualifications such as MSc degrees and engineering diplomas, combined with extensive practical experience.

The safety and environmental teams also contribute to these studies, enabling full turnkey consultation with clients. This process ensures that all major items are carefully considered during pre-closure planning, aligning budgetary provisions with the final adopted approach.

While on-site assessments do not necessarily translate into additional scope of work, they do build on existing client relationships. “We have always focused on providing comprehensive, turnkey services to our clients. Demolition assessments are part and parcel of our turnkey demolition solutions,” highlights Bester.

“There have been many projects throughout Africa where on-site assessments have been carried out successfully at large mining houses and heavy industrial plants. We provide practical, cost-effective and safety-centric solutions to technically demanding projects. Our reputation and experience in industry is well-suited to assist clients with preparatory works and detailed planning in order to best plan for end-of-life of large facilities,” she concludes.

Ends

Connect with Jet Demolition on Social Media to receive the company’s latest news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JetDemolition/?ref=br_rs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jet-demolition-pty-ltd/

Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Jet Demolition link to view the company’s press office.

About Jet Demolition

Jet Demolition has been undertaking industrial demolition works since 1994, and is the leading, largest, and most technically-advanced demolition company in Africa. It offers in-house, full-range demolition services, including advanced mechanical solutions and controlled implosions. It actively pursues ongoing development of skills and equipment suited to the changing needs of the industry.

Jet Demolition is a technically-based company, with various staff members holding MSc, BSc, and BTech Degrees, as well as National Diplomas, in various engineering fields. This expertise gives it the technical foundation to successfully engineer solutions for large and complex demolition projects, and furthermore fuels its drive to deliver quality projects safely. Jet Demolition strives to offer its clients innovative and technical solutions to demanding demolition challenges.

Jet Demolition Contact

Kate Bester (NDip Civil Engineering - PMP)

Project and Contracts Manager

Phone: (011) 495 3800

Cell: 072 811 5310

Email: kate@jetdemolition.co.za

Web: www.jetdemolition.co.za

Media Contact

Rachel Mekgwe

NGAGE Public Relations

Phone: (011) 867 7763

Fax: 086 512 3352

Cell: 074 212 1422

Email: rachel@ngage.co.za

Web: www.ngage.co.za

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za

Proudly SA designed and manufactured solution to clean compressed air effectively

Details

Created: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 11:26

NEWS ARTICLE

Proudly SA designed and manufactured solution to clean compressed air effectively

(Date) 2024: ISO-Reliability Partners has taken another step in bringing to market highly effective solutions to combat contamination in all its forms. The locally designed and patented Air Wizard inline water trap is proudly manufactured in South Africa. It has been SABS tested for the separation of water, oily fluids, rust and solid particulates from pneumatic compressed air or gas lines.

“Anyone operating a compressor understands the ongoing problems associated with water and contaminants in compressed air lines,” comments ISO-Reliability Partners CEO Craig Fitzgerald. Air Wizard is a solution for compressed air treatment that efficiently removes water and solid particulate matter without any need for servicing, maintenance or consumable costs.

It is fitted with a unique patented condensate drain mechanism that allows for the collection and removal of condensate, oil, rust and any other foreign particle from the flow path, without unnecessary air loss during the automated purge and discharge cycle.

“Our homegrown solution to clean compressed air is highly efficient, effective and consumable free,” points out FitzGerald. The Air Wizard extracts about 97% of free water in the system which, in turn, reduces corrosion and protects tools, air motors, instruments and other equipment being driven by compressed air.

The product has been SABS pressure tested to over 12 Bar or 1200 kpA. The pneumatic water trap passed SABS efficiency tests with an average 96.85%. “This makes Air Wizard the most effective solution available to industry – and, the best of all, it incurs zero operational or maintenance costs,” highlights FitzGerald.

Water condensation is a by-product of compressing air. The quantity of water collected by an air compressor depends mainly on the ambient air quality, humidity levels, operating pressure and inlet condition.

In simple terms, air temperature, humidity, compressor size and operating pressure determine the amount of water that will collect in the air tank. This moisture affects the entire system, including piping and connections. Considering that hot, humid air has a higher moisture content than cold air, water vapour is created within the compressor.

To counteract this, numerous high maintenance accessories exist in the market, including condensation separators, aftercoolers, refrigerant dryers and adsorption dryers. These known accessories have varying degrees of efficiencies and associated continuous maintenance and high service costs.

As water is the predominant contaminant found in compressed air systems, the focus has always been on water removal. However, many other contaminants are found in air systems that are not removed by these accessories. These include micro-organisms, oil vapour, atmospheric particulates, dust, rust and pipe scale. “Air Wizard stands apart not only due to its affordability, but through the removal of all foreign particulate matter,” adds FitzGerald.

Water moisture is known to be highly problematic to pneumatic systems, instruments, air motors, actuators and valves and air powered tools. In addition, any components or machines connected to the pneumatic system are impacted, resulting in potential contamination or quality variances of the end product.

Adverse effects of pneumatic system contamination results in excessive maintenance and shorter equipment life, corrosion and rust within the piping system and equipment, damage to pneumatic controls and quality concerns. Freezing can result in cold weather conditions, damaging control lines.

“To avoid unnecessary and excessive maintenance costs and potential downtime, it is always recommended to be proactive,” stresses FitzGerald. Implementing the necessary steps to keep compressed air dry, clean and suitable for your application is highly recommended.

“ISO-Reliability has just made that process so much easier with its innovative Air Wizard automated pneumatic water trap,” says FitzGerald. The solution is a simple addition into existing lines to immediately reduce load on existing accessories, lowering maintenance costs and mean-time-between servicing.

Moisture circulating within an air system can have various undesirable implications, such as increased risk of corrosion, machinery lubricants being washed away and accelerating the rate at which metal parts rust. “The undesirable effects of retained moisture translate into a higher total cost of maintenance as compressor parts require replacement more often than usual,” explains FitzGerald.

Industrial manufacturing processes require particulate-free and moisture-free air to function properly. The presence of water in compressed air lines, combined with corrosion, can block circulating tubing and reduce process efficiency. Precision instruments are particularly affected by system contaminants, resulting in regular unnecessary replacement.

Various industrial processes incorporate pneumatic control systems to regulate critical production equipment. The presence of water within these air regulated systems significantly reduces productivity as malfunctioning controls lead to costly maintenance and downtime.

Condensation and particulate matter in a compressed air reservoir causes debris to accumulate within the air circulation system. This water coalesces with other solid impurities like dirt and oils and damages cylinder and valve systems.

These mixtures can narrow airflow tracts and dry out lubrication on machinery parts, slowing down production speeds. Further, compressed air contamination can damage rubber components of equipment valves, causing them to stiffen or even rupture.

Quality defects of finished products becomes a key concern in the food manufacturing industry in particular. The presence of condensation in a compressed air system has dire consequences. Pneumatic systems are used to manufacture, dry and seal packaging for perishable foods, making end-product quality an essential requirement.

If impurities from the compressed air enters packaged food items, there will be a significant alteration in the quality, potential bacterial contamination and reduced shelf life of the finished products.

ISO-Reliability Partners is a Level 2 accredited B-BBEE contributor that owns the iconic Filter Focus brand and provides lubrication products and services with a foundation in tribology and hydrocarbon ISO cleanliness.

Ends

About ISO-Reliability Partners

ISO-Reliability Partners has consolidated knowledge and expertise and provides industry with substantial and quantifiable improvements to plant and asset protection. We combine expertise in the fields of filtration, lubrication, and tribology, offering an advanced and comprehensive service to our customers.

The well-being of the environment is of key concern but is often overshadowed by business needs. Through the more efficient use and handling of commodities such as fuel and lubricants, we reduce pollution through lower usage and disposal of lubricants, conserve electricity usage while achieving higher production output and provide greater asset protection and an overall lowest cost of ownership.

ISO-Reliability Partners is a Level 2 accredited B-BBEE contributor that owns the iconic Filter Focus brand and provides lubrication products and services with a foundation in tribology and hydrocarbon ISO cleanliness. Unlock the hidden and lost value in your business operations with world-class technology provided by ISO-Reliability Partners, your partner in improved efficiencies.

ISO-Reliability Partners Contact

Craig FitzGerald

Phone: +27 10 449 6414

Email: craig@iiso.co.za

Website: www.iso-reliability.com

Media Contact

Andile Mbethe

Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client news articles and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za

R943bn mooted govt infrastructure spend is good news for zinc sector

Details

Created: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 11:25

NEWS ARTICLE

R943bn mooted govt infrastructure spend is good news for zinc sector

19 March 2024: In his budget speech on 21 February, the South African Finance Minister outlined the government’s plans to invest over R943 billion in public infrastructure over the next three years to support the refurbishment and maintenance of existing assets and build new infrastructure. The government’s mooted Infrastructure Investment Plan will promote projects in six key sectors, namely energy, water and sanitation, transport, digital infrastructure, human settlements, and agriculture and agro-processing.

The Finance Minister also outlined reforms aimed to streamline the supply chain, improve efficiency, and ultimately attract greater private sector participation. “Supporting public infrastructure investment, I am proud to announce that as part of this budget, we are introducing fundamental and far-reaching reforms to infrastructure financing and delivery,” he said. Through these reforms, greater efficiency gains and infrastructure delivery will be fast-tracked. This will benefit all sectors, social infrastructure, PPPs, and projects with other finance mechanisms.

“If the South African government actually means what it says, and from past experience we are gravely doubtful, then this is good news for the zinc and galvanizing sectors,” acknowledges Simon Norton, Director of the International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa. “To restore our position as a strong, thriving economy, we must grow our employment base and rebuild our deteriorating waterworks, wastewater works and infrastructure.”

As South Africa grapples with infrastructure challenges and the need to resolve these quickly and effective, zinc galvanizing of steel remains a vital tool to protect and extend the life of critical steel structures. Corrosion, the deterioration of steel due to its interaction with the environment, poses a significant threat to the longevity and safety of steel structures particularly at the coast and in corrosive environments such as wastewater treatment plants.

Hot dip galvanizing using zinc effectively prevents corrosion by creating a protective barrier between the steel and the surrounding environment. Composed of iron-zinc alloys, this barrier acts as a sacrificial anode, preferentially corroding in place of the steel. In rail infrastructure, railway lines are galvanized as are electric power line poles. Galvanizing safeguards steel components from the corrosive effects of moisture and other contaminants.

Power infrastructure, including transmission pylons, substations, and other steel structures also rely heavily on galvanizing using zinc to maintain its integrity. Corrosion of these components can lead to power outages, disruptions in electricity supply, and even catastrophic failures when pylons collapse as a result of rusting. Zinc galvanizing safeguards these critical structures, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity.

Beyond its protective benefits, zinc galvanizing offers significant economic advantages. By extending the lifespan of steel components, zinc galvanizing reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving on material and labour costs. “If engineers hot dip galvanize steel, the capital expenditure is well spent and in the long run much cheaper than repair. Moreover, it minimises the risk of structural failures, which can lead to costly repairs and disruptions to operations,” concludes Norton.

Ends

Connect with the International Zinc Association on Social Media to receive its latest news

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3uNP5w7

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3uNSAmb

Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this news article, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the International Zinc Association link to view the company’s press office.

About the International Zinc Association (IZA)

The IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. Operating internationally and locally in Africa through the IZA Africa Desk, the IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and zinc as essential in human health and crop nutrition. IZA’s main programmes are Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and Communications.

In South Africa, the IZA plays a vital role in establishing the basis for the successful growth of the zinc industry by increasing awareness of zinc and its applications and benefits in key sectors and markets.

International Zinc Association Contact
Simon Norton
Director

IZA Africa
Phone: (021) 788 9980

Cell: 082 831 2924
Email: zinc@iafrica.com
Web: www.zinc.org

Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe

Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za

Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion at Zutari #InspiresInclusion on International Women’s Day

Details

Created: Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:50

04 March 2024: A global celebration that recognises the achievements, contributions, and challenges women worldwide face, this year’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March is #InspireInclusion. It is based on the idea that when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.

“At Zutari, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, recognising the invaluable contributions that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to our organisation,” comments Senzekile Mdluli, Head: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & CSI at Zutari. “We are actively pursuing increased representation of women by setting targets, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and gender diversity.”

She adds: “As we continue to refine our overall strategy, we reflect on our dedication to creating a workplace that values and champions diversity at every level.” The leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice showcases four women taking great strides at the company.

Isabelle Meyburgh, Revit Modeller |Built Environment, Zutari

“In my experience, it should not matter If you are male or female. If you love something and are good at it, you should have the opportunity to prove that to the world,” says Isabelle, a Revit Modeller in the Built Environment, Bloemfontein office team. Her role is to model all structural components for projects and compile all construction drawings.

While only at Zutari for a year, Isabelle is already involved in ongoing projects. “The highlight for me is to complete my drawings, have my name cited as the author, and then see those drawings come alive at sites. It makes me so proud to be doing what I am,” says Isabelle, adding it is a journey that has made her much more confident in herself and her skills.

Her advice to young women just starting their careers is: “Go for it! Nobody gets to tell you what you can and cannot do; prove them all wrong. Being a woman working mainly in a male-dominated industry is hard, but keeping your head up and being your best gives you a sense of pride. I am proud of my hard work, where I am today, and where I am going,” asserts Isabelle.

Petronella Taljaard, Technical Specialist |Water, Zutari

“I applaud Zutari’s various initiatives like its bursary programme, partnering with Protec, and its leadership development courses like Ascend, aimed to develop female leadership. Zutari is being deliberate about making changes to advance women at all levels. I think all sectors in the engineering industry can do more to create awareness and support for youth, especially girls, to join the industry,” comments Petronella.

She is a professionally registered civil engineer in the East London office, forming part of the water team. At present she focuses on project controls, design reviews and management and assists in delivering water projects for government clients.

“An important consideration that keeps me motivated is the belief that my contribution matters and has value, and having this belief validated by my team. I love that I am constantly exposed to new challenges and that no two days at work are ever the same. The wealth of knowledge, expertise and resources within Zutari excites me. I feel privileged to be able to share this knowledge with others,” says Petronella.

Each phase of her career has had its own highlights and challenges. She had a stint on a construction site as a NEC-3 construction supervisor in the Port of East London to refurbish a sheet pile quay wall. “This was an exciting, one-of-a-kind type project and a beautiful outdoor work environment that I remember fondly,” adds Petronella.

During her time as a line manager, she really enjoyed the opportunity to support and mentor others in their careers. “It is definitely still a work in progress – by no means have I arrived at the end of my journey!” she points out.

Lize Brand, Technical Director: Business Communication | Management and Sustainability, Zutari

“It brings me immense pride to have played a role in creating a new team that adds value to Zutari’s services,” says Lize. What is even more gratifying, she adds, is that Zutari has embraced the idea of building a communication team amid the traditionally engineering-centric environment.

This not only underscores the importance of effective communication in its projects, but also highlights Zutari’s commitment to adapting and evolving to meet the diverse needs of its clients and stakeholders.

The Business Communication team is one of a few advisory teams in the Management and Sustainability Market in Zutari. At its core, it drives a human-centred approach to support project impact. “We blend the old with the new and have moved beyond traditional ways of communication and work collaboratively to integrate technical and creative thinking,” comments Lize.

A team of strategic and visual communication experts uses best practice methodologies to support project implementation and ensure buy-in to change. Zutari, unlike most other engineering consultancies, pairs technical experts with communication specialists to maximise the value of its projects with impacted stakeholders.

“Our work allows us to play in both the creative, human capital and strategic aspects of projects,” says Lize. This means developing smart solutions for key project and business risks linked to people that also push the boundaries of what people are used to. “It is challenging, but also rewarding, as the impact can be seen, felt and heard through stories.”

For her, the IWD 2024 theme of #InspireInclusion implies an ongoing process of self-reflection, education and a commitment to creating environments where diversity is not only acknowledged, but actively valued.

It means celebrating the uniqueness and individual contributions that each person brings to the table and recognising that diversity is a strength. The theme is also linked to recognising and challenging personal biases, a critical step to promote inclusion.

Lwandisiwe Solundwana, Electrical Technologist, Zutari

“Society and the workplace need to remember that our differences make us stronger and give companies an added advantage over their competitors,” argues Lwandisiwe. “Inspiring inclusion should not be a once-off trend but a continuous task, and it begins with you! Are you inspiring inclusion where you are?” she questions.

Lwandisiwe’s original intention was to be a doctor. However, she was drawn to electrical engineering as she hails from a rural area and knew well the struggle of not having electricity. “I wanted to better my community and could envision a rural area lit up everywhere.” She later discovered a passion for lighting design, which incorporates all the different electrical engineering components. “I can safely say I am bettering my community while inspiring young rural girls that they, too, can be in the electrical engineering world.”

As an Electrical Technologist, Lwandisiwe is mostly involved in the project management and electrical designs of buildings, infrastructure, sports fields, and street lighting. What keeps her passionate about her role revolves around several factors. Firstly, Zutari designs to bring change to local communities. Secondly, it designs not only for the present but for future generations. Thirdly, it designs in consideration of the environment. Thus, it strives for sustainable designs with minimal carbon footprint.

“Lastly, it is always nice when you can physically see a project finally completed, as it makes you strive to do more and do it better. As a woman, it feels good to bring the feminine aspect to designs, as you see things differently from men,” says Lwandisiwe.

Career highlights include designing a multipurpose hall using 3D modelling, working with architects, structural, civil, mechanical, stage, sound, and even acoustic engineers. “All these engineers were in different parts of the world, and yet we could all communicate and work well together through virtual platforms and deliver exemplary work to the client,” says Lwandisiwe.

The IWD 2024 theme of #InspireInclusion is important because it means all inputs, opinions, and feedback are valid for consideration. “It means my voice, opinions, skills and capabilities are not diminished because I am perceived as a woman. It means my femininity as a woman is not used against me but embraced and used to grow society at large,” concludes Lwandisiwe.

Zutari’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is commendable. By setting targets to increase the representation of women, Zutari takes a proactive approach towards promoting gender equality. The women sharing inspiring stories are role models who demonstrate that with hard work, determination and a supportive workplace, anything is possible. Overall, Zutari’s commitment is a step in the right direction.

Ends

Reliable, efficient solution for automatic lubrication in industrial machinery

Details

Created: Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:50

28 February 2024: A reliable and efficient solution for automatic lubrication in industrial machinery is the SAL Elite single point lubricator, distributed by ISO-Reliability Partners, a leading provider of reliability and lubrication systems.

“The SAL Elite ensures consistent and precise lubrication of critical machine components,” comments Craig FitzGerald. Other benefits include reduced friction, wear, and premature component failure by delivering the right quantity of lubricant at regular intervals.

The German manufactured, single-point lubricator is a robust, compact unit consisting of an electro-mechanical drive with replaceable lube cup with grease capacity options of 60 g, 120 g and 250 g. The drive unit is versatile and can be direct or remote mounted, up to 2 m, in the case of high vibration or falling objects.

It is installed directly at the lubrication point on the machinery, such as a bearing, chain, or gear. The system uses an electromechanical drive to gradually release lubricant, preset according to the application requirements. Lubricant flows through a feed line or tube to reach the lubrication point.

Features include adjustable dispensing intervals from one to 12 months, meaning users can set the desired lubricant release frequency according to their specific requirements. The system is simple to install and requires minimal maintenance. The SAL Elite features green LEDs to confirm the unit is operational. It flashes amber when the lubricant cartridge needs replacement and red if not operational or empty.

In addition, it is compatible with different types of lubricants from greases to oils. Common applications include manufacturing, mining, automotive, and food processing. The system is ideal for critical components such as conveyor systems, pumps, electric motors, fans, and particularly in the case of hard-to-reach or rotating machinery.

“Remember that correct selection of the lubricant type, rotational speeds, and its ability to resist water washout is essential. Regular monitoring will guarantee that the system functions correctly over an extended lifespan,” highlights FitzGerald. He advises that customers follow manufacturer guidelines for easy installation and best practice maintenance.

“The SAL Elite system contributes to overall equipment reliability and operational efficiency by automating a critical aspect of maintenance. Of course, regular inspections and adherence to best practice are essential for optimal performance,” adds FitzGerald.

Advantages of the SAL Elite single point lubrication system

• Reduced downtime: Continuous lubrication minimises unplanned downtime due to component failures.
• Cost-savings: Precise lubrication prevents over-lubrication and wastage of lubricant.
• Extended component life: Proper lubrication extends the lifespan of bearings, gears, and other moving parts.
• Maintenance efficiency: Technicians can focus on other tasks while the system handles lubrication automatically.

Ends

About ISO-Reliability Partners

ISO-Reliability Partners has consolidated knowledge and expertise and provides industry with substantial and quantifiable improvements to plant and asset protection. We combine expertise in the fields of filtration, lubrication, and tribology, offering an advanced and comprehensive service to our customers.

The well-being of the environment is of key concern but is often overshadowed by business needs. Through the more efficient use and handling of commodities such as fuel and lubricants, we reduce pollution through lower usage and disposal of lubricants, conserve electricity usage while achieving higher production output and provide greater asset protection and an overall lowest cost of ownership.

ISO-Reliability Partners is a Level 2 accredited B-BBEE contributor that owns the iconic Filter Focus brand and provides lubrication products and services with a foundation in tribology and hydrocarbon ISO cleanliness. Unlock the hidden and lost value in your business operations with world-class technology provided by ISO-Reliability Partners, your partner in improved efficiencies.

ISO-Reliability Partners Contact

Craig FitzGerald
Phone: +27 10 449 6414
Email: craig@iiso.co.za
Website: www.iso-reliability.com

Media Contact

Andile Mbethe
Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client news articles and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za

Closure of long steel plants in SA likely to reduce demand for zinc

Details

Created: Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:49

22 February 2024: The closure of long steel plants in South Africa could have a notable impact on local zinc usage. The users of long steel from these plants are major zinc consumers, using it extensively in galvanizing, highlights Simon Norton, Director of the International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa.

ArcelorMittal South Africa recently announced it is placing its major Newcastle and Vereeniging long steel operations in care and maintenance due to a lack of demand. The company cited high logistical and transportation costs, energy prices, and loadshedding as the main reasons for the decision. In addition, South Africa’s steel consumption has declined 20% over the past seven years. Over 3 500 employees will be affected by the decision.

A decline in steel production due to plant closures would directly translate into reduced demand for zinc by galvanizers. However, Norton notes that since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, the tonnage of refined zinc imported into South Africa has slowly increased to 77 000 tons in 2023. “So, steel must be coming into South Africa via imports and not via ArcelorMittal,” he points out.

“South Africa, which aims to restore its position as an African industrial giant, grow its employment base and rebuild its decaying waterworks, wastewater works and infrastructure, must have steel mills to convert its rich iron ore into high quality finished steel products. This is followed by the use of zinc galvanizing to protect the steel against corrosion,” explains Norton.

He adds: “The blame for our current economic position and the state of the steel industry in South Africa lies fairly and squarely with the government, which has ruined many parastatals and collapsed numerous municipalities. We in industry hope that the upcoming national election will result in employment and industry friendly policy change.”

Zinc galvanizing is an indispensable process in the construction industry. “The loss of long steel plants could potentially disrupt the construction market, impacting steel usage. As South Africa grapples with infrastructure challenges and the need for sustainable solutions, zinc galvanizing remains a vital tool to protect and extend the life of critical steel structures,” highlights Norton.

Corrosion, the deterioration of steel due to its interaction with the environment, poses a significant threat to the longevity and safety of steel structures. Zinc galvanizing effectively combats corrosion by creating a protective barrier between the steel and the surrounding environment. Composed of iron-zinc alloys, this barrier acts as a sacrificial anode, preferentially corroding in place of the steel.

In the realm of rail infrastructure, zinc galvanizing safeguards steel components from the corrosive effects of moisture, salt, and other contaminants. Such protection is particularly essential in regions with harsh weather conditions or at coastal areas, where exposure to salt spray can accelerate corrosion. Railway lines are metalized as opposed to being galvanized, which involves applying a protective zinc coating in addition to galvanizing.

Power infrastructure, including transmission towers, substations, and other steel structures, also relies heavily on zinc galvanizing to maintain its integrity. Corrosion of these components can lead to power outages, disruptions in electricity supply, and even catastrophic failures. Zinc galvanizing safeguards these critical structures, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity.

Beyond its protective benefits, zinc galvanizing offers significant economic advantages. By extending the lifespan of steel components, zinc galvanizing reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving on material and labour costs. Moreover, it minimises the risk of structural failures, which can lead to costly repairs and disruptions to operations.

In the rail industry, zinc-galvanized rails can last up to three times longer than untreated rails, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Similarly, zinc-galvanized power towers can endure for decades, reducing the frequency of costly replacements.

“However, underlying all zinc galvanizing lies steel. If South Africa can no longer manufacture its own steel, then our industrial, mining and civil engineering sectors will all be the poorer for it and have to battle to import steel products,” concludes Norton.

Mining Indaba 2024 – Interoperability key to achieving sustainability in mining says Schneider Electric

Details

Created: Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:17

12 February 2024

Building operational efficiency and resiliency to address volatility across their value chain will be prioritised by the mining companies of the future.  Companies that are ill equipped to address internal volatility will be less likely or able to address an increasingly volatile external market.

Operational efficiency and resilience built through increased interoperability across power, process and digitisation will, in turn, be the initial building blocks for establishing truly sustainable operations.

This is the message from global energy management and automation leader, Schneider Electric at this year’s African Mining Indaba, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Rob Moffitt, President of the Mining, Minerals and Metals industries at Schneider Electric says: “We are living in a period of digital and technological transformation where the way materials and services are produced, procured, delivered, and consumed is increasingly driven by the need to be more sustainable, more efficient, more agile and more resilient.  Achieving sustainable operations is one of the most important challenges our industries have ever faced.

“Sustainable operations are increasingly viewed as a source of potential competitive advantage and can also have a positive impact on a company’s valuation. Similarly, those company’s lagging on this issue could increasingly be exposed to negative shareholder sentiment, lower employee morale and increased stakeholder activism.

“Resilience is a key concern in the mining sector where challenges such as access to sufficient and reliable power continues to impact operations. At Schneider Electric, we have built the capability to provide key insights to our customers through our consultancy practices across sustainability, process power, and cybersecurity across the full project lifecycle including Design, Build, Operate and Optimise,” adds Moffitt.

The three interoperable pillars

Schneider Electric’s approach to sustainability revolves around three pillars which is referred to as the sustainability triad: automation, electrification, and digitisation.

EcoStruxure Power and Process is the company’s IoT-enabled, open architecture platform that transforms information collected from across customers’ full value chain into actionable wisdom for transparent and optimised end-to-end operation.

“Industrial sustainability is achieved through the interplay of software, automation, and energy and hence our reference to the sustainability triad. Some organisations we have worked with - who have converged process performance and electrical power consumption into a single overview - are experiencing up to 20% Capex reduction, a 15% decrease in downtime, and a 7% to 12% reduction in their CO2 emissions,” explains Moffitt.

“The reasons for this become obvious as sustainability forces an organisation to be agile and innovative. A drive towards industrial sustainability means highly optimised operational efficiency, smart energy consumption, and almost zero waste.”

Looking at the first key element, automation, Moffitt further elaborates that it makes processes efficient, safe and resilient. “Closed, proprietary industrial automation technology is holding the industry back from realising the full promise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Universal automation, on the other hand, is the world of ‘plug and produce’ automation software components that share a common runtime based on the IEC61499 standard, making them interoperable and portable, regardless of brand. “

“Because we believe in the collaborative approach of universal automation, Schneider Electric has launched its own universal automation offer. EcoStruxure Automation Expert is a new category of software-centric industrial automation transforming the industry. And we are also a founding member of UniversalAutomation.org, the independent, not-for-profit association managing the reference implementation of an industrial automation shared source runtime.”

The second key element is electrification as it makes energy green and sustainable. Electricity is the most efficient form of energy (proven to be three-to-five times more efficient than other sources) and it is the best vector for decarbonisation.

“There has been a rapidly increasing portion of power being generated by renewable sources including hydro, geothermal, wind and solar, all of which are available across various parts of the African continent. Electrification is therefore key in strengthening the mining sector’s license to operate and improve project economics in the coming years,” notes Moffitt.

“A two degrees Celsius or lower reduction in global temperature will require a more than doubling in power sector capacity over the next 20 years and will be truly transformational with a direct correlation on the demand for so-called ‘energy transition’ or ‘critical minerals’ our industry produces. The impact and contribution of this increased mineral demand will have a profound and significant impact across the African economy.”

The third key element is digitisation as it facilitates disruption and builds a SMART future. It makes the invisible visible, driving efficiency and eliminating energy waste.

“The industries of the future will require a digital way of thinking, where software and data play starring roles. Software-centric automation can lower operating costs, increase agility, and improve an industrial enterprise’s sustainability outlook. Machines are becoming increasingly software-centric to enable remote operation and service while also increasing performance,” explains Moffitt.

“There is increasing volatility in the market driven by multiple factors but before businesses can better respond to external events by reducing internal variabilities and building resilience, they will need to improve integration across various functions in their value chain from source to market. Integrated operations provide a single source of truth built on real-time tracking and interpretation of data. In partnership with AVEVA we have extensive experience helping our customers globally establish Unified and Remote Operating Centres (UOCs).

“Digitisation has revolutionised the way we work together, the way we live together. Stage one of digital on the Internet was about connecting people to people. The current stage is about revolutionising the way we live with our environment. It’s about connecting machine to machine, people to machines, catalysed or created by IoT which is connecting everything around us with the capacity to aggregate a lot of data in large data centres: this is what we call Big Data.

“As there is a lot of data, we have the capacity to train machines with algorithms and AI to make sense of this data. So, digital will massively disrupt, and is already massively disrupting, the cost point, the time of implementation and notions of efficiency and sustainability. “

Schneider Electric assists customers and partners to leverage software-centric automation through:

1. EcoStruxure, its IoT-enabled, cyber-secure, open architecture and platform for industrial automation and energy management,
2. Strong agnostic software portfolio that includes modular IIoT applications,
3. Partnerships with world-leading independent software companies, including the company’s strategic partner AVEVA.

Schneider Electric has also embarked on its own sustainability journey more than 15 years ago and in 2021 already the company’s milestones included:

• 51 of Schneider Electric’s own facilities globally are net zero sites.
• 80% renewable energy used in facilities.
• Reduced energy consumption by 35% and water consumption by 30%.
• Over 206 of Schneider Electric’s sites send zero waste to landfill.
• Focus on safety has seen an 88% reduction in medical incidence rates since 2010

“We have received multiple global accolades and awards over the years for our achievements on sustainability across our own operations and we are committed by 2030 towards a climate positive world within the 1.5-degree scenario validated by science-based targets.

“Our ability to therefore work with our customers and partners by helping them design and implement their own efficiency, resilience and sustainability programmes is validated by us having undertaken, tested and proven our solutions internally as well as across multiple industries and sectors globally,” concludes Moffitt.

Unearthing Africa's mining potential: the case for South African training companies as local partners

Details

Created: Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:17

By Jacques Farmer, Managing Director at PRISMA Training

15 January 2024

In the African mining sector, the quest for local partnerships is driven by a combination of regulatory requirements and the desire to empower indigenous communities. However, the challenge lies in bridging the skills and expertise gap that often exists within these local partnerships. As African countries seek to maximise their mining potential, considering South African training companies as key local partners can be a strategic move with profound benefits.

South Africa's rich mining legacy: over a century of expertise

South Africa blends both legacy and modern practices and the nation's mining industry, steeped in a history that spans more than 150 years, has evolved into a benchmark for global mining standards. African countries, particularly those in emerging markets like West Africa's Ghana, stand to gain significantly by accrediting South African training companies in their mining projects. The transfer of industry best practices from South African training partners to local companies addresses the crucial skills development objectives mandated by mining projects. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for emerging markets to establish mining beneficiation programmes that make a tangible impact on their economic development.

Challenges in current training practices across Africa

Unfortunately, the existing training landscape in some African markets lacks a structured and comprehensive approach and many African countries look to established mining nations such as Australia, or Canada for guidance in training and development within the mining sector. Training programmes are often loosely oriented, with a primary focus on meeting minimum standards and qualifications. This approach may lead to inadequately trained individuals entering the mining workforce, posing risks to both safety and operational efficiency.

Anecdotal evidence suggests instances of individuals transitioning from unrelated professions, such as rice farming, to operating heavy machinery with minimal training. This highlights the need for a more rigorous and competency-based training approach to ensure not only job qualification but also the safety and well-being of workers within the mining sector.

The South African advantage: human capital development and competency training

South African training providers distinguish themselves by adhering to rigorous regulations and standards that align with those of first-world countries. The Mining Qualifications Authority, with its 150 years of experience, plays a critical role in shaping the nation's mining training landscape. South African training is characterised by a human capital development-oriented approach that focuses on competency training and assessments.

Training modules encompass not only theoretical aspects but also practical components and on-site workplace integration. This ensures that individuals not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain hands-on experience within the mining environment before receiving certification. Reputable South African training providers can guarantee a comprehensive learning experience that clearly addresses the gap in current training practices observed in some African markets.

Overcoming challenges and changing perceptions

While there may be initial scepticism or stereotypical thinking regarding the capabilities of South African training providers, it is essential to dispel such notions. South African companies bring not only expertise on par with global standards but also a cultural understanding that resonates with their African counterparts. Overcoming the perception that training from South Africa may be inferior is essential to maximise the true potential of local partnerships.

Addressing the lack of perceived career paths within the mining industry for locals is another challenge that South African training providers aim to tackle. By offering comprehensive training programmes and fostering a mindset shift, these providers seek to empower local communities, enabling them to envision long-term careers within the mining sector and gain employability for life.

Cost-effectiveness and quality assurance

Choosing South African training providers over global counterparts presents a compelling economic advantage. The favourable exchange rate of the South African Rand against currencies like the Australian Dollar or the Canadian Dollar makes training programmes not only more cost-effective but also highly competitive for African mining corporations. However, the emphasis should not solely be on cost; the quality of training provided by South African companies is comparable, if not superior, to that offered by their global counterparts.

Equipping Africa’s mining sector for safety and effectiveness

South Africa stands ready to provide benchmarked and best-practice training solutions to global standards, offering cost-effective alternatives while ensuring excellence in efficiency, safety, and development. Positioned as an ideal local partner within Africa, South Africa, particularly in human capital development, holds the ticket to empowering local mining houses and communities for safe and effective operations. South African training providers are dedicated to entering African markets, fostering relationships, and facilitating skills transfer, with the aim of enabling local communities to independently sustain their training and development initiatives. As such, embracing South African training companies as local partners represents a strategic move towards unearthing Africa's mining potential, addressing skills gaps, fostering local partnerships, and contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for the African mining sector.

Versatile zinc is an ideal metal for die casting

Details

Created: Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:16

12 February 2024: Zinc is a versatile metal with a wide range of applications, including die casting. Die casting is a high-volume production process that can produce parts with complex geometries and tight tolerances. It is versatile and can be used to produce a variety of components. The manufacturing process uses high pressure to force molten metal into a mould.

Zinc die casting is widely used in the automotive industry and other sectors needing complex and durable components. Examples of zinc die cast parts are door handles, fuel pumps, brake components, connectors, housings, and gears.

Being relatively inexpensive, zinc is a good material for die casting. It has good casting properties and is recyclable. Zinc die casting involves several steps: The mould cavity is made from a steel or aluminium die, into which molten zinc is pressure forced. The zinc solidifies and cools and the part is then ejected from the mould.

A major advantage of using zinc in die casting is that it produces castings with good dimensional accuracy. Zinc has a low melting point and a high fluidity, so it flows easily into a mould. Zinc castings are also strong and durable and can be used in a variety of applications, explains Simon Norton, Director of the International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa.

“Another advantage of using zinc in die casting is that it is a relatively inexpensive metal. It is a cost-effective option for many manufacturers. Zinc is also recyclable, so it can be reused without having to extract new metal from the ground. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice,” highlights Norton.

Here are some specific examples of the role of zinc in die casting:

• Zinc is used to make die casting alloys, which are mixtures of zinc with other metals such as aluminium, magnesium, and copper. These alloys have improved properties, such as strength, ductility, and machinability.
• Zinc is used as a core material in die casting. Cores are inserts placed in the mould to create hollow or intricate features in the casting. Zinc cores are lightweight and easy to machine, making them a good choice for many applications.
• Zinc is used as a coating for die castings. Zinc coatings protect the casting from corrosion and improve its appearance.

The most common type of zinc used in die casting is ZAMAK, a family of alloys with a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminium, magnesium, and copper. The name ZAMAK is an acronym of the German names for the metals of which the alloys are composed: Zink (zinc), Aluminium, Magnesium and Kupfer (copper).

ZAMAK alloys are part of the zinc-aluminium alloy family, differentiated from other ZA alloys due to their constant 4% aluminium composition. It has good strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance properties making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

Ends

Connect with the International Zinc Association on Social Media to receive its latest news

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3uNP5w7

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3uNSAmb

Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this news article, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the International Zinc Association link to view the company’s press office.

About the International Zinc Association

The IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. Operating internationally and locally through its regional affiliates, the IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and zinc as being essential in human health and crop nutrition. IZA’s main programmes are Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and Communications.

In South Africa, the IZA plays a vital role in establishing the basis for the successful revitalisation of the zinc industry by increasing awareness of zinc and its applications and benefits in key sectors and markets, which will ultimately translate into the increased uptake of zinc.

International Zinc Association Contact
Simon Norton
Director

IZA Africa
Phone: (021) 788 9980

Cell: 082 831 2924
Email: zinc@iafrica.com
Web: www.zinc.org

Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe

Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za