Capital Equipment News August 2017

MINING NEWS

IN BRIEF

Ntsimbintle Mining celebrates transformation The calls for radical economic transformation in South Africa’s mining sector, particularly transformation that favours the country’s communities, are rising in their urgency, frustration and exasperation. So it was with no small measure of pride that dignitaries, shareholders, business luminaries, and VIP guests gathered on 22 June 2017 at the Kalahari Country Club in Kathu, Northern Cape to celebrate the success of a truly transformed South African mining investment company, Ntsimbintle Mining. Saki Macozoma, Ntsimbintle Chairman, says arguably, the biggest cause for celebration, particularly among Ntsimbintle’s grassroots level shareholders, was the company’s latest dividend payment of R300 million in April. Deck maps get the most out of screens Screening media specialist Multotec is using its ‘deck map’ methodology to constantly raise the bar in optimising screen output and lifespan, according to Shawn Faba, Multotec Manufacturing product manager screening. “Multotec has built on its concept of the composite deck for over a decade, and differentiated ourselves by developing the deck map to design specific screening solutions for a wide range of material with various characteristics,” says Faba. The panels are easily interchangeable on composite screen decks due to the modular format of Multotec’s two common panel sizes – 1’ x 1’ or 2’ x 1’. The modular design allows for different types of panels to be placed in specific areas of the screen as part of the overall goal of achieving metallurgical efficiency on the screening media surface. yield management, all of which require real connectivity in remote areas to succeed.” He says the quest for improved productivity is driving the mining industry to implement more automated systems and seek greater IT integration. “Real-time monitoring, health and safety systems, security services, online customs clearance and access to ERP applications are among the key mining issues being addressed through digital innovation.” b

My Sandvik portal for around-the-clock operations

A view of the My Sandvik dash board.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has developed an advanced eCommerce platform that places comprehensive fleet information at the fingertips of customers to facilitate quicker access to aftermarket services including parts ordering. The My Sandvik customer portal provides an always available solution for fleet managers or procurement staff to gather machine specific information for everyday fleet maintenance. It provides a completely customised interface that only reflects information that is relevant to individual customers with their own specific fleet information. Online catalogues and part identification tools provide a streamlined framework and gives users the opportunity to cut time spent looking for service items or locating parts. It even gives them the opportunity to cross reference their own parts manuals to find out if other Sandvik machines in their fleet share similar parts if an urgent need arises. “It is like having a permanent Sandvik service agent on call any time of the day, every day of the year,” says Thelma Ndou, Sandvik eCommerce coordinator – Africa. “It is easy-to-use and guides users through carefully developed menus to locate information or to order parts as required. Instruction videos are also available to guide users to gain the most out of the system’s rich features.” My Sandvik is all about speed with customers able to get instantaneous stock availability and generate quotations in minutes with confirmations and reference numbers. It may also suggest options for bundled kits on certain repair or maintenance procedures that ensure all the required items are at hand when the work is being carried out. It gives full track and traceability of any items ordered, delivered or outstanding, and can even create schedules of service items that may be required for the fleet at certain intervals, while also creating user reports based on the type of user, from management level to order clerk. b

Digital innovation driving growth in DRC mining sector

Digital innovation is driving transformation within the local mining sector. The shift, according to leading converged ICT solutions provider, iWayAfrica, is driving growth and becoming a key differentiator within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). With over 25 international mining groups active in the region, the mining sector has become significant as it is also widely known for the world’s production of cobalt, copper, diamond, tantalum, tin and gold. Ali Bofulo, MD of iWayAfrica, says mining accounts for the DRC’s largest source of export income and is an important and growing sector. “While the region is ripe with opportunity, reliable, adaptable and

ubiquitous connectivity is a critical enabler for a digital innovation roadmap. This is especially relevant to the mining sector, where connectivity requirements are more than just linking a remote site to a regional or global head office.” If the DRC is to evolve, embrace digital innovation and increase its mining production, technology issues such as connectivity need to be addressed. This is becoming more relevant, according to Bofulo, as organisations look to technology as a means to differentiate. “Internet of Things, among other digital technologies, have started driving increased automation and system reporting for performance and

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