MechChem Africa May-June 2023

⎪ Minerals processing and materials handling ⎪

Sandvik is introducing an industry-first ‘opt-out’ recycling programme for customers of carbide drill bits. The initiative aims to transform the use of a material expected to run out within 40 to 100 years if consumption rates continue unabated. Sandvik introduces industry-first carbide recycling T ungsten, a key component in cemented carbide, is a scarce and finite material. Making tools from recycled carbide requires 70% less energy and emits Tools division moving forward. Globally, we are an industry leading supplier in mining and we need to do everything in our power to support and push the industry forward.” feeling “helpless”. Miners are not immune to these stresses and strains. More people are now addressing their anxiety, stress and mental wellbeing, often with the use of relaxing and soothing online content. This has inspired the ‘Calmness of Recycling’ campaign.

64% less CO 2 . It also reduces nitrous oxide emissions. Sandvik aims to collect 90% of its own used bits by 2025. Other manufacturers’ used bits can also be recycled within the scope of the new initiative. “Our breakthrough ‘opt-out’ programme supports our customers’ drive to mine more sustainably and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on Sandvik’s ambitious sustainabil ity goals to halve CO 2 emissions by 2030,” says Jens Holmberg, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Rock Tools division. “We are determined to lead the industry into a new era, fully committed to embed circularity across an essential component of mining.” The demand for certain minerals is esti mated to grow 500% by 2050 – according to a World Bank Group, Report from 2020 – and recycling of drill bits is an important part of making the mining industry more sustainable. Historically, carbide recycling has faced several challenges. Collection of used products has been limited while carbide extraction has been cum bersome, inefficient and involved hazardous ways of working. The zinc recycling process has not returned the same quality of carbide performance, either. Sandvik is now able to help customers overcome these challenges through its new opt-out programme. “Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Holmberg says. “We need to transition our industry at an unprecedented speed. Our recycling programme is one of many new initiatives you will see from Sandvik’s Rock

To further underline the importance of ce mented carbide recycling, Sandvik is offering its customers industry first extraction support. This will make it easier, faster and safer to recycle dull drill bits with a new patent pending method that will reduce emissions from transportation by 93%. Calmness of recycling The launch of the opt-out programme coincides with the launch of a new global campaign that address the stresses often associated with recycling. Almost 70% of people in the US are worried about climate change, and 51% report

Built around a ‘slow TV’ format, the relaxing film highlights the benefits of carbide recycling while encouraging everyone to experience the calmness and wellbeing of recycling. The short film can be accessed by scanning the QR code shown opposite. “Our carbide recycling programme is not

only a good decision for the environ ment,” Holmberg concludes, “it also creates a sense of calm about doing the right thing.” www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik aims to collect 90% of its own used tungsten carbide drill bits by 2025.

‘Smart in sensing’: a claim that underlines WIKA's strategy WIKA is moving into the future with a new claim presented to the public for the first time at the Hannover Messe.

W ith ‘Smart in sensing’ the WIKA Group underlines its corporate strategy for the coming years. This takes in the megatrends of digitalisation, decarbonisation and demo graphic change, which pose major challenges for many industry sectors. But at the same time, they offer promising growth potential such as the networking of systems and processes, the

expansion of renewable energies, sustainable mobility solutions and a secure supply of food and medicines. On this path, as the claim expresses, WIKA supports its customers with high-precision and smart sensing technology. “Sensors are the senses of digitalisation. ‘Smart in sensing’ not only reflects the technological expertise, but also the innovative

strength of a world market leader for mea surement technology,” says ,” says WIKA CEO, Alexander Wiegand. “We at WIKA perceive the global market needs of tomorrow ‘with all senses’ and we develop pioneering products, solutions and services that contribute to the success of our customers,” he adds. www.wika.co.za

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