MechChem Africa October 2018

⎪ Minerals processing, metallurgy and materials ⎪

design of the blast together with fit-for- purpose and competitively priced explosives andthenensuringthatproperproceduresand safety are always adhered to. It is imperative that each of these stages is given the time re- quired. If thebasics are taken careof properly, then one will achieve a successful blast. Successful blasts form a large part of pro- duction and processing costs as this speaks to efficiency. To establish a total ownership model, one must focus on each component. Blasting costs form a notable percentage of mining contractor costs; in explosives, nitrate prices alongwith the fuel phase is one of thehighest cost drivers. Ammoniumnitrate is a significant component for emulsion-based explosives. In South Africa explosives could be priced based on international ammonium nitrate- based indexes, where relevant. Keeping tabs on the ammonium nitrate price index is also a transparencymechanism. In understanding these dynamics, a customer can see which methodology allows for better comparison of prices for explosives. To remove the risk component in suppliers’ prices, typically a rise-and-fall price formula or adopting monthly or quarterly pricing is used. Abetter approach is to link thepricing to third-party price indexes, while studying the indexes for information to help understand prices when making purchasing decisions. If one doesn’t proactively investigate pricing components, companies may not end up getting competitive pricing. At the same time, suppliers may promise a best price for one type of service delivery, while charging more for value-added services. However, it is important to consider the entirety of what is being purchased, what additional services

Membranes for excellent acid/alkali waterproofing Fibertex WP 90 waterproofing fabrics – manufactured from UV stabilised virgin polypropylene staple fibres – are highly efficient carrier substrates for various waterproofing saturates, including bitumi- nous, cementitious and acrylic materials. “Fibertex WP 90 waterproofing mem- branes offer a high level of chemical stability under a wide pH range and for this reason these membrane fabrics are particularly well suited for installation in areas where the textile may be in contact with acids or alkalis,” says Lance Woolley, business development manager, Fibertex South Africa. is also suitable for waterproofing for func- tionality in reservoirs andwater towers, as well aswater and sewage treatment plants. Fibertex specialists recommend that users follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions for the particular waterproof- ing emulsion being used. FibertexWP 90 waterproofing fabric is manufactured locally at the Fibertex plant in KwaZulu-Natal. The basic strength of Fibertex geotextiles is obtained by needle- punching the fibres, which provides a strong, yet elastic bonding. The fabric also undergoes infrared treatment during the manufacturing process to create a friction surface, with added thermal bonding, on the one side. q

“This flexible and durable material, with good substrate-to-saturate adhesion properties, ensures easy application in all areas, including tight corners and right- angle edges,” Woolley continues. Applications for WP 90 geotextiles include waterproofing installations to create a dry environment – for example in the basements of buildings, in tunnels and in underground transport systems. Waterproofing applications for protection against deterioration include flat-roof structures, decks, external balconies and multi-storey structures, as well as terrace gardens andhighway structures. This fabric are being delivered and how these affect the bottom line. If keeping track of prices and market in- dexes,itbecomeseasytoanticipatelegitimate price increases fromsuppliers. It’s also easier to avoid ‘formula creep’, which iswhere a pric- is the future of alluvial diamond mining and far safer than conventionalmethods that re- quire divers. Further to this, our innovation encourages a diverse workforce by remov- ing the work hazards that would previously have excluded women,” he comments. Imilingo has made huge inroads on the African continent with its X-ray-based sort- ing and integration solutions and the latest dredging innovations. “We have a thirst for innovation and pride ourselves on being at the forefront of ingenuity in themining sec- tor. We are excited to have the opportunity to share our world-first iDredge XRTTM with the mining world and relish the occa- sion to engage with industry kin and media. “A vital part of our offering is technical guidance at the start of a business venture, engineering studies and project manage-

Photo courtesy SIKA SA.

Fibertex WP 90 waterproofing fabrics are efficient carrier substrates for bituminous, cementitious and acrylic materials.

ment to ensure the greatest return. What makes us stand out from the crowd is our ability to match the different business requirements of each client with fit-for- purpose sorting systems and the latest advances inminingmechanisation,” Prinsloo concludes. q ing formula over extended periods of time either pushes the prices up or lowers prices toomuch. These formulas need tobe revisited at least once a year for validation. The bottom line is, it’s time to consider ammonium nitrate-based index pricing. q

World First XRT and dredging technology African mineral processing company, Imilingo Mineral Processing, previewed its latest innovation in sensor-based sorting and dredging integration at Electra Mining Africa last month.

Imilingomanagingdirector, JacoPrinsloo saysthatheisthrilledtobeintroducinginno- vative products and services for theAfrican mining industry. “As first-timeexhibitors, we are immensely excited to be sharing in the largest gathering of fellowmining practitio- ners on the continent. It’s a great platform to exercise our external communications strategy,” he says. “We are a proudly South African com- pany that fabricates in-house using state of the art global XRT (X-ray transmission) and submersible dredge pump technology. We are previewing a world first machine that

Imilingo’s world-first iDredge XRT TM is the future of alluvial diamond mining because it is far safer than conventional methods that require divers.

October 2018 • MechChem Africa ¦ 41