Modern Mining December 2018

BULK MATERIALS HANDLING

belt conveyor technol- ogy is being applied in a 10 000 t/h ore trans- portation system at a massive underground mining complex in order to overcome a number of technical challenges, such as significant eleva- tion change from the underground mine to the surface. The conveyor system features advanced gearless drive technology,

activities have included sponsorship of events for the elderly to supplying a water tank to a district hospital. “Where possible, we carry out CSI initiatives in partnership with our clients,” says Späth, “as it is only by ‘joining hands’ that we will be able to make a truly meaningful impact on the social and economic transformation of the com- munities in which we operate.” Way ahead In 2019, TAKRAF Africa celebrates a milestone in its history of serving Sub-Saharan Africa, as it marks 100 years since the founder of the TAKRAF Africa heritage, Edward L. Bateman, assumed control of the Allis-Chalmers agency in South Africa. Today, trading as TAKRAF Africa, much of the company’s order book is repeat business, with business relationships stretching well back into the past century. “For example, as far back as the 1980s we were working with clients such as Eskom and Willowton Group,” notes Späth. “Such longev- ity gives our clients peace of mind that we will be around to support their installations over their complete product lifecycle.” With an extensive reference list of innova- tions to build on, TAKRAF Africa is looking for new opportunities in 2019. “We are well posi- tioned to address demand from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) as soon as they get the green light, while our technology advances, as seen in 2018, are breathing new life into sectors that we have not serviced in recent years. “For example, the unloading station we are currently constructing demonstrates the potential for various unloading solutions to be applied in sectors well beyond the mining sec- tor, the first one of which was established as far back as the 1970s. “Geographically, Sub-Saharan Africa’s min- ing industry still holds great potential and we are working on various initiatives to capitalise on this.” 

with the uphill tunnel conveyors boasting the highest drive power ever to be installed on a belt conveyor. In 2018, TAKRAF Africa’s commitment to technology development was highlighted in the supply of six new-design Redler chain convey- ors to the Willowton Group’s factory in Isando, South Africa. The new conveyors, designed in- house by TAKRAF Africa, are a breakthrough development for the FMCG market, combining the proven Redler brand with a lighter, more cost-effective design of the casing. Such technology advances are also applied to TAKRAF Africa’s comprehensive client sup- port, which covers services ranging from spares to maintenance and refurbishments. “The refur- bishment in 2017 of a TAKRAF bucket-wheel reclaimer that featured a new design bucket- wheel has generated considerable interest this past year,” notes Späth. “The new design con- sists of three bolted segments to provide the maintenance crew the option to remove the bucket-wheel without stripping the complete shaft assembly.” Giving back For TAKRAF Africa, empowering and uplifting local communities and economies is a philoso- phy – a way of doing business that is carried out through all its projects within and beyond the borders of South Africa. The company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives range from small enterprise and supplier development through to skills development and philanthropic initiatives. In partnership with Eskom, for example, consid- erable investment has been made in upskilling a mainly local workforce on the Kusile project, while TAKRAF Africa also assisted five black- owned co-operatives with start-up funding. Full bursaries have been awarded to 20 under- graduate students and learnerships awarded to six people, four of whom are living with dis- abilities. In addition, various philanthropic

Fast-track conveyor project for a coal-fired power station’s tippler extraction system.

Full bursaries have been awarded to 20 undergraduate students and learnerships awarded to six people, four of whom are living with disabilities.

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December 2018  MODERN MINING  37