Modern Mining February 2018

PRODUCT News

M&C Zambia installs 12-ton balancing machine

The largest balancing machine in Zambia was recently suc- cessfully commissioned at Marthinusen & Coutts’ Zambian operation in Kitwe. The fully upgraded 12-ton Schenck machine is capable of balancing rotors up to 12 tons at oper- ating speeds up to 3 300 r/min, 5,5 m in length and with diameters of up to 2,2 m. Careful planning and execution by Marthinusen & Coutts, a division of ACTOM, ensured that the machine was success- fully installed, calibrated and commissioned. The local M&C team received training to ensure optimum operation of the machine. The in-house ability to precision balance rotors to very high accuracy is a valuable service to customers in the region, and it will no longer be necessary to transport large components across border to South Africa for this work to be done. This local dynamic balancing service also expedites the repair pro- cess, reducing delivery time and avoiding the risks associated with long distance transportation. All this translates into a bot- tom line cost reduction for customers because of the quicker turnaround times. The service will prove to be invaluable to customers and OEMs operating in the Copperbelt region and under- pins Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia’s position as the leading Turnkey connectivity solution for Kamoa/Kakula The Kamoa-Kakula copper project in the DRC will benefit from reliable high-performance managed connectivity ser- vices delivered by SES Networks. The solution will be provided under an agreement with Ivanhoe Mines, a leading mineral exploration and development company, SES has announced. The managed services and fibre-like connectivity from SES Networks will be powered by its O3b Medium Earth Orbit satellite fleet. It will enable operators on site to do video-con- ferencing with headquarters, use cloud-based applications to access and upload critical data, and improve overall productiv- ity and safety. “We employ leading-edge exploration and development technologies at our projects, and to make sure that these technologies are applied successfully, we need to get the right information to the right people at the right time,” said Steve Amos, Ivanhoe’s Head of Projects in the DRC.“We look forward to working with SES Networks to improve connectivity and communications at our mine sites in the DRC.” “Ivanhoe Mines operates some of the most sophisticated mining operations in the world and demands leading-edge performance combined with state-of-the-art reliability,” said Carole Kamaitha, Vice President of Fixed Data Sales Africa at SES Networks. “The turnkey solution delivered via our unique infrastructure will enable the crew working at the Kamoa- Kakula site to leverage the latest applications, communicate effectively, and maximise their productivity.” SES Networks, website: www.ses.com

The largest balancing machine in Zambia was recently successfully commis- sioned at Marthinusen & Coutts’ Zambian operation in Kitwe. electro-mechanical repair facility in the region. Over a period of four years Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia has suc- cessfully upgraded its test facilities which can now accommodate both AC and DC motors. The facility also boasts a temperature-controlled burnout oven, curing ovens and a vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) tank. Furthermore, winding verification ensures that stators and rotors are wound to international and OEM specifications. Further upgrades have also been implemented to the mechanical repair shop, which also offers machining, milling and submerged arc welding. Marthinusen & Coutts, tel (+27 11) 607-1700, website: www.mandc.co.za

February 2018  MODERN MINING  43