Modern Mining January 2020

Jet has most technically advanced fleet in Africa

Jet Demolition has a fleet of 34 specialised demolition excavators, and 44 additional items of plant, ranging from skidsteer loaders to tractors, telescopic handlers and articulated dumpers. It also has over 65 hydraulic attachment and a range of mechanical attachments. According to the company, this makes it not only the leading demolition specialist in Africa but the most technically advanced as well. What makes Jet Demolition so unique is that the bulk of its equipment and attach- ments are unavailable locally. Although it uses reliable, well-known excavator brands, these are all adapted to suit the challenging and arduous demolition envi- ronment. “These modifications enable us to carry and operate with heavier attach- ments that are unavailable in South Africa,” Jet Demolition Operations Manager Willie Vermeulen explains. Complex tools and attachments are imported from abroad while Jet Demolition has an in-house R&D capability to develop and manufacture simpler attachments and tools locally. Vermeulen reveals that the material cost alone is often more than the attachment value if it were to be purchased outright. However, this is due to the attach- MAXAM, a global technology company specialising in the design, development, manufacture and application of energetic materials, has been selected by NFCA Africa Mining as its blasting solutions sup- plier for the underground copper mine that the company operates in Chambishi on the Zambian Copperbelt. The contract has been granted following a trial period in which several companies par- ticipated. The contract was finally awarded to MAXAM, thanks to the performance of its high energy bulk explosive, RIOFLEX, in terms of advance rate, profile control and other downstream values. With the signing of this contract, MAXAM consolidates its presence and business in the Southern African region, where it has been operating for more than 20 years, as well as in the underground segment. Says Bernard Kaninda, MAXAM Africa Regional Director: “We are really pleased that NFCA has selected us as their part- ners in WOB (West OreBody site). At

ments being designed and built to long out-last those available commercially. Jet Demolition has also established relationships with original equipment man- ufacturers (OEMs) and engineering firms over the years, which ensures that the spe- cific tools it requires are manufactured to exacting quality and precision standards. In addition, its relationships with international demolition professionals, as well as a keen interest in mechanical engineering, give it the capability to modify equipment suited specifically to its requirements. Generally, it is very uncommon for any equipment or attachments to be only for a once-off application. Before investing resources into any tool or attachment, Jet Demolition always analyses ways that it can be incorporated into different projects. “While we are able to safely execute the same operation using a different method, a decision to purchase or manufacture a specific tool to perform that function is generally motivated by the safer, quicker, and more reliable operating performance provided,” Vermeulen stresses. Jet Demolition has its own fully- equipped on-site workshop at its Roodepoort premises. General services

A ripping tool attached to one of Jet’s demolition excavators. are carried out on-site by trained and quali- fied mechanics. While most contractors tend to run their machines into the tens of thousands of hours before consider- ing replacement, the demolition specialist replaces its key machines at about 6 000 hours on average. Commenting on the latest equipment trends and developments, Vermeulen points out that mechanisation is an ongo- ing objective of many large demolition firms. “We have also noted a trend in using digital advances, including sensors, anti- collision devices, and complicated live-feed camera systems that are able to further advance safety in the demolition industry,” he concludes. Jet Demolition, website: www.jetdemolition.co.za

MAXAM wins contract to supply Chambishi

our offering to their key performance areas, providing customised solutions to their specific needs.” MAXXAM, website: www.maxamcorp.com

MAXAM we are committed to our custom- ers’ success to the extent that we adapt

Southern Mapping acquired by Woolpert Inc Woolpert has acquired Southern Mapping, a geospatial solutions provider and aerial survey company based in Johannesburg. Southern Mapping has extensive high- accuracy lidar, imagery and remote sensing experience, and produces airborne topo- graphic, hyperspectral, and thermal surveys and mapping.

big step forward in completing our vision,” said Woolpert’s President and CEO, Scott Cattran. “In 2019, Woolpert has added international offices in Canada with the acquisition of Geomatics Data Solutions (GDS) and now in Africa with Southern Mapping. We are honoured and excited to welcome all of the employees of Southern Mapping to Woolpert!” Woolpert continues to expand its geo- spatial services footprint globally. In addition to acquiring coastal and bathymetric special- ists GDS in May last year, the firm announced its strategic partnership with iXblue in September. iXblue is an international marine survey and technology firm, and the partner- ship will provide aerial mapping services to clients in Australia, New Zealand and across the South Pacific.

Southern Mapping was the first indepen- dently owned mapping company to offer lidar in Africa and is well-known throughout the industry. The firm has provided mapping services for the engineering, infrastructure, mining, mapping, agriculture and environ- mental sectors on three continents and in more than 45 African countries. “Woolpert’s vision is to become the pre- mier global architecture, engineering and geospatial firm, and this acquisition is a

January 2020  MODERN MINING  69