Modern Mining October 2024

Weir’s CAVEX ® hydrocyclones offer up to 30% additional capacity and improved separation efficiency.

modifying parameters to suit variables such as rock hardness, abrasiveness and chemistry.” Building on its existing digital solutions, Weir is developing new capability to not only monitor equipment condition but to facilitate more real-time optimisation. This applies across the product range from WARMAN® pumps to ENDURON® HPGRs (High Pressure Grinding Rolls), he says. “We are using our deep knowledge of our equipment and processes – built upon decades of research, development and field experience – to take advantage of the latest analytical capabilities in digital technology,” he explains. “This will revolutionise how we run equipment and what the landscape of sustainable mining looks like.” He highlights the virtuous circle that can be leveraged as equipment that is optimally run will, firstly, achieve a longer lifespan and, secondly, deliver the best throughput and recovery results. The challenge has always been that real-time optimisation must take into account many different factors, which are difficult to consolidate and analyse quickly. “With the advent of AI, it is now possible to gather the relevant data and process it rapidly, so that valuable and precise recommendations can be generated and applied,” says Muzvondiwa. “We have been working very hard to commercialise these solutions, and we will soon be able to share with customers the exciting opportunities which will be available to them.” Weir’s proactive embracing of technology is enabled by pioneering skills initiatives which raise the bar for company staff and its customers. He points to the company’s Mill Circuit University, a resource which ensures that skill levels are keeping up with technological advancement. More than that, technical staff understand more about the operating context of their specific equipment range. “This enhances the quality of conversations between our frontline staff and customers, and improves the levels of collaboration we achieve,” he says. “While some courses can be

Weir offers a digital solution allowing their equipment to be monitored to facilitate real time optimisation.

done online, we also bring our teams together for training from around the globe; we also conduct regional training events for customers’ staff – even on their sites when required.” In addition to learning about these services from Weir, Electra Mining Africa visitors were able to witness a modular wheeled plant solution – a fully mobile crushing and screening plant that can be transported by trailer. “Visitors from the mines were also impressed by the extent of Weir’s local manufacturing capability, as this is an important ESG imperative for the mining sector,” he concludes. “With some 95% of our sales being supplied by our South African plants, we are proud to support the local economy and offer customers a secure supply chain.” n

October 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  21