From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. The R50-million Kumba Iron Ore Virtual Reality Centre for Mine Design has opened at the University of Pretoria. Ilan Solomons attended the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s recent Virtual Reality conference, where delegates were given a tour of the new facility and filed this report.

Ilan Solomons:
The virtual reality centre, which is a first for Africa is set to revolutionise both surface and underground mine design.

Entire mines can now be designed in a virtual environment, thereby amplifying the consequences of bad design, enhancing safety and potentially boosting mining efficiencies.

The centre includes a state-of-the art 75-seat lecture hall, a 3D cinematic theatre with a curved screen and cylinder based room with a 4.5 m high 3D screen providing a 360º view, a surround sound system and five overhead projectors, all of which enable students to take a virtual journey into the heart of mining operations.

University of Pretoria department head Professor Ronny Webber-Youngman explains more.

University of Pretoria department head Professor Ronny Webber-Youngman

Shannon de Ryhove:
Other news making headlines this week: Filtration and separation solutions provider Roytec completes testing at Bindura Nickel Corporation; Eskom unveils a new coal-sourcing strategy as it pursues its R2-billion Optimum claim; and Zest WEG is still acquisitive after adding scale and scope to its transformer offering.

Shannon voice over:
Filtration and separation solutions provider Roytec completed testing and adapting a larger filter press system for mining company Bindura Nickel Corporation’s Trojan nickel mine, in Zimbabwe. Roytec business development director Peter Sampson discusses the significance of this project for the company.

Roytec business development director Peter Sampson

Ilan Solomons:
Sampson also highlights the importance Roytec places on research and development, noting that over the past four years the company’s research unit has developed several industry leading technologies, such as its RadFlow feedwell system.

State-owned electricity utility Eskom has confirmed an overhaul to its coal-sourcing model, which could result in it withdrawing from its historical cost-plus arrangements with “tied collieries” in favour of arms-length commercial contracts with coal suppliers.

Eskom acting CEO Brian Molefe

South African electrical equipment supplier and manufacturer Zest WEG remains on the prowl for “synergistic” acquisitions, having recently completed a transaction to buy TSS Transformers – a deal that materially increases its local manufacturing capabilities and heralds its entry into the maintenance and repair sector of the market.

Zest WEG CEO Louis Meiring

Shannon de Ryhove:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.