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Tracy Hancock

Tracy Hancock

Tracy Hancock is Creamer Media Contributing Editor for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

By Tracy Hancock

HOT COMMODITY
Specialist Mechanical Engineers has signed new contracts with clients, equating to 30% of its yearly turnover, to date this year

HVAC specialist launches new tech

4th September 2020

Three prototypes of a new modular mobile cool-air-drying system for agricultural use will be launched at the end of this year by Pretoria-headquartered multidisciplinary engineering company... 


FRANCO DIEDERIKS
Since the ease of the lockdown, sales are starting to pick up, especially among new developments and refurbishment projects

World-first heat pump to launch at Electra

4th September 2020

Krugersdorp heat pump manufacturer EMS Holdings will officially launch its world-first 200 ℓ low-pressure, integrated heat pump alongside its official distributor, ACDC, at Electra Mining Africa... 


FANTASTIC
In three months, CFW should be able to provide smoke exhaust fans, rated to operate at a temperature of 400 °C for  a minimum of 120 minutes to local and international markets

Local smoke vent fan gets green light

4th September 2020

Cape Town-based industrial fan design and manufacturing company CFW Industries has received certification for its 400 °C powered emergency smoke exhaust fans, which will add to its basket of... 


TIME AND MONEY
The EX600-W wireless valve bank module is designed to reduce downtime and costs

Wireless valve bank available locally

4th September 2020

The EX600-W wireless valve bank module from industrial automation technology company SMC is officially available in the South African market, says SMC senior technical sales engineer Wade Holland.... 


INTERNATIONALLY ACTIVE
Pamodzi Unique Engineering has supplied off-road pantographs to the US, Panama, Belgium, Zambia, Namibia and recently Russia

Localisation key to economic recovery

4th September 2020

Localisation should be the main driver of South Africa’s economic recovery following the Covid-19 outbreak, says diversified engineering company Pamodzi Unique Engineering CEO Sindi Dlamini. The... 


PRIVATE PARTICIPATION
Getting private-sector companies to fund laser research and development at local universities is expected to change the landscape dramatically

More local laser R&D needed

28th August 2020

South Africa is not placing enough focus on laser research and development (R&D), especially in the private sector, but there is hope, says the director of the Laser Research Institute (LRI) within... 


LASER FOCUS The present focus of the Rental Pool Programme is to improve the commercialisation of research done by research groups

Laser tech key to developing economy

28th August 2020

It is vital that South Africa has an in-depth understanding of the impact photonics-based technologies will have on its economic development, as they underpin the communication systems and sensors... 


iZONIT VISION SYSTEM 
The product enables the user to establish view mark positioning accurately and easily before firing a laser

Increased demand for laser marking

28th August 2020

Identification and traceability company Traceability Solutions has seen an increase in enquiries for laser-marking systems despite the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, says MD... 


DESIGNED TO BE DURABLE
VR Steel’s equipment, such as this VR Dipper fitted on electric rope shovel, is designed to withstand extreme punishment in the platinum-group metal sector

Ensuring productivity in tough conditions

21st August 2020

Platinum group metals (PGMs) strata present some of the most unforgiving digging conditions imaginable for earthmoving equipment attachments, says earthmoving mining equipment and attachments... 


PGMs PREDICTION
Amplats expects platinum group metals supply and demand to recover and, overall, experience relatively little change in its markets owing to Covid-19

PGMs recovery under way, but uncertainty remains

21st August 2020

Many geographic regions active in the platinum group metals (PGMs) sector are in the early stages of recovery, following the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with platinum, palladium and... 


RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING
In accordance with Covid-19 government regulations, Thos Begbie has implemented additional shifts to reduce contact between employees

Foundry company ensuring safe platinum smelting

21st August 2020

Foundry and engineering company Thos Begbie expects to finalise production of the Phase B coolers for platinum producer Anglo American Platinum’s (Amplats’) Anglo Converter Plant (ACP) in... 


PUSHING AHEAD
Impala Platinum has realised continued improvements during the 2020 financial year to deliver production ramp-up

PGMs producer navigating Covid-19 market disruption

21st August 2020

‘Business unusual’ is expected to characterise much of the 2021 financial year, owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, says platinum group metals producer Impala Platinum (Implats).    The company expects... 


Pump Optimiser is Shockwave’s solution to remote-controlled efficiency

Pump Optimiser is Shockwave’s solution to remote-controlled efficiency

20th August 2020

The national lockdown to curb the Covid-19 outbreak in South Africa has provided smart farming agricultural Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider Shockwave Engineering dedicated time to... 


	PRODUCTIVE PROPERTIES More farmers are experiencing improved crop yields when using Vulture Creek Clino, owing to its cation-exchange and slow-release fertiliser properties

‘Soil conditioner’ production keeps manufacturer bustling

7th August 2020

The processing facility of manufacturer and minerals producer Pratley has been significantly busy producing Pratley Vulture Creek Clino during the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19,... 


HANDY RANGE
Bearings International has seen a huge increase in demand for its range of Grippaz hand gloves and has increased its stockholding

Sector welcomes bearing distributor’s new products

7th August 2020

Demand for the agriculture-specific products offered by Southern Africa bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is slowly picking up now that lockdown... 


DIRECTING DEVELOPMENTS
The need to improve the efficiency of water and energy use, coupled with the introduction of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are shaping agricultural engineering innovations in South Africa

Agricultural engineers are an endangered species

7th August 2020

The agricultural industry remains key to the development of South Africa and addressing the country’s prevalent unemployment issues, but local agricultural engineers are a scarce breed, says South... 


ADVANCING AGRICULTURE
The new platform makes all the data from SupPlant’s sensors, such as the first continuous measurement fruit sensor on Macadamia fruit in South Africa, easily accessible and understood

New interface’s mobile version coming soon

7th August 2020

Data-driven agricultural solutions provider SupPlant has launched a new user interface for its decision support system (DSS), with a mobile version to follow, enabling farmers to keep an eye on... 


ENHANCED EFFECT Cyflo effects cellular permeability of agricultural remedies and fertilisers, and significantly improves their efficacy

Offering diversified with new crop input solution

7th August 2020

Environmental management company I-CAT will soon launch agricultural and forestry input solution Cyflo, as part of its product offering, targeting existing and potential clients, says I-CAT... 


MEETING MARKET DEMANDS
Rand-Air offer diesel-driven pumps for when power is not available at the source that meet the needs of the undersupplied market for high-head pumps

Pump rentals effective contingency plan to ensure food security

7th August 2020

When a pump used for agricultural applications fails, it poses a significant risk to the food production cycle, revenue generation and, ultimately, the food supply chain during a time when South... 


Stanfra answers need for local quarter-turn segmented ball valve

Stanfra answers need for local quarter-turn segmented ball valve

6th August 2020

Meyerton-based valve manufacturer Stanfra Abrasive Solutions is exposing South Africa’s first 100% locally manufactured quarter-turn segmented ball valves to extreme testing in the pulp and paper... 


Local zero-plastics amenities range developed for City Lodge Hotel Group

Local zero-plastics amenities range developed for City Lodge Hotel Group

24th July 2020

Hotel chain City Lodge Hotel Group (CLHG) is believed to be the first in South Africa to introduce a zero-plastics bathroom amenities range, which includes a hair and body bar and hand bar made... 


TO THE MAX
The RoadMAX belts for high-mileage vehicles feature improved dimensions, good belt flexibility and stability, as well as smooth-running operation

High-mileage drive belt introduced locally

24th July 2020

Automotive parts supplier Autobax extended its range of Gates automotive components in March this year by introducing drive belts specifically designed for high-mileage cars. This involved a soft... 


REBOUNDING DEMAND
Demand for Sumitomo Dunlop’s tyres is increasing since the restrictions of lockdown have eased

Lower human activity limiting tyre sales

24th July 2020

Every business is going to face the consequences of lower human activity and, thereby, commercial activity, as South Africans consume less or differently, owing to Covid-19, says automotive tyre... 


CAPACITY CUT
GUD’s plants have reopened under conservative conditions to about 60% of normal capacity

Variable demand requires new strategy

24th July 2020

Uncertain demand in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket environments, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, is impacting on short- to medium-term capacity management decisions to... 


COLLABORATION EXPECTATION
A more collaborative approach regarding the development of mining infrastructure is expected in future, as well as more involvement by the State

Positive mining developments halted by Covid-19

17th July 2020

Before the Covid-19 outbreak, major mining companies indicated that, for the first time in many years, government and the mining industry were having meaningful dialogue that could realise positive... 


BEN BAXTER
The initial key challenge of moving WCP B and its dredge was the construction of the road, which started in August 2019

Moma to move 7 000 t plant along newly built road

17th July 2020

The construction of a purpose-built, 23-km-long, 66-m-wide road for the relocation of wet concentrator plant (WCP) B and its dredge at the Moma titanium minerals mine, on the north-east coast of... 


SUITABLE SOURCE It is ideal to outsource staffing requirements to a compliant provider that will manage fixed-term contracts and ensure compliance with Mining Charter III

Less demand for outsourced labour

17th July 2020

There has been a sharp decline in demand for labour for mining-related construction projects amid the Covid-19 outbreak, with some projects on hold, as mines focus on their core business. This is... 


Food-waste composting aid manufacturer Bokashi Bran eyes US market

Food-waste composting aid manufacturer Bokashi Bran eyes US market

10th July 2020

With more local residential and commercial kitchens using the Bokashi Bran food-waste composting system and the product readily available from building material retail outlets Builders Warehouse... 


GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Wood has received requests from Ghana’s gold mines, owing to the high gold price

Mines focus on existing assets

10th July 2020

Few of the capital projects planned for the development of new African mines will go ahead this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant uncertainty, says project management,... 


SAFETY MATTERS
Masks make up and important part of personal protective equipment in the age of Covid-19

Mining without Covid-19 safeguards harmful to communities

10th July 2020

Keeping mining operations Covid-19-free is crucial because all mine personnel return to different communities, which can extend the spread of the infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 over long... 


BREAKING BOUNDARIES
The Remote Training Station solution enhances physical distancing while preserving quality outcomes and learning engagement

Workforce plan invaluable in crisis

10th July 2020

Having an actionable and implementable workforce plan in these uncertain times is more important than ever, says workforce development solutions provider Immersive Technologies Europe, Middle East... 


TIME’S UP
The coronal capping structures for two smokestacks had reached the end of their service life, and it was deemed necessary to replace them

Coronal capping design being completed for Namibian mine

10th July 2020

Rope access specialist Skyriders is preparing to install a new coronal capping, with its design in the process of being finalised, for two smokestacks at a mine in Namibia. The company secured the... 


NICK MAYHEW The Covid-19 pandemic is causing an acceleration of digital transformation across the mining sector

Smart solution to Covid-19 business recovery

10th July 2020

The online Smart Mining resource centre from digital solutions innovation hub Axora has piqued the interest of African mining companies, particularly those in South Africa. Axora chief commercial... 


COMPRESSED AIR EXPANSION PROJECT
Lesedi upgraded the compressed air installation plant by adding an extra compressor with its own heat of compression dryer

Compressed air expansion project completed at Mozal smelter

10th July 2020

South African engineering, procurement and construction company Lesedi has completed the upgrade of the compressed air installation plant at diversified mining and minerals company South32’s Mozal... 


CLAIMING OPPORTUNITY Bearings International has seen a gap in the market for reclaimer chains in Southern Africa

African interest in reclaimer chain

10th July 2020

Southern African bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI), a member of Hudaco Industries, is working closely with the manufacturers of the reclaimer chains... 


Dale Automation emergency ventilator could create jobs amid crisis

Dale Automation emergency ventilator could create jobs amid crisis

26th June 2020

While South Africa faces significant job losses amid the Covid-19 outbreak, engineering company Dale Automation expects to create 50 to 60 additional jobs should it receive the necessary medical... 


CONNECTING AFRICA
The 2Africa subsea cable will be the most comprehensive subsea cable to serve Africa and the Middle East

Subsea cable to improve connectivity in Africa

26th June 2020

Submarine communications network supplier Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) has been appointed to build the 37 000-km-long 2Africa subsea cable – one of the largest subsea projects globally, which... 


OPTIMISED GEOMETRY
The link design of the S/SX series allows contaminants found in harsh environments to fall through the system when the cable carrier is in motion

Cables for corrosive conditions

26th June 2020

Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s extensive portfolio of Tsubaki Kabelschlepp cable carrier systems and safety cables includes S/SX steel cable carriers, which have been designed to carry heavy... 


PRICEY IMPEDIMENTS
Manganese prices increased sharply in April, as disruptions to supply from South Africa, Brazil and other markets affected more than 40% of global supply

Manganese remains resilient

19th June 2020

Manganese prices remained resilient in the first quarter of 2020, even as Chinese imports fell by 18%, with in-country logistics impacted on by the country’s Covid-19 lockdown, says natural... 


Aeris Mask copper filtration face mask takes off

Aeris Mask copper filtration face mask takes off

12th June 2020

The “slide-in” copper filter inserts for cloth masks manufactured by South African startup Aeris Mask in accordance with government guidelines have had massive interest, with the company selling... 


GRAHAME CRUICKSHANKS
The rate of energy efficiency-related retrofits is high in commercial office, retail and industrial spaces

Energy efficiency part of futureproofing assets

12th June 2020

Local building owners are looking to futureproof their assets for the secondary market, and reduce operating costs across all sectors, including the commercial, office, retail, industrial and... 


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