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Metals News

South32’s Hillside smelter, Solana to introduce sustainable energy in Richards Bay

By: Marleny Arnoldi 4th July 2022 Diversified miner South32’s Richard’s Bay-based Hillside Aluminium smelter has partnered with energy company Solana Energy to transform the Richards Bay and King Cetshwayo district economic regions and bring much-needed sustainable energy to these commercial hubs. The partners will embark on a... →

TFR signs cross-border agreement with Railways of Mozambique

By: Schalk Burger 1st July 2022 State-owned rail agency Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has signed a cooperation agreement with Mozambique State agency Ports and Railways of Mozambique (CFM) to implement an immediate train run-through model that will result in the export of chrome and ferrochrome moving seamlessly from Belfast, in... →

Iron-ore tumbles as recession fears fuel commodities selloff

By: Reuters 1st July 2022 Iron-ore and steel prices tumbled on Friday as prospects of a sharp global economic downturn fanned fears of a slump in demand for commodities, despite signs of a rebound in manufacturing activity in top metals consumer China. The spectre of a global recession fed an already clouded demand... →

Manufacturer now offers new stainless steel braided hose

1st July 2022 Earlier this year, industrial hose specialist Truco announced it had started manufacturing stainless steel braided hose at its Chamdor campus in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Initial capabilities are for hose assemblies from 6 mm to 25 cm in diameter. →

A reel of stainless steel braided hose which is impervious to fire chemicals and pressure

STEELING THE SHOW The new sheet braided hose offered by Truco is ideal for use across a range of industries

Cesa challenges Sanral’s decision to cancel tender

1st July 2022 Industry body Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) is challenging the decision by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) board to cancel critical infrastructure tenders worth R17.5-billion on the basis that the adjudication process was flawed owing to the involvement of... →

TENDER DEBACLE Cesa is challenging Sanral’s decision to cancel 17.5-billion in tenders

Association stresses quality control is imperative

1st July 2022 As part of its continuous education process, Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) continues to enlighten design engineers, contractors and all users of plastic pipe of the critical importance of getting the highest quality of polymers in the products they specify or... →

A bunch of blue plastic pipes which have a light shining thorug them form back to front

SHINING LIGHT Sappma continues to shine a light on the need for quality products and materials to its members

MEIBC parties vote to extend 2021 wage deal to non-parties

By: Creamer Media Reporter 30th June 2022 Parties to the Metals and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC) have voted to extend the three-year agreement reached in the metals and engineering sector in October 2021 to non-parties. The collective main agreement concluded for the period July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024, will now be... →

Britain extends steel tariffs, breaching WTO rules

By: Reuters 29th June 2022 Britain on Wednesday extended a package of tariffs and quotas on five steel products by two years to protect local steelmakers, in a move that will breach international trade rules. Trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan told parliament the safeguards would help defend a strategic industry and that... →

South Africa imported record volumes of steel in 2021, new report shows

By: Terence Creamer 29th June 2022 At close to 1.7-million tonnes, South Africa imported record volumes of primary steel in 2021, constituting about one-third of all steel used in the country, a new Steel Report published by the South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI) confirms. The report, which is the inaugural edition of... →

UK to consult with WTO members on tariffs protecting steel

By: Bloomberg 27th June 2022 The UK government said it will consult with other countries at the World Trade Organization on its plan to extend steel tariffs, after prime minister Boris Johnson said it was “reasonable” to use them to protect Britain’s domestic industry. “No decision has yet been taken,” Johnson’s spokesman... →

Industry body assures job security for welders

By: Halima Frost 24th June 2022 Despite a marked increase in the uptake of robotic welding systems, owing to Covid-19 and the fast-tracking of automation, artisanal welding will never be completely replaced, says Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) Certification CEO Herman Potgieter. “The Covid-19 pandemic has played a... →

A man in a ditch welding a water pipe out in the open, which would be inaccessible to a robotic welder

Southern African Institute of Welding Certifications CEO Herman Potgieter discusses the uptake of technology in the welding sector.

Pipe welding work completed

24th June 2022 A successful example of technical solutions provider BMG Fluid Power team’s ability to carry out on-site welding during the installation and replacement of piping, plate work, stainless steel and other components has been highlighted during the installation of pipework over a 48-hour shift shut... →

A Jasic branded welding machine with a Jasic welding mask being used by a BMG welder with sparks flying

WONDER WELD BMG’s range of Jasic welding equipment was the preferred brand for on site welding at a pipework installation

New waterjet machine bought

By: Halima Frost 24th June 2022 To meet growing demand for specialised cutting services, waterjet cutting specialist Aquajet has procured a new precision waterjet machine from jet machining manufacturer Omax to complement its three existing Omax machines. “The machine is part of our ambitious expansion, which aims to increase... →

BIGGER BETTER The larger premises and addition of new machines will increase productivity output for Aquajet

New premises, machine cater to growing demand

24th June 2022 In May, global arc welding equipment manufacturer Miller Electric released its new Millermatic 355 metal inert gas (MIG) welder, an easy-to-use machine designed for fabricators and manufacturers who need to MIG weld a variety of materials. The Millermatic 355 can operate on single-phase or... →

A new blue welding machine offered by Miller Electric

POWER PACK The new, powerful Millermatic metal inert gas welder is an east-to use option for fabricators and manufacturers

Testing phase of steam drum finalised

By: Halima Frost 24th June 2022 Earlier this month, steel fabricator and welding specialist Hydra-Arc finished the post weld heat treatment (PWHT) and pressure test of the third of four drums on an order for a client in the sugar industry. The order – procured in August last year, which will be supplied and commissioned by... →

A welder at Hydra Arc's Middleburg premises is seen welding a large drum which will be used in the sugar industry

UNDER PRESSURE The pressure testing and post weld heat treatment of three of four drums on order has been finalised

Alliance formed for global supply of laser welder

24th June 2022 Last month, metallurgical industry supplier SMS group and material joining equipment manufacturer Taylor-Winfield Technologies joined together in a global strategic alliance for the supply, support and service of SMS’s proprietary X-Roll heavy gauge coil joining laser welder. Taylor-Winfield has... →

An aerial view of the X-Roll heavy gauge coil joining laser welder offered by SMS group and which will now be manufactured and supplied by Taylor-Winfield Technologies

ON A ROLL The alliance leverages the strengths of both companies to accelerate the growth of the X-Roll laser welder

Compact grinding and polishing system launched

24th June 2022 Having realised that consumers want smaller packaging units and functional sets containing components that are designed to work in harmony with one another, cutting and grinding solutions manufacturer PFERD has scaled down the packaging unit for its popular COMBICLICK system. “It’s like all the... →

A small cutting disk on an angle grinding a piece of steel with sparks flying to the side

COMBICLICK SYSTEM The smaller packages for PFERD's COMBICLICK system are now available

Local bridge construction of concern

By: Tracy Hancock 24th June 2022 The quality of new bridges being built generally complies with South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) standards, which are aligned with international best practice, but the quality of the construction of these bridges is concerning, says South African Institute of Steel Construction... →

AMANUEL GEBREMESKEL Many studies also show that steel structures are the most cost-effective bridges to construct, even when the price of steel fluctuates

Police arrest 2 men with more than 300kg of Transnet copper cable

By: News24Wire 20th June 2022 Two men were arrested in Vredenburg after allegedly being found with 302 kg of copper cable belonging to Transnet, Western Cape police said. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said officers on patrol on Saturday night arrested the two at the R27 and R399 crossing in Vredenburg. →

Iron-ore sinks and steel mills go dark on deepening China gloom

By: Bloomberg 20th June 2022 Iron-ore plunged more than 7% in Singapore -- giving up all its gains this year -- as steel mills idled blast furnaces amid growing pessimism over the demand outlook in China. The steel-making ingredient has now lost around a fifth of its value in a run of declines that’s extended to an eighth... →

Ghana seeks strategic partner to upgrade VALCO aluminium smelter

By: Reuters 14th June 2022 Ghana is on a roadshow to find a strategic partner to "revamp" state-owned Volta Aluminum Company's (VALCO) aluminium smelter, Ghana Lands and Natural Resources minister Samuel Jinapor said on Monday at the Africa CEO Forum conference in Abidjan. Jinapor said Ghana, which has ample reserves of... →

Aveng in advanced negotiations to dispose of Trident Steel

By: Donna Slater 13th June 2022 Infrastructure and contract mining group Aveng is in advanced-stage negotiations with a credible buyer for its Trident Steel business – a division of Aveng Africa – as a going concern. The disposal of Trident Steel is in line with Aveng’s 2018 strategy of disposing assets which are deemed... →

Company shows revenue growth

By: Nadine Ramdass 10th June 2022 Steel manufacturer and supplier Stewarts and Lloyds’ manufacturing division registered an even bigger growth in revenue last year – compared with the previous year – largely owing to the company’s increasing its products range and branches across South Africa. The company also opened a branch in... →

S African coatings event well attended

By: Halima Frost 10th June 2022 This year’s Coatings for Africa 2022 conference, organised by global events organiser DMG Events, was held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Gauteng, from May 4 to 6. The event was hosted by multinational coatings industry representatives The Coatings Group and supported by industry bodies... →

A man standing at a podium speaking on the topic of coatings and paint development at teh Coatings for Africa 2022 expo held in Sandton last month

HOT TOPIC The Coatings for Africa event was held in Sandton last month after a four year haitus

Company produces over 1Mt of corrosion resistant steel

By: Halima Frost 10th June 2022 Stainless steel manufacturer Columbus Stainless, based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, says that it has produced more than one-million tons of its 3CR12 chromium-containing corrosion-resistant stainless steel for a variety of applications for local and international clients. 3CR12 is a locally... →

A stainless steel 3CR12 exhaust pipe laying among a group of rusted metal exhaust pipes with a small seedling growing n front of it

SHINING LIGHT The notable corrosion resistance of Columbus Stainless's 3CR12 improve on cost of ownership and product longevity

Company adds new product to its boiler offering

10th June 2022 Industrial process technologies supplier Alfa Laval has launched its new Alfa Laval AC65 brazed plate heat exchanger at its first online net-zero launch event, where it showcased new, cutting-edge thinking in energy efficiency, clean energy and circular-economy solutions. →

An image of a brazed plate heat exchanger

HEAT EXCHANGER Company offers new, cutting-edge thinking in energy efficiency, and clean-energy and circular-economy solutions.

Coating firm awarded corrosion prevention contract

10th June 2022 Last month, anti-corrosion coatings manufacturer Corrocoat announced it has been awarded a contract to protect 300 new pipe spools of various dimensions by a multinational energy client. The company say its Corroglass 600 series was the coating system selected for this project, as it offered the... →

A cross section of a metal pipe with two angles that was coated internally using a new technique offered by coatings company Corrocoat

CROSS OUT CORROSION A cross section of pipe that was successfully coated with Corrocoats Corroglass coating system

Online portal launched to guide clients

10th June 2022 Last month, protective powder coating and paint manufacturer AkzoNobel Powder Coatings launched a dedicated site to showcase its functional range of Resicoat powder coatings. AkzoNobel created the new dedicated microsite and resource centre for customers and specifiers of functional powder... →

A photo of the AzkoNobel head office taken from the bottom looking up

HOME PAGE AzkoNobel has launched a dedicated website to showcase its functional range of Resicoat powder coatings

Drones launched for boiler inspections

By: Mandisa Nyathi 10th June 2022 Rope access specialist Skyriders introduced the new Elios SkyEye drones last month for use in non-destructive testing when inspecting boiler internals at power stations. →

BOILER INSPECTION Rope access Specialist adds drones for burner inspection

Covid-19 continues to haunt manufacturing companies

By: Nadine Ramdass 10th June 2022 The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its resulting lockdowns continues to be felt in the manufacturing sector despite a move towards eased regulations. Challenges, such as the shortage of electronic components, global shipping delays and overall uncertainty, have impacted on the growth of the... →

COVID DELAYS STRETCH Owing to pandemic-related delays, a MCC can now take up to between 30 and 40 weeks to complete

Push for education in manufacturing

By: Halima Frost 10th June 2022 Owing to a continued lack of understanding of the concept of tribology and its importance, the South African Institute of Tribology (SAIT) remains a firm advocate of the need for tribology education in the manufacturing sector. Tribology is the study of friction and wear, where two surfaces... →

A metal component that can be seen with deep grooves in it caused by frictional wear

WEAR OH WEAR The South African Institute of Tribology explains that tribology is the study of friction and wear, where two surfaces moving over one another cause friction

Cabinet approves public consultations on illegal scrap metal restrictions

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 9th June 2022 Cabinet has approved that public consultations be undertaken on proposals to restrict the trade of illegally obtained scrap and processed metals. This decisions was made during a Cabinet meeting on June 8. →

Recovered scrap metals

Hulamin’s shares fall on withdrawal of buyout offer

By: Marleny Arnoldi 6th June 2022 JSE-listed aluminium products supplier Hulamin’s share price has taken a 24% dive to around 378c apiece following the withdrawal of a buyout offer. Hulamin in August last year received an expression of interest from an unnamed party to acquire the business, which Hulamin believed would have... →

National rail policy to support local industry, manufacturing

By: Schalk Burger 3rd June 2022 The National Rail Policy White Paper has a deliberate bias towards local manufacturing to ensure industrialisation and the local production of steel, railway lines, rolling stock and supplies, and the State and private sector operators should procure all supplies from South African manufacturers,... →

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula

Local assembly of MACC drives to slash lead times

3rd June 2022 Drive technology supplier SEW Eurodrive’s expanded local capability out of its new Aeroton facility will include the assembly of SEW M-Series Air Cooled Condenser (MACC) air-cooled condenser drives for delivery at a rate of three units a week →

AIR COOL CONDENSERS Air-cooled condenser (ACC) systems used in steam-driven power generation plants.

Company performs complex breakdown repair on rotor

3rd June 2022 Electro-mechanical services and repairs company Marthinusen & Coutts (M&C) recently performed comprehensive repairs to the rotor of an aging 30 MW generator which had failed during operation at JSE-listed forest group Sappi’s Saiccor pulp mill in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal. →

MECHANICAL REBUILD Generator rotor undergoing dimensional checks in M&C mechanical rebuild

Drive-based solutions enhance efficiency, safety of machines

3rd June 2022 Engineering Solutions provider BMG’s Nord predictive maintenance solutions offer fast, efficient and comprehensive evaluation of analogue and digital data, to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of machines. →

PREDICTIVE SOLUTIONS The intelligent PLC in Nord drive technology forms the basis for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

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