Manufacturing | Metals & Engineering

https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Advertise on this page? Click Here to Learn More

Metals & Engineering News

Iron-ore tumbles as China steel curbs are back in focus

By: Reuters 12th October 2021 Iron-ore futures were under pressure on Tuesday, with the Singapore benchmark retreating nearly 7% after a four-day rally and Dalian contracts erasing early gains, as investor focus shifted back to steel production controls in China. The steelmaking raw material's most-active November contract on... →

Seifsa names new board

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th October 2021 Industry organisation the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) has named its new board members. EICO Engineering CEO Elias Monage, who is also a member of the Steel Master Plan Oversight Council and chairperson and founder of the Steel Industry Compliance and... →

ArcelorMittal slaps surcharge on some steel as energy costs bite

By: Bloomberg 8th October 2021 Europe’s biggest steelmaker ArcelorMittal has slapped a surcharge on some products due to surging power prices, according to a person familiar with the matter. Long steel products sold by ArcelorMittal in Europe will be subject to a €50 ($58) a ton surcharge, said the person, who asked not to be... →

FDA-compliant pumps benefit multiple industries

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 8th October 2021 Engineering solutions provider BMG’s range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid management equipment comprises of Food and Drug Administration- (FDA-) compliant, air-operated, diaphragm pumps that provide solutions for the food and beverage sector, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic pumps... →

BMG's ARO SD Series pump against a white background

SD SERIES BMG’s ARO SD series features a quick knock-down compression clamp system to facilitate easier cleaning and maintenance

Valve components meet application specifications

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 8th October 2021 Water-jet cutting service provider Maxjet Global has used its extensive experience in the manufacturing of pump and valve components to produce components that are specified for their application. “All our valve components are produced using stainless steel 304, 316, 310 and especially duplex... →

STRONG AS STEEL MaxJet valve components are made from stainless steel 304, 316, 310 and duplex stainless steel grades

Global metals, mining demand ‘tepid at best’ – WoodMac

By: Simone Liedtke 6th October 2021 With the global metals and mining markets having faltered under the weight of Covid-19 pandemic-driven lockdowns, demand outside of China was “tepid at best and in freefall at worst”, says global research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac). From a mined commodities perspective,... →

NUM gets behind Cosatu strike on October 7

By: Marleny Arnoldi 6th October 2021 The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has decided to join the October 7 national strike launched by Congress of South African Trade Union (Cosatu). The NUM has, therefore, issued a call to its members in the mining, energy construction and metals sectors to join planned activities across the... →

Fortescue sets Scope 3 targets, hopes green hydrogen will help

By: Esmarie Iannucci 6th October 2021 Iron-ore major Fortescue Metals this week announced a target to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040, addressing emissions across its entire global value chain, including crude steel manufacturing which accounts for 98% of the company’s Scope 3 emissions. The company told shareholders... →

Image shows Fortsescue's iron-ore operations

Strike threatens nascent recovery under way in metals sector, Seifsa warns

By: Terence Creamer 30th September 2021 A protracted strike in the metals and engineering sector would severely undermine the nascent recovery under way in the industry following what was a deep Covid-linked slump in 2020, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) warned on Thursday. Speaking at the... →

The 2014 Numsa strike cost the industry R300-million directly

EU trade chief says time running out to fix US steel dispute

By: Bloomberg 28th September 2021 The European Union’s (EU's) trade chief warned that only about a month remains to resolve a metals dispute with the US, and failure to do so means new EU tariffs will hit American products on Dec. 1. “Allowing for internal decision-making procedures in the EU, we really need an agreement already... →

Rare earth elements discovered

24th September 2021 Last month, mining company Australian Bauxite Limited (ABX) confirmed its discovery of rare earth element (REE) accumulations within its bauxite tenement in northern Tasmania that are enriched in the strategically important REE metals neodymium and praseodymium, along with terbium and dysprosium. →

HybroHeat furnace technology developed

By: Anna Moross 24th September 2021 With the development of the HybroHeat furnace technology, plant supplier SMS group underlines once again its position as world market leader for aluminium extrusion plants. →

An image of the hybroheat furnace technology

HYBROHEAT FURNACE TECHNOLOGY HybroHeat furnace technology combines the advantages of cost-efficient preheating of log material in a gas furnace and precise temperature setting

ArcelorMittal South Africa responds to Itac’s termination of safeguard probe

23rd September 2021 Earlier this month, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) recommended that an investigation be terminated into the imposition of safeguard duties on certain steel sections manufactured at the Highveld Structural Mill. The application was lodged in June 2020 by... →

Photo by Creamer Media
The Highveld Structural Steel Mill

Engineering sector strike looms as wage talks deadlock

By: Donna Slater 21st September 2021 The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) on Tuesday announced that it would embark on a national strike in the engineering sector from October 5, after wage talks deadlocked. Numsa has deadlocked with employer associations in engineering, namely the National Employers... →

AMSA appoints Suretha van Wyk as interim CFO

By: Schalk Burger 20th September 2021 Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has appointed its statutory reporting senior manager Suretha van Wyk as interim CFO with effect from October 1. Van Wyk is currently part of the finance team and reports to outgoing CFO Desmond Maharaj, who has resigned as CFO and executive... →

Steel prices to normalise but remain strong, says Moody’s

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 17th September 2021 The worldwide supply/demand imbalance for steel will return in 2022 and steel prices will gradually decline toward their historical averages from the unusual highs of this year, says Moody´s Investors Service in a new report. The report indicates that steel demand will ebb as buyers replenish... →

Opinion: Steel Master Plan needs refining if it is to help revive downstream industry

15th September 2021 In this opinion article, Duferco MD Ludovico Sanges argues that the Steel Master Plan is a good start, but that certain key issues still need to be addressed if the embattled downstream steel industry is to be revived. →

Duferco MD Ludovico Sanges

Numsa inches closer to strike in the metals and engineering sector

By: Marleny Arnoldi 15th September 2021 The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has called for the issue of a certificate of non-resolution amid its deadlock with the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa). The parties have been meeting with other trade unions and the Metal and... →

Outlook for metals improves – Moody’s

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 13th September 2021 Credit rating business Moody's Investors Service’s outlook for the global metals and mining industry changed to stable from positive with high prices expected to fade out throughout 2022. In a new report covering iron-ore, steel, coal, aluminium, gold, silver, nickel, copper and zinc, Moody's... →

ArcelorMittal to triple iron-ore production in Liberia

By: Reuters 13th September 2021 ArcelorMittal signed an agreement on Friday to stay for at least 25 more years in Liberia, where it will at least triple its iron-ore production and invest an additional $800-million, the company's executive chairman and Liberia's president said. Annual production will increase to 15-million... →

An image of heavy haul trucks operating in Liberia.

Iron-ore set for second weekly loss on China demand collapse

By: Reuters 10th September 2021 Iron-ore futures in top steel producer China dropped on Friday to head for a second consecutive weekly loss, with the benchmark Dalian price hovering near its lowest in seven months on fears of more steel production curbs. The most-traded January iron-ore on the Dalian Commodity Exchange ended... →

Paradigm shift can address unemployment

By: Anna Moross 10th September 2021 Increasing awareness of the skills required to advance civil engineering education in South Africa is integral to unlocking employment opportunities, specifically within the country’s municipal sector, advocates South Africa Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) CEO Vishaal Lutchman. →

An image of Vishaal Lutchman, the CEO of SAICE

VISHAAL LUTCHMAN The country needs to find a balanced approach to promote both artisanal trade qualifications and qualifications received from universities

Changes required to deal with municipal issues

By: Anna Moross 10th September 2021 The dismal performance of municipalities in infrastructure and service delivery in South Africa can be attributed to the lack of technical capacity and competency within municipalities, says association Consulting Engineers South Africa CEO Chris Campbell. →

An image of Chris Campbell, the CEO of CESA

CHRIS CAMPBELL While municipalities are facing many challenges, there is great opportunity to create change now.

Company involvement in municipal project well under way

By: Anna Moross 10th September 2021 Engineering consultant Zutari has completed several aspects of Phase 1 and Phase 1A of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), for which it provided civil and structural engineering services associated with bulk and internal infrastructure. →

An image of the construction site of the TASEZ project

ZUTARI TASEZ DEVELOPMENT The TASEZ is a key driver for economic growth in the City of Tshwane and in Gauteng

Infrastructure upgrades for eThekwini municipality

10th September 2021 Consulting engineers Bosch Projects and financial institution Bosch Capital – members of the Bosch Holdings group of companies – work closely with municipalities nationally to assist with upgrading infrastructure. →

Company uses innovative ideas in municipal project

By: Anna Moross 10th September 2021 Consulting engineers Knight Piésold completed the design and construction supervision of the 25 ML rectangular reinforced concrete reservoir at the Emoyeni site for the eThekwini municipality Water and Sanitation Unit in February 2021. →

An image of the construction of the concrete reservoir project

CONCRETE RESERVOIR The project represents creative design elements that exceeded the expectations of both the client and the community

Tech key to transform water systems

By: Anna Moross 10th September 2021 The global water and wastewater treatment market is driven by rapid population growth and urbanisation and it is, therefore, critical for water boards and municipalities to break down the ‘silo mentality’ for better management of resources, says information technology company Rockwell Automation... →

An image of Sagren Govender the sales manager and Europe, Middle East and Africa water industry coordinator for Rockwell Automation

SAGREN GOVENDER Using technology in the development of water plants allows for intellectual knowledge to be shared between water boards and municipalities

Steel handling made easier

10th September 2021 Mobicon container handlers have been used in the global steel industry for over 15 years, to enhance the efficiency and safety of handling components like steel reinforced bars. These versatile machines are used efficiently in many industries, including transport and logistics, food and beverage... →

Mobicon straddle carrier standing in a warehouse lot

CARRY THE LOAD Mobicon straddle carriers provide a safe, convenient and cost-efficient solution to alleviate the problems of handling reinforced steel

President Hichilema raises fresh hope for Zambia’s mining industry

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 10th September 2021 Hakainde Hichilema's triumph over incumbent President Edgar Lungu in last month's general elections has kindled much optimism that better fortunes are in store for Zambia's copper-heavy mining industry, which had a stunted performance under the previous administration. Africa Practice CEO Marcus... →

Australia and Canada to benefit from green steel revolution - Fitch

By: Esmarie Iannucci 8th September 2021 Australia, Canada and Brazil all stood to benefit from the emergence of a green steel market, researcher Fitch Solutions said. Speaking at the Hydrogen in Mining virtual conference, Fitch Solutions head of commodities analysis, Aurelia Britsch said on Wednesday that not only would low carbon... →

Military unit seizes power in Guinea, dissolves constitution

By: Bloomberg 6th September 2021 A group of soldiers seized power in Guinea and dissolved the nation’s constitution, according to a statement broadcast on state television. The announcement came hours after heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in the capital, Conakry, earlier on Sunday morning. Agence France-Presse... →

CSIR develops polymer composite for steel pipe maker for push-fit applications

By: Schalk Burger 3rd September 2021 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a polymer composite solution for, and in partnership with, steel pipe manufacturer Hall Longmore. The solution advances Hall Longmore's aim to offer the South African water industry a localised push-fit application for... →

Metals, engineering industry wage negotiations deadline extended to Sept 14

By: Donna Slater 3rd September 2021 The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) reports that its affiliated employer associations – the National Employers Association of South Africa and the South African Engineers and Founders Association, have agreed to extend the deadline for concluding wage... →

Seifsa CEO Lucio Trentini

Company issued with prohibition notice for flouting health, safety regulations

By: Donna Slater 3rd September 2021 The alleged flouting of various health and safety regulations, and non-reporting of a major and serious incident, has resulted in a prohibition notice being issued by Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) inspectors to Coega Steel, in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. The discovery of... →

Acquisition improves manufacturing capability, export ability

By: Cameron Mackay 3rd September 2021 Industrial equipment supplier Fabchem Mining entered into a written agreement to acquire original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) VULA Drilling last month. Fabchem will complete the acquisition once all conditions are fulfilled. Fabchem Mining manufactures, distributes and supplies underground... →

Welding solutions supplied by service provider

3rd September 2021 Integrated gas and welding distributor Unique Welding, through its national branch network, comprehensive product range, global partnerships and over 40 years of expertise is uniquely able to assist fabricators reduce welding costs, improve productivity and reduce weld safety risks in the... →

Hulamin continues turnaround, despite pandemic

By: Simone Liedtke 31st August 2021 Aluminium supplier and exporter Hulamin continued with its turnaround actions for both its rolled and extruded product segments, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, for the period ended June 30. In the six-month period, Hulamin’s rolled and extruded product sales increased by 43% and 58%,... →

Hulamin CFO Mark Gounder presents for the first time as he discusses the company's interim financial results. Video: Creamer Media's Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

About

Engineering News is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Mining Weekly
Research Channel Africa
Polity

Newsletters

Sign up for our FREE daily email newsletter

Receive daily sector news alerts

More

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on Engineering News is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options

Subscribe