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Metals & Engineering News

Kumba lowers full-year sales guidance as sales to AMSA fall

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 22nd October 2019 Lower iron-ore sales to steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) in the third quarter has prompted Kumba Iron Ore to lower its full-year sales guidance to between 42-million and 43-million tonnes of iron-ore, compared with the previously expected 43-million to 44-million tonnes. The... →

French cement company sells promise of greener future in IPO

By: Bloomberg 21st October 2019 A tiny French cement company sold shares on the Paris exchange with a big promise: to shake up global production and reduce carbon emissions. Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies pitched to investors a “disruptive” manufacturing process based on changing the composition of cement so that it no... →

Plastic bottles vs aluminium cans: who'll win the global water fight?

By: Reuters 17th October 2019 Global bottled water giants are ramping up trials of easily recyclable aluminium cans to replace plastic that pollutes the world's seas. Sound like a slam-dunk for the environment? Not entirely. Aluminium cans might indeed mean less ocean waste, but they come with their own eco-price: the... →

Despite headwinds, global steel demand continues to grow

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th October 2019 Global steel demand will grow by 3.9% to 1.78-million tonnes this year and by 1.7% to 1.81-million tonnes in 2020, the World Steel Association (worldsteel) estimates in its latest Short Range Outlook (SRO). “The current SRO suggests that global steel demand will continue to grow this year, more... →

2019 Steel Awards showcases greater diversity

By: Simone Liedtke 11th October 2019 The South African Institute of Steel Construction (Saisc) Steel Awards attracted not only a record number of entries and sponsors this year, but also greater diversity, CEO Paolo Trinchero says. He points out that this year’s entries encompass a wider range of stakeholders in the greater built... →

China's Chalco delays Boffa bauxite mine launch to 2020

By: Reuters 10th October 2019 Aluminum Corp of China, also known as Chalco, has delayed the launch of its Boffa bauxite project in Guinea until at least the first quarter of 2020, a company official said on Thursday. Construction on the project, expected to produce 12-million tonnes of the aluminium ore a year, would be... →

Incoming top EU climate official pledges to tax polluting imports

By: Reuters 9th October 2019 The European Union (EU) will start work immediately on a tax on polluting foreign firms to shelter EU businesses striving to meet a goal to be climate neutral by 2050, the senior official set to take responsibility for climate in the new European Commission said on Tuesday. Frans Timmermans, who... →

Insimbi achieves decent interim growth

By: Simone Liedtke 8th October 2019 Despite a challenging local and global economic environment, metals supplier Insimbi on Tuesday reported an 11% increase in its headline earnings a share from R8.47 to R9.42, while earnings a share saw a 4% increase from R9.12 to R9.48, for the six months ended August 31, 2019. Revenue for the... →

Japan Oct-Dec crude steel output forecast to slip

By: Reuters 8th October 2019 Japan's output of crude steel in the October-December quarter is forecast to fall 0.1% from a year earlier as trade tensions and uncertainty over China's economy curb exports, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said on Tuesday. Crude steel output is estimated at 25.69 million... →

Outlook for wind energy in SA improving, despite headwinds

By: Terence Creamer 4th October 2019 After stalling last year, global renewable energy capacity additions are expected to recover strongly in 2019, supported by a solid rebound in onshore wind deployments and ongoing solar photovoltaic (PV) growth. The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects almost 200 GW of renewables capacity to... →

Robor goes into liquidation

By: Creamer Media Reporter 2nd October 2019 Steel tube and pipe manufacturer Robor has been placed into voluntary liquidation. Investment holding company Tiso Blackstar, which owns 47.61% of Robor, on Wednesday reported that the decline of the South African economy over the past three years, the margin-eroding effect of cheaper Chinese... →

If the health system is corruptible, we all suffer – Ramaphosa

By: Sane Dhlamini 1st October 2019 President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday said if South Africa’s health care system is marred with unauthorised expenditure, the entire country would suffer the consequences. Ramaphosa was speaking at the launch of the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum, which is expected to fight the scourge of... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

WTO slashes forecast for trade growth as conflicts mount

By: Reuters 1st October 2019 The World Trade Organization (WTO) cut its forecast for growth in global trade this year by more than half on Tuesday and said further rounds of tariffs and retaliation, a slowing economy and a disorderly Brexit could squeeze it even more. The WTO said it now expected global merchandise trade to... →

Photo by Reuters
WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo

Transnet reports dramatic rise in irregular expenditure to R49bn

By: Terence Creamer 30th September 2019 State-owned freight logistics utility Transnet received yet another qualified audit for its 2018/19 financial year and also announced a dramatic rise in irregular expenditure to R49-billion, after locomotive contracts valued at R41.5-billion where added to the figure, which stood at R8-billion at... →

Transnet acting CEO Mohammed Mahomedy outlines the reason for the group receiving yet another qualified audit during the 2018/19 financial year, as well as the dramatic rise in irregular expenditure to R49-billion. Camerawork and editing: Darlene Creamer 30.9.2019

Extrusion press concept for aluminium sector developed

By: Halima Frost 27th September 2019 As a global service partner for clients, metallurgical industry plant and integrated systems provider, SMS group has developed a concept for extrusion presses offering significant flexibility and efficiency for the steel and aluminium industries. “SMS group service technicians are specifically... →

KEEP ROLLING ROLLING ROLLING A cold rolling production line supplied to an international client by SMS group

Demand growth continues to outweigh production growth

27th September 2019 Last month, macroeconomic researcher Fitch Solutions – a unit of the Fitch Group –reported that the global aluminum market will see a number of deficits over the coming years as solid demand growth, driven by the construction and autos sectors, outpaces production growth. Notably, the global... →

BUILDING SPEED The construction and automotive sectors have seen solid demand growth which has outpaced production growth

Company launches recycled bicycle

27th September 2019 Global food and beverage company Nestle Global’s brand Nespresso has announced the launch of its fully recycled aluminium bicycle the RE:CYCLE – part of its drive to remain at the forefront of a circular economy and demonstrating its commitment to recycling. Aluminium is one of the world's most... →

THINK BIKE For every Vélosophy bike sold a second bike will be donated to a developing country in an effort to aid poverty relief

Global steel output rises 3.4% y/y in August

By: Marleny Arnoldi 26th September 2019 World crude steel production was 156-million tonnes in August, which was a 3.4% increase compared with August last year. Global industry organisation, the World Steel Association (worldsteel), reports that China produced 87.3-million tonnes of crude steel in August, which was a 9.3%... →

AMSA to undertake strategic asset review

By: Creamer Media Reporter 25th September 2019 Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa on Wednesday announced that it would review the operational and financial sustainability of certain of its major operating sites, individual plants and production areas. The review would, however, exclude its commercial market coke operations and would... →

India's steel industry wants 25% duty placed on imports -JSW Steel exec

By: Reuters 23rd September 2019 India's steel industry wants a 25% safeguard duty placed on all steel imports as steel products sourced from countries with whom India has a free trade agreement (FTA) have risen substantially, a senior executive from JSW Steel said on Monday. "India's imports from FTA partners rose 77% (in the... →

One battery material sector is cheering for lower prices

By: Bloomberg 19th September 2019 Lower prices of vanadium, a metal mainly known for strengthening steel, are key in the drive to increase its use in the booming battery sector, according to the developer of an Australian mine. The metal’s retreat from a price spike in 2018 is being welcomed – rather than lamented – by producers... →

Govt looking to create 'certainty' in local steel, manufacturing industries

By: Simone Liedtke 13th September 2019 Public Enterprises Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle on Friday said the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) was looking to create “a sense of certainty” in the local steel and manufacturing industries by leveraging investments from State-owned entities (SOEs). This, he told delegates at the... →

Public Enterprises Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle discusses measures being implemented by government to create more certainty for the domestic steel and manufacturing sectors. Video: Kutlwano Matlala; Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

4IR, AfCFTA to 'reshape' South African business, says Patel

By: Simone Liedtke 13th September 2019 South Africa’s steel industry will need a Steel 4.0 plan to adequately harness and respond to the pressures presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel said at the Metals and Engineering Indaba, in Sandton, on Friday. He explained that the... →

Master plans needed to expand productive South African sectors – Patel

By: Simone Liedtke 13th September 2019 To grow South Africa’s economy and expand its productive sectors, master plans will need to be developed for each of those sectors, Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel said on Friday. Speaking on the second day of the Metals and Engineering Indaba, in Sandton, on Friday, the Minister... →

Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel discusses some of government's initiatives in rebuilding the South African economy, alongside the steel and manufacturing sectors, at the fifth iteration of the Metals and Engineering Indaba, in Sandton. Video: Kutlwano Matlala; Editing Nicholas Boyd.

CSIR setting up a reference smart factory to stimulate local manufacturing

By: Rebecca Campbell 13th September 2019 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is going to set up a National Reference Smart Factory on its main campus in Pretoria/Tshwane. This will play a key part in achieving a major CSIR objective – the revitalisation and modernisation of the South African manufacturing industry.... →

CSIR calls for proposals from the public to use its photonics facility

By: Theresa Bhowan 13th September 2019 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is calling for proposals from anyone who wishes to turn a demonstrated idea into a working prototype using the photonics prototyping facility at the CSIR, in Pretoria. →

PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGY The photonic prototyping facility was designed for individuals or organisations who wish to design photonics products

Acquisition benefits cutting equipment supplier company

By: Theresa Bhowan 13th September 2019 Taking over plasma and large format laser equipment supplier Messer Cutting Systems’ South African operations has enabled local capital equipment and consumables supplier First Cut to access new products and expand its offering. →

HIGH-QUALITY ELECTRODES First Cut ensures that South African fabricators can buy high-quality Messer electrodes at a very reasonable price

Innovations lead to versatile marking solutions for warehouse applications

13th September 2019 Identification and traceability company Traceability Solutions is the distributor of laser marking systems Telesis Technologies laser and Dot Meen Marking solutions in South Africa. →

UV/ONE LASER The all-in-one laser can be used for the traceability and identification of products and is designed to mark challenging materials

Partnership provides value to fabrication industry

By: Theresa Bhowan 13th September 2019 Local nitrogen generator manufacturer NitraLife’s partnership with Swiss steel processing original-equipment manufacturer Bystronic is adding significant value to end-user customers in the fabrication sector. →

NITROGEN GENERATION The NitraCut system was specifically designed for the laser cutting market

Laser technology expands company’s service offerings

By: Theresa Bhowan 13th September 2019 Coating technology specialist Thermaspray has recently launched and installed its new laser cladding system, which has broadened the scope of the industries it serves. →

LASER PRECISION Thermaspray’s laser cladding system was launched at its Olifantsfontien facility

Seifsa president calls for greater industrial policy decisiveness

By: Terence Creamer 12th September 2019 Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) president Elias Monage has called for greater decisiveness on the part of the South African government in both defining which manufacturing sectors it intends supporting and in enforcing local-content rules, as well as legally... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
Seifsa president Elias Monage

South Africa should focus on the speed at which it adapts to 4IR – Manamela

By: Simone Liedtke 12th September 2019 While the metals and engineering industries play a key role in preparing South Africa for the opportunities that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) brings, Higher Education, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Buti Manamela says the department’s focus will be on digital technologies, such... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
Higher Education, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Buti Manamela

Company becomes first validation facility in South Africa

9th September 2019 Welding and construction equipment-related supplier Renttech South Africa has become the first local validation facility which is able to provide a service to industry validating welding equipment according to ISO 17662 standards. Renttech is a company within the Bidvest Group’s Commercial... →

Local complex-geometry globoid gears for hot-rolled steel plant

By: Schalk Burger 6th September 2019 Local precision engineering company Venter Consulting Engineers has completed two complex geometry globoid gear sets for Italian metal industry equipment manufacturer Danieli, says Venter Consulting Engineers founder and director Peet Venter. The highly technical project entailed the manufacture... →

GLOBOID GEAR SET A virtual image of the gear geometry

Foundation partners with companies to develop welding skills

6th September 2019 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) Foundation is inviting players in the welding industry to channel their social responsibility budgets towards a noble cause – helping train young people to give them a life-time career in the welding industry. The SAIW Foundation is currently... →

SIDE BY SIDE SAIW provides the required institutional training, while the partner company can either provide workplace training or assist in placing the apprentices with an employer organisation Seen here is:Landi Xaba, SAIW lecturer David Makoge and Mmaphete Boipeto Robin Phete

Positive response to SAIW’s newly launched programme

6th September 2019 There has been an encouraging response to the revamped Welding Inspectors Programme recently launched by the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW), says training services manager Shelton Zichawo. “After a deep analysis, extensive research and taking into account the needs and desires of... →

SHELTON ZICHAWO From a local industry perspective, the advantages of the new Welding Inspectors programme are enormous

SAIW ventures into Kenyan training programme

6th September 2019 For many years, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) has been extending its services all over Africa. In the latest venture, the SAIW partnered with a local organisation and played a major role in training two Kenyan trainers to be able to run training courses in Shielded Metal Arc... →

SETTING UP SHOP The SAIW works with local organisations to help them set up and establish suitable training facilities with skilled staff

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