MINING INDABA •
Supplied by Nkangala Mining Supplied by Graf-In Tech
MEMSA member Nkangala Mining won the Innovation in Hard Rock Mining Award for a mechanised roof bolter which switches between a Tier 4 diesel engine for movement and a 545V electric motor on the smart drill unit , for cleaner operation and energy efficiency . The bolter can be remotely operated , providing operator safety – as can the roof bolter by SME Buraaq Mining Services which is designed to offer better safety in narrow seam mining .
Rockman MK6.1 Intelligent Bolter ( fully automated bolting ) by Nkangala Mining .
MEMSA member Graf-In Tech was recognised by the judges for an end-to-end business intelligence driven fleet management solution for mining fleets , improving fuel efficiency , costs and productivity , while the 2023 Chairman ' s Award went to SME Kapabrake , for their woven brake lining built into a customisable Mine Winder Brake Pad . They are the only company on the continent that manufactures this product , which has passed stringent safety tests by the CSIR and in the US .
ERS Tech is an end-to-end business intelligence driven fleet management solution for mining fleets developed by Graf-In Tech .
SAMPEC and MEMSA member Gravitas Minerals ’ Optima Classifier™ is a proprietary ‘ hindered settling separator ’, accepted by the US patent office as a novel technology , which allows for the recovery of otherwise unused fine coal , iron ore fines , diamond and low-grade chrome ores .
Innovation in green energy solutions The demand for green energy and power storage continues to boost mining activity for battery minerals and innovation in energy generation-led mining investment . Policies and energy sector reforms can unlock investment in renewable energy and South Africa is committed to a long-term transition to a low carbon economy , realised through the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan ( JET IP ).
Members have risen to the challenge by implementing greener manufacturing practices and the design of greener technologies . Following the successful development of a battery-powered LHD , MEMSA member Rham Equipment recently collaborated with the University of Stellenbosch to design and convert a petrol-powered taxi into a pilot battery electric vehicle . This project demonstrates the exciting potential for lateral migration of mining technologies and skills to multiple sectors . Battery electric driven mining equipment has also been developed by JA Engineering , Fermel and Battery Electric .
Hydro powered mining equipment is finally coming into its own as a technology which can meet business and ESG objectives simultaneously . MEMSA members Hydro Power Equipment ( HPE ) and local OEM Novatek both developed remarkably light-weight , low-vibration , safe and operator-friendly hydro-powered rock drills in response to the Mandela Mining Precinct ’ s Isidingo Drill Challenge . HPE ’ s Ulrich Kienle reports that the company ’ s resulting product , the Isidingo Drill , “ is now a commercial reality , deployed at multiple mine sites across the gold and platinum industry ”. MEMSA member Hydro Power Systems ( HPS ) won an Innovation Award for Productivity and Data Integration for its HV212EOD water piston pump which allows remote , real-time monitoring of the system and increased efficiency . All three local manufacturers supply complete suites of innovative hydro-powered equipment for underground mining . After extensive trials , deep level hard rock mines are starting to recognise the very real improvements in productivity and savings on both water and electricity which hydro-powered mining systems afford , reports JP Adlem of HPS , who emphasises , “ The reality is , this technology can keep our mines open .” Integrated 4IR technologies , which are seeing rapid uptake by mines , amplifies the potential of green , safer and efficient technologies . Kienle adds that solar energy capacity being installed at mines can be coupled with hydro-powered systems to achieve outstanding green energy outcomes .
The African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) will facilitate the development of regional supply chains , building local economies and curbing carbon emissions .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 33