CRADLE TO GRAVE •
Supplied by Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
vertical lift . Based on the mine site configuration and whether an open pit or underground operation , these could be positioned at multiple levels to help raise the water .
“ The characteristics of the water can have an impact on the final equipment and materials used . For example , the pH range , temperature , corrosive and abrasive content all play a critical role in selecting the equipment to transport water effectively . The presence of solids in the water , the specific gravity , size distribution and content percentage will determine the type of pumps required ,” he says .
In addition , Koorts notes that there is an industry perception that dewatering is just about the pump itself . He , however , cautions that a pump is only one part of the equation with a dewatering system comprising numerous critical components including pumps , drive units , priming systems , control systems , control valves and discharge piping .
“ It is critical that the preferred dewatering system OEM be able to integrate all these various components into a single system . At Weir Minerals we have a large portfolio of in-house and external components that allow us to provide a fit-for-purpose dewatering solution and take responsibility for the entire system ’ s performance . These include multiple pumping solutions , drive units , pontoon barges , electrical control systems , hoses , discharge piping systems and hydrocyclone separators , amongst others ,” concludes Koorts .
Source : Supplied by Weir Minerals Africa , edited by Sharyn Macnamara
INNOVATIVE CARBIDE RECYCLING PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sandvik ’ s recycling initiative has been extracting over six tonnes of carbide material annually .
In an innovative step that promotes both sustainability and local economic development , Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is recycling the carbide buttons on its drill bits while boosting entrepreneurship and creating jobs in South Africa .
The local initiative is part of a global strategy by the company to continuously improve the circularity of its manufacturing processes , according to Johan Blomerus , business line manager , Rock Tools Southern Africa for Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions .
“ Our solution combines years of technological development on specialised equipment for automated recycling , and a supplier development intervention to support two small black , youthowned businesses ,” says Blomerus . The businesses , located in the Gauteng and Free State provinces , are expanding to create up to 20 new employment opportunities in coming years .
He explains that the recycling of used drill bits contributes to the Sandvik group ’ s ambitious sustainability goals to halve its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 . By embedding circularity across an essential component of mining , the group is supporting its customers ’ drive to mine more sustainably .
“ Making tools from recycled carbide requires 70 % less energy and emits 64 % less carbon dioxide ,” he says . “ It also reduces nitrous oxide emissions .”
The two South African SMMEs ( Small Medium Mico Enterprises ) appointed to undertake the carbide extraction from drill bits have been equipped with the necessary machinery to make the process safe and cost-effective . Since 2016 , the company has invested nearly R5-million in developing carbide extraction equipment , notes Blomerus .
“ Using the installed , commissioned equipment at their facilities , the SMMEs extract the carbide buttons from the drill bits we deliver to them from our customers ,” he says . “ We pay them for the carbide extracted and additionally , they earn income from the steel bits – which they sell as scrap .”
The SMMEs have also received extensive training to ensure safe operation of the dedicated machinery initially developed in South Africa and further improved in Sweden . This automated equipment replaces a slow and laborious manual process , providing an efficient business model . Extracting the carbide in-country means much less weight that has to be exported to Germany , where the highly specialised task of carbide recycling can be conducted .
“ Our recycling initiative has been extracting over six tonnes of carbide material annually over the last three to four years ,” he says . “ And we are planning to ramp up this initiative to operate 24 hours a day , which will allow the recycling of about 22 tonnes a year by the end of 2024 .”
The company plans to roll out the project to neighbouring countries , including Botswana and Zimbabwe .
Source : Supplied by Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions , edited by Sharyn Macnamara •
Extracting the carbide in-country means much less weight that has to be exported to Germany , where the highly specialised task of carbide recycling can be conducted .
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