SOUTH AFRICAN TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
simplified. A proprietary shuttering system is now suspended from the sinking stage. The shutter depth is 6 m and after each 6 m excavation the shutter is positioned 12 to 18 m above the shaft bottom. This means that the shutter can be left in position during drilling and blasting operations.“ Importantly, the pre-sink gantry was not engineered for a single project and it is able to handle shaft pre-sinks from 6 m diameters up to a large 10 m diameter shaft,” Widlake concludes.
Staying safer underground
As part of its global expansion strategy, South Africa-based blasting and explosives pioneer BME exhibited at MINExpo in Las Vegas for the first time – showcasing AXXIS™, its leading digital initiation system as well as other innovations.
BME is very proud of its AXXIS electronic detonator system and its related blasting software BlastMap III, which BME developed inhouse and has successfully commercialised in Africa, Australia and the Asia-Pacific. BME is targeting North and South America in its geographical growth plans.
BME Managing Director Joe Keenan explained that at MINExpo the company was also exposing“ new markets to our path-breaking emulsion explosives delivery system, introducing new efficiencies through piping emulsions directly to underground areas from surface,” said Keenan.
The AXXIS Blasting Box is the unit from which all detonators on a blast are programmed and fired. It can be used as a stand-alone unit with a blasting line connected directly to the detonators, or in a wireless configuration with two or more Blasting Boxes. A log file that cannot be tampered with is created for each blast that automatically uploads to the logger for future analysis if required
“ We have successfully installed the world’ s longest vertical emulsion pipeline to underground silos – and will be able to reach 1,000 m vertical depths with our robust emulsion and multiple pumping cycles.”
He said BME was also leveraging the technological advancement of its AXXIS electronic delay detonators with a new centralised blasting system for underground operations. This allows mines to blast all underground workings simultaneously, making for greater efficiency and safety.
“ Many centralised blasting systems can only fire non-electric initiation systems, which prevents the two-way communication provided by AXXIS electronic detonators,” he said.“ By knowing the status of each and every AXXIS detonator on the system, problems can be flagged before the blast is fired – ensuring quality, high-value blasting.”
BME is a leading supplier of explosives and services to the African market. Focusing on safety, supply security and value adding technical services, BME says it strives to remain at the forefront of technology by regularly participating in the research and trials of new blasting techniques and products, as well as attending and presenting at technical conferences worldwide. It has operations in Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, DRC, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, South Africa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and where opportunities present themselves.
Booyco Electronics’ fully integrated Proximity Detection System( PDS) represents the latest generation of this technology and offers a supply of information, enabling safety intervention
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The Zest WEG Group, a subsidiary of leading Brazilian motor and controls manufacturer WEG, started out as a South African company and maintains its strong commitment to contributing to the development of the African region.
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An in-depth understanding of the harsh conditions found within the mining sector and years of experience on the African continent, have ensured that the Zest WEG Group service offering is fit-forpurpose. |
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From single product installations to individually customised solutions, which are application specific, the latest technology is used to ensure optimum performance and reliability without compromising on energy efficiency. |
WEG products are engineered to facilitate a safe and reliable mine and plant with operational stability and the highest possible production levels as an objective. Reduced maintenance and ease of serviceability assist in lowering the total cost of ownership for the mine.
Supporting customers is key and the Zest WEG Group operates a strategically situated network of branches and distributors across the continent. This ensures the highest levels of technical support as well as easy access to product and parts.
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Tel: + 27 11 723 6000 |
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www. zestweg. com
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