Mining Mirror May 2018 | Page 6

Industry intelligence
EUROPE : MASTER DRILLING ’ S NEXT FRONTIER JSE-listed Master Drilling has acquired a 60 % interest in the Scandinavian raisebore specialist Bergteamet Raiseboring Europe .
In November 2015 , Master Drilling International ( MDI ), a subsidiary of Master Drilling , entered into an agreement with Bergteamet AB through which MDI acquired 8 000 ordinary shares in the share capital of Bergteamet .
A shareholder ’ s agreement was entered into between MDI , Bergteamet , and Bergteamet Raiseboring simultaneously , and it is through this agreement that MDI now exercises the call option to acquire 12 000 ordinary shares in the share capital of Bergteamet , resulting in a 60 % shareholding in Bergteamet .
The majority of Bergteamet ’ s raiseboring customers are within the mining sector , hydropower projects , and other infrastructure projects .
“ This transaction provides a launchpad for Master Drilling to expand our operations in the European markets and further diversify our geographic exposure . There are many synergies between the two companies and this business complements our focus to provide innovative tailored technology solutions to our clients ,” says Danie Pretorius , CEO at Master Drilling . The transaction is subject to several conditions to be fulfilled by 15 March 2018 .
M & D Construction revs up
Construction of the access roads at Vedanta ’ s Gamsberg zinc project in the Northern Cape is underway .
Construction of the access roads at Vedanta ’ s Gamsberg zinc project , close to the town of Aggeneys in the Northern Cape , is underway . The contractor M & D Construction Group ’ s Roads and Earthworks division started construction of the roads recently .
M & D Roads and Earthworks ’ work scope includes constructing 2.5km of access roads . This includes 6 000m ³ of concrete surface roads and cape seal black tops , in addition to high-specification gravel roads .
The project is on track for completion in September 2018 , and more than 100 people will be employed on the project when it peaks .
“ After complying with the Mine Health and Safety Act requirements , our team has commenced work on a project that is expected to open up more future opportunities for the Roads and Earthworks division . Certainly , the entire team is looking forward to the completion of yet another successful road project ,” says Chris Porter , head of M & D Roads and Earthworks .
M & D ’ s Civil Engineering division is also executing a second contract for ELB Engineering Services at the same mine , and the scope of work includes various surface civil infrastructure structures . Group chief executive officer Rukesh Raghubir says this project again reaffirms the group ’ s standing as a leader in demanding mine infrastructure programmes .
“ Recovery in commodity prices bode well for the entire industry , while Cyril Ramaphosa , president of South Africa , has committed to improving policies that previously hampered growth in this sector in his inaugural State of the Nation address . We are looking forward to playing our part in the revival of this important sector of the South African economy ,” says Raghubir .
M & D Construction Group
Mintek provides platform for treating waste
South Africa ’ s national mineral research organisation Mintek recently showcased its latest mining waste treatment process technology .
Following years of research and development in intelligent process solutions for solid and liquid mine effluent , Mintek demonstrated its technology at the Mintek Technology Demonstration site in Randfontein , Gauteng , in March .
The demonstration site provides a platform for the intelligent integration of Mintek technologies that are developed to treat highly polluted wastewater sites , such as Robinson
Lake in Randfontein , with high uranium concentrates .
The technology , made possible by the unique partnership with Sibanye- Stillwater , highlighted Mintek ’ s revolutionary processes for solid and wastewater treatment , namely SAVMIN , MetRIX , NICMembrane , Biological Oxidation , and Biological Sulphate Reduction .
Bonginkosi Nkosi , engineer at Mintek , said , “ These technologies are targeting the treatment of mine-impacted water , including acid mine drainage , and the removal of toxic and radioactive elements , such as uranium , from the lake sediments to minimise the environmental impact of mining and mining legacies .
“ This technology integration platform provides applicable processes for the remediation and potential restoration of heavy polluted natural sources such as lakes and rivers . By providing technologies for the prevention and treatment of pollution caused by mining activities , the sustainability of the mining industry is ensured , whilst also protecting the inhabitants of the impacted environments , as well as the national heritage sites and other natural resources in the proximity of mining activities ,” says Nkosi .
[ 4 ] MINING MIRROR MAY 2018