Cement-maker PPC has started structuring its new broad-based black economic empowerment ( B-BBEE ) agreement after concluding subscription agreements for another B-BBEE deal announced in 2008 , from which the firm received R1-billion in funding . The funding will be used to reduce the company ’ s debt and fund capital expenditure , focusing on the introduction of a new clinker production line at its Slurry Kiln 9 Project , near Lichtenburg in the North West Province . The new production line will boost overall output to 5 500 tonnes per day . The company plans to announce its new B-BBEE deal in the first half of the year .
The Competition Commission has unconditionally approved Afrimat ’ s acquisition of 60 % of Northern Cape based Diro Iron Ore and Diro Manganese at a cost of R276-million . Diro ’ s operations were halted due to financial distress after it accumulated debt of approximately R483-million , although it still has a proven iron ore reserve of 5.6Mt that could be mined and upgraded through its existing beneficiation plants , as well as approximately 1.3Mt of sellable fine ore stockpiles . The Commission found that the proposed transaction is unlikely to substantially prevent or lessen competition in any market in South Africa , and is unlikely to raise any other public interest concerns .
Rockwell Automation will be hosting its Automation University Classic — a free , comprehensive two-day training programme — at Emperors Palace , Gauteng , on 17 – 18 May . The theme is ‘ The connected enterprise — smart , productive , secure ’. The programme is open to everyone interested in leading-edge automation solutions , and comprises over 50 hands-on laboratories , demonstrations , and presentations relating to Rockwell Automation products and services . Customers can tailor programmes to their needs , and industry experts will be conducting seminars for the mining , oil and gas , water and wastewater , consumer , and automotive industries . The event is open for registration and is currently undergoing validation through SAIEE for CPD credits .
New era for ready-mix concrete in SA
Sarma
The Southern Africa Readymix Association ( Sarma ) is gearing up for a new phase in the development of the industry . According to incoming chairperson Avi Bhoora , after a referendum held in mid- January , the decision was taken to consolidate all concrete
Avi Bhoora replaces Charl Marais ( who resigned from the position at the end of 2016 ) as chairperson of Sarma . industry bodies . This resulted in Sarma ’ s decision to withdraw from the joint office that it shared with the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa ( Aspasa ).
Bhoora replaces previous chairperson Charl Marais , who resigned from the position at the end of 2016 , while former Sarma general manager Johan van Wyk replaces Aspasa director Nico Pienaar as director of Sarma .
“ We thank Nico Pienaar and his team for their unstinting support , and congratulate Johan van Wyk for succeeding Nico as director of Sarma ,” said Bhoora . “ The external environment has been harsh and this has affected business confidence and markets adversely . The management committee deliberated on the status of our industry at our strategic planning meeting held in mid-September 2016 .
“ We concluded that Sarma currently represents approximately two-thirds of the industry , and we will need to embrace an even greater majority in future to avoid losing our identity and also to make a more meaningful contribution to the overall construction industry ,” he added . “ We will also strive to derive a greater benefit from the consolidation of the concrete industry bodies .” Speaking of what the industry and the markets that the association supplies can expect in future , Bhoora mentioned an enhanced accreditation process for readymix concrete quality ; a stronger lobby for having accredited ready-mix producers specified as exclusive suppliers of concrete ; and more accredited training to uplift core skills within the industry .
He also stated that the association would be looking to emulate good practice from other successful industry associations in respect of statistics collection and dissemination , as well as conflict management . Examples include the establishment of an ombudsman , adoption of a
Sarma code of conduct , compliance , and consequence management . “ We pledge on behalf of the management committee that we will work tirelessly to realise the objectives of Sarma . However , it requires full support from all ready-mix suppliers to further improve the image of the ready-mix industry , as well as to move the industry to a new position of profitability and sustainability ,” Bhoora concluded .
Former Sarma general manager Johan van Wyk replaces Nico Pienaar as director of Sarma .
4 _ QUARRY SA | March 2017