www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2024 19
Business two-year construction period , aiming to enhance local copper production capacity . Orion Minerals revived copper mining in Prieska , capitalising on favourable market conditions ."
Regarding the export of copper scrap and its impact on local manufacturing , Swanepoel says : " Local companies , despite using some recycled copper , face challenges due to the exportoriented nature of scrap processing . Efforts to restrict copper scrap exports have been ineffective , leading to concerns about the availability of high-quality copper for local manufacturing ." Addressing the technical aspects of copper processing , Swanepoel emphasises the need for virgin copper in specific applications . " While scrap copper serves various industries like electronics and agriculture , virgin copper remains essential for critical applications requiring high standards . Local production struggles to meet these demands due to the dominance of scrap exports ."
Swanepoel sheds light on the escalating need for copper in renewable energy technologies . " Wind turbines and solar power systems significantly increase copper demand – and driving the price of copper to new highs recently , highlighting its crucial role in sustainable energy infrastructure . This global demand surge contrasts sharply with local refining constraints , exacerbating reliance on imported copper .
" Fluctuating copper prices and global market trends heavily impact local stakeholders . Efforts to refine and process copper locally face economic challenges , influencing strategic decisions among industry players .
" Copper ' s superior conductivity and durability make it indispensable in electrical applications . While aluminum is lighter and cheaper , it requires thicker cables to match copper ' s efficiency . New developments , like steel-reinforced cables , threaten traditional copper applications . Despite these challenges , the global demand for copper remains robust , driven by its essential role in sustainable energy infrastructure ."
Swanepoel noted several persistent issues hindering the industry ' s growth , notably the governance and regulatory hurdles . " Efforts to curb illegal exports of copper scrap have been met with bureaucratic inertia ," lamented Swanepoel . " Despite numerous meetings and proposals , government action has been minimal , with little enforcement at ports and inadequate knowledge among inspectors .
" Many exporters exploit loopholes , mislabeling copper scrap as aluminum or steel to evade regulations . While occasional crackdowns occur , logistical challenges at ports often result in minimal consequences for offenders . New regulations have been proposed by the Department of Trade , Industry and Competition . The impending legislation aims to restrict the export of copper scrap , addressing industry concerns raised during consultations . This regulatory overhaul seeks to mitigate the rampant illegal export practices plaguing the sector ."
Dave Ronquest , Maksal sales and marketing director , at a recent Metraclark customer event in Benoni , Gauteng .
Reflecting on broader industry challenges , Swanepoel touched upon the dwindling market and shifting dynamics . " Local manufacturers , once thriving in copper-related industries , have faced closures and economic setbacks with some companies , formerly pivotal in cable production , having shuttered operations due to market contraction and global competition .”
MAKSAL : LEADING THE WAY IN COPPER TUBING FOR HVAC SOLUTIONS Metraclark recently hosted a customer event in Benoni , Gauteng , as part of a nationwide roadshow at which Dave Ronquest , Maksal sales and marketing director , highlighted the company ' s longstanding commitment and achievements in manufacturing high-quality copper tubing for the refrigeration , air conditioning and plumbing industries .
Maksal , headquartered on the East Rand and with a history dating back to the 1940s , has been a cornerstone in South Africa ' s copper tubing market .
The manufacturing process at Maksal begins with high-quality copper cathode plates sourced directly from mines . Initially utilising extrusion press technology , Maksal later transitioned to the more efficient cast and roll method in 2016 . This upgrade not only enhanced production throughput but also significantly reduced energy consumption by eliminating large furnaces in favour of smaller , more efficient ones .
In December 2023 , Maksal implemented another significant upgrade , further boosting their daily production capacity to 200km of tubing / day .
Maksal ' s copper tubing for refrigeration and air conditioning applications adheres to ASTM 280-88 and 743-88 specifications , ensuring global recognition for its reliability and performance . The tubing undergoes annealing processes to ensure ease of installation .
While prioritising the local South African market , Maksal also exports a substantial portion of its production globally . Ronquest noted their competitive edge in international markets , including the Middle East , where Maksal has established itself as a trusted brand despite competition from larger manufacturers . RACA
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2024 19