The Mining industry is a pressured industry with strict adherence to safety standards and high levels of productivity output. By partnering with Eazi Access, mines can mitigate risks, reduce safety incidences, enhance their safety standards and focus on their core business.

Gerhard Kloppers, Eazi Access Business Development Manager: Mining
Gerhard Kloppers, Eazi Access Business Development Manager: Mining, highlights some advantages of having Eazi Access equipment on your job site, namely versatility and efficiency. Our machines can complete a wide range of tasks quickly and efficiently. For example, while traditional scaffolding may require several days to erect, complete the work, and disassemble, Eazi Access machines can accomplish the same tasks in a fraction of the time, saving valuable resources and accelerate project timelines.

Every mine site has a responsibility to ensure, that they maintain zero to minimal safety incidences. As a result, mines prefer having smaller working teams focused on any particular job on-site. Eazi Access machines, require one or two people inside the machine at a time, depending on the task on hand and the type of machine needed. This product range flexibility makes Eazi Access’s solutions a safer choice, as we are able to support our mine site customers with the right machine for the given task.

Eazi Access caters for the mining industry by providing fit for purpose solutions, to meet the mines unique needs and requirements. Being a specialist in Work-at-Height and Material Handling Solutions offering rental, sales, servicing, and training for the mining industry, has given Eazi Access the opportunity to have worked with and develop a credible track record with most of the mines within South Africa. Maintaining the highest standards of safety for our equipment and operators is the most important focus area of our business and we dedicate staff, time, and resources to participating in and contributing to the institutions that guide our industry.

“In some cases, mines have their own machinery; however, for those that don’t, they have the option to either rent or purchase equipment from Eazi Access,” Kloppers explained. “We also extend our services to contractors operating on mine sites. Our supply chain accommodates the needs of mines directly or through sub-contractors, all of whom are valued customers of Eazi Access. Our offering is further extended to servicing and refurbishing our customers machines.”

One of the guiding institutions for Eazi Access is the IWH (Institute for Work at Height). The MEWP Chamber of the IWH represents member companies as well as individual practitioners/users involved with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in South Africa. Furthermore, we belong to The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), which has several benefits. One of which is safety. IPAF training teaches safe work practices, including how to use platforms, harnesses, and protective equipment, and how to recognize and respond to hazards.

Furthermore, Eazi Access has partnered with trusted OEM’s, such as JLG, Manitou, Dingli and Linde Material Handling to provide safe, reliable, and efficient equipment, and provides the required training through our sister company, Uplift Quality Solutions (UQS) where we offer MEWP training aligned to SETA standards.

“We cater for all our customers, who do not have trained machine operators, to work on site. We have an extensive footprint across the country and a growing presence throughout sub-Saharan Africa. We have the largest, most diverse fleet of equipment, which is backed by an expansive and experienced network of skilled technicians and spare parts and our commitment to providing 24/7 support to our customers in the mining industry,’’ stated Kloppers.

Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah S.L.M. Salakae, recently visited the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop Border Post as part of a familiarization tour of the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO). The visit, which took place on Friday, was an opportunity for the minister to gain firsthand insight into the progress and significance of the project. Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and key stakeholders, Salakae toured the facilities, underscoring the importance of the Kazungula Bridge as a symbol of the strong, longstanding partnership between Botswana and Zambia, two neighboring countries with decades of cooperation.

The Kazungula Bridge is an iconic infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Botswana and Zambia. It is part of a broader initiative to enhance regional trade, transport, and security, with significant implications for both nations and the wider Southern African region. The Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), established by Botswana and Zambia, plays a central role in overseeing the management and operations of the bridge and the border post. The authority was founded in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in July 2008, signaling a collaborative effort to develop and manage this critical infrastructure.

During his visit, Minister Salakae took the opportunity to learn more about the work done by the two governments in establishing the Kazungula Bridge Authority, which is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the bridge and the One Stop Border Post. This collaborative framework reflects the shared commitment of both countries to fostering closer economic and political ties. The Kazungula Bridge project is expected to significantly ease the flow of goods and people between Zambia and Botswana, contributing to economic growth in both nations and enhancing regional integration.

In his brief address at the site, Minister Salakae praised the work that had been accomplished so far and highlighted the importance of the bridge in strengthening Botswana’s transport and infrastructure capabilities. He emphasized that the new Botswana government is committed to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that will benefit the people of Botswana, known as Batswana. The Minister also noted that the successful completion of the Kazungula Bridge project would serve as a milestone in the country’s development, marking a key achievement in the government’s infrastructure agenda.

The Kazungula Bridge will now play a major role in the development of the economies of both countries through more efficient and direct access for trade, tourism, and transportation across their common border. Minister Salakae said officials from Zambia and Botswana should meet soon to conclude any outstanding deliverables related to the bilateral agreement on the bridge. Continued cooperation between the two countries reflects the mutual appreciation of both countries for the bridge as a way of promoting regional trade, strengthening economic integration, and cementing deeper bonds between their people.

The bridge itself is a key part of a broader regional development strategy, with the potential to transform trade routes and supply chains across Southern Africa. Botswana will serve as the host country for the Kazungula Bridge Authority, with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the authority being appointed from Zambia. This arrangement reflects the cooperative nature of the project and the mutual respect between the two nations in managing and overseeing the bridge’s operations.

The Kazungula Bridge represents more than just an infrastructural achievement; it is a testament to the strength of Botswana and Zambia’s bilateral relationship, offering significant benefits for both countries and the region as a whole. With continued collaboration and focus, the bridge is set to become a cornerstone of regional development, enhancing connectivity and promoting shared prosperity for years to come.

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to allow the clearance of at least 500 trucks per day in an effort to alleviate congestion at the Kasumbalesa border on the Copperbelt. This decision comes in response to the over 3,000 stranded trucks on the Zambian side of the border.

Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe stated that another measure to address the issue will be to extend the working hours for customs officers from 6 hours to 20 hours at the Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts.

During a meeting held in Chililabombwe, Governor Katwe praised the strong working relationship between Zambia and the DRC. Additionally, Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga noted that the two countries had a productive discussion aimed at reducing congestion on the Zambian side. He expressed gratitude for the Congolese government’s willingness to improve the border situation.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo expressed satisfaction that truck drivers will now be able to cross into the DRC without any issues.

With the ambitious Lobito Corridor Investment Project, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has forecast substantial economic gains for Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The corridor is predicted to significantly change the dynamics of regional trade by increasing trade and investment in important industries including manufacturing, mining, and agriculture by 20% by simplifying trade routes to international markets.

ZACCI Chief Executive Officer Elvin Nasilele has highlighted the corridor’s potential to enhance export opportunities for Zambian goods, thereby expanding the country’s economic footprint in the region. Speaking on Wednesday, Nasilele emphasized how the Lobito Corridor would enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to integrate into regional and global value chains, particularly in agriculture and mining. “This will enhance their competitiveness and resilience, driving sustainable growth,” he stated.

Zambia, strategically located in Southern Africa, stands to gain immensely from the corridor’s development. According to Nasilele, the shorter transit route to the Atlantic Ocean will significantly reduce shipping costs, making Zambian exports more competitive in global markets. The logistical advantages are expected to benefit both importers and exporters, fostering increased trade volumes and economic growth. By leveraging its central position, Zambia has the potential to become a regional logistics hub, improving transit times and trade profitability for businesses operating in the region.

The Lobito Corridor’s potential to promote industrial expansion through value addition in mining and agriculture is one of its main features. Nasilele noted that Zambia’s economy might become more diversified if processing firms were established close to transit hubs. Jobs in industries like construction, logistics, and warehousing are anticipated to be created by this move toward industrialization. This could therefore support the growth of skills and economic empowerment, especially for local communities.

Moreover, the improved infrastructure brought about by the Lobito Corridor is anticipated to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI). Key sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing are expected to draw international investors, boosting Zambia’s economic growth and positioning the country as a critical player in regional trade.

The development of the Lobito Corridor has also been supported by proactive leadership from President Hakainde Hichilema. Nasilele praised the president’s commitment to advancing Zambia’s trade and economic agenda, noting his active participation in the Lobito Corridor Summit in Angola. The summit, attended by other leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden, Angola’s President João Lourenço, and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi, underscores the corridor’s significance in fostering regional and international partnerships.

“The Lobito Corridor represents a unique opportunity for Zambia to unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen regional integration, and enhance its role in global trade,” Nasilele said. He expressed optimism about the corridor’s potential to drive sustainable growth across Southern Africa, creating a ripple effect of economic transformation for the participating countries.

The Lobito Corridor Investment Project stands as a beacon of hope for Zambia, Angola, and the DRC. By reducing costs, increasing trade, and driving industrial growth, the project promises to redefine regional trade and economic integration, positioning Zambia as a leader in the Southern African economic landscape.

TOMRA Mining’s advanced technology and unique experience in designing and installing large-scale ore-sorting plants were key to the successful completion of the world’s largest lithium sorting plant. The sorting installation, part of Pilbara Minerals’ P680 Expansion Project, has a capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes per hour, and demonstrates the power of TOMRA’s cutting-edge technology to improve overall ore recovery and reduce energy consumption through early and effective waste reduction.

Pilbara Minerals, a major player in the global lithium supply chain, has successfully commissioned the world’s largest lithium ore sorting plant at its Pilangoora Operation in Western Australia. Powered by TOMRA Mining’s cutting-edge sensor-based sorting technology, the facility breaks new ground in hard-rock lithium processing, improving lithium recovery and increasing final product quality, while significantly reducing energy consumption through the elimination of waste early in the process. The new facility is part of Pilbara Minerals’ P680 Expansion Project.

The large-scale project for the design and installation of the new crushing and ore-sorting plant was delivered on schedule, within the deadlines set by Pilbara Minerals. The successful delivery hinged on the effective collaboration and coordination of the teams from TOMRA Mining, Pilbara Minerals, international companies involved in the manufacturing and shipping of components, and multiple contractors on the work site.

“The success of this project is a testament to TOMRA Mining’s collaborative approach and capacity to deliver innovative, large-scale, high-capacity sorting solutions tailored to the unique demands of our clients, providing continuous support from the testing and design phases right through to installation, commissioning, and beyond,” says Gavin Rech, Area Sales and Technical Manager Australia at TOMRA Mining. “What’s more, the scale and success of this plant have demonstrated to the mining industry the benefits and capacity of sorting.”

Poor boiler water treatment is the primary cause of poor boiler performance, according to Chris Paterson, Managing Director of specialist operations and maintenance service provider to the steam and boiler sector, Associated Energy Services (AES).

Not all water is created equal and there is a lot more to water treatment than ensuring that it appears clean, he says. Yet, this is where many companies are tempted to cut costs.

However, because correctly treated boiler water is integral to preventative maintenance and essential to ensuring boiler safety – as well as operational and energy efficiency – this is one of the first and most critical issues that AES addresses when taking over the operations and maintenance of a client’s boilers and energy plant.

A drop in water standards
Poor infrastructure has reduced municipal water quality – while the increased cost of this water source has persuaded many companies to switch to alternative streams such as borehole water and stored rainwater – creating a whole new set of challenges, says AES Operations Director Ray Lund.