Discover how TAKRAF Group is driving Africa’s mining revival, promoting sustainable development and securing the continent’s mineral wealth for the future. Explore our history of innovation, reliability and commitment to responsible mining.

As the global economy shows signs of renewed interest in Africa’s mineral wealth, TAKRAF Group continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of the continent’s mining sector. We are helping our customers to secure the metal supply of the future in a sustainable and responsible way.

For example, projects successfully executed in 2023 ranged from the fast-track delivery of a 2,000 t/h radial stacker, customized for a new platinum project in South Africa, to the design of a ship loader and stacker / reclaimer for a terminal expansion in Mozambique. Two crushing stations with TAKRAF Sizers and Apron Feeders were also successfully delivered during the year, one for a mine in Mozambique and the other, for a bauxite operation.

TAKRAF Apron Feeders supplied to one of the largest copper and cobalt producers in the DRC.

The robust TAKRAF Apron Feeder, ideal for mining applications, continues to be in demand, with another supplied to a large underground copper mine in South Africa, following the successful operation of two previously machines delivered earlier.

Our DELKOR liquid/solid separation equipment is also gaining traction throughout Africa. An order for a flotation circuit from a greenfields platinum operation in South Africa’s Limpopo province, further demonstrates our flotation cell technology expertise in the PGM sector.

The order includes 14 DELKOR BQR Flotation Cells equipped with our proprietary MAXGen mechanism for superior metallurgical performance, making it the largest flotation cell installation that we have supplied in South Africa. In another order from an existing customer, we are supplying a 21 m high-rate thickener for a gold mine expansion project in Tanzania.

DELKOR High Rate Thickener being installed at a Tanzanian gold mine.
Work also continues on major projects throughout Africa, including the design of a rapid train load out station for a manganese miner in Gabon and the supply of a circular blending stockyard and portal scraper reclaimer for one of the largest copper mines in Africa located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

TAKRAF Sizer enroute to site
Stockyard equipment, including a slewing and luffing stacker, a full portal scraper reclaimer and associated yard conveyors, are also being supplied to a major South African diamond mine.The year also saw exciting new contracts, including the design and supply of a conveyor system and rapid train load out station in Mauritania in collaboration with the wider TAKRAF Group.

What is encouraging about these orders is not only that a number of them are from existing customers, which testifies their satisfaction with the quality of our project services and technologies, but also to their trust in us carrying out projects successfully in remote and not easy to reach areas.

Another motivating factor for us is the confidence in our aftermarket services, as evidenced by the number of clients who have engaged us to work on machines that are no longer supported by the original equipment manufacturers. Testament to this is that during 2023, a slew bearing was replaced on a bucket-wheel reclaimer for an iron ore mine and a new order was received for the replacement of a stacker boom for a power plant, both in South Africa.

Innovation out of tradition – It pays to talk to a specialist!

About TAKRAF Group

TAKRAF Group, through its established and well-known brands, TAKRAF and DELKOR, provides innovative technological solutions to the mining and associated industries. With experience acquired over more than a century, the Group is well positioned to provide equipment, systems and services that best satisfy its clients’ mining, comminution, material handling, liquid/solid separation and beneficiation requirements. Servicing owners and operators around the world, TAKRAF Group‘s engineered solutions are customized to the unique project requirements and are aimed at lowering the total cost of ownership and reducing environmental impact by improving efficiency with safe and reliable equipment. For further information, visit www.takraf.com or, e-mail info@takraf.com.

Ziel URL: TAKRAF products & technologies

Direct Link: https://www.takraf.com/products-technologies

Women’s Month in South Africa provides an opportune moment to spotlight the groundbreaking work being done to empower women in male-dominated industries. The mining sector, traditionally a mainstay for men, is undergoing a transformative shift thanks to initiatives like the Women in Mining programme, a collaboration between Prisma Training Solutions and Barrick Gold.

From under-representation to empowerment
This six-month programme, which equips 20 local women with the skills to operate underground dump trucks, is a stark departure from the industry norm. In a sector where women constitute a mere 10% of the workforce, this initiative is promising, demonstrating that equal opportunity is not merely a distant aspiration but an achievable reality.

Fostering a holistic approach to women’s development
The training programme extends beyond the technicalities of operating heavy machinery, encompassing a holistic approach to women’s development. In addition to acquiring the requisite skills for operating underground dump trucks, participants are equipped with essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.

To enable a deeper understanding of the mining industry and its challenges, the programme also includes modules on the mining environment, safety protocols, and environmental sustainability. A critical component of the training focuses on addressing and dismantling implicit biases, which contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture. Such a comprehensive approach is essential for empowering women to not only excel in their roles but also thrive in the demanding environment of the mining industry.

How women enrich the mining industry

The success of the Women in Mining programme highlights the undeniable value of diversity and inclusion in the mining sector. Women bring a unique perspective characterised by empathy, strong communication skills, and a focus on collaboration. These qualities can significantly enrich problem-solving, decision-making processes, and the overall workplace culture.

By incorporating diverse viewpoints, the mining industry can foster a more innovative and adaptable environment. Studies have shown that companies with greater gender diversity often exhibit improved financial performance and increased sustainability, which means that tapping into the potential of women in mining is not merely a social responsibility but a strategic business imperative.

Training as a catalyst for change to bridge the gender gap
Training is a powerful catalyst for the empowerment of women in mining. It serves as a bridge to overcome gender disparities, bolster safety standards, and reduce staff turnover. Additionally, it elevates the industry’s reputation and strengthens its ties with local communities.

To truly empower women in mining, it is imperative to shift the narrative from competition to collaboration. Both men and women must recognise and appreciate their unique strengths and perspectives. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, the industry can harness the full potential of its workforce.

Empowering the next generation
Prisma Training Solutions and Barrick Gold have set a commendable precedent for the mining industry. Their investment in women is not just a corporate social responsibility endeavour but a strategic move to build a more inclusive and prosperous future. As their success story reverberates, it is hoped that other mining companies will follow suit, recognising the immense potential of a gender-balanced workforce.

Aspiring women in mining should embark on their journey with a clear understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. The Women in Mining programme serves as a valuable preparation ground, equipping participants with the necessary skills and mindset to navigate the demanding environment.

Building resilience and confidence
The emphasis on holistic development from Prisma Training Solutions is commendable. The programme goes beyond technical training, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of working in a male-dominated industry. Such an approach is vital in building resilience and confidence among participants.

Ultimately, the success of initiatives like these will not only benefit individual women but will also have a ripple effect that contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the mining industry, while having a positive, meaningful impact on the community at large. By creating a more inclusive workplace, the industry can attract and retain top talent, enhance innovation, and strengthen its social licence to operate.

A celebration of progress
As we honour the women around us this month, it is essential to remember that the journey towards gender equality in mining is ongoing. By celebrating achievements like the Women in Mining programme, we can inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in this challenging yet promising sector.

Editorial Contacts

Jason Bome

Group Marketing Manager at Workforce Holdings Limited

Email: jason.bome@workforce.co.za

A decline in blast performance at an iron ore mine in South Africa has led Omnia company BME to investigate a new mechanism for bulk emulsion breakdown, and to find innovative solutions for the customer.

In a recent article in the International Society for Explosives Engineers’ Journal of Explosives Engineering, experts from BME reveal a fascinating encounter with potential acidic sulphate soil (PASS) – sharing valuable insights for the mining sector globally. The article’s authors – BME Global Manager Blasting Science D Scott Scovira, BME General Manager Production & Logistics Dirk Voogt and BME Senior Chemist Quentin Steyl – noted that iron ore mines are not normally associated with reactive or acidic ground. Indeed, they conducted ground sample reactivity testing which confirmed that neither reactive ground nor acidic water was to blame.

The question which then needed to be answered was what caused the emulsion to break down; the same emulsion continued to be used by other customers around the country to normal effect. They conducted many tests, including the testing of a mixture of the straight gassed bulk emulsion plus mine blast hole water and blast cuttings – representing the total hold loading condition at the mine. These tests showed that this mixture created an environment in the blast hole leading to autocatalytic acid generation, with subsequent over-gassing and breaking down of the emulsion.

“A deeper investigation into the ground mineralisation revealed the presence of PASS, which is a new mechanism for bulk emulsion breakdown,” they said. The condition was remarkably uncommon and was the first occasion that it had been observed in over 50 years of emulsion usage. Despite an extensive search of publicly available knowledge in this field, no-one had described PASS in the context of bulk emulsions. Research did reveal, however, that PASS can become an acid sulphate soil in the presence of a strong oxidizer.

“This conversion reaction results from the presence of reduced inorganic sulphur (RIS) in the soil,” they continued. “Actual acid sulphate soils (AASS) – soil materials that contain RIS – have undergone oxidation to produce acid; any pH drop indicates the soil’s potential to form sulphuric acid when it is disturbed and exposed to oxygen.”

In the absence of water, soil samples from the mine showed no reactivity with the straight gassed bulk emulsion. Some samples showed the potential to become reactive, and to start breaking up when a strong oxidiser was present. When a sodium nitrite-based gassing solution was used to sensitise the emulsion in contact with soil, a reaction began that impacted negatively on the emulsion matrix.

“To manage this challenge, we therefore investigated the difference between the effect of standard sodium nitrite and water solution, and an emulsified gassing agent (EGA),” they explained. “EGA is an emulsion which is incorporated more readily into the base emulsion – thus preventing contact between the gassing agent (a strong oxidiser) and the PASS.”

It was this homogenising of EGA into straight bulk emulsion which significantly inhibited PASS ground reactions with the emulsion – creating a product of very high viscosity which held its form. The resulting emulsion was found to reduce contact between the gassing agent and the PASS.

“These modifications to the bulk explosives system have provided a window of protection for the straight bulk emulsion against these site ground conditions,” they said. “They have also enhanced resistance to product degradation by the action of dynamic water present at the mine site.”

Important performance improvements were achieved, with the increased dispersion of the gassing agent in the emulsion – as well as reduced bubble size in the gassing agent. Field measurements demonstrated that detonation velocity was increased – when compared to non-homogenised gassed bulk emulsion.

“As PASS has been only recently discovered as an emulsion decomposition mechanism, we expect there will be considerable learnings achieved in the future,” they concluded. “The focus will be on continuously improving the inhibition process against sulphate ground types – through chemical formulation and mechanical manipulation. We trust that our investigation and solutions will add valuable insights to blasting professionals and the global explosives engineering community.”

In response to input from customers across the demolition and bulk material handling sectors, BossTek, a company specialising in in atomised mist technology, has introduced a new mobile mid-sized dust control cannon.

The DustBoss® DB-45 Surge® is the next iteration of the popular Surge series featuring an innovative pressurised centre nozzle paired with the industry-proven fan and misting ring system to suppress both surface dust and airborne particulates. With three remote-controlled stages and precision oscillation for optimum command over water volume and coverage area, the DB-45 Surge delivers the dependability of atomised mist, along with J2P (jet-to-plume) nozzle technology that surges for over 200 ft (60 m), even in troublesome windy conditions. The result is an easily manoeuvrable, autonomous, and versatile dust control solution for outdoor operations in all weather conditions.

“Our first iteration of this technology was larger for operations with high-reach cranes and enormous coverage areas,” explained BossTek Dust Control Specialist Mike Lewis. “Managers of medium and smaller operations were impressed with the existing technology but wanted a lighter and more compact option that offered the same excellent field-tested versatility and results. With a 200 ft (60 m) throw range, I’d say that most of our customers will be well-served by the new model.”

The DB-45 Surge combines the power of a 25-horsepower industrial fan, misting ring, and heavy-duty barrel with the reach of a central high-pressure spray nozzle. The misting ring introduces millions of tiny dust capturing droplets into an area for proven dust suppression. The pressurised spray resists wind shear and uses the force of the wind to further fragment droplets, enhancing its dust suppression capabilities. This is achieved with a maximum of 72 GPM (372 lpm) and as little as 17 GPM (77 lpm) when using only the misting ring and fan. The cannon also features a VFD (variable frequency drive), which allows the unit to operate more efficiently at lower water pressure.

The three stages are easily input by the touch screen system, protected by a sealed NEMA 4 cabinet or controlled by a heavy-duty hand-held remote control with a 1000 ft (305 m) range. Stage one is highly effective on moderate days and uses the powerful 30 000 CFM (849.5 CMM) fan and misting ring for wide area coverage. For windy days, stage two features a pressurised stream delivered by the J2P nozzle to pinpoint the source of the dust. On high wind days, operators can choose stage three which utilises the fan, misting ring and centre nozzle for maximum coverage.

This allows the DB-45 Surge to be “set it and forget it” autonomous equipment, unlike hoses and industrial sprinklers, which typically require constant manual labour to monitor and operate. Manual operation keeps workers in active zones near moving equipment, increasing the chance of injury and raising the costs of operation for sprinklers and hoses due to extra labour and possible liability.

The DB-45 Surge addresses wind, labour, and water usage issues. While striving to stay compliant with dust regulations, operators can now better match the water requirements to the specific application. Fed by a standard 1 – ½ in. (38 mm) hose with a cam-and-groove quick disconnect coupling, the booster pump delivers as much as 500 PSI (27.5 BAR) of water pressure to the centre nozzle.

“The DustBoss product line is known for its rugged quality and long service life, often described as one of the most reliable and low-maintenance pieces of equipment on any job site,” Lewis concluded. “Our 3-year or 3000-hour warranty is evidence of our confidence in the products. The DB-45 Surge is designed with that same philosophy: it’s built to last.”

The Customer Survey, conducted for TOMRA Mining’s Service Team by market research company B2B Research, revealed a standout level of overall satisfaction with a remarkable average score of 6.3 on a 7-point scale and an outstanding Net Promoter Score of +57 – significantly higher than the typical scores in B2B sectors.

This extremely positive feedback is a testament to the Service Team’s dedication, technical expertise and partnership approach to supporting its customers. It demonstrates the unique strength of TOMRA Mining’s Service as a key element of its success.

TOMRA Mining sees service as a critical element of its offer to mining operations and is constantly evaluating the best way to support its customers by listening to them. As part of this effort, it has engaged B2B Research, a reputed Business-to-Business market research company, to conduct a Customer Survey in 2018 and a second one in the first quarter of 2024 to assess the quality of its service and collect feedback from customers.

The surveys covered the different aspects of TOMRA Mining’s service activities – from the back-office’s availability and the competence of its technical support team to the quality of work of its service engineers. The respondents represented a variety of roles within the customers’ organizations, including maintenance, operations, plant and process management, parts sourcing and service planning.

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Outstanding customer satisfaction with TOMRA Mining’s Service Team
The recent survey revealed extremely high levels of satisfaction among its customers, with 93% of respondents being satisfied with the availability and competence of TOMRA’s technical support team and the quality of work and competence of its service engineers. Overall, the Service Team was awarded an average score of 6.3 on a 7-point scale, a further improvement on the already high score of 6.0 achieved in 2018.

The surveys also asked customers how likely they would be to recommend TOMRA Mining to calculate the company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS). Paul Walsh, Director at B2B Research, explains: “TOMRA Mining’s NPS (Likely to Recommend) increased from +38 in 2018 to a very strong +57 in 2024, which shows hard work and dedication from the Service Team. An NPS of +40 or above in a B2B industry is already considered high when most companies’ NPS ranges from +10 to +30. So, a really great achievement!”

Klaus Berns, Head of Service at TOMRA Mining, is delighted with the feedback: “The survey has shown an improvement in all areas of service and all regions. I am proud of this strong customer rating. It reflects the value our customers place on the passion and dedication of our Service Team, and the close communication we maintain with them. A very strong Service team, combined with expert advice from our Sales and Applications teams, and our exceptional technology and performance, are the key factors in gaining our customers’ trust and driving their choice of TOMRA.

Our mission to deliver an extraordinary customer experience will continue!” TOMRA Mining is constantly looking at ways to further improve its service to customers, listening to their feedback through surveys and the everyday contact of its team members.

Over the last five years, it strengthened its team of field service engineers as well as the back-office support. “We expanded and trained our service team, ensuring we all share the mindset that puts the customer at the center of everything we do, prioritizing the principles that are important to them. This enables us to gather precise insights about their operation in a meaningful timeframe and develop packages that perfectly match their needs,” says Klaus Berns. The excellent feedback in this year’s survey is a clear recognition of the Service Team’s efforts to continuously improve and deliver the best possible experience.

TOMRA Mining’s unique service approach: beyond technical support, a true partnership Service is a core part of TOMRA Mining’s business and is deeply interlinked with its Sales and Technology departments. It doesn’t stop when the equipment is installed, or a technical intervention is resolved: it is a partnership based on effective communication.

“We are very close to our customers,” explains Klaus Berns. “Communication is key: we talk to them on a regular basis –weekly, monthly or quarterly, depending on the customer’s actual needs.”

This close communication enables TOMRA’s Service Team to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in customers’ operations. “We bring them our expertise when they are setting up operations, advising them on material preparation and how to operate the machines to get the best results. And then we go the extra mile: for example, our technical engineers talk to their staff and report back about possible improvements, and we can help the customer to address them. Also, new technologies are constantly coming on stream. In the last two or three years our portfolio has been enhanced with great innovations, such as the new TOMRA ACT interface, the new fines ejection system that significantly reduces air consumption, and TOMRA OBTAIN. As new solutions become available, our service engineers can spot opportunities to further enhance our customers’ operations and we can start a discussion with the customer. This is where our close collaboration with our Sales and Technology teams comes in.”

A recent example of the benefits of TOMRA’s approach was when its Service Team visited a customer sorting iron ore in Brazil and saw that the input material had drastically changed since the previous visit a few months earlier. It suggested a change in the sorting approach, which doubled product output when implemented. “This is the kind of support that can only happen when you are in close contact with the customer,” comments Klaus Berns.

Customer proximity with strong backing from Headquarters
To maintain its close relationship with customers, TOMRA Mining has set up on each continent a self-sufficient Service Team that includes Service Management, Field Service, Field Application, and back-office functions and spare parts supply. They operate with the backing of the company’s headquarters in Germany, which provides advanced technical support, parts proposals and any other help they may need.

“Regular weekly communication between Headquarters and the regions ensures we are always aligned. It is extensive communication, but this effort pays off from a technical and commercial point of view,” explains Klaus Berns.

“We deal with our customers directly across the globe. Regional proximity, local language, culture and mindset are crucial for us to deliver the best experience and ensure our customers’ major satisfaction. Our customers trust us to be easily accessible, to resolve any issues, and do it fast.”

Taking service to a new level with digitalization
TOMRA Mining is always looking ahead at where opportunities to raise the level of service to its customers lie. “With the development of digitalization and Deep Learning, as more sorter data and analysis capability become available through our web-based portal TOMRA Insight, we see many ways to help our customers achieve better sorting performance, and higher equipment efficiency and availability,” says Klaus Berns.

“TOMRA Mining is already at an advanced stage in offering connectivity-enabled services through TOMRA Insight, and we in the Service team are working to further develop this area. Our plans in the short term include a Digital Operations Center, which will open soon to provide continuous system monitoring for enrolled customers. Our approach to service is in constant evolution, taking in new technologies that become available, and anticipating the evolving needs of our customers,” concludes Klaus Berns.

TOMRA Mining
TOMRA Mining designs and manufactures sorting technologies for the global mineral processing and mining industries. The company’s solutions aim to transform how natural resources are processed to maximize recovery and minimize our ecological footprint.

As the global market leader in sensor-based ore sorting, TOMRA Mining is responsible for developing and engineering intelligent technology to deliver resource efficiency and reshape the industry for the better.

TOMRA Mining is a part of TOMRA Group. TOMRA was founded on an innovation in 1972 that began with the design, manufacturing and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers.

Today, TOMRA is leading the resource revolution to transform how the planet’s resources are obtained, used and reused to enable a world without waste. The company’s business divisions are TOMRA Food, TOMRA Recycling and TOMRA Collection.

TOMRA has approximately 105,000 installations in over 100 markets worldwide and had total revenues of approximately 14.8 billion NOK in 2023. The Group employs 5,000 globally and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company headquarters are in Asker, Norway.

In the challenging environment of open pit mining, efficient water management is crucial to maintaining operations and ensuring the safety and productivity of the site. IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) stands out as a key partner for surface mines, offering customised dewatering solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each site.

Managing director, Lee Vine says by conducting thorough assessments and providing correctly specified equipment, IPR ensures that mines can rely on effective and dependable dewatering systems. “IPR’s approach begins with a detailed assessment of each individual application. This involves understanding the unique conditions and requirements of the mine such as water volume, pit dimensions and site-specific challenges,” Vine says.

By doing so, this leading dewatering pump solutions provider can recommend the most appropriate equipment and strategies for dewatering, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency. The backbone of IPR’s dewatering solutions is its extensive range of high-quality dewatering pumps and accessories.

Pump solutions
This includes the well-known Atlas Copco range of diesel driven and submersible pumps with the company being the Master Distributor across southern Africa for this dependable brand. The company also represents the Toyo range of heavy-duty slurry pumps.

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Vine says both pump brands are engineered to handle the demanding conditions of open pit mining, providing robust and reliable performance. The solution chosen for a specific dewatering project would be dependent on the on-site requirements. As an example, he says that one option would be pontoon-mounted pumps which allow the pumps to remain operational even as water levels fluctuate. This eliminates the need to frequently relocate the installation as the water level drops, reducing downtime and labour costs.

On the other hand, for mines that require flexibility and mobility, IPR offers skid or trailer mounted dewatering pump sets. These systems can be easily installed at the side of open pits and moved as needed within the mining operation. This mobility ensures that dewatering can be efficiently managed across different areas of the mine, adapting to changing conditions and requirements.

Understanding the financial considerations of mining operations, IPR provides both rental and outright purchase options for its dewatering solutions. Renting dewatering equipment can be an attractive option for mines looking to manage capital expenditure or requiring temporary solutions.

“IPR’s rental services offer mines the flexibility to access the latest technology and equipment without the long term commitment of ownership. However, for mines with ongoing dewatering needs, purchasing equipment outright may be more cost effective in the long run,” Vine says. IPR offers competitive pricing and comprehensive support for purchased equipment, ensuring mines receive the best value for their investment.

IPR’s commitment to its customers extends beyond providing equipment. The company offers comprehensive support services including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. This ensures that dewatering systems remain operational and effective, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.

“Our expertise in dewatering solutions, combined with our team’s tailored approach to each mining site, makes IPR an invaluable partner for surface mine dewatering projects. By offering a range of reliable equipment, innovative solutions like pontoon mounted pumps and flexible acquisition options, we help mines manage water effectively, ensuring smooth and efficient operations,” Vine concludes.