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Gemfields operations resume in Mozambique after insurgency attack

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AuKing Mining (ASX:AKN) acquires six uranium and copper projects in Tanzania

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AuKing Mining (AKN) has confirmed the acquisition of uranium and copper projects in Tanzania.

The company now holds a 100 per cent interest in six Tanzanian projects, four of which are prospective for uranium – Mkuju, Manyoni, Itigi and Magaga – with the other two – Mpanda and Karema – prospective for copper.

AuKing said the uranium projects lie nearby areas that have undergone “significant” prior exploration and development up until 2013, including one just north of Mkuju which reported 108.9 million tonnes at 422 parts per million uranium oxide.

“The proposed acquisition of highly prospective Tanzanian uranium and copper assets is an important and exciting opportunity for AuKing,” CEO Paul Williams said.

“The company now has the ability to pursue and develop uranium assets in a stable African jurisdiction at a time when there is significantly renewed interest in the development of uranium projects.”

In conjunction with the acquisition, AuKing has made plans to carry out a two-staged capital raising to raise $3.5 million.

The first stage of the placement, dubbed T1, will see roughly 13.7 million new shares issued at 10 cents each, together with 6.87 million free-attaching options exercisable at 20 cents.

The second stage T2 placement involves 21.3 million new shares issued and 10.6 million free-attaching options exercisable at 20 cents.

AuKing reported the T1 placement has already been filled with a total of $1.37 million either received or committed to the company. As such, the final T1 placement is expected to close tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Asimwe Kabunga has joined the AKN board as co-chairman, with Anna Nahajski-Staples remaining in her position as co-chair.

New shareholder to kick start Sperrgebiet mining

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Sperrgebiet Diamond Mining (Pty) (SDM) this week confirmed a majority equity investment by Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM). The new shareholders, the company’s board and management stated they eagerly look forward to operations at SDM to restart and for the company to become a sustainable development partner to the local community, the Lüderitz economy and Namibia at large.

 

The diamond mine is now gearing up during the fourth quarter of 2022 to start up operations at the historic production levels under Namdeb. The immediate next aim is to double production by mid-2023 by implementing an infield pre-treatment facility as the second phase. The company is amidst an aggressive recruitment drive, aiming to employ up to 180 people by the end of 2022, with a further increase during phase two.

SDM is a Namibian company that owns a combination of four onshore and offshore diamond mining licences in the restricted diamond areas around Lüderitz. Its mainland based operation is located at Elizabeth Bay, 40km south of Lüderitz.

Among other investments, the resources division of the GEM Group holds mining and energy assets in Zimbabwe. Their vision is to expand their footprint in the southern African mining and energy sectors and the larger continent in the longer term.

Their current African investments include a majority shareholding in RioZim, which is one of the biggest gold producers in Zimbabwe. RZM Murowa, which is one of the world’s leading diamond producers, is an affiliate of RioZim.

The company also owns a base metal refinery and an energy business unit focused on generating green energy and minimising the carbon footprint of its mining operations. Through this latest acquisition, the group aims to expand its business with the newly acquired mining asset in southern Namibia.

Meanwhile, SDM acquired the mining asset from Namdeb Diamond Corporation in October 2020 and invested in the project through an environmental clean-up campaign and the care and maintenance of the existing main processing plant with the aim to recommission it.

Additional capital investment has been solicited by the shareholders, culminating in a share sale transaction between the Namibian shareholders being the founders, Lewcor Holdings, and its minority partners, David Sheehama, MSF Commercials, and the GEM Group.

“The equity transaction was well received by the government of Namibia and received approval from the Namibian Competition Commission and the minister of mines and energy. The deal was finalised on May 20, 2022, with GEM group subsidiary obtaining 78% of the shareholding and Namibian shareholders retaining 22% inclusive of an Employees Trust of 2%,” reads a statement from SDM.

Namibia: Botshiwe Appointed Chamber of Mines Vice President

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THE Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed QKR Navachab Gold managing director George Botshiwe as its second vice president.

This was announced by the chamber yesterday at the ongoing mining expo in Windhoek.

His appointment follows a special general meeting early this week, where it was decided to fill the second vice presidency seat. The seat fell vacant following the recent resignation of the first vice president.

The chamber’s executive committee for the period 2022-2023 will now have Orano Mining Namibia executive chairperson Hilifa Mbako as the president, and Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb managing director Zebra Kasete as the first vice president.

At the conference, Mbako said this year’s event has attracted a better turnout, with 103 exhibitors occupying 163 stands compared to 88 exhibitors with 136 booths during the previous event in 2019.

The expo is also showcasing the entire extractive industry, from solid minerals to oil, and there are a number of exhibitors from the Southern African Development Community region – 11 companies are from South Africa and one from Zambia.

He added that the chamber of mines has registered the Mining Expo and Conference with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority as their trademark.

The theme of this year’s mining expo and conference is: Breaking new frontiers in a post pandemic era.

Today’s event will have key speakers such as Heye Daun, the president of Osino Resources, Retha van der Skyf, and Pinehas Mutota, the general manager at the Electricity Control Board of Namibia.

The official proceedings of the expo will end today at 13h00, however, exhibitions will close at close of business.

Zimbabwe demands some mining royalties in refined metal

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Global miners operating in Zimbabwe will have to pay some of their royalties in refined metal rather than cash, President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote in a newspaper on Sunday, as the country struggles to benefit from demand for its resources.

Zimbabwe has abundant reserves of minerals such as gold and platinum group metals (PGM), but power supply problems, a lack of ancillary industries to support mining and currency fluctuations have prevented it from profiting from a resource boom.

“Starting this October, government now requires that part of these royalties come as actual refined mining product,” Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote in a column in The Sunday Mail.

None of the companies contacted by Reuters immediately responded to a request for comment.

The policy will target four main minerals – gold, diamonds, PGMs and lithium – he said.

Mnangagwa said the aim was to build a national reserve of precious metals and critical resources for the benefit of the current population and future generations.

“We cannot, as the present government, and as the current generation, run and manage finite resources profligately, without any regard for generations yet and sure to come!” he wrote.

Leading South African companies such as Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum are among those that extract PGMs in Zimbabwe.

Gold companies, including Johannesburg-listed Sibanye Stillwater and London-listed Caledonia Mining, also operate there.

In addition, Chinese miners are involved in lithium mining in Zimbabwe with the potential to make it Africa’s biggest lithium producer, analysts say.

Economist Tinashe Murapata warned the move could cause inflation to go up.

“Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) revenues will dwindle. I think cabinet doesn’t understand what monetary policy is or what central banking is. And they don’t want to admit that they don’t know. What the president is proposing is inflationary,” Murapata tweeted.

“In monetary economics, central banking sits outside of the government of Zimbabwe. Central banks build reserves by buying assets through the market. This is done for a reason, since the same asset must be easily liquidated. Reserves must be liquid foremost. If Zimra has a shortfall, expect inflation.”

A structured maintenance programme goes a long way to optimising productivity, enhancing equipment reliability and extending service life of components.

BMG – leading engineering solutions specialists – provides engineering components and support services to all sectors, to ensure high productivity, reduce energy consumption, minimal downtime and long service life of systems.

“BMG is a complete process solutions provider to all sectors of industry, which means companies can access all essential quality branded products and essential support services from one reliable supplier. This integrated approach guarantees lower production costs and higher efficiencies,” explains Carlo Beukes, Group Sales Development Manager, BMG. “We believe the introduction of a structured maintenance management programme, which can be implemented in-house, or partially outsourced to a professional organisation, is critical to maximising production efficiencies in all industries.

“The BMG team is committed to ensuring each plant maintains full production, by providing a 24-hour customer process support for production efficiency and reliability centred maintenance.

“Maintenance of machinery can be a very expensive exercise, not only in terms of the cost of spare parts and labour, but also lost production due to machinery breakdowns or plant stoppages for unscheduled maintenance. Careful consideration therefore needs to be given to disciplined inspections and planned maintenance of all items of plant and production machinery. Over-maintenance can be almost as costly in terms of lost production as under maintenance, so a careful balance is critical.

“Care in the initial design and manufacture stage of the plant, the selection of compatible quality branded mating components, professional installation – with particular attention to meticulous alignment of coupled components – ensure reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements and therefore lower operating costs.

“Servicing of all sections of machinery in the factory should be carefully planned on the basis of the estimated time for each procedure or service, in order to create a controlled work-load for the maintenance staff. Even small faults in design, operation and maintenance, can have a negative impact on productivity and safety.

“BMG’s proactive maintenance service – which encompasses predictive maintenance services, including condition monitoring and oil analysis – is enhanced by advanced technical and design support across all functional disciplines. BMG’s maintenance and support services also include mobile breakdown, repair and maintenance support, that ensure production plants are up and running as quickly as possible following a breakdown.”

To achieve optimum performance and extended life of components like bearings, mill gear lubrication and industrial chain, correct lubrication is as important as the appropriate selection of each part.

Although a general multipurpose grease or oil is adequate in many applications, more arduous operating conditions demand the careful choice of the correct lubricant and lubrication system. In selecting the right lubrication system and lubricant for a specific application, factors to be considered are speed, ambient temperature, load, vibration and environmental conditions.

The effects of friction and the resulting wear of moving components are significantly reduced by effective lubrication. Through a wide range of energy efficient products – which includes synthetic oils, lubricants and bespoke lubrication systems – and the support of a technically competent team, BMG ensures efficient maintenance, extended service life of components and energy savings, in any environment.”

BMG’s specialist technical division offers an oil analysis service which consists of laboratory-based sampling and analysis, as well as on site analysis and filtration and flushing. Other services include technical applications consulting, product and system design, product quality control and assurance, as well as condition monitoring services.

Conditioning monitoring identifies lubrication problems, misalignment and vibration troubles and also helps in identifying the causes of the damage, so that units can be fixed before further destruction occurs. This means reduced downtime, efficient production and substantial cost savings.

The BMG team is committed to improving operational efficiencies for customers in all industries, by providing essential filtration, separation and purification technologies.

BMG’s distribution centre in Droste Park, Johannesburg, is operational and fully stocked at all times, to support customers around the country and into Africa. A comprehensive range of equipment and components comprises bearings, seals and gaskets; power transmission; hydraulics and pneumatics; fluid technology and filtration; drives, motors and controllers; materials handling; fasteners and tools.

The BMG team works closely with customers in all sectors, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, mining, the food and beverage sector and petrochemical plants. BMG also supplies and supports service providers to power generation and pharmaceutical plants, as well as ports, rail and road facilities.

Leading engineering solutions specialists – provides engineering components and support services to all sectors, to ensure high productivity, reduced energy consumption, minimal downtime and long service life of systems.

A structured maintenance programme goes a long way to optimising productivity, enhancing equipment reliability and extending service life of components

BMG – leading engineering solutions specialists – provides engineering components and support services to all sectors, to ensure high productivity, reduce energy consumption, minimal downtime and long service life of systems.

“BMG is a complete process solutions provider to all sectors of industry, which means companies can access all essential quality branded products and essential support services from one reliable supplier. This integrated approach guarantees lower production costs and higher efficiencies,” explains Carlo Beukes, Group Sales Development Manager, BMG. “We believe the introduction of a structured maintenance management programme, which can be implemented in-house, or partially outsourced to a professional organisation, is critical to maximising production efficiencies in all industries.

“The BMG team is committed to ensuring each plant maintains full production, by providing a 24-hour customer process support for production efficiency and reliability centred maintenance.

“Maintenance of machinery can be a very expensive exercise, not only in terms of the cost of spare parts and labour, but also lost production due to machinery breakdowns or plant stoppages for unscheduled maintenance. Careful consideration therefore needs to be given to disciplined inspections and planned maintenance of all items of plant and production machinery. Over-maintenance can be almost as costly in terms of lost production as under maintenance, so a careful balance is critical.

“Care in the initial design and manufacture stage of the plant, the selection of compatible quality branded mating components, professional installation – with particular attention to meticulous alignment of coupled components – ensure reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements and therefore lower operating costs.

“Servicing of all sections of machinery in the factory should be carefully planned on the basis of the estimated time for each procedure or service, in order to create a controlled work-load for the maintenance staff. Even small faults in design, operation and maintenance, can have a negative impact on productivity and safety.

“BMG’s proactive maintenance service – which encompasses predictive maintenance services, including condition monitoring and oil analysis – is enhanced by advanced technical and design support across all functional disciplines. BMG’s maintenance and support services also include mobile breakdown, repair and maintenance support, that ensure production plants are up and running as quickly as possible following a breakdown.”

To achieve optimum performance and extended life of components like bearings, mill gear lubrication and industrial chain, correct lubrication is as important as the appropriate selection of each part.

Although a general multipurpose grease or oil is adequate in many applications, more arduous operating conditions demand the careful choice of the correct lubricant and lubrication system. In selecting the right lubrication system and lubricant for a specific application, factors to be considered are speed, ambient temperature, load, vibration and environmental conditions.

The effects of friction and the resulting wear of moving components are significantly reduced by effective lubrication. Through a wide range of energy efficient products – which includes synthetic oils, lubricants and bespoke lubrication systems – and the support of a technically competent team, BMG ensures efficient maintenance, extended service life of components and energy savings, in any environment.”

BMG’s specialist technical division offers an oil analysis service which consists of laboratory-based sampling and analysis, as well as on site analysis and filtration and flushing. Other services include technical applications consulting, product and system design, product quality control and assurance, as well as condition monitoring services.

Conditioning monitoring identifies lubrication problems, misalignment and vibration troubles and also helps in identifying the causes of the damage, so that units can be fixed before further destruction occurs. This means reduced downtime, efficient production and substantial cost savings.

The BMG team is committed to improving operational efficiencies for customers in all industries, by providing essential filtration, separation and purification technologies.

BMG’s distribution centre in Droste Park, Johannesburg, is operational and fully stocked at all times, to support customers around the country and into Africa. A comprehensive range of equipment and components comprises bearings, seals and gaskets; power transmission; hydraulics and pneumatics; fluid technology and filtration; drives, motors and controllers; materials handling; fasteners and tools.

The BMG team works closely with customers in all sectors, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, mining, the food and beverage sector and petrochemical plants. BMG also supplies and supports service providers to power generation and pharmaceutical plants, as well as ports, rail and road facilities.

Volvo Penta & CMB.TECH partner on dual-fuel hydrogen engines

Building on a successful collaboration, Volvo Penta has partnered with CMB.TECH to accelerate the development of dual-fuel hydrogen-powered solutions for both on-land and at-sea applications. The strengthened collaboration will include joint projects ranging from pilots to small-scale industrialization, providing increased access to this important technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

CMB.TECH owns, operates, and designs large marine and industrial applications powered by hydrogen and ammonia – fuels that it both manufactures and supplies to its customers. Volvo Penta is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels, and industrial applications. The companies have worked together in pilot projects since 2017 successfully adapting Volvo Penta engines to run as a dual-fuel hydrogen and diesel solution via the conversion kit provided by CMB.TECH.

A low-carbon solution

The strengthened collaboration will create synergies aimed at leveraging the competences and product offerings of both companies – establishing dual-fuel hydrogen technology as a low-carbon interim solution before suitable zero-emissions alternatives become viable. It is an important step in Volvo Penta’s and CMB.TECH’s joint ambition is to help accelerate its customers’ transition to net-zero emissions.

The partnership will cover pilot projects and small-scale industrialization of a hydrogen dual-fuel solution for selected customers.

“From the initial dual-fuel technology projects we have seen reductions of CO2 emissions up to 80%,” says Roy Campe, Chief Technology Officer at CMB.TECH continues: “It is clear that the energy transition is a major challenge in many types of applications. With the dual-fuel technology we have been developing over the last few years, we can provide a cost-effective and robust solution for a variety of applications. We think there is huge potential in this solution for customers, both on land and at sea.”

The whole Volvo Group is working intensively to explore solutions to reduce – and ultimately eliminate – greenhouse gas emissions. Volvo Penta strives to team up with suppliers, partners, and customers to accelerate the journey into fossil-free fuels for both on-land and at-sea applications.

“The development in this area is moving fast and with this partnership, we see a great opportunity to further explore and be part of increasing the use and availability of hydrogen solutions. I believe that this dual-fuel approach will appeal to many of our customers by its ease of installation, maintenance, and use. In addition, it will help accelerate our customers’ transition to more sustainable operations,” said Heléne Mellquist, President of Volvo Penta.

Dual-fuel technology

The dual-fuel solution’s main advantage is that it will reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases while at the same time providing a robust and reliable solution. And, if hydrogen is not available, the application continues to run on traditional fuel, safeguarding productivity.

The design and testing of the hydrogen-injection system will take place at CMB.TECH’s Technology and Development Centre in Brentwood, UK. Here, Volvo Penta engines will be tested to optimize the hydrogen-diesel injection strategy for maximum reliability and emission savings.

“The simplicity of the dual fuel technology allows a quick introduction into many applications. The potential to decarbonize with green hydrogen is huge, but many applications require a fallback scenario of traditional fuel to maintain a viable business. With the dual fuel technology, your asset is future-proof, even without full coverage of a reliable hydrogen infrastructure today,” said Roy Campe, Chief Technology Officer of CMB.TECH.

“This solution is a valuable tool to have on our way to reaching our ambitious commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative where we aim to reach net-zero value chain emissions by 2040,” concludes Heléne. “There is no ‘one-solution-fits-all’ answer, which is why Volvo Penta is investing heavily in exploring a wide range of sustainable and bridging technologies – such as hybridization, electric drivelines, fuel cells, and alternative fuels for combustion engines – allowing customers to find the technology that works best for their application.”

Logistics and Transport -Certificate of Professional Competence Course

The Zambia Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (ZCILT) in collaboration with the Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust (ZCPIT) and Zambia Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association (ZCFAA) have developed a competence course for the award of a Certificate of Professional Competence in Logistics and Transport. This course is designed as a three (03)-week intensive training programme designed to equip professionals in logistics and transport industry with essential skills and knowledge on how to manage transport resources.

It covers the key areas of logistics and transport, and clearing and forwarding, in a practical and pragmatic way that will ensure that course participants acquire competence in managing transport resources in an effective and efficient manner.

After successful completion of the course, trainees are expected to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them effectively and professionally manage the transport resources in any organisation – whether private or public sector organisations. The course has been designed by the industry practitioners in logistics and transport, and clearing and forwarding for the industry to fill the skills and knowledge gap in the ever growing transport sector in Zambia. Following the liberalization of the transport sector in 1991, the logistics and transport industry has witnessed significant growth in both passenger and freight business in the road, rail and air sectors of the economy.

The course is designed to be delivered as a highly interactive and practical course and brings to the fore relevant principles and concepts pertaining to logistics and transport. The programme draws on the expertise of industry trainers with relevant qualifications and experience in logistics and transport, and clearing and forwarding industry.

The programme is approved by the Zambia Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (ZCILT) and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) as a pre- requisite qualification for one to be licensed as a practitioner in Logistics and Transport. The programme has also been developed as a bridging course to prepare those wishing to obtain a higher qualification with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Register: http://www.zcpit.ac.zm/short-course-application-form/

INLINE ENGINE PLATFORM INTRODUCED BY SCANIA

The Bauma show has witnessed the launch of an inline engine platform from Scania. 

Technical highlights include increased power density and longer service life.

In addition, Scania is promising the inline engine platform will ‘set a new standard’ for fuel efficiency.

Pär Olof Åhlin, product manager, power generation, Scania clarified the importance of the new products.

“This is our most fuel-efficient engine platform ever, with more torque, more power and up to 50% longer base engine lifespan,” he said.

Specifically, fuel efficiency had been improved thanks to an enhanced gas exchange system and reduced internal friction. Also, increased turbocharger efficiency played a major role.

“We want to empower a more sustainable future,” Åhlin added. 

“The leading position we have in trucks and buses now expands to industrial power.”

In real world terms, the 13-litre engine can achieve a fuel consumption improvement of up to 7%.

That figure is compared with the current generation at the same power output. 

In other words, four litres of diesel can be saved for each engine hour at full load.

A shift towards sustainability has definitely reached the construction segment, stated Scania. 

The company believes that as long as combustion engines are still in use, their climate impact should be improved. 

Therefore, the Swedish manufacturer is making big moves to decrease how engines affect the climate. 

“You will see this in the non-road mobile machinery and earth moving equipment powered by Scania. 

“And, it is truly obvious in our new engine platform,” said Mert Uzel, product manager – industrial at Scania.

Meanwhile, Scania brought a number of other products to the construction show.

For example, the company’s stand boasted its next generation 13-litre engine and EV-related solutions.

There was also the a possibility to experience the Next Generation 11-litre DC11 engine via augmented reality.