Disruption on work sites will grow in the next few months as rain returns to many of the country’s provinces, demanding a rapid dewatering solution.

Pump and dewatering specialist IPR – previously known as Integrated Pump Rental – has added capacity for the inevitable spike in urgent enquiries. According to IPR operations manager Henru Strydom, renting of dewatering pumps remains a great option for dealing with emergencies.

“The high level of responsiveness that IPR offers is directly related to the available fleet that we have developed,” says Strydom. “We have always been proactive about growing our rental capacity as we do not believe in leaving dewatering to chance during the rainy season.”

Having a rental fleet that is commensurate with the growing market demand has been vital to IPR’s ongoing success and interestingly most of these are trailer mounted. He explains that trailer mounted units allow optimum mobility and flexibility. Pumping units can be deployed rapidly to sites when required and can also be easily moved on the site itself.

“Renting or leasing offers many advantages over buying your own pumping equipment for infrequent dewatering needs,” he says. “This is especially the case if companies lack the staff or resources to regularly maintain equipment; they never know whether the equipment is serviceable when unexpectedly high rainfall leads to a sudden emergency.”

He notes that pump ownership inevitably incurs hidden costs related to labour, training, maintenance and spares. Many pump owners may not be aware of the attention that pumps need if they are to be ready for action at a moment’s notice.

“As a quick-response team that is completely focused on our equipment’s readiness, IPR of course handles all the maintenance requirements of rental pumps,” he says. “We can also provide on-site training to customers’ staff, so that the equipment is employed to its fullest value.”

What this all adds up to, says Strydom, is better control of project costs. It also means that the right equipment is supplied for the job at hand, which is vital when heavy rains cause unexpected flooding. IPR’s fleet of rental dewatering pump sets is large and diverse, ensuring that suitable units are always available when needed. These cover the full range of submersible drainage, dewatering, slurry and sludge pumps. Diesel driven dewatering pump sets are most often the solution of choice, as it is easy to get these units started and operational even on remote sites where there is no access to power.

A Chinese construction company has been ordered to deposit Sh31 million in an income-earning bank account pending the resolution of a dispute with a Kenyan firm that helped it unlock a stalemate with residents over a mining site.

Stecol Corporation was directed by High Court judge Alfred Mabeya to deposit the amount after observing that it was the sum claimed by Enzyne Creations Ltd when it negotiated a deal on behalf of the Chinese firm on mining at Katani Quarry in Machakos.

The amount is, however, far below the Sh326 million that was being sought by Enzyne. It is also a win for the Chinese company after the court ordered the lifting of an order freezing its accounts after making the deposit.

The Chinese firm had claimed the freeze of its bank account had paralysed its operations and it was unable to fund the ongoing construction projects, pay salaries, meet daily operational costs, payments to service providers, and taxes.

“The court, therefore, is of the opinion that the respondent is not a flight risk as it is based in Kenya and is carrying on various projects worth a lot of money,” the judge said.

Enzyne claimed in court documents that it helped negotiate and create a good relationship between the firm and residents following a standoff over mining at the quarry.

Represented by Babcock in southern Africa since 2012, Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Company Limited (SDLG) celebrates its 50th anniversary of operating in the construction machinery industry this year. SDLG is listed in the Top 100 of China’s Mechanical Industry Enterprises, and has a 70% shareholding by Volvo Construction Equipment.

Jay Moodley, regional manager of Babcock’s equipment division, says that Babcock has gained considerable market ground with SDLG since introducing the machines to the southern African infrastructure sector 10 years ago.

“SDLG is a quality value brand that complements and supports the premium Volvo range of construction equipment. SDLG machines are developed around the concept of ‘reliability in action’, and are designed to be reliable, hardworking, cost-effective and easy to operate,” says Moodley.

“When we introduced SDLG to the market, Babcock went to great effort in building customer confidence and trust in the brand. Over the last decade, our customers have seen that SDLG machines are competitively priced, fuel efficient and easy to service and maintain. With strong aftersales support from Babcock, the machines have proven their reliability to get the job done, and we have made solid in-roads in the infrastructure sector with the SDLG portfolio.

“Our customers were already familiar with the high standards of Volvo construction equipment, and were reassured that SDLG products are also manufactured to similar standards at the state-of-the-art factory in China. SDLG is very responsive to customer feedback and places ongoing emphasis on innovation in all phases of its design and production to deliver ever more dependable products and services to its global customer base,” says Moodley.

He adds that lead times on SDLG machines are good as the company is flexible with ordering products, rather than working on a build-slot basis like many other OEMs.

As part of its aftersales support, Babcock has streamlined SDLG part availability and holds a constant inventory of spares to provide fast assistance. “We are committed to keeping our customers going and preventing units from standing. We pride ourselves in our aftersales service, and have branches across the country, including the major port hubs,” affirms Moodley.

“Of note is that the SDLG machines are serviced by our Volvo-qualified mechanics, so our customers know their machines are getting top-class servicing.”

Babcock currently offers three SDLG products in southern Africa: the 9220F grader, and the 938L and 958F wheeled or front-end loaders.

Moodley says that the grader is used predominantly in the public sector for road maintenance, and that the pricing and availability of these machines, combined with the aftermarket service from Babcock have positioned the SDLG grader as a front-runner in this sector.

The majority of the wheeled loaders are used in southern Africa’s coastal belt at ports for material handling, moving of mineral resources, commodities and fertiliser, stock piling, and loading and offloading of vessels. Some wheeled loaders are also used in quarry applications, and clean-up operations in the public sector.

Demand for South Africa’s mineral resources on the back of the electric revolution, and the war in Ukraine has seen an increase in port activities, which in turn is driving the demand for material handling machinery, says Moodley. “There is huge potential for growth in this market, and Babcock is continuously seeking opportunities to supply products required by the industry.”

The SDLG product range currently available in South Africa includes:

• SDLG grader G9220F
• The G9220F is a well, balanced, versatile machine for all grading applications, with good traction and excellent blade down force. The 164 kW Dalian Deutz engine has three power curve settings for the smoothest grade on any surface while reducing fuel consumption. The Machine Blade Control System (MBCS) is controlled by hydraulic mechanical levers in the cab, allowing the operator to swing the blade himself if required. No manual handling is required for improved safety.
• The G9220F is a well, balanced, versatile machine for all grading applications, with good traction and excellent blade down force. The 164 kW Dalian Deutz engine has three power curve settings for the smoothest grade on any surface while reducing fuel consumption. The Machine Blade Control System (MBCS) is controlled by hydraulic mechanical levers in the cab, allowing the operator to swing the blade himself if required. No manual handling is required for improved safety.

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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.

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.

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.

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.”