Atlas Copco has broadened its DrillAir range of portable air compressors with the introduction of the X-Air 900-20, developed to meet the rigorous drilling demands of industries across Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Central and South America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia

The new compressor has been designed to deliver operational flexibility, dependable performance and simplified usability for mining and construction applications operating in varied environments and job site conditions.

Drawing on Atlas Copco’s experience in portable compressed air technologies for heavy-duty operations, the X-Air 900-20 integrates advanced compressor controls, a compact structure and a durable build to provide reliable compressed air performance in challenging settings.

A major feature of the X-Air 900-20 is its PACE technology, enabling operators to adjust working pressure between 14 and 20 bar. This capability allows a single compressor to serve multiple drilling functions, helping businesses improve fleet efficiency while reducing the need for additional equipment onsite.

Within the mining sector, the compressor is intended for applications including blast hole drilling and dimension stone quarry drilling, where reliable airflow and operational adaptability are critical to maintaining productivity levels.

For construction activities, the unit supports operations such as slope anchoring, down-the-hole solar piling and ground engineering drilling. The adjustable pressure settings allow operators to tailor performance according to application requirements, improving efficiency while minimising fuel usage and component wear.

To support lower operational costs, the X-Air 900-20 incorporates ECO mode technology, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% during unload conditions. By transitioning from idle to no-load operation, the compressor decreases unnecessary fuel burn, contributing to reduced ownership costs and improved component longevity. Fuel efficiency is also enhanced through FuelXpert technology, which continuously regulates fuel use during operation to maintain optimal performance and air delivery.

The compressor features the Xc2004 smart air controller, giving operators access to clear operational data, simplified machine controls and performance monitoring tools. The controller includes built-in alarms and protection systems to support safe and efficient operation in demanding environments. Integrated connectivity functions also provide users with transparent performance insights and operational analytics.

Built for durability, the X-Air 900-20 includes reinforced metal bodywork and a corrosion-resistant canopy designed to withstand harsh working environments. Its compact dimensions improve transportability and ease of deployment across different project sites.

Maintenance access has also been simplified through large service doors, a redesigned vessel layout and extended service intervals aimed at reducing downtime and maintenance effort. Integrated monitoring systems further assist with timely servicing and component protection.

Atlas Copco additionally offers optional packages for high-ambient, high-altitude and cold-climate operations, allowing customers to configure the compressor according to local site requirements and environmental conditions.

“The X-Air 900-20 is designed for customers who need a reliable, adaptable compressor that can support different drilling applications without added complexity. By combining flexible pressure, smart control, and a robust, easy-to-maintain design, we’re helping customers improve utilization and control operating costs across demanding job sites,” said Srijayan Iyer, product marketing manager for Large Air, Portable Air Division.

Exxaro Resources has officially inaugurated the New Mine 1 operation at its Matla Coal Mine, reinforcing the company’s long-term strategy to maintain coal production, improve operational performance and contribute to South Africa’s energy supply stability

The development follows a 2016 decision to halt operations at the original Mine 1 because of declining safety conditions around the shaft pillars. The New Mine 1 project was subsequently introduced to provide safe access to remaining reserves while extending the operational life of the mine.

The project forms a central component of the broader Matla Life of Mine Project (MLOMP), a R5.236bn (approx. US$319mn) investment programme aimed at ensuring ongoing access to coal reserves, boosting efficiency and supporting coal deliveries under the extended Coal Supply Agreement (CSA) with Eskom. Operating under a cost-plus arrangement, Eskom funds the mine’s operational costs to help secure the lowest overall fuel expenses.

The newly opened mine is expected to supply nearly 4.2 million tonnes of coal annually to the Matla Power Station, supporting energy generation reliability. The Matla Coal Mine workforce currently consists of 6,174 employees, including contractors.

Exxaro CEO Ben Magara stated, “The New Mine 1 is far more than an operational milestone, for us it reflects Exxaro’s disciplined execution, long-term vision, and commitment to South Africa’s future. Our Matla Mine continues to play a vital role in supporting the country’s energy needs while creating meaningful impact through local investment, job creation, and the development of entrepreneurship. Most importantly, this milestone reflects the commitment and resilience of our employees, whose dedication to the company continues to enable us to deliver complex projects on time, to scope and on budget while making a meaningful contribution to the country and its communities.”

The project introduced several infrastructure and operational upgrades, including a box cut providing access to the Mine 1 working area, a tunnel development silo feed conveyor system and an overland conveyor linked to a newly established crushing and handling facility connected directly to Eskom’s conveyor network. Additional infrastructure includes new employee change house facilities, engineering workshops, material warehouses and administration buildings. The project also incorporated a shortwall replacement initiative featuring next-generation mining equipment.

South Africa’s minister of minerals and petroleum resources, Gwede Mantashe, attended the official opening and visited workers underground during the event.

"This is a journey back home for me. I spent six years at this mine, working here and organising here, and during that same period we achieved production records. I was here as a worker, and today I return as a Minister. People have often said that coal is a dying industry because of concerns around pollution. However, the industry continues to evolve, particularly through improvements in mining safety and ongoing investment in innovation and research. Coal miners should never be ashamed of the work they do."

Eskom group CEO Dan Marokane highlighted the significance of the collaboration between the two companies, saying, “the expansion of Matla New Mine 1 demonstrates how strategic collaboration secures South Africa’s energy future. The reliable supply from Matla ensures that, as the grid is decongested to enable rapid renewables penetration, Eskom maintains operational consistency and security of energy supply needed to support South Africa’s developmental and industrial needs. We also negotiated the new contract structure as part of Eskom’s Cost Optimisation and Revenue Enhancement (CORE) programme, which aims to drive efficiencies in primary energy procurement. This milestone comes as Eskom marks 365 consecutive days without load shedding — a testament to the impact of sustained investment, operational discipline, and partnership with Exxaro”.

Earlier in 2025, Eskom and Exxaro signed a memorandum of understanding focused on emissions reduction initiatives, carbon capture technologies and other projects supporting a responsible and balanced energy transition.

In addition to its operational objectives, the MLOMP has generated notable socio-economic benefits within Mpumalanga. The initiative has created around 1,132 local employment opportunities and directed R532mn towards black-owned businesses as part of efforts to support economic transformation. The project has also prioritised support for Small Medium Micro Enterprises and skills development programmes within surrounding communities.

The commissioning of the relocated Mine 1 operation marks a significant phase in Matla Mine’s development, strengthening its contribution to South Africa’s energy sector while reflecting Exxaro’s broader strategy for long-term growth, community development and national economic participation.

Africa’s first privately-financed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant has secured funding from the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) and various Middle Eastern investors

The deal expands EAAIF’s footprint into the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, following its ongoing expansion into Asia.

The US$212mn clean fuels project, located in Egypt’s Sokhna Special Economic Zone, will be owned and operated by Green Sky Capital Limited together with its local subsidiary, SAF Fly Egypt.

EAAIF, a Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company managed by Ninety One, supported a senior secured loan of US$40mn for the development of the plant.

The transaction marks the first project-financed SAF plant in the MENA region.

The facility is designed to produce 200,000 tonnes per annum of biofuels, including SAF, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), bio-propane and bio-naphtha and will utilise commercially proven Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology to convert waste-based feedstock into high-grade sustainable fuel.

To ensure long-term bankability, the transaction will be anchored by Shell who will purchase the facility’s products on a take-or-pay basis and act as its primary feedstock provider.

Martijn Proos, co-head of emerging market alternative credit, Ninety One, the fund manager of EAAIF, said the transaction arrives at a critical juncture for the global energy market.

“Amid heightened geopolitical volatility and energy market uncertainty, this first-of-its-kind facility provides a practical solution to advancing both decarbonisation and energy security,”he said.

“By acting as the global mandated leadarranger, Ninety One and EAAIF are demonstrating how institutional capital can be mobilised to support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, which is projected to account for 5% of global emissions by 2050 without intervention.”

The project is being developed with the support of regional sponsors, including Al Mana Holding, a Qatari diversified conglomerate, and Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer.

Ninety One acted as the global mandated lead arranger and coordinating lender, facilitating the mobilisation of a total debt package of US$142.9mn with a US$40 million commitment from EAAIF and Ninety One’s Emerging Markets Transition Debt (EMTD) Fund.

Ninety One has also mobilised the participation of Qatar National Bank (QNB) via its Egyptian subsidiary, QNB S.A.E, with a commitment of up to US$31.4mn.

The debt financing was completed by The Arab Energy Fund, which acted as co-MLA and global structuring lender committed US$71.4mn to the project.

SAF is estimated to offer up to an 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions, compared to conventional jet fuel, supporting the aviation industry’s target of reaching net-zero by 2050.

The project's strategic location near the Suez Canal offers a direct export route to key demand centres in the EU and UK, which are currently implementing strict SAF mandates.

The transaction also demonstrates strong appetite among regional and international lenders for renewable fuels infrastructure, supporting both energy security and price stability amid heightened global volatility.

“Emerging markets have been transitioning toward renewables and cleaner energy sources for some time, driven by rising energy costs and the need to strengthen energy security,” said Alper Kilic, head of alternative credit, Ninety One.

“This investment highlights the critical role long-term capital plays in scaling next-generation energy infrastructure in emerging markets.”

He added that sustainable aviation fuel is “one of the most compelling – and challenging – decarbonisation pathways” requiring proven technology and strong commercial structures to deliver at scale.

“This project demonstrates how institutional investors can pursue attractive risk-adjusted returns while supporting the real-economy transition, and underscores the growing opportunity for transition debt strategies to finance high-impact assets in hard-to-abate sectors.”

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At the heart of IVECO’s industrial operations is its Madrid facility, the only manufacturing site in Spain dedicated to heavy-duty industrial vehicles

The plant produces the company’s complete heavy truck range for international markets including Italy, Germany, Spain and Turkey.

Covering 374,000 m², the facility is built around a 1 km main assembly line and is capable of delivering close to 40,000 different vehicle configurations. With 267 core models and more than 2,800 customisation options available, production is designed around highly specific customer demands. On average, the same truck configuration is assembled just three times annually.

“Every truck we build is essentially a one-off, custom-made to meet specific requirements,” commented José Manuel Jaquotot, director of IVECO’s Madrid and Valladolid plants.

“Each vehicle has a unique identifier that allows us to track it from cab production in Valladolid to final assembly in Madrid, ensuring full traceability and quality.”

Manufacturing operations at the Madrid site rely on a flexible and tightly coordinated production system supported by automation and intelligent logistics. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) transport units across the line, enabling takt times to shift according to the complexity of each build while maintaining uninterrupted workflow across the plant.

Truck cabs arrive from the IVECO Valladolid Plant already painted and welded before being fully equipped in Madrid with dashboards, seats, bunks and airbags. The dashboard assembly process alone includes more than 100 electrical checks and is managed on a separate production line because of its technical complexity.

A major milestone in the process is the integration of the chassis and cab, commonly referred to as the “marriage” stage. Once combined, the vehicle progresses through the fitting of exterior parts, wheel installation and a series of final inspections. These include leak detection, geometry calibration and full functional testing before completion.

The site’s workforce remains central to its operational success. More than 2,700 employees support production activities, bringing the expertise and adaptability required to manage constant product evolution. During 2025, the plant successfully introduced ten new launches.

Sustainability also plays a defining role across operations. The Madrid facility operates entirely on renewable electricity and, in 2025, recycled almost 90% of the water used throughout production processes. Alongside the Valladolid plant, the site forms part of Iveco Group’s broader sustainability strategy and participates in a solar self-consumption initiative with Edison Next Spain, a project expected to help prevent around 500 tons of CO₂ emissions every year.

IVECO’s focus on decarbonisation extends beyond the vehicles themselves to the manufacturing ecosystem behind them. The Madrid plant reflects this broader ambition by combining advanced production technologies, large-scale customisation and sustainable industrial practices in one integrated operation.