In The Spotlight
Located in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, the project is making steady progress, with all necessary processes advancing. (Image source: Photon Energy)
Photon Energy N.V. has announced a major milestone through its South African subsidiary, Photon Renewable Energy Pty Ltd, in developing a 250MW concentrated solar PV plant with 150MW (1.8 GWh, 12 hours) of thermal hydro storage in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“This project represents a significant milestone for Photon Energy as we expand our footprint into South Africa. By deploying the advanced RayGen technology and fostering strong collaboration with Eskom and local stakeholders, we are committed to contributing to South Africa’s energy stability and delivering sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities,” said Georg Hotar, CEO of Photon Energy Group.
Can solar storage transform?
The project has successfully secured 1,200 hectares of land and obtained favorable grid connection terms, enabling the integration of its full capacity into the national grid. Once operational, this facility will enhance South Africa's energy stability and help mitigate the effects of load shedding.
In its next phase, Photon Energy will work alongside Eskom and the local Distribution System Operator (DSO) to design and implement technical solutions for integrating the plant into the regional and national grid. This partnership will ensure grid stability, optimize energy distribution, and provide key services such as frequency regulation and peak load management.
The project is progressing steadily, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on track for completion by Q4 this year and zoning processes moving forward. Photon Energy is also preparing applications for the NERSA energy license and the Public Participation Process (PPP), essential steps for securing approvals to begin construction. The project is expected to achieve ready-to-build status by Q2 2026.
Photon Energy is pursuing Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status under South Africa’s Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, which would expedite development timelines and facilitate collaboration with critical stakeholders.
RayGen’s Solar Hydro solution, which combines concentrated solar power with water-based thermal storage, provides long-duration energy storage capable of delivering dispatchable synchronous energy for over 12 hours.
Photon Energy entered into a strategic partnership with RayGen and announced its initial investment in April 2020. Since then, Photon Energy has developed RayGen projects and maintained a 5.44% equity stake in the company, underscoring its commitment to advancing this innovative technology.
The FLS HPGR Pro takes grinding to the next level of efficiency. (Image source: FLS)
Driven by its MissionZero strategy, FLS invests in sustainable technology development to underpin increased mining output – especially of those minerals in growing demand by economies moving toward a lower carbon future
One such mineral is copper, which is essential for a vast array of decarbonising technologies, according to Alistair McKay, FLS vice president for capital sales in Europe, Arabia and Africa. The European Union has recognised the importance of these commodities in its Critical Raw Materials Act, which defines both strategic and critical minerals.
“In the category of critical minerals, there are 16 commodities which are vital,” said McKay. “A shortage of these minerals could derail economic activity, so we have put our weight behind industry efforts to raise levels of sustainable production.”
FLS therefore commits over 50% of its substantial research and development budget to technology that will have a noticeable impact on reduction of carbon emissions, as well as on water and energy consumption whilst improving plant performance.
Efficiency-focused solutions
Among its innovations is the rail-running belt conveyor, which has proved itself to be a gamechanger in energy efficiency and operational flexibility. It can reduce the carbon footprint of operations by between 20% and 90% – with commensurate savings in energy costs.
“The key to this technology is the way it overcomes the friction losses that are inherent to conventional belt conveyor systems,” McKay explained. “While a traditional belt conveyor has friction losses of between 0,070 and 0,110 kilowatt-hours per tonne per kilometre (kWh/t/km), our rail-running conveyor can reduce these to between 0,015 and 0,030 kWh/t/km.”
In the primary crushing circuit, FLS’s Eccentric Roll Crusher (ERC) is another efficiency-focused technology – reducing energy consumption by up to 40% while able to increase throughput by as much as 20% for the same product size. Key to its success is the design integration of grizzly and crusher, and its high reduction ratio of 1:6.
Improving site performance
FLS has also taken its High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) solutions another step forward, with the release of the HPGR Pro. McKay pointed out that HPGRs have gained considerable popularity for their energy savings, which the HPGR Pro has enhanced.
“The key attribute of the HPGR Pro is the innovative rotating side plates, which can also be retrofitted onto equipment already in the field,” he remarked. “This advance has allowed the improved feeding of material onto the rolls, to ensure a uniform pressure profile across the full width of the roll. This not only improves throughput but reduces the concentrated wear in the mid-sections of the grinding roll, thereby improving throughput and further cuts energy consumption.”
Coarse particle flotation is also making a contribution to efficiency in production, through FLS’s coarseAIR technology. Floating coarser particles means that minerals can be liberated with less grinding, saving on energy and grinding media, he noted. Importantly, mill capacity can be enhanced at the same time – by more than 30%.
“We are continuously progressing our technologies, leveraging the power of innovations of the REFLUX Classifiers – which are incorporated in the coarseAIR as well as our REFLUX Flotation Cell (RFC),” said McKay. “The RFC reduces residence time of material from an average of over 30 minutes to between three and four minutes – while achieving an increase in recoveries of 1 to 3% and using around 27% less energy.”
He concluded that FLS’s MissionZero drive continues to support mines’ carbon emissions and sustainability goals while allowing more ambitious production targets.
This article was authored by FLS.
Discover Carmix's advanced Concrete Mate system and IPOTWeb tools for precise, efficient, and reliable construction solutions globally. (Image source: Carmix)
Carmix is a key player in the construction industry, thanks to its cutting-edge technologies tailored to meet diverse site needs. At the heart of Carmix’ innovation is Concrete Mate, a revolutionary mix-design system that ensures precision, efficiency, and quality
Concrete Mate enables the selection of up to 15 formulas and 99 material types, providing limitless combinations to suit every project. The system guides operators step-by-step, reducing errors and optimising productivity. Its advanced features include automatic water-cement ratio adjustments based on material moisture and the issuance of "RMC PLANT Standard" certificates with detailed mix-design data.
Thanks to its 4 Load Cells at the bottom of the drum allows to weight all the material loaded into the drum, water as well, same as a batching plant granting high precision in the mix design.
For seamless control, Carmix introduces IPOTWeb and IPOTAPP, remote management tools that enable real-time production and quality monitoring, operator tracking, and cost optimisation—all accessible via smartphone or computer.
Concrete Mate offers several key benefits, including precise mix-design control and error reduction, remote monitoring and constant updates, and a clear ROI through quality and cost optimisation.
Carmix technologies guarantee efficiency, quality, and reliability on every construction site.
Linda Omara-Koledade, founder & CEO of Mustard Seed. (Image source: Mustard Seed)
Linda Omara-Koledade, mining and metals dealmaker at Industrial Development Corporation and founder & CEO of Mustard Seed, an organisation dedicated to engaging, equipping and inspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of miners ahead of her participation at Investing in African Mining Indaba
African Review (AR): From your perspective what are some of the greatest challenges currently facing young professionals entering the mining sector?
Linda Omara-Koledade (LOK): On the surface it is easy for one to assume that the mining industry is an attractive sector for young professionals due to generous salaries, variety of career path options and lucrative business opportunities.
However, penetrating the industry is not as easy as one would assume; for starters there is a perception that the mining sector is elitist or exclusive, with very high barriers to entry (technical expertise required and high capital and regulatory requirements for entrepreneurs). These factors make it challenging for the average young person to consider venturing into mining.
Secondly, there are negative associations the mining sector has when it comes to environmental impact, safe working environment and community impact. I believe this makes it challenging to attract young talent (specifically millennials and Gen Zs) who unlike their predecessors, seek purpose over money and prefer work that aligns very closely with their personal values.
Lastly, there are practical aspects that may increase the reluctance to join the sector; mining being male dominated naturally limits female interest and participation. Another practical aspect is the location of mines; mines by their nature are usually based in isolated locations (far from urban cities), and the work typically requires long shift working hours. These may contribute as discouraging factors, as one considers social life in the city versus living in a far off mining town and the compounding impact that this has on ones’ mental health and close relationships.
AR: Do you see the evolving technology environment as a help or hindrance to them?
LOK: I see it as twofold; on the one hand technology and innovation has improved operational efficiencies and productivity across the mining value chain right across exploration, mining and beneficiation. The upside is the reduced downtime, improved occupational health and safety, reduction in machine human interactions, environmental reduced lead times and overall improved competitiveness and environmental conservation.
On the other hand, technology is perceived to be somewhat of a hindrance; the cost of acquiring, learning and adopting new technology can be quite significant and onerous. And hand in hand with that concern is the view that technology is ultimately replacing human jobs.
AR: Do you believe young professionals are being sufficiently empowered/supported by industry players to enter and excel within mining?
LOK: For the most part I would say yes, specifically when one looks at the large, more established mining houses that offer well-structured graduate programs, professional in training programs that map out a clear career path and mentorship opportunities that offer leadership support.
However, when one looks at mining entrepreneurs, breaking past the gatekeepers into what is perceived to be an exclusive industry remains challenging. A lot more can be done to better support mining entrepreneurs; more funding opportunities, more platforms to educate up and coming miners about various regulatory requirements, technological advancements etc.
AR: What do you think the industry could do better to support the next generation of miners?
LOK: My thoughts regarding ways to better support the next generation of miners:
• The large mining corporates can take the lead in corporate venturing; invest in mining focused venture funds, take minority equity stakes in mining start-ups of interest. This avenue can unlock new sources of growth and potential high returns for corporates whose growth has plateaued.
• Invest in mining focused entrepreneurship platforms such as incubators and accelerators. These platforms can offer support that has the potential to break negative stereotypes and elitist bias.
• Government to consider a structured approach to empower and allow young people better understand the plethora of opportunities that exist in the mining sector. (ie. numerous opportunities that exist in the mining sector do not involve actual going underground to extract ore).
• Allow miners to gain access to various technologies to increase awareness and appreciation of the benefits of innovation.
AR: What are your hopes for Mining Indaba this year in relation to this topic?
LOK: I look forward to engaging with the selected panel of mining experts to unpack and deeper understand what it takes to attract more young people into the mining sector and also gain insights on the extent to which technologies such as AI are being adopted and what impact they are having on day-to-day mining operations.
Each of the 10 mtu gensets has a rated power of 2,500kW and an operational lifetime of up to 84,000 hours before needing major overhaul. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)
Rolls-Royce, a developer of complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications, has commissioned ten mtu gas gensets for the Egyptian Wood Technology Company’s (WOTECH) production plant
The plant is located in northern Egypt and produces medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from rice straw for use in furniture and buildings. The plant avoids the usual practice of burning rice straw, which is a by-product of rice cultivation, and ensures its sustainable use by repurposing it into MDF. The factory is the second of its kind in the world and the first in Africa.
As the facility has no access to the public grid, it relies on the 20-cylinder mtu gas gensets which have a collective output of 25MW. Rolls-Royce worked with local partner Engineering for Industries Co. (INDE) and the Egyptian Maintenance Company (EMC) to supply the mtu Series 4000 L64 FNER gensets, controls and accessories for the WOTECH project, which was established with full Egyptian capital from the oil sector.
“When supporting a project such as the WOTECH facility, where there is no access to the grid utility, the dependability of our mtu gas-powered gensets is paramount,” commented Tobias Ostermaier, president stationary power solutions at Rolls-Royce. “Working with INDE and EMC, we were able to deliver a power solution that met all the customer requirements - being efficient, reliable and offering the combination of best-in-class power density with low emissions.”
The project is a continuation of the two earlier phases of the Road Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. (Image source: AfDB)
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided a loan to help Tunisia implement Phase 3 of the Road Infrastructure Modernisation Programme
The plan is to upgrade 188.9 km of classified roads in seven governorates across the country where transport constraints are restricting economic potential. AfDB has agreed to provide a loan of EU€80.16mn (approx. US$83mn) that will cover around 93% of the total cost of the project.
“Over the past 10 years, the African Development Bank has helped to renovate and modernise some 4,000 km of roads and 104 km of motorways, as well as creating various associated facilities in Tunisia,” explained Solomon Quaynor, bank vice president. “This work has greatly improved the level of service provided by the road network, making various routes more convenient by the installation of bridges, and facilitating access to regions and to their socio-economic potential.
“The Bank’s intervention will also benefit micro-enterprises focused on road maintenance, enabling infrastructure to be maintained over the long term, while at the same time creating market opportunities for entrepreneurs. Road upgrades will improve access to regions with high agricultural value-added, contributing to Tunisia’s food security, thanks to the development of value chains supported by the private sector.”
The project will run from 2025-2030 and will help to improve the quality of Tunisia’s vital road network to help create an efficient and sustainable transport system. With the transport sector accounting for around 5% of Tunisia’s GDP, this is considered vital for the country’s continued economic growth and will also support regional balance with neighbouring nations such as Algeria.
Both projects will deliver essential power, energy, and ancillary services to Eskom through 15-year Power Purchase Agreements. (Image source: AMEA Power)
Fast-growing renewable energy company, AMEA Power, has been awarded two major standalone battery energy storage projects (BESS) in South Africa
The Gainfar and Boitekong projects were awarded through Big Window 2 of BESIPPPP and are located in the North West Province. Each will have a capacity of more than 300MWh and are seen as vital to ensuring Eskom’s grid stability. The Gainfar Project will be connected to the Ngwedi substation, while the Boitekong Project will be connected to the Marang substation.
“This achievement marks a major milestone for AMEA Power, as we continue to expand our footprint in South Africa, a key market for us,” remarked Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power. “These projects represent our first successful awards of BESS projects, through a competitive bidding process and underscore our commitment to providing sustainable, resilient and cost-effective energy solutions.
"We are proud to support South Africa’s energy transition, enhance Eskom’s grid reliability, and drive economic growth in the region. With our expanding portfolio, including the 120MW Doornhoek Solar PV project, and our regional office in Johannesburg, we are dedicated to contributing to cleaner, more sustainable energy future for South Africa.”
This announcement follows soon after AMEA Power celebrated Africa’s largest solar energy plant becoming operational in Egypt. Discover the full story by clicking here.
In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects
Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.
“A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”
Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets.
In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.
Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.
Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers.
Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention.
By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.
Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.
“Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”
Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue.
There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.
Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets.
Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations.
Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.
Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.
Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session.
Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality.
As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement.
Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.
Located in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, the project is making steady progress, with all necessary processes advancing. (Image source: Photon Energy)
Photon Energy N.V. has announced a major milestone through its South African subsidiary, Photon Renewable Energy Pty Ltd, in developing a 250MW concentrated solar PV plant with 150MW (1.8 GWh, 12 hours) of thermal hydro storage in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“This project represents a significant milestone for Photon Energy as we expand our footprint into South Africa. By deploying the advanced RayGen technology and fostering strong collaboration with Eskom and local stakeholders, we are committed to contributing to South Africa’s energy stability and delivering sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities,” said Georg Hotar, CEO of Photon Energy Group.
Can solar storage transform?
The project has successfully secured 1,200 hectares of land and obtained favorable grid connection terms, enabling the integration of its full capacity into the national grid. Once operational, this facility will enhance South Africa's energy stability and help mitigate the effects of load shedding.
In its next phase, Photon Energy will work alongside Eskom and the local Distribution System Operator (DSO) to design and implement technical solutions for integrating the plant into the regional and national grid. This partnership will ensure grid stability, optimize energy distribution, and provide key services such as frequency regulation and peak load management.
The project is progressing steadily, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on track for completion by Q4 this year and zoning processes moving forward. Photon Energy is also preparing applications for the NERSA energy license and the Public Participation Process (PPP), essential steps for securing approvals to begin construction. The project is expected to achieve ready-to-build status by Q2 2026.
Photon Energy is pursuing Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status under South Africa’s Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, which would expedite development timelines and facilitate collaboration with critical stakeholders.
RayGen’s Solar Hydro solution, which combines concentrated solar power with water-based thermal storage, provides long-duration energy storage capable of delivering dispatchable synchronous energy for over 12 hours.
Photon Energy entered into a strategic partnership with RayGen and announced its initial investment in April 2020. Since then, Photon Energy has developed RayGen projects and maintained a 5.44% equity stake in the company, underscoring its commitment to advancing this innovative technology.
Neosun Energy enters Kenya, providing affordable solar energy solutions to commercial and industrial sectors for sustainable growth. (Image source:
Each of the 10 mtu gensets has a rated power of 2,500kW and an operational lifetime of up to 84,000 hours before needing major overhaul. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)
Discover Carmix's advanced Concrete Mate system and IPOTWeb tools for precise, efficient, and reliable construction solutions globally. (Image source: Carmix)
Carmix is a key player in the construction industry, thanks to its cutting-edge technologies tailored to meet diverse site needs. At the heart of Carmix’ innovation is Concrete Mate, a revolutionary mix-design system that ensures precision, efficiency, and quality
Concrete Mate enables the selection of up to 15 formulas and 99 material types, providing limitless combinations to suit every project. The system guides operators step-by-step, reducing errors and optimising productivity. Its advanced features include automatic water-cement ratio adjustments based on material moisture and the issuance of "RMC PLANT Standard" certificates with detailed mix-design data.
Thanks to its 4 Load Cells at the bottom of the drum allows to weight all the material loaded into the drum, water as well, same as a batching plant granting high precision in the mix design.
For seamless control, Carmix introduces IPOTWeb and IPOTAPP, remote management tools that enable real-time production and quality monitoring, operator tracking, and cost optimisation—all accessible via smartphone or computer.
Concrete Mate offers several key benefits, including precise mix-design control and error reduction, remote monitoring and constant updates, and a clear ROI through quality and cost optimisation.
Carmix technologies guarantee efficiency, quality, and reliability on every construction site.
Caterpillar is now focusing on its next 100 years. (Image source: Caterpillar)
One of the most significant advantages of electric construction vehicles is the reduction of noise pollution. (Image source: Canva)
The FLS HPGR Pro takes grinding to the next level of efficiency. (Image source: FLS)
Driven by its MissionZero strategy, FLS invests in sustainable technology development to underpin increased mining output – especially of those minerals in growing demand by economies moving toward a lower carbon future
One such mineral is copper, which is essential for a vast array of decarbonising technologies, according to Alistair McKay, FLS vice president for capital sales in Europe, Arabia and Africa. The European Union has recognised the importance of these commodities in its Critical Raw Materials Act, which defines both strategic and critical minerals.
“In the category of critical minerals, there are 16 commodities which are vital,” said McKay. “A shortage of these minerals could derail economic activity, so we have put our weight behind industry efforts to raise levels of sustainable production.”
FLS therefore commits over 50% of its substantial research and development budget to technology that will have a noticeable impact on reduction of carbon emissions, as well as on water and energy consumption whilst improving plant performance.
Efficiency-focused solutions
Among its innovations is the rail-running belt conveyor, which has proved itself to be a gamechanger in energy efficiency and operational flexibility. It can reduce the carbon footprint of operations by between 20% and 90% – with commensurate savings in energy costs.
“The key to this technology is the way it overcomes the friction losses that are inherent to conventional belt conveyor systems,” McKay explained. “While a traditional belt conveyor has friction losses of between 0,070 and 0,110 kilowatt-hours per tonne per kilometre (kWh/t/km), our rail-running conveyor can reduce these to between 0,015 and 0,030 kWh/t/km.”
In the primary crushing circuit, FLS’s Eccentric Roll Crusher (ERC) is another efficiency-focused technology – reducing energy consumption by up to 40% while able to increase throughput by as much as 20% for the same product size. Key to its success is the design integration of grizzly and crusher, and its high reduction ratio of 1:6.
Improving site performance
FLS has also taken its High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) solutions another step forward, with the release of the HPGR Pro. McKay pointed out that HPGRs have gained considerable popularity for their energy savings, which the HPGR Pro has enhanced.
“The key attribute of the HPGR Pro is the innovative rotating side plates, which can also be retrofitted onto equipment already in the field,” he remarked. “This advance has allowed the improved feeding of material onto the rolls, to ensure a uniform pressure profile across the full width of the roll. This not only improves throughput but reduces the concentrated wear in the mid-sections of the grinding roll, thereby improving throughput and further cuts energy consumption.”
Coarse particle flotation is also making a contribution to efficiency in production, through FLS’s coarseAIR technology. Floating coarser particles means that minerals can be liberated with less grinding, saving on energy and grinding media, he noted. Importantly, mill capacity can be enhanced at the same time – by more than 30%.
“We are continuously progressing our technologies, leveraging the power of innovations of the REFLUX Classifiers – which are incorporated in the coarseAIR as well as our REFLUX Flotation Cell (RFC),” said McKay. “The RFC reduces residence time of material from an average of over 30 minutes to between three and four minutes – while achieving an increase in recoveries of 1 to 3% and using around 27% less energy.”
He concluded that FLS’s MissionZero drive continues to support mines’ carbon emissions and sustainability goals while allowing more ambitious production targets.
This article was authored by FLS.
Linda Omara-Koledade, founder & CEO of Mustard Seed. (Image source: Mustard Seed)
Checking the electrics on a Condra hoist at Condra’s Germiston factory. (Image source: Condra)
The project is a continuation of the two earlier phases of the Road Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. (Image source: AfDB)
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided a loan to help Tunisia implement Phase 3 of the Road Infrastructure Modernisation Programme
The plan is to upgrade 188.9 km of classified roads in seven governorates across the country where transport constraints are restricting economic potential. AfDB has agreed to provide a loan of EU€80.16mn (approx. US$83mn) that will cover around 93% of the total cost of the project.
“Over the past 10 years, the African Development Bank has helped to renovate and modernise some 4,000 km of roads and 104 km of motorways, as well as creating various associated facilities in Tunisia,” explained Solomon Quaynor, bank vice president. “This work has greatly improved the level of service provided by the road network, making various routes more convenient by the installation of bridges, and facilitating access to regions and to their socio-economic potential.
“The Bank’s intervention will also benefit micro-enterprises focused on road maintenance, enabling infrastructure to be maintained over the long term, while at the same time creating market opportunities for entrepreneurs. Road upgrades will improve access to regions with high agricultural value-added, contributing to Tunisia’s food security, thanks to the development of value chains supported by the private sector.”
The project will run from 2025-2030 and will help to improve the quality of Tunisia’s vital road network to help create an efficient and sustainable transport system. With the transport sector accounting for around 5% of Tunisia’s GDP, this is considered vital for the country’s continued economic growth and will also support regional balance with neighbouring nations such as Algeria.
Bboxx Protect offers exclusive coverage for Bboxx Ride customers, including protection against material damage, fire, third-party liabilities, life insurance, and total permanent disability. (Image source: Bboxx)
The load arrived at the copper mine site on 25 November and was successfully offloaded. (Image source: Vanguard)
This partnership with Afreximbank offers a unique opportunity for Libya to expand its trade ties across the continent and drive economic growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The State of Libya has officially joined the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), becoming the 53rd member, marking an important step toward enhancing continental trade and economic integration
This accession reflects Libya’s commitment to advancing Africa’s integration agenda through trade and investments, particularly in North Africa.
This partnership opens the door for Libya and Afreximbank to collaborate on several key development projects, with a focus on trade facilitation, infrastructure, and financial support. Notable projects include financing the development of the Misurata Free Zone and the construction of a road linking Libya, Chad, and Niger, which is expected to boost intra-African trade. Afreximbank will also provide technical and financial support to the Sahel-Saharan Bank for Investment and Trade (BSIC) to expand its operations in East Africa and assist Libyan exporters in gaining access to trade finance and African markets.
Minister Al-Mabrouk Abdullah highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership for Libya’s economic reconstruction and diversification, stated, “This partnership will not only provide vital financial and technical support to Libya but will also enhance the country’s role in intra-African trade.”
Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of Afreximbank, welcomed Libya’s membership, emphasizing the country’s historical significance within the continent:
“We are excited to warmly welcome the State of Libya to the Afreximbank Global Africa family. Libya’s historical connections with the rest of the continent positions it as a crucial player in advancing continental trade and economic integration. By joining, Libya’s Public and Private Sector entities will gain access to our extensive range of funded and unfunded products and services, particularly those geared towards deepening Libya-Africa trade and investment relations, investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, as well as transforming the structure of the Libyan economy.”
Libya’s GDP reached US$50.49bn in 2023, ranking it as Africa’s 12th largest economy. However, less than 10% of its trade is with other African nations. This partnership with Afreximbank offers a unique opportunity for Libya to expand its trade ties across the continent and drive economic growth.
The ACV Fund is projected to reduce approximately 17mn tons of CO2 emissions. (Image source: AfDB)
The facility is expected to support around US$1.8bn of trade over the next three years. (Image source: TBD)
ArcelorMittal indicated a weak domestic market for Long steel products. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
ArcelorMittal has taken the decision to wind down its Longs Business in light of sustained challenges
According to the company, issues around weak economy growth, high logistics and energy costs and an influx of low-cost steel imports (particularly from China) have left the Longs Business unsustainable. As a result, despite long consultations with government and stakeholders to find viable solutions to maintain the business, the decision was made to transition the Longs Business into care and maintenance. As such, steel production is anticipated to cease by late January 2025 with the remaining production processes to be wound down in Q1 2025.
“It is with deep regret that we must take this difficult decision,” said CEO Kobus Verster. “Over the past year, our employees and dedicated management team have shown remarkable commitment and resilience in the face of serious uncertainty. Unfortunately, despite everyone's best efforts, including significant engagement with stakeholders, the structural challenges in the Longs Business were not resolved. While this outcome is deeply disappointing, especially given the economic challenges facing South Africa, we remain focused on securing a sustainable future for the remaining operations.”
The company has estimated that approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs will be affected by this change with a broader economic effect on induced jobs.
Despite this setback, Verster made clear the company’s commitment to long-term sustainability and competitiveness, with a focus on improving the Flats Business. ArcelorMittal South Africa will focus on re-establishing itself as a champion of innovative, export-driven, steel-based industrialisation for South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and other key geographies.
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