Mining

BME’s mobile manufacturing units at the Dryden Innovex manufacturing plant. (Image source: Omnia)

Omnia Holdings, a diversified provider of specialised chemical products and services using in the mining agriculture and chemicals sectors, has rebranded Protea Mining Chemicals (PMC) under its mining segment, BME

The rebrand is aimed at closer aligning PMC with BME’s existing operations, consolidating the organisation’s global mining offering into a more unified brand that is capable of providing a comprehensive range of solutions spanning from mining to metal processing.

“Omnia is a global company with a unique customer value proposition, coupled with best-in-class infrastructure,” remarked Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Omnia. “This rebranding and focus on two distinct client value propositions will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that meet our customers' needs across the entire mining value chain.”

Omnia’s mining business will reportedly focus on two refreshed client value offerings: BME Blasting Solutions and BME Metallurgy. The former provides explosive and initiation systems while BME Metallurgy is dedicated to mining chemicals and metallurgical solutions.

“We continue to enhance our contribution to more aspects of the mining cycle – not only in breaking rock through advanced blast design but also in enhancing mineral processing, which improves performance efficiency for our customers,” surmised the mining business’ managing director, Ralf Hennecke. “This offers exciting opportunities for our customers, who will now have enhanced access to a fully integrated value proposition and solution.”

BME’s footprint currently covers 17 African counties but it has reiterated its commitment to expanding its global footprint. In recent months, the company has proven its worth by helping a South Africa coal mine that was facing highwall challenges cut costs while retaining fragmentation. Click here to learn more about the story.

The South African mining sector recorded a decline in year-on-year fatalities as of 14 October. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has called for a stronger health and safety culture within the country’s mining industry while speaking at the Mine Health and Safety Summit

“It is to be noted that the implementation of technology alone is not enough,” she remarked. “To achieve zero harm, we must also cultivate and sustain a strong health and safety culture throughout the mining sector. The Health and Safety Culture Transformation Framework developed by the Mine Health and Safety Council provides a solid foundation for this.

“However, the implementation of the framework across the industry remains uneven, and more work is needed to ensure that health and safety is elevated and recognised as a top priority and core value by all stakeholders and every mining operation, from the largest corporations to the smallest operators.”

As of 14 October, the country has recorded that year-on-year fatalities had declined from 38 to 34 deaths (11% in fatalities). Despite the improvement, the Deputy Minister said that even a single death was “one too many” and called for the sector to continue its efforts towards zero harm.

"It is about leadership, accountability and a deep, shared commitment to the well-being of every worker. It requires a shift in mindset, where the health and safety of mineworkers is not seen as an obstacle to productivity, but as a critical component of operational success,” Nemadzinga-Tshabalala continued.

“Many of these incidents are repeats and they can be prevented. Fall of ground accidents remain one of the largest accident categories, and the predominant cause of fatalities followed by general accident and transportation categories, respectively.

“This is regrettable, as it is expected that all mines should have appropriate measures and expertise to enhance the health and safety of mineworkers. So, we urge you to go back to the drawing board and constantly focus on safety performance.”

Constant improvement

The Deputy Minister listed the steps being actioned to reduce incidents within the country’s mining sector including engaging union leaderships; stopping unsafe mines; enforcing and monitoring of health and safety at sites; ensuring safe mining practices are being adopted; and ensuring that all mines collaborate with inspectors and organised labour to have health and safety campaigns to raise awareness.

“South Africa’s mining industry is globally recognised, and our safety record is comparable to some of the leading mining nations,” concluded Nemadzinga-Tshabalala. “However, as demonstrated by countries like Australia and Canada, there are higher benchmarks we can aspire to. We must, therefore, not allow ourselves to become complacent and accept that while the progress we have made is commendable there remains an opportunity for improvement.”

Machinery Exchange will now supply Rokbak trucks to customers in Zimbabwe. (Image source: Rokbak)

Rokbak, a manufacturer of off-highway haulers for the mining, quarrying and construction sectors and member of the Volvo Group, has appointed Machinery Exchange as its new dealer in Zimbabwe

A subsidiary of Industrial Exchange Group (IEG) network of companies, Machinery Exchange has been appointed by Rokbak to provide full sales and service support for its trucks in the country from its headquarters in Harare and further branches in Bulawayo and Hwange. According to Rokbak, ongoing growth in the country’s infrastructure and mining sectors means that interest is already high and the company expects the newly-available RA30 and RA40 trucks to prove popular there.

"The partnership with Rokbak will help us meet the growing demands of our customers in the mining and construction industry, and further solidify our position as a leading earthmoving equipment supplier in the region," remarked Irene Khumalo, IEG head of marketing and PR.

Zimbabwe’s ripe market

"Mining and infrastructure are the backbone of Zimbabwe," explained Chetan Samji, IEG commercial manager. "The country’s industries are growing domestically and we’re also seeing increased investment from overseas, especially from economic superpowers such as China and India. It means we see positive opportunities for Rokbak trucks in the near term."

As part of the partnership with Rokbak, Machinery Exchange will provide comprehensive aftersales support, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service and maintenance. This support will be vital in maintaining the high performance and longevity of Rokbak haulers in Zimbabwe's demanding operational environments.

"We’ve been keen to develop our presence in Zimbabwe and foster relationships with customers through an established dealer," commented Paul Culliford, Rokbak regional sales manager EMEA. "Partnering with Machinery Exchange makes perfect sense. It’s a company that shares our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, and benefits from the support of IEG's extensive expertise and service network."

The expansion of operations to Zimbabwe closely follows Rokbak bolsering its presence in Wet Africa through a partnership with Heavy Machinery Dealership. Click here for more information. 

The Kabanga Nickel Project camp. (Image source: Lifezone Metals)

Lifezone Metals, a modern metals company which aims to provide cleaner and more responsible metals production and recycling, has signed an MoU to support Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) in its efforts to secure cleaner metals for the Japanese battery industry

The MoU is focused around the Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania which was acquired by Lifezone Metals in 2021. Believed to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulphide deposits, Lifezone Metals is seeking to pair the project with its Hydromet Technology in order to unlock a new source of LME-grade nickel, copper and cobalt for the global battery markets while empowering Tanzania to achieve full in-country value creation.

“Kabanga is a world-class, high-grade nickel deposit and we welcome the opportunity to bring on JOGMEC as a strategically aligned partner,” remarked Lifezone Metals CEO, Chris Showalter. “With BHP as our project development partner, Societe Generale as our lead financial advisor for the project financing process, the support of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Government of Tanzania, and now strategic cooperation with JOGMEC – a Japanese government independent administrative agency for energy and metals, we see a clear indication of intent to drive this globally significant project forward to the benefit of all partners and stakeholders.”

Sustainable supply

Under the MoU, Lifezone Metals has agreed to collaborate with JOGMEC to facilitate the supply of metals from Kabanga, through Lifezone Metals’ portion of marketing rights, for Japan’s growing battery industry. Ensure a sustainable and traceable metals supply chain, the initiative aligns with both organisation’s commitments to advancing responsible mining practices and supporting the global transition to clean energy.

JOGMEC will consider providing financial support for Japanese companies upon its submittal of an application for the Japanese Governmental funding support programme. This potential investment underscores the importance of the Kabanga Nickel Project in meeting the increasing demand of Japanese industry for cleaner metals.