Mining

Eramet Grande Côte is aiming to reduce its CO2 emissions by 40% by 2035. (Image source: JUWI)

Eramet Grande Côte, a large producer of mineral sands, has partnered with JUWI Renewable Energies, an international renewable energy company, in order to develop an off-grid solar photovoltaic and battery storage solution to meet the needs of the Eramet Grande Côte mine in Senegal

Financing has been finalised for the project (to the tune of approximately US$32mn) which is aimed to reduce the mine’s reliance on heavy fuel oil in order to improve production stability and reduce the environmental impact of the site. This will be achieved through the delivery of a 20MW solar power project in conjunction with 11MWh battery energy storage that will, when completed, provide an expected 20% of the mine’s energy needs.

“The clean energy produced by this plant will contribute to improving Eramet Grande Côte's environmental performance,” remarked Frédéric Zanklan, CEO of Grande Côte Operations SA. “Our investment in this solar power plant project is in line with Eramet Grande Côte and Eramet's commitment to act for sustainable mining and to accelerate the decarbonization of our industry.”

Meeting mining's energy needs

Not only is this sustainable solution expected to reduce carbon emissions by 25,000 tonnes per year, but around 100 jobs are expected to be created during the construction and maintenance phases. It will also be counted among the largest off-grid hybrid installations in the West Africa country, demonstrating the feasibility of such solutions for meeting the energy needs of such a vital industry in the region.

“As part of our commitment to Africa’s clean energy transition, we are delighted to partner with Eramet Grande Côte on its first off-grid solar and storage project,” commented Richard Doyle, managing director of JUWI South Africa. “This is another step for JUWI in providing off-grid hybrid solutions to the mining sector and industrial-scale operations. Integrating renewables and storage into mining operations is critical to reducing carbon footprint and costs, while increasing efficiency, safety and resilience. Our experience in this area allows us to support the fight against climate change while driving economic growth.”

Earlier this year, Doyle spoke to African Review to share his views on the irresistible pull of renewables, especially in support of the emerging data centre market and the well-established mining industry. Click here to read the full interview.

The dedicated team to lead the expansion. (Image source: Atlas Copco)

Atlas Copco Group’s Specialty Rental Division has announced the expansion of its rental services into Africa led by a dedicated team to serve customers in the region

East Africa has been identified as the first phase of the strategic initiative with operations centred in Nairobi, Kenya. Rental equipment is sourced from rental specialist, Rand Air, which was acquired by Atlas Copco in 1999. Equipment is rented under the Rand Air brand in South Africa and as Atlas Copco Speciality Rental in region beyond southern Africa.

The expansion will be spearheaded by a dedicated leadership team comprising Rudi de Vry, business development manager for Africa; and Michaela Kock, business development support (both based at Rand Air Johannesburg), who will work with Muthee Maina, business development manager for East Africa, who operates from the Nairobi office.

According to de Vry, Atlas Copco has built a reputation as a prominent world-class brand across Africa and “it therefore made sound business sense to leverage this well-established presence by simply adding on premium quality rental services, managed by Atlas Copco Specialty Rental Africa, which is part of Atlas Copco’s Power Technique business area.”

Available air and power solutions

In line with the strategic initiative, Atlas Copco Speciality Rental will offer a comprehensive product lineup of air and power solutions tailored to effectively meet the demands of the region’s manufacturing, oil & gas, mining and geothermal sectors. “Our air rental portfolio comprises a range of high-pressure air compressors, including both oil-free and oil-injected models with capacities ranging from 1000cfm (25 bar) to 1200cfm (35 bar), alongside the PTS 800 oil-free medium-pressure diesel compressor,” explained Maina. He added that robust diesel generators serve the region’s power rental needs.

Maina also surmised that Atlas Copco Specialty Rental Africa will draw on the expertise of Atlas Copco Power Technique and Compressor Technique business areas that are based at Atlas Copco ACEA Nairobi Kenya, to service, maintain and repair rental units in East Africa. “This collaboration aligns with our objective of ensuring that our rental services maintain the high standards of excellence for which both Atlas Copco and Rand Air are renowned.”

“Once our rental services gain momentum in East Africa, we will set our sights on expanding further into North and West Africa,” continued de Vry, before adding that discussions are already in progress to collaborate with a potential reseller in a bid to enter the West African territory.

Mining Indaba 2025 will seek to build community engagement between organisers, strategic stakeholders and mining community representatives. (Image source: Mining Indaba)

Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025, running in Cape Town from 3-6 February 2025, will highlight and explore the need to future-proof African communities by foregrounding the experiences of those directly affected by mining

“The meaningful integration and collaboration with mining communities and indigenous people are essential to shaping the future of mining,” remarked Laura Nicholson, head of content & strategic partnerships for Mining Indaba. “Those living closest to mining projects are vitally important stakeholders, and essential partners in building a sustainable, equitable mining industry. This year, for the first time at Mining Indaba, we will see representatives of mining communities and indigenous groups taking part in key sessions right across the four-day event, providing their own perspectives on main event themes.”

Mining Indaba 2025 will seek to build meaningful community engagement between organisers, strategic stakeholders and mining community representatives, facilitating constructive dialogue and problem-solving around community-related issues.

“We look forward to direct engagement through Mining Indaba sessions and networking opportunities between mining communities, indigenous peoples, industry and government,” added Nicholson.

Building momentum

In an effort to build excitement and momentum around the event, Mining Indaba has announced a video competition held in partnership with The Impact Facility titled ‘What does Futureproofing African Mining mean for your community?’

David Sturmes-Verbeek, co-founder and director of partnerships and innovation at The Impact Facility, explained, “Together we are inviting mining community members, representatives of indigenous peoples in mining areas, civil society organisations, activists and visionaries to share their perspectives on building an equitable, inclusive and responsible mining sector that can transform mineral wealth into lasting, multi-generational prosperity.

“We are inviting video submissions from mining community representatives and indigenous people, outlining what it means to them to future-proof mining operations where they live. The competition is a tangible example of Mining Indaba’s commitment to inclusion, and will help stakeholders understand what needs to change to ensure mining communities thrive and co-exist with local mining operations.”

According to the organisers, the entered videos will be featured at the event with the creators of the most compelling submissions offered free access to Mining Indaba. The producers of the best videos will also be considered for speaking engagements at the event.

“We’re excited to be integrating indigenous people and mining communities directly into the main programme of Mining Indaba 2025,” surmised Nicholson. “As major stakeholders, they have a massive role to play in shaping the mining ecosystem, its infrastructure and its relationships, They’re also key to future-proofing the sector as a whole.”

Deployment of the Concorde Cell Plant Unit is safe and rapid, resulting in faster return on investment. (Image source: Metso)

Metso, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries, has unveiled the modular Concorde Cell Plant Units to expand its flotation portfolio

The company outlined how the new solution consists of prefabricated and pre-installed containerised units to streamline the setup process and minimise installation work on-site.

“Concorde Cell Plant Units feature a complete sampling and automation portfolio, along with a modular basic design that conveniently accommodates add-ins,” remarked Tatu Miettinen, product manager, flotation and thickening at Metso. “This flexibility allows for tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of our end customers and EPCMs alike.”

The new solution builds on the Concorde Cell flotation technology for efficient fine and ultra-fine particle recovery for complex ore bodies that was launched in 2021. According to Metso, this technology subsequently set a benchmark in high-intensity pneumatic flotation, reducing plant operating costs and contributing to operational sustainability through minimised energy and water consumption per ton of metal produced.

The newly-introduced Concorde Cell Plant Units reportedly offers a comprehensive solution encompassing test work and the complete plant unit as well as maintenance and service. The compact unit design integrates pre-designed components, such as connecting launders, pipes, and pump sumps, to ensure a seamless operation and enables reduced footprint and lower plant height, which facilitates easier integration into existing facilities. With this new approach, a shorter order-to-operation timeline can be achieved, allowing for more workshop hours and less site work and ultimately leading to a quicker return on investment.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of a major contract award for Metso on the continent. Click here to learn what solutions and services Metso will provide for Barrick in Zambia.