Powering Ngezi’s underground growth with Sandvik equipment

Sandvik has secured a significant order for underground mining equipment from Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metals producer, for deployment at the Ngezi mines complex

Valued at around SEK 280 million (approx. US$25mn), the order was booked in the third quarter of 2025.

The deal covers the supply of underground loaders, trucks, and drills, with deliveries scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025 and extend through the second quarter of 2026. Alongside the equipment, the contract also provides substantial aftermarket opportunities. The Ngezi complex, a key platinum group metals (PGM) operation, has shifted from open-pit to underground mining, with Zimplats continuing to invest heavily in expanding its underground capacity.

"We are proud to partner with Zimplats on this significant investment in the Ngezi underground operations. This order reflects our strong commitment to providing equipment and services that help our customers achieve their productivity, safety, and sustainability targets,” said Mats Eriksson, president of business area Mining at Sandvik.

Razor Labs teams with Process Automation to deliver AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions across Africa’s mining sector

Razor Labs, a global pioneer in AI-powered predictive maintenance for heavy industries, has entered into a strategic alliance with Process Automation (Pty) Ltd, a long-standing specialist in industrial instrumentation and automation systems

Under this partnership, Process Automation becomes Razor Labs’ official partner and system integrator in Africa, tasked with deploying DataMind AI, Razor Labs’ advanced predictive maintenance platform, across mines and processing facilities throughout the continent.

With more than four decades of experience and a workforce exceeding 240 employees, Process Automation has established itself as a reliable partner to Southern Africa’s mining industry. The company operates through five regional offices and a centralised manufacturing and service facility in Johannesburg, with projects extending into Africa, Australasia, Europe, and South America.

This collaboration marks an important milestone in Razor Labs’ growth strategy in Africa, combining state-of-the-art AI innovation with strong local expertise.

"This partnership extends well beyond deploying technology, it's about enabling the digital transformation of mining in South Africa," said Tomer Srulevich, chief business officer at Razor Labs. "Building on Process Automation's long history of success and our fantastic results to date, I am confident this partnership will drive mutual growth and lasting success. Together with Process Automation, we are equipping South African mining operations with the AI tools they need to move from reactive to proactive and ultimately to autonomous maintenance."

DataMind AI is designed specifically for industrial environments, harnessing AI Sensor Fusion technology to integrate information from vibration, pressure, temperature, current, oil analysis, and camera systems. By doing so, it delivers early fault detection, identifies root causes, and provides actionable performance insights that help mines increase uptime, cut maintenance expenses, and enhance workplace safety.

"We are excited to partner with Razor Labs to bring world-class AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions to our clients," said Larry Smith, CEO of process automation. "Process Automation has built its reputation delivering reliable, sustainably accurate process measurement instrumentation solutions that drive efficiency and enhance operational control. This long-standing commitment has earned the trust of many of the largest mining houses in Africa and around the world. Through trusted partnerships, we've provided customised solutions that add value to our customers' operations. Our partnership with Razor Labs is going to add even greater value to our customers by reducing downtime, lowering maintenance costs, and driving improved productivity through a cutting-edge predictive maintenance solution that can step change the our customers operation efficiency."

Debmarine Namibia unveils advanced crawler systems on MV Benguela Gem, enhancing offshore diamond recovery operations. (Image source: Debmarine Namibia)

Debmarine Namibia has announced a major advancement in marine diamond recovery with the unveiling of its Next Generation Crawlers, representing a significant leap in offshore recovery technology

This milestone coincides with the delivery of two 800NB crawlers (NB indicates Nominal Bore, the internal diameter of the crawler’s pipeline system) and an upgraded recovery system designed for seamless integration with the MV Benguela Gem.

These advanced crawlers showcase the forefront of marine engineering. Built to operate efficiently in coarser gravels and higher-density panels, they deliver a 20% boost in mining rates and extend pump life by 30%. Each crawler weighs 370 tonnes, redefining operational resilience and capability at sea.

The official unveiling and integration of the new generation crawler onto the MV Benguela Gem took place on 8 September, at Cape Town harbour.

Following the retirement of the MV Grand Banks and MV Coral Sea, the new crawlers are expected to boost Benguela Gem carat recovery by approximately 80,000 high-value carats annually. This increase is projected to more than offset the carats lost due to the retired vessels and aligns with the company’s strategic realignment to address reduced natural diamond demand.

Kevin Smith, chairman of the Debmarine Namibia Board, said, “We are confident that the new crawler investment combined with technological innovation and disciplined cost management, will position Debmarine Namibia to weather the downturn; and will put the company in a better position, poised for recovery when the natural diamond market demand strengthens.”

As the MV Benguela Gem readies for return to Namibian waters at the end of September 2025, Debmarine Namibia acknowledges the exceptional dedication and precision behind this achievement, particularly during financially challenging times. Training initiatives are underway to ensure safe and effective operation of the new systems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to capability development and shared value.

Shakwa Nyambe, board deputy chairperson, said, “This project is a clear example of how strategic foresight and technical excellence come together to deliver long-term value. The new crawlers are not just an upgrade, they are a platform for future innovation.”

“This milestone reflects the ingenuity, collaboration, and pioneering spirit that define Debmarine Namibia,” Smith added. “It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in marine diamond recovery.”

Trafo Power Solutions delivers nine specialised transformers to a mineral sands operation in Mozambique. (Image source: Trafo Power Solution)

Trafo Power Solutions has supplied nine transformers to an electrical contractor for installation at a mineral sands operation in Mozambique

The transformers were designed to manage large non-linear loads generated by the mine’s Variable Speed Drives. Seven of the units are 800 kVA transformers built for skid mounting, allowing easy mobility across the expansive site. The remaining two units, rated at 160 kVA, are pole-mounted. All nine transformers are rated at 22 kV to 415 V, matching the mine’s specific voltage needs.

David Claassen, managing director of Trafo Power Solutions, said this latest order follows an earlier successful supply of four dry-type transformers directly to the same operation. The previous batch included 3150 kVA transformers, also rated at 22 kV to 415 V, installed within IP23 enclosures, and equipped with the necessary control and protection systems for reliable performance in the corrosive mineral sands environment.

“The mineral sands mining environment is particularly harsh, with high humidity and salinity levels that can accelerate corrosion. Our transformers are specifically designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability in such an aggressive setting,” remarked Claassen.

Claassen added that repeat business was influenced by the mine’s confidence in the performance of the earlier transformers. “When the need arose for additional transformers, the customer specifically requested Trafo Power Solutions, which underscores our commitment to delivering quality solutions that meet the exact needs of mining operations,” he commented.