South Africa’s Billion-Dollar Question: Can Beneficiation Survive Loadshedding and Lawyers?
By Lili Nupen,
Expert Analysis
The Expert Analysis category on Africa Mining & Engineering Review is dedicated to showcasing expert insights, innovative ideas, and forward-thinking perspectives from industry leaders. This section serves as a hub for influential voices in the mining and engineering sectors, offering in-depth analyses, opinion pieces, and strategic viewpoints on the latest trends, technologies, and challenges. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an emerging expert, our Expert Analysis category provides a platform to share your knowledge, inspire others, and drive meaningful conversations that shape the future of mining and engineering in Africa. Join us in exploring visionary solutions and pioneering advancements that propel the industry forward.
Weathering the impact: Why climate change remains a major risk to African mining
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity.
Funding the Sun with Oil: A Ugandan Dispatch from the Energy Indaba
Humphrey Asiimwe,Chief Executive of Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals.
Bilboes and Beyond: How Caledonia’s US$132 Million Bet Could Reshape Zimbabwe’s Gold Mining Industry
Zimbabwe’s gold mining sector is poised for growth with Caledonia Mining’s US$132 million Bilboes Project, potentially positioning the country among Africa’s leading gold producers and attracting further investment.
Africa’s Critical Minerals and the Future of the Global Energy Transition
Africa’s Critical Minerals and the Future of the Global Energy Transition
Wi-Fi 7’s advantage: Why businesses are racing to upgrade
Wi-Fi 7 clients can combine 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz links or hold one in reserve for redundancy.
How to avoid common operating errors that are costing you money
Garry Moore, Rokbak Customer Support Manager APAC, EMEA & UK.
Access and Industrialization as Drivers for Accelerating Africa’s Sustainable Energy Transition
Dr. Towela Nyirenda-Jere, Head of AEEP Secretariat.
The Science Behind Tire Flatproofing: Why More Operations Are Ditching Air
TYRFIL Flatproofing. Images/Carlisle TyrFil
Optimizing Results and ROI from Conveyor Safety Training
Conveyor maintenance can be dangerous even
when LOTO and other safety measures are in place.
Copyright © 2025 Martin Engineering
The Rokbak RA30 vs RA40
Rokbak articulated haulers are built for the long haul.
How South Africa can build a transport system that truly connects people
Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa. (Image: CESA)
Driving Efficiency: How logistics improves equipment haulage
Image courtesy of OneLogix Mega
Mines of the Future: From Engineering to Operations with Digital Integration
Digital engineering platforms enhance cost forecasting accuracy, enabling EPCs and owner-operators to run multiple build-out scenarios with varying inputs and constraints.
Five ways Rokbak haulers deliver strong return on investment
Rokbak is a manufacturer of off-highway articulated haulers that are used in mining, quarrying, and construction applications around the world.
Datacentrix Industrial Indaba 2025 outlines path to sustainable growth through industrial digitalisation
Datacentrix Industrial Indaba 2025.
Powering Africa’s Manufacturing with Future-Ready Infrastructure
Wojtek Piorko, Managing Director
Servicing the Conveyor Cleaning Blade
By Chris Schmelzer / Director of Conveyor Products / Martin Engineering
Advancing modern African economies by integrating technical solutions with ESG
The importance of building resilient economies for social transformation, and the nurturing of consulting engineering expertise across various disciplines will be vital to paving a path to inclusive growth.
Free Modelling: Improving efficiency in construction site management
The new Liebherr assistance system Free Modelling makes it possible to create and modify 3D models during operation in order to be able to react to changing site conditions.
Cable Management Vital for Long-Term Machine Performance
igus energy chains have smooth inner surfaces and controlled minimum bending radius based on cable specification.
Optimising bolt tightening torque for reliable rubber sealing in butterfly valves
One of the key components in ensuring proper sealing is the rubber seal on the valve disc, which forms a seal by compressing around the valve disc when closed.
Preventing Fugitive Material From Conveyors
Spillage escapes the belt and collects under the conveyor in both the loading and discharge zones. Piles of spillage accumulate rapidly and occur due to overloaded belts, mistracking, and insufficiently sealed loading and discharge zones.
Portable compressed air, expertly explained by Atlas Copco’s Jonathan Cassell
The Atlas Copco Power Technique portable air family offers solutions for electric and diesel applications
Innovation in tailings management: Game changer for African mining
The 2024 Chambishi tailings dam collapse underscored systemic gaps in monitoring, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness.
Demonstrating Flexible, Powerful 5-axis Laser Micromachining
With a suitable system, it is possible to control the entire micro-machining process – the laser, scan head and workpiece positioning – to produce macro-sized components to sub-micrometer dimensional tolerances.
How Understanding Compressor Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Drives Compressed Air Efficiency
LCC insight helps to unlock the full potential and efficiency of compressed air systems.
The link between jobsite intelligence and smart equipment
To protect heavy machinery, ensure effective operation and optimize its value, contractors are increasingly investing in jobsite intelligence solutions that provide safety, security and performance benefits.
Waterjet cutting, discerning what’s true or false
A waterjet is a versatile cutting technology that can be used to cut all kinds of metals without a heat-affected zone. The addition of the right cutting head also allows for clean-cut edges and bevels.
Redefining Industrial Automation with the new VTUX
During a recent conversation with Skye Prato, the Valve Terminal VTUX took centre stage, as he delved into the valve terminals disassembly process, providing valuable insights into its features, upgrades, and versatility for various applications.
How telematics can alter construction fleet management
When used in concert with a cloud-based fleet management system, telematics devices provide insight into several facets of equipment operations, including how optimally equipment is utilized, how it’s operated and its state of health. Managers can leverage this data to make more informed, more cost-effective decisions about equipment fleet size and maintenance frequency.
Weir’s Multiflo® Mudflo® hydraulic submersible pump solution for tailings management and mud pumping
Bill Jones
Global Sales Manager, Dewatering
Chambishi tailings failure: A warning sign for Zambia’s Copperbelt
The fundamental factors that contributed to this disaster—lax regulations, inadequate enforcement capacity, and Zambia’s strong dependence on mining revenues—continue to persist.
Welding safety best practices
Welding is an essential skill in many fabrication businesses, including small tube fabrication companies that perform cutting, bending, welding, drilling,
Miners diversifying into metals and minerals recycling
From technology development to company acquisitions, mining majors are making moves in the mineral and metals recycling sector – but
Recycled concrete
Concrete is the champion of any construction site: pillars, foundations, pavement – you name it, concrete is at the core. It’s
Boomer SM20 S – part of an autonomous future
As limestone and dolomite producer Daesung MDI expands its automatic operations, the Boomer SM20 S face drill rig from Epiroc
Amarinth upgrades ADNOC gas pumps with remote monitoring & flush systems
Amarinth has successfully delivered a pump modification project for ADNOC Gas, a major integrated gas processing company based in Abu
Scientists Unveil Next-Gen Battery Breakthrough
Many battery breakthrough innovations leave a trail of lab reports in their wake after hours of analysis needed to bring
Protecting Monel Pressure Gauges from Stress Corrosion Cracking in Hydrofluoric Applications
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is well known for its aggressive and hazardous characteristics. That’s why selecting material for these applications is
Solar Energy: How to measure and analyze PV circuit performance
Regardless of the test method, you must know the plane of array irradiance and cell temperature to evaluate PV circuit
Plasma Cutting: the unstoppable powerhouse of the metal industry
In the ever-evolving realm of metal fabrication and metal-cutting systems, rumors about the end of plasma cutting due to the
Dramix® Steel Fibers: The Evolution of Industrial Flooring
Concrete reinforcement plays a crucial role in enhancing the strength and durability of structures. Industrial floors made of concrete have
Rio Tinto Accelerates Adoption of Renewable Diesel
The company is using renewable diesel as an interim strategy to cut diesel use ahead of fleet electrification. The mining
Surface Roughness: Impact on Performance and Durability
Patrick Faulkner, lead engineer at Accu, looks at how surface roughness can affect component performance and discusses the implications for
Leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Surveying to Improve Data Precision
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have revolutionized the field of surveying, providing powerful tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization. By
BME Drives Sustainability and Innovation at Mining Indaba
Omnia Holdings company BME, a silver sponsor at the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba, will be sharing its commitment
Survey highlights role of data in driving solar energy innovation
OEMs, technicians, and installers are optimistic about solar’s future, many believe the industry is hindered by gaps in data and
Monitoring reduces fatigue induced fatalities
Fatigue monitoring and management remains nascent in mining, but technology and industry understanding are progressing. In October, First Quantum Minerals
Leading Diesel Generator Brands in Africa: Key Insights
In Africa, a reliable power supply is crucial for both businesses and households. Power outages are common in many regions,
Mini excavators: crucial maintenance tips
To keep working well and last longer, mini excavators , which are useful tools for building and landscaping, need to be carefully
Concrete Machinery Transforming the Construction Industry
The construction industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, largely driven by advancements in concrete machinery. Innovations in this sector are
Can sensor-based ore sorting transform waste into wealth?
Sensor-based sorting of low-grade ores aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of natural resource use. Mina Esperanza is a
Advanced Soil Stabilization Methods for Stronger Foundations
Soil stability is crucial for any construction project, as it forms the basis of structural integrity and resilience. Modern construction
Liquids to lithium-ion batteries, competent storage requires care
A succession of fires in recent years has sharpened people’s awareness of the need to handle lithium-ion batteries correctly. It’s
The critical role of BESS fire risk assessments
A nuanced and comprehensive appraisal of the potential risks of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can help developers and local
Advanced Pumps: A Necessity for Deepening Mines
Suppliers unveil solutions featuring automation capabilities designed to transport water over greater distances. The combination of ever-deepening mines and tightening
Diesel vs Electric-Powered Pumps
Few people question the wisdom of using diesel-powered pumps, particularly for temporary sites or rental arrangements. Their faith is well-placed:
Maximise your flap disc productivity
A Flap disc is designed for right-angle grinders and provide both material removal and finishing operations. They also can simplify
Arcing toward perfection in orbital pipe welding
Welding software designed to adapt to every known variable If anyone questions the severity of the nation’s skilled welder shortage,
Why decarbonising European steel is harder than it seems
Christophe Roux, head of batteries mining and industries, UK, Middle East and Africa at Société Générale, explores the challenges facing
Leveraging AI to overcome productivity challenges in mining
AI’s application in mining is already significant and will only grow, with predictive maintenance and automation vital for driving productivity
Key Geotechnical Software Solutions for Today’s Construction Projects
In today’s construction landscape, the integration of technology is pivotal for successful project execution. Geotechnical engineering plays a crucial role
Cable supports for different wiring systems
Wiring systems must be selected and erected to avoid during installation, use and maintenance, damage to the sheath or insulation
How to clean up artisanal mining
Boris Ivanov, founder of mining company Emiral, explains how collaboration, education and a new regulatory regime can help clean up
Superior Anemometers: Exceptional Accuracy and Durable Design
Superior Anometers is dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality wind measurement devices, offering products that are perfectly calibrated for mining
How a Continuous Miner Works
Have you ever considered how a continuous miner works? Coal mining operations use these large machines to remove coal reserves from underground coal
Leapfrog supports geoscience professionals with complex projects
Seequent releases Leapfrog enhancements to boost productivity and help users solve increasingly complex geoscience challenges in civil infrastructure, mining, energy,
Optimizing Mine Fleet Operations in the Era of Automation
As the pace of vehicle automation in the mining industry grows, one often-underestimated concern is the software needed to manage
The Critical Role of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in Equipment Automation
In today’s fast-paced industrial world, automation is key to maintaining efficiency and safety. At the heart of many of these
Progressive cavity pumps are essential for wastewater and sludge management
In the ever-evolving world of wastewater treatment, having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving efficiency and
How Wires and Cables are evolving and contributing toward Sustainable future
The rising concern of global warming has forced industries globally to adopt green and sustainable energy measures. In support of
Battery storage: tech that could revolutionise African renewables
Increasing investment in battery storage is vital for African power systems to function as more solar and wind energy comes
Harnessing Sub-Saharan Africa’s Critical Mineral Wealth
The region has an opportunity to develop critical minerals markets and processing industries to maximize the coming boom From electric
The evolution and future of ESG in mining
Like many life-changing decisions, mine was taken on a Tuesday with only the most cursory consideration and little understanding of
How to choose the right block-making machine for your construction project
In the fast-paced world of construction, efficiency, quality, and sustainability are essential. One of the most critical decisions for any
Centrifugal Pump Priming Procedures
Primarily, the objective of priming is to remove any air or gas trapped within the pump casing and suction piping,
The sources and remedies for conveyor dust
Particulate emissions in workplaces around the world are coming into acute focus, affecting, as they do, the health and morale
Knife Gate Valves
Selecting the right valve could improve safety and prevent unplanned downtime At the least, a valve should last from one
How satellite-enabled IoT can help operators get clarity on supply chains
Satellite-enabled industrial monitoring powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI can help energy operators build supply chain resilience,
Expert Analysis, International News
GirlsGetSET helps young women step into STEM
Who wants to be an engineer? From the UK to Brazil, teams expand an in-school program to help girls find
Microplastics: big challenges for human health and the environment
Global testing leader ALS spoke with plastic pollution expert Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason about the worldwide effort to understand and
Are you benchmarking your 260-ton truck mining operations?
In the ever-evolving mining industry, staying competitive and ensuring operational efficiency are paramount. One of the most effective methods to
OVERHAULING PROCEDURES OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
Proper maintenance and overhaul of industrial pumps are crucial for ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. This step-by-step guide outlines
Water risk rises as mining grows in Africa
Water Risk Africa. While many African countries benefit from mining’s growth, there remain concerns about communities adjacent to mines facing
How 3D lidar is propelling yard and dock logistics towards safer, more efficient operations
Customer spotlight: ITK EngineeringWritten by guest writer Nico Graf, Program Manager at ITK Engineering 3D Lidar. The global logistics market,
Hydrometallurgy: Electrowinning in Copper Refining
Hydrometallurgy, a method encompassing the extraction of metals from their ores through aqueous chemistry, has become a cornerstone in modern
Reciprocating Pumps for Industrial Applications
Reciprocating pumps, known for their robust design and ability to handle high-pressure tasks, are indispensable in a variety of industrial
Mining Slurry Pump: Maximizing Efficiency
In the mining industry, slurry pumps play a crucial role in transporting abrasive and corrosive materials. Their efficiency directly impacts
Piping Design and Stress Analysis
Piping design and stress analysis are critical aspects of engineering that ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of piping systems.
What is SCADA in Mining?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are integral to modern industrial operations, including the mining sector. SCADA systems are
Introduction to Mine Vision Systems
Leadership profile My name is Careen Madzore, I currently serve as the Business Development Manager for Africa at Mine Vision Systems.
Generative AI in Vehicle Softwarisation and Future Innovation
Introduction to Generative AI in the Automotive Industry Generative AI is revolutionizing the automotive industry. This technology is not just
Future of Workforce in African Mining: Adapting to Industry 4.0
The mining industry in Africa has long been a cornerstone of the continent’s economic development. With the advent of Industry
What is the Difference Between CNC and Laser Machine?
In the realm of modern manufacturing and machining, CNC and laser machine stand out as pivotal technologies. Both have revolutionized
What is Scalping in Mineral Processing?
Scalping in mineral processing is a vital stage in the mining industry, contributing significantly to the efficiency and productivity of
Best Practices for Monitoring Corrosion in Rotating Equipment
Rotating equipment, such as pumps, turbines, and compressors, plays a crucial role in various industries. Ensuring their longevity and efficient
Transforming Mining: Autonomous Vehicles with Cruise Control
The mining industry is experiencing a technological revolution with the integration of autonomous vehicles. These advancements promise to enhance efficiency,
Why PIG a PIPELINE?
Pipeline pigging is a critical maintenance process in the mining and engineering sectors. The term “pigging” might sound peculiar, but
Reducing Flyrock Incidents in Mine Blasting Operations
Mining operations are inherently hazardous, with various risks that can lead to severe accidents. One such risk is flyrock during
Selecting the Optimal Lubricant for Rotating Equipment Bearings
Selecting the optimal lubricant for your rotating equipment bearings is crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficient performance of your
Prediction and Prevention of Geomechanical Disasters in Mining
Mining operations, both open pit and underground, are essential to our modern economy, providing the raw materials necessary for numerous
Protective coatings: Corrosion in Harsh Sour Service Conditions
Protective coatings. Corrosion in harsh sour service conditions poses significant challenges in various industries, particularly in the oil and gas
The Role of Static Equipment in Upstream Oil and Gas Operations
Static equipment plays a vital role in upstream oil and gas operations, ensuring the efficiency and safety of extracting and
What is HVAC in Engineering?
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are fundamental to modern engineering, playing a crucial role in ensuring indoor comfort
What are the 5 Hazardous Energy Sources?
Mining and engineering industries play a crucial role in modern society, providing essential resources and infrastructure. However, these industries are
Regulatory Compliance in Environmental Impact Assessments
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) have become a cornerstone of sustainable mining and engineering practices, ensuring that development projects proceed with
Optimizing Grinding Mill Performance for Increased Ore Processing
The grinding mill is a critical component that directly influences a mine’s productivity. As ore processing becomes increasingly complex, optimizing
How to Choose the Best Abrasive Slurry Pump
In the mining and engineering industries, selecting the right abrasive slurry pump is crucial for maintaining efficient operations and reducing
Future of Electric Power Systems: Innovations in Motors, Drives, & Power Management
As the global demand for energy continues to rise, the need for more efficient and reliable electric power systems becomes
Women in Mining: African Focus
The mining industry, historically male-dominated, is witnessing a paradigm shift as women increasingly take on roles that span from the
Innovative Ore Processing: Rockburst Aims to Reduce Energy Consumption by Up to 50%
Rockburst Technologies CEO Oscar Malpica tells Andrew Tunnicliffe about the company’s CO2-based ore processing technology, which has gained interest from
Speeding up concrete curing in cold weather
South Africa’s colder months can bring headaches for contractors – as well as concrete product manufacturers – if low temperatures
Conveyor fires: causes and prevention
Martin Engineering is dedicated to conveyor safety by educating the bulk handling industry on the hazards of conveyor fires. With
The risks of hasty cloud adoption
Organisations often hastily migrate to the cloud during disasters, especially when they lack robust disaster recovery plans. Driven to swiftly
How the right ERP solution empowers small businesses to scale
A key operational principle reminds us that if there is a gap in operational efficiency that gap will only grow
Three tips for safe screen media change-outs
Downtime is inevitable. And when you are up against the clock and the pressure is on – that is when
Selection criteria for permanent overband magnets
Permanent overband magnets are commonplace in most mines and quarries, removing tramp ferrous metal and protecting crushers, screens and conveyors