Mining Developments News

SKF has developed the double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings for machine tools where space is limited and easy mounting is required. The high-precision bearings serve as support bearings for the ball screws, which are commonly used to drive the various axes in the machine tool. This application requires a particularly reliable radial and axial guidance, which can be achieved with the bearings of the BEAS (for shaft diameters from 8 to 30 mm) and BEAM series (for bolt mounting and shaft diameters from 12 to 60 mm). SKF has now optimised the ready-to-mount bearings for higher load capacities and speeds. To this end, SKF engineers have modified the internal geometry of the bearings to increase the dynamic load capacity of the latest BEAS models by up to 17 percent compared to their predecessors. The BEAM models reach up to 20 percent more. These higher load ratings ultimately improve the service life and availability of the machine. In addition, the latest BEAM beari...

The festive season is usually a time which is spent sharing in the merriment with family and friends. However, for those without families it can be a lonely and sad period. Children living in care centres have neither families nor funds and therefore the holidays often bring little joy. Understanding the plight of these children in need, thyssenkrupp decided to once again join in the deserving Santa Shoebox initiative. The company donated the boxes to two children’s homes in Tembisa and Alexandra on 13 and 14 December 2018 respectively. Since its origination in 2006, the Santa Shoebox has since been collecting and distributing gifts to disadvantaged children across South Africa and Namibia. Filled with daily necessities such as stationary, toiletries and clothing, the Santa Shoeboxes also include a toy and something sweet to brighten up a child’s day. “thyssenkrupp has been participating in the Santa Shoebox initiative for many years, as we believe in its sentiments and making in ...

Previously announced divestment results in a net gain of SEK 1.2 billion. Unrelated to the divestment, impairments of assets and customer settlement costs totalling approximately SEK 300 million to impact operating result in Q4 2018. SKF has completed the previously announced divestment of its linear and actuation technology business to Triton. The total consideration of the divestment is SEK 2.75 billion on a cash- and debt-free basis. The closing of the divestment will have a positive effect on the operating result for Q4 2018 of SEK 1.2 billion. Christian Johansson, Senior Vice President and CFO says, “Our efforts to focus on our core business around the rotating shaft has generated approximately SEK 7 billion during the last three years. These funds have been used to strengthen the balance sheet and increase investments in manufacturing and R&D. We now have a stronger financial position from which to build upon.” Unrelated to the divestment, impairments of assets and cost...

When a local vehicle manufacturer experienced air leaks in the pneumatically operated components and systems of the specialised vehicles they construct, the company turned to SKF for assistance. As a global frontrunner in the supply of bearing technology and services, SKF was able to offer a turnkey solution in the form of a high quality leak detection instrument, the versatile TKSU 10 Ultrasonic Leak Detector. Compressed air production is integral for the daily operation of manufacturing plants but is one of the largest energy consumers. Air leaks increase load on the compressor which can lead to not only higher electricity usage, but also to a loss of up to 30% of total compressed air production capacity. The ultrasonic TKSU 10 is a premium quality instrument that detects air leaks and is ideally suited for use in all industries utilising compressed air. This ingenious device is able to identify leaks in pneumatic brake systems, vacuum systems, pressurised gas storage, and steam ...

Mud motor bearings need to be carefully designed because they are called upon to deal with exceptional stresses and particularly harsh conditions The lubrication of mud motor bearings presents particular challenges in the oil and gas exploration sector with bearing failures resulting in costly downtime. There are, however, ways to make motor bearings more reliable, as Roland Muttenthaler, Business Development Manager Oil and Gas at SKF, explains. With many rig and crew costs totalling upwards of €200,000 a day, even the briefest disruption to production can cost oil and gas companies an eye-watering amount in lost revenue. This makes reliability the number one critical success factor in this key energy sector. Reliability is at the core of every development in oil and gas because of its intrinsic link to productivity and therefore profitability. And nowhere is the impact on productivity felt more acutely than at the ‘sharp end’ of oil and gas exploration – the drill string (wh...

SKF is supporting the growth of the aerospace market and its business by investing in a new automated line located at the SKF Aeroengine site in Valenciennes, France. With this investment, SKF is strengthening its flexibility and competitiveness in France. In January 2019 SKF inaugurated a fully automated production line dedicated to the production of SAFRAN's LEAP engine components. This strategic investment is part of the Group's modernisation of its production in France. It also contributes to strengthening SKF's expertise in rotating equipment performance and improving the level of customer service around the bearing. SKF is investing in a new digital manufacturing line in order to optimise its production capacity and support major customers in accelerating production volumes by end of 2020. "This growth is impacting the aerospace market. Consequently, reacting to the changing market situation, SKF is adapting its production capacity," explains Philippe ...

Speaking during his vetting before the Committee on Appointments Thursday, Munyes stated that while in office, he will push for public participation in their regularization and insisted that local communities must be involved so as to benefit from the resources. Munyes who is the former Turkana Senator stressed that he will work together with the host communities in the region where oil was discovered to ensure there is harmony. “I have been nominated and appointed to this position to serve on behalf of the President who in turn wants to work with the people who elected him. So my interest is to serve Kenyans; to be patriotic to provide servant leadership and see how I can transform the petroleum and mining sectors in this country,” he said. He further stated the need for a forensic audit to be conducted so as to know how much is being extracted so that there’s full disclosure, and the country can produce clean oil by 2021. “There are donors in Australia and Canada interested in mining...

More than 3,000 families from Jaribuni Area of Ganze, Kilifi county are up in arms accusing mining companies in the area of polluting the environment and having little regard for the residents’ welfare. The residents say that more than 300 lorries ferry raw materials including ballast 24 hours a day causing them sleepless nights and affecting productivity in the area. Further stating that despite raising concerns, they have all fallen on deaf ears. The residents have now given the mining companies a 14 day ultimatum or else they will paralyze activities in the area.

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario (Feb. 6, 2019) — Haver & Boecker,a leading equipment manufacturer and solutions provider in aggregates and mining applications, recently named Brian Block, Wayne Knight and Scott McMaster certified sales managers for the United States, as the company focuses on expanding its direct sales coverage in many states to better serve its customers. Blockwill serve Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico; Knight will cover Arkansas Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas; and McMasterwill serve Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York Pennsylvania and Ohio. As certified sales representatives, the three will focus on bringing processing solutions to mines and quarries across the U.S. to increase plant productivity. “Mining and aggregate companies across the U.S. are often unique to the regions in which they operate based on the products they produce,” said Peter Kilmurray, Haver & Boecker Canada vice president of sales. “They require people that understand their operations ...

Epiroc understands that safety and productivity are fundamental to a mine’s sustainable future and this was the inspiration behind the design and development of the latest ground-breaking fully mechanised Cabletec SL. Mines are increasingly recognising the invaluable role of automation and digitalisation in driving down input costs and driving up output, efficiencies and productivity while at the same time enhancing the safety of mine workers. Featuring advanced automation technology, this fully mechanised and versatile cable bolting machine eliminates the need for perilous and time consuming hand-held drilling and manual installation of mechanical anchors by performing these processes remotely. The Cabletec SL also reduces the number of operators required to install mechanical anchors to a maximum of two people who are able to operate the machine safely from a canopy or via blue tooth remote control technology. Remote functions include changing the drill steel and inserting the...

Battery driven mining vehicle specialists Battery Power Industries (BPI) provided the battery drive system for rough-terrain machinery manufacturer Manitou Southern Africa’s first electric telehandler. Manitou’s battery driven telehandler, the first of its kind, was unveiled at Electra Mining Africa 2018. BPI designed and implemented the conversion of the telehandler from a diesel driven system to a fully electric system using lithium-ion battery technology. BPI – a proudly South African original-equipment manufacturer specialising in the development of battery energy systems, electrical traction systems and high-speed charging systems for underground mining equipment – was launched in 2018. BPI MD Calvin Coetzee says the company was approached by mining infrastructure construction firm TDS Projects Construction to design an electrical system for the MHT-790E electric telescopic handler to address its need to eliminate fatigue in the mines associated with diesel particulate emissions, ...

SKF announced the introduction of its Lincoln SLC metering device for grease. Developed for use in single-line lubrication systems, this compact metering device features a compact and modular design for less jointing and decreased risk of leaking. Featuring a spring-reset control piston, the metering device has a high venting capability for compatibility with greases up to NLGI 2. The device provides reliable operation in harsh conditions and low temperatures. Delivery volume can be either adjusted via regulating screws or set with dosing screws, both options ensure each lubrication point receives the required amount of lubricant. The SLC is available in two versions – the SLC1 for one to 12 outlets and the SLC2 for one to six outlets. Both are offered with BSP or NPT threads and in C3 corrosion classification. Metric and imperial sizes are included for inlet and outlet fittings. With the most compact construction in its class, the SLC is suitable for use in renewable energy, c...

With condition-based maintenance often reserved for only the most critical assets, SKF has launched a solution that can bring condition monitoring to applications that would previously have been out of reach. SKF has further expanded its offering in condition monitoring with a compact, competitively priced system that is flexible enough to be used across a broad spectrum of applications and industries. The SKF Multilog IMx-16Plus will help more users of rotating equipment to reduce unplanned machine downtime, improve asset availability and optimise machinery operation. Condition monitoring has historically been restricted to the most critical assets. However, the SKF Multilog IMx-16Plus, which is based on the proven SKF Multilog IMx- 8, allows condition-based maintenance to be integrated in applications that would previously have been too costly to consider. With the ability to monitor everything from a single machine to an entire plant from a central location, the SKF Multilog IM...

Epiroc has once again rocked the local mining space with a landmark sale of the first BenchREMOTE in South Africa to key customer, Elf Drilling. The innovative BenchREMOTE is an advanced monitoring system, which can be linked to up to three SmartROCs and is ideal for removing the operator from the danger area, taking him away from the noise and dust and drilling in hazardous areas near the high wall, thereby contributing to elevated safety levels. Elf Drilling, since its inception three decades ago, has been a frontrunner in drilling, sampling and service for the Northern Cape mining industry. Operating as a complementary team, Faghmi Cader, Eduard and Lizelle Mostert are leading Elf Drilling into the new age of automation drilling. Consisting of a regional office in Kathu, a head office in Kimberly and a workshop in Kuruman and supported by a team of 145 employees, the company boasts extensive experience across South Africa, as well as in Namibia and Angola. Elf Drilling is also a m...

SKF is investing approximately SEK 200 million in improving its competitiveness and customer service levels for tapered roller bearings (TRB) in China. The investment is being made in a new manufacturing facility in Changshan, to which the Group’s existing small-size TRB manufacturing in China will be transferred. As a result, three existing sites in Ningbo, Shanghai and Changshan will be closed. Patrick Tong, President, Industrial Sales, Asia, says: “The tapered roller bearing market in China continues to show solid levels of growth, driven largely by the industrial gearbox and drives segments. The investment in Changshan allows us to capitalise on this trend by bringing our SKF, GBC and PEER brands and expertise together, under one roof.” The new manufacturing facility in Changshan is expected to be fully operational during Q1 2019. SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance ...

Asking Specific Questions Brings Fleet Engineered for Coal Mining By Josh Swank, Sales and Marketing Manager, Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.” In the mining industry, a lack of inquisitiveness may lead to a blissful ignorance but it certainly won’t increase efficiencies. While one may claim necessity is the mother of invention, questioning and analyzing how methods and systems can be improved is the catalyst to discovering necessities. Understandably, when working in a coal mine, where trucks operate around the clock every day of the year, it’s nearly impossible to pull the nose from the grindstone long enough to provide thorough analysis. But fortunately some manufacturers/”inventors” have assisted by taking a long hard look at the process and ensuing headaches within this application. On the surface, it may appear as though truck bodies don’t deviate much from one design to another with their applications devia...

Following the launch of the TLT-Turbo Africa, in Q2 2018, German based ventilation firm, TLT-Turbo (GmbH), has concluded the consolidation of several South African based operations to become the continent’s first and only complete, turn-key mining, energy and industrial ventilation solutions provider. Following the official launch of regional entity, TLT-Turbo Africa in April 2018, TLT-Turbo has now concluded the consolidation of its South African operations. “Over the past two years, the TLT-Turbo Africa board, under the global leadership of TLT-Turbo, has worked towards the complete integration of product, service and project capabilities. Our objective was to provide our clients with an absolute turn-key approach to ventilation solutions,” says TLT-Turbo Africa Managing Director, Luther Erasmus.“One of our main objectives following the complete consolidation of TLT-Turbo Africa’s operations is to produce and distribute a full range of ventilation products for the mining, industrial ...

It was a dismal Christmas for thousands of coal miners in Mpumalanga when the formerly Gupta-owned coal mines of Optimum and Koornfontein, now under business rescue, stopped paying workers and contractors in October 2018. It was the same story for workers at other nearby mines: Woestaleen, Boschmans, Klipbank, Setemba and Sandile. In December a group of determined women, all of them employees of the nearby coal mines, decided to do something about it. They set up a non-profit organisation called Feed the Miner and approached local businesses and farmers for donations. Six weeks later the organisation is providing food and grocery hampers to 650 families. All of this is being run out of the Blinkpan home of Christo Mostert, a production foreman contractor at Koornfontein. Scores of miners and their families gather at his house twice a week to receive grocery hampers that should keep them going for a few days. Miners of every race join hands in prayer to give thanks for these modest bles...