As quarries further embrace modern technology, there is an apparent increased uptake of electronic blast detonation systems. This was the overarching message from BME at the recent Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa (IQSA) conference, where the Omnia group company showcased its new AXXIS Silver digital initiation system, a step-change in efficient and safe blasting for quarries and small-scale mining operations, writes Munesu Shoko.
In an industry where over 30 000 technicians are required per year to maintain, service and repair growing fleets of heavy equipment and power systems, Caterpillar’s Technicians for Africa bridges the skills gap on the continent. Caterpillar’s Toby Kirgan tells Quarrying Africa that the programme, initially launched in 2015 in Nigeria, Mozambique and the DRC, has over the years, expanded to cover 33 countries. Munesu Shoko reports.
Demand for dual-powered crushing and screening solutions is rising quickly in the developed world. With their ability to have both electricity and diesel as power sources, hybrid solutions provide aggregate producers with the best of both worlds – compliance in urban operating environments and flexibility in the middle of nowhere. Yet, according to Pilot Crushtec’s Francois Marais, their uptake in Africa remains slow. By Munesu Shoko.
The current global supply chain disruptions have had adverse effects on OEMs and equipment users alike. To prevail against such a whimsical supply chain environment, SANY Southern Africa has beefed up its stock levels for new machines and parts. With over 100 machines on the floor, the company has one of the largest inventories of new mining excavators in the local market. By Munesu Shoko.