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THE COMPLETE SIZING SOLUTION - …namibianminingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/nam_min_jul_sept...Underground 1150 Series Sizer & D7 Feeder, Zambia Semi-Mobile Sizer Station,

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THE COMPLETE SIZING SOLUTION

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:

WWW.MMDSIZERS.COM

SIZERS FEEDERS

IPSC

KEY PRODUCTS

From Sizers to the world’s most advanced Fully Mobile Sizer, for over 35 years MMD have been at the forefront of Mineral Sizing and In-Pit Sizing & Conveying (IPSC) technology.

We specialise in:

SIZERS - To break and process minerals

FEEDERS - To deliver material reliably to the Sizer

IPSC - In-Pit Sizing & Conveying solutions

Sizer technology is the leading innovation in the crushing industry, providing an effective and efficient method of comminution for both underground and surface mining.

The Twin Shaft MINERAL SIZER™ is a high capacity, compact and versatile machine, offering the ideal sizing solution for mobile, semi-mobile and static operations around the world.

www.youtube.com/[email protected]+27 11 608 4801

ABOUT USEstablished in 1978, MMD designed and patented the Twin Shaft MINERAL SIZER™ for the British underground coal industry.

Today, the Mineral Sizer handles over 75 different minerals in more than 60 countries worldwide, with the ability to process both wet sticky material and hard dry rock, or a combination of both through the same machine.

UNDERGROUNDWith unrivalled expertise in designing and manufacturing mining equipment, MMD Africa have delivered customised underground sizing stations for copper mines in Zambia.

Rather than replicating crushing systems that the operators have been using for years, MMD’s alternative technology is cost-effective in terms of capital investment and operating expenditure.

The Mineral Sizer is perfectly suited for underground installation. With a low vertical dimension, it can fit into relatively small spaces, reducing excavation requirements which in turn delivers cost savings for the mines.

Underground 1150 Series Sizer & D7 Feeder, Zambia

Semi-Mobile Sizer Station, USA

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 3www.namibianminingnews.com

COMPLETE SIZINGSOLUTIONSFor over 35 years, MMD have been at the forefront of Mineral Sizing and In-Pit Sizing & Conveying solutions, providing systems that maximise production, improve safety, and increase efficiencies.

A Twin Shaft MINERAL SIZER™ sits at the heart of the IPSC system, capable of handling over 75 minerals in more than 60 countries worldwide, with the ability to process both wet sticky material or hard dry rock or a combination of both through the same machine. MMD’s latest innovation is the Atlas Transporter, allowing Semi-Mobile IPSC systems to be re-located with ease.

+27 11 608 4801

MMD Atlas Transporter 250T | 500T | 750T

[email protected]

www.mmdsizers.com

For more information please visit

WWW.MMDSIZERS.COM

4 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

The Namibian Mining Magazine is a quarterly professional mining journal for the Namibian mining and quarrying industry. With a decent print run

of 3850 copies per issue and a magniicent online presence, this maga-zine remains the preferred source of Namibian mining news both locally

and internationally

Editor [email protected]

Editorial Contributor(s) Gosego Galetshetse l [email protected]

BA –Humanities (UB, Botswana) BA –Social Sciences (UB, Botswana)

Graphics and Productions Merlin Wilson (Pty) Ltd

Rekai Musari Mutisi– Layout

Media Consultant Melusi .S. Maseko

Email: [email protected]

Advertisement Sales Nkosana Mkhize: [email protected]

Eugene Dube: [email protected] Mpofu: [email protected]

Similo Ngwenya: [email protected] Dube: [email protected]

Information, Database, Archive and Distribution Management

Subscription and Sales Administrator Hazel Mukwamba l Elise Lusungo:

[email protected]

Published By: Meline Media.

Physical Address: Namibian Mining Review15 Veronica Street

Ludwigsdorf, Windhoek

Postal Address: P.O Box 136, Windhoek, Namibia

Tel: +264 81 265 2004 l Fax: +264 81 265 2005 l Email: [email protected]

Website: www.namibianminingnews.com

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 1www.namibianminingnews.com

VOLUME�4:�ISSUE�3�N$�26.50� JULY�-�SEPTEMBER��2016

9772308006008

Another Langer Heinrich stake for sale

AT A GLANCE

Bannerman renews EPL 6

GENERAL NEWS Bannerman’s heap leach de-risking complete 11

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Belmet and 3C Metal Formalise 20

ContentsAT A GLANCE

Bannerman renews EPL : ...................................................... 6Damaged Namibian Furnace set for three-week .... : ...................................................... 7Container terminal progressing : .................................................... 7

COVER STOR YAnother Langer Heinrich stake for sale : ................................. 8B2Gold 2nd quarter output stable : .............................................. 10

GENERAL NEW SBannerman’s heap leach de-risking complete : ...................... 11De Beers reports major decrease in 2nd quarter diamond production : ......................................... 12Output increases in the irst half while earnings drag - Dundee : ........................................... 13Agreement with union marks pivotal milestone... : ............ . .. 14Husab mine fence empowers OMK Civils.: .............................. 15Iron ore mine to produce up to 2035 : ....................................... 16No end in sight for Rössing’s water woes : ............................... 17Possible smelter changes at Dundee: ........................................ 18Power to become one of the most tradable commodities : ...............................................1..9.....

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Belmet and 3C Metal Formalise : .................................................. 20

NEW INDUSTRY TREND SInvestors back a nuclear renaissance: ......................................... 22Good vibrations for Aury Africa : .................................................... 23I-CAT launches new stockpile dust suppression solution: .... 24Economical submersible waste water pump : ...................... . ..... 25MSA Africa fall arrest business set to soar following global acquisition : .................................................. 26Protecting mining vehicles from ire : ......................................2..7....

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 5www.namibianminingnews.com

Ms. Gosego Galetshetse: Editor

EDITORIAL COMMENT

The mining industry has always been,

and remains, an important pillar of the

Namibian economy. In the midst of the

global inancial crisis, Namibian mining

remains crucial to the country’s national devel-

opment. In this edition, we take a look at how

the contributors in the industry have been per-

forming.

In its bid to raise USD200 million for expansion,

Paladin is expected to sell 24% of its stake as well

as 75% of its Australian operated Manyingee

mine. Other key terms of this proposed transac-

tion remain conidential, including the identity of

the counter-party. We wait and see.

On the gold front, B2Gold’s Otjikoto mine near

Otjiwarongo produced 36,172 ounces of gold in

the second quarter of 2016. Gold production at

the mine is weighted to the second half of the

year. The high-grade Wolfshag open pit is ex-

pected to increase production in 2017 and be-

yond.

In the diamond industry, both Namdeb and Deb -

marine reported substantial decreases in output

for the second quarter of this year. The De Beers

Group’s production report for the second quarter

of 2016 notes that Namdeb Holdings has experi-

enced a decrease in production of 31%.

Power trading agreements between countries

that possess excess power generating capac-

ity and those battling supply shortages will be

a dominant theme in the electricity markets of

south-central African nations in the next three to

ive years. Namibia represents a huge opportu-

nity for countries with potential oversupply in the

region as it currently imports about 61% of its

electricity needs. Namibia however, has several

plans under way to boost its power generating

capacity.

In the diamond industry, both Namdeb and Debmarine reported substantial decreases in output for the second quarter of this year. The De Beers Group’s production

report for the second quarter of 2016 notes that Namdeb Holdings has experienced a decrease in production of 31%.

6 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

AT A GLANCE

Bannerman Resources recently announced that its Exclusive Prospecting License 3345 was renewed and they also provided an update on the application of its mining li-

cense with the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Said Bannerman in a statement, “an application to renew EPL 3345 was lodged on 26 January 2015. A notice of preparedness to grant the re-newal was subsequently received in early 2016 from the Ministry of Mines and Energy outlining the terms and conditions under which the EPL would be renewed. In addition to the standard renewal terms and conditions, the Ministry re-quired the Bannerman to submit a proposal for local Namibian ownership, employment of his-torically disadvantaged Namibian and a broader corporate responsibility plan.”

Added Bannerman, the Ministry has endorsed the renewal of EPL 3345. The license has been renewed until 25 April 2017 in accordance with its original term.”

Bannerman also stated that its application for a mining license was rejected on the grounds of a depressed uranium price, a decision it said did not come with much surprise. Said Bannerman in the statement, “the Company has received cor-respondence from the Ministry of Mines and En-ergy stating that the Hon. Minister [Obeth Kand-joze] intends to refuse the application for the Etango Mining License, which was applied for in December 2009, citing the low uranium price.”

Bannerman said that it would re-apply for its mining license when the uranium market re-covers. Banerman also recently announced the de-risking of its heap leap demonstration plant which is currently in its fourth phase of testing, it said showed exceptional leaching results all through the various phases of testing.Banner-man will now proceed with a ifth phase of test-ing.

Bannerman renews EPL

Bannerman also stated that its application for a mining license was rejected on the

grounds of a depressed urani-um price, a decision it said did not come with much surprise.

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 7www.namibianminingnews.com

TSX-listed Dundee Precious Metals ex-pects its 2016 concentrate throughput to be about 20 000 t less than planned, after a power outage led to damage to

the refractory lining of the Ausmelt furnace at its Tsumeb smelter in Namibia.

Subsequent to a power blackout in Namibia on July 22, cooling water entered the Ausmelt fur-nace as a result of the back-up systems for pow-er and cooling water not operating as expected, which compromised the integrity of the refrac-tory lining.

As a consequence, and following initial inspec-tions, the smelter’s management has determined the refractory lining will need to be fully replaced, which will take about three weeks.

The Tsumeb smelter produces blister copper and

Damaged

is able to treat complex copper concentrates.

Namibian Furnace set

for three-week refractory lining

replacement - Dundee

he Wolfshag ore zone, a signiicant dis-

Tcovery made by the B2Gold exploration team after the acquisition of Auryx Gold, is expected to increase production in

2017 and beyond according to B2Gold Namibia’s Managing Director, Mark Dawe.

In response to the media, Dawe recently said the high-grade Wolfshag open pit is scheduled to enter production towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2016.

As the deposit extends at depth, it is likely that open pit mining will be replaced by underground mining methods after depletion of the open pit reserves.

Dawe said that the exploration at Wolfshag is ongoing, with the object of increasing the con-idence levels of the resource deinition to the extent that underground mine planning is able to ensue.

According to the MD, a signiicant amount of technical work is currently being conducted on all aspects of the Wolfshag open pit and under-ground projects.

“Open pit mining of the Wolfshag deposit has already begun with the irst ore expected in the irst quarter of 2017. Following the promising re-sults of an internal scoping study, a detailed en-gineering study of Wolfshag underground min-ing will commence in the third quarter of 2016 with results to be delivered in 2017,” he said.

Despite progress on the project, Dawe said the challenges faced relate to the structural geology, which could only be well understood once min-ing had progressed to below the unconsolidated

zone in the Otjikoto open pit. Otjikoto is B2Gold’s irst gold mine, which only came into full produc-tion during last year. Its excavation has revealed much information about the rock morphology in that area which assisted the exploration teams to deine the gold deposits in the Wolfshag zone.

According to Dawe, gold production at Otjiko-to was largely unafected despite the previously reported pit slope failure on the Phase 1 pit ac-cess ramp. Otjikoto mine is on target to meet its governance production of between 160,000 and 170,000 ounces for 2016.

“Adversely dipping rock fabric was the reason for the pit slope failure, resulting in the loss of the main access ramp in April 2016. Despite the fail-ure, the Otjikoto mine produced 36,172 ounces of gold in the second quarter of 2016, compa-rable to budget (of 37,426 ounces) and 36,963 ounces produced in the second quarter of 2015,” he explained.

Meanwhile, following the slope failure, he said a recovery plan to regain access to the Phase 1 pit was developed, which called for a temporary new access ramp which was established by mid-June. This ramp is to be utilized until the Phase 1 pit becomes depleted, which is expected in No-vember 2016.

“The new ramp was successfully constructed and mining of the Phase 1 pit resumed in mid-June. During the construction of the new ramp, mill feed had been mainly sourced from the medi-um-grade ore stockpile, and supplemented with high-grade ore extracted from the Phase 2 pit (as part of the Phase 2 pre-stripping activities),”

Wolfshag gold enters market

he said

before year end

AT A GLANCE

8 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

The CHEC projects are valued at about N$3.44 billion and the whole project is valued at about N$4 billion.

Nampost has indicated that as is the case with all large project, this project is not without risks or challenges and before the project commenced they had already identiied several risks to the project which required careful mitigation mea-sures.

They had identiied one of their biggest risks as the unique geotechnical conditions below the seabed at the project site and how these condi-tions might afect the long term settlements on the pavement as well as its efect on the deep foundations. Even though they had already cho-sen the project site for its relatively good geo-technical conditions compared to other areas in the bay, the prevailing geotechnical conditions at the site still required careful risk mitigation

NamPort explained that the di�cult geotechnical conditions arise primarily due to a 25m thick di-atomaceous silt layer that starts at approximately 20m below the seabed, which is a layer of dead organic matter and its behavior is generally not well understood.

Namport mainly has an issue with the diatoma-ceous silt layer found in Walvis Bay because it is uncommon worldwide and research into the engineering properties of this type of silts are limited. Because of this dilema CHEC spent near-ly six months doing additional geotechnical in-vestigations and research on this diatomaceous silt layer.

They encountered more di�culties while they where installing deep piled foundations that sup -port the new quay wall, which require remedial work and changes to standard installation meth-ods. NamPort together with CHEC are working to minimize the efect of the delay on the overall project completion date.

NamPort had planned to commission the new container terminal in the irst half of 2018, but it now appears likely that commissioning will only be in the second half of 2018, but they are work-ing to minimize the schedule impact of these de -lays and remain conident that the project will be completed successfully within 2018.

Container terminal progressing

They had identiied one of their big-gest risks as the unique geotechnical conditions below the seabed at the

project site and how these conditions might afect the long term settle-

ments on the pavement as well as its efect on the deep foundations.

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 9www.namibianminingnews.com

COVER STORY

Another Langer Heinrich stake for sale

Paladin Energy is looking to sell another stake in its Langer Heinrich mine numer-ous publications have stated this week. Paladin is expected to sell 24% of its stake

as well as 75% of its Australian operated Manyin-gee mine in the hopes of raising US$200 million catered towards expansion.

The sale will bolster Paladin’s kitty by an expected US$175 million according to a statement Paladin released recently, “Paladin currently owns 75% of LHM and has signed a non-binding terms sheet with a major participant in the global nu-clear power industry to sell it a 24% interest in LHM. If it proceeds on its current terms, the sale is expected to raise US$175 million cash for the Company and be accompanied by long-term ar-rangements for uranium of-take. The parties are using their best endeavours to prepare deinitive documentation for formal execution, including: sale and purchase agreement; shareholders agreement; and documentation for the uranium of-take arrangements”.

Added the mining group, “Paladin is working to-wards a formal close of the transaction in fourth quarter of 2016 calendar year. Other than as set out in this announcement, the other key terms of this proposed transaction remain conidential, in-cluding the identity of the counter-party. Further announcements will be made, as appropriate, including the identity of the counter-party. On completion of the transaction, Paladin will con-

tinue to hold 51% of Langer Heinrich Mine and be the operator”.

In 2014, Paladin sold a 25% stake to China Na-tional Nuclear Corporation. It said in a statement at the time, “Paladin is pleased to advise that it signed an agreement on 18 January 2014 to sell a 25% joint-venture equity stake in its lagship Langer Heinrich uranium mining operation in Namibia to China Uranium Corporation Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Nu -clear Corporation, the leading Chinese nuclear utility, for consideration of US$190 million.

The of-take component of the agreement will allow CNNC to purchase its pro-rata share of product at the prevailing market spot price. There is also an opportunity for Paladin to ben-eit by securing additional long term of-take ar-rangements with CNNC, at arm’s length market rates, from Paladin’s share of Langer Heinrich production.

Paladin said, “the respective Boards of Pala-din and CNNC have approved the transaction. Completion is subject only to certain Chinese regulatory approvals (including the National Development and Reform Commission), which are expected to be obtained by mid-2014, and routine consents for the transaction from Pala-din’s project inanciers and the Bank of Namib-ia. CNNC has agreed to pay a US$20 million non-refundable deposit to Paladin”.

The sale will bolster Paladin’s kitty by an

expected US$175 million according to a statement Paladin released recently, “Paladin currently owns

75% of LHM and has signed a non-binding terms sheet with a major participant in the global nuclear power industry to sell it a 24%

interest in LHM.

10 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

B2Gold’s Otjikoto mine near Otjiwarongo produced 36,172 ounces of gold in the second quarter of 2016, almost in line with budget forecast of 37,426 ounces and

production in last year’s 2nd quarter of 36,963 ounces.

The goldminer states in its latest production up-date that gold production was largely unafected despite the previously reported pit slope failure on the Phase 1 pit access ramp on 26 April this year.

Following the slope failure, a recovery plan to regain access to the Phase 1 pit was devel-oped. The plan called for a temporary new ac-cess ramp to be established by mid-June to be utilized until the Phase 1 pit becomes depleted, expected in November 2016. The new ramp was successfully constructed and mining of the Phase 1 pit resumed in mid-June. During the construc-tion of the new ramp, mill feed had been mainly sourced from the medium-grade ore stockpile, and supplemented with high-grade ore extract-ed from the Phase 2 pit (as part of the Phase 2 pre-stripping activities).

With the successful completion of the plant ex-

pansion project in the third quarter of 2015, the budgeted annual throughput rate for 2016 was increased from 2.5 million tonnes per year to 3.3 million tonnes per year. For the second quarter of 2016, the Otjikoto mill achieved a record quar-terly throughput of 890,704 tonnes, 8% above budget (of 821,184 tonnes) and 25% higher than the second quarter of 2015 (of 711,462 tonnes). The average mill recoveries for the second quar-ter of 2016 were 98%, compared to a budget of 97% and recoveries during the same period of the previous year of 98.7%. The average gold grade processed was 1.29 g/t compared to a budget of 1.43 g/t and 1.63 g/t in the prior-year quarter. Gold grades were negatively impacted in the quarter by the ramp failure which had restricted access to the high-grade ore at the Phase 1 pit. However, B2 Gold stated that gold production remained largely unafected as high-er mill throughput and recoveries ofset the low-er grades.

For the irst semester of 2016, the Otjikoto mine produced 71,875 ounces of gold, approximately in line with budget (of 73,079 ounces) and 6% higher compared to the 68,097 ounces (includ-ing 18,815 ounces of pre-commercial production) produced in the irst half of 2015.

B2 Gold said “with access to the higher-grade Phase 1 pit being re-established for the second half of 2016 and the positive mill throughput and recoveries, there is no impact to the Otjik-oto mine’s 2016 annual guidance of 160,000 to 170,000 ounces of gold production at cash op-erating costs of US$400 to US$440 per ounce. Gold production at Otjikoto is weighted to the second half of the year, due to higher anticipated grades as the Phase 1 pit is completed.

“The high-grade Wolfshag open pit, scheduled to enter production towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2016, is expected to increase production in 2017 and beyond. A new life of mine plan, based on the new grade model and geotechnical data including mining from the open-pit component of the Wolfshag deposit, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.”

Following the promising results of an internal scoping study, a detailed engineering study of Wolfshag underground mining will commence in the third quarter of 2016, with results to be delivered in 2017.

B2Gold 2nd quarter output stable

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 11www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

Bannerman Resources recently reported outstanding results from Phase 4 of the Etango Heap Leach Demonstration Plant Programme, which builds upon the ex-

ceptional leaching results from previous Phases.

Bannerman In a report on the NSX said, “Phase 4 tested the solvent extraction (SX) loading kinet-ics and e�ciency from leach solution generated from the closed circuit heap leach operation of Phase 3. The strong results from the Phase 4 testwork conirm that the SX design parameters in the Etango Deinitive Feasibility Study (DFS) are not only robust but also have considerable potential for further improvement.”

Furthermore they said the completion of Phase 4 testwork has now delivered inal validation across all aspects of the planned process route for the Etango Project.

According to the irm all four Phases of the Demonstration Plant Program have conirmed the robustness of the DFS heap leaching param-eters for Etango.

Meanwhile, by delivering genuine proof of concept via this programme Bannerman has maintained its market leading proile in this crit-ical area. It has also succeeded in signiicantly de-risking the planned Etango process route for prospective inancial partners.

“The Demonstration Plant Programme has, by any measure, been a resounding success,” they added.

Bannerman added that the Phase 5 work plan is now directed at optimising the Etango pro-cess parameters by drawing on the extensive learnings delivered by the Demonstration Plant Programme to date. “Initial outcomes from this value engineering have been highly encouraging with the clear potential for adoption of coarser grind sizes and lower reagent usage,” they noted

Bannerman´s Chief Executive O�cer, Brandon Munro, said, “The outstanding results from Phase 4signal the deinitive success of the Demonstra-tion Plant Programme. The programme has con -

clusivelyachieved its core objective of technically de-risking the heap leaching process for Etango”.

“In validating the DFS design parameters and conirming projected performance the pro-gramme has also identiied clear opportunities to enhance the project´s inancial performance. The team is now busy inalising Phase 5 of the programme which is directed at evaluating fur-ther opportunities for process parameter optimi -sation,” he added.

The Etango Project is one of the world´s largest undeveloped uranium deposits. It is located in theErongo uranium mining region which hosts the Rössing and Langer Heinrich mines and the Husab Project currently under construction by the Chinese stated owned enterprise, China General Nuclear Power Company (CGNPC).In 2015 the Company commenced the Demon-stration Plant Programme as an integral step in progress towards the project’s detailed engineer-ing and inancing phases.

Bannerman’s heap leach de-risking complete

12 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

De Beers Group CEO, Bruce Cleaver must take the diamond conglomerate through a di�cult phase of reduced sales worldwide and reduced output at

the group’s key mines. Cleaver was appointed earlier this year.

De Beers Group CEO, Bruce Cleaver must take the diamond conglomerate through a di�cult phase of reduced sales worldwide and reduced output at the group’s key mines. Cleaver was ap-pointed earlier this year.

Both Namdeb and Debmarine reported sub-stantial decreases in output for the second quarter of this year. The results were released this week Wednesday as part of the quarterly reporting of the De Beers Group. International diamond sales volumes, however, improved for the irst semester of 2016 compared to the irst semester of 2015.

However, the De Beers rough diamond price in-dex for the six months to June was on average 16% lower than in the irst half of 2015

The De Beers Group’s production report for the second quarter of 2016 notes that Namdeb Holdings has experienced a decrease in produc-tion of 31%. The report stated that Debmarine’s output also decreased.

The corporation noted that diamond production internationally for the second quarter of 2016 decreased by 19% to 6.4 million carats, relecting the decision to reduce production at all mines in response to weak trading conditions in the sec-ond half of 2015. De Beers elaborated that Deb-marine’s reduced output is due to the extended plan in port maintenance of the Mafuta min-ing vessel. At Namdeb’s land operations, lower grades were recorded.

In the irst quarter of this year, Namdeb pro-duced 444,000 carats. This igure plummeted in the second quarter to only 296,000 carats.

Other mining operations of the group also not-ed general decreases in production as De Beers Consolidated Mines South Africa recorded a 12% to 5.2 million carats. Another production de-crease was noted due to the completion of the sale of Kimberly Mines in January 2016 as pro-duction decreased by 26% to 821,000 carats.

The output from Orapa mine in Botswana was also reduced while the Damtshaa mine was put on care and maintenance from 1 January 2016.

Consolidated rough diamond sales in the sec-ond quarter of 2016 were 9.6 million carats (from three Sights ) compared to 4.9 million carats

(from two Sights ) in the second quarter of 2015. Apart from the additional Sight in 2016, De Beers Group said this increase relected higher mid-stream restocking from lower inventory levels in 2015. Consolidated sales volumes for the irst half of 2016 were 17.2 million carats compared to 13.3 million carats for the irst half of 2015 (from ive Sights, in each case).

As a comparison, De Beers Canada’s production decreased by 71% to 147,000 carats due to Snap Lake mine being placed on care and mainte-nance in December 2015. Production at Victor mine was in line with the second quarter of 2015.

Full year production guidance for the whole De Beers Group remains unchanged at 26 to 28 mil-lion carats, subject to trading conditions.

Meanwhile, huge mining corporations such as Anglo American’s shares dropped more than 10% to R138.45 on the JSE after it released a report showing reduced or lat production of most commodities in the June quarter. Under CEO Mark Cutifani, the group’s strategy is to re-structure and sell assets to focus only on its most proitable concerns in diamonds, platinum and

De Beers reports major decrease in

copper.

2nd quarter diamond production

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 13www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

TSX-listed Dundee Precious Metals re-cently reported a half-year loss, widen-ing from a net loss of $1.2-million in the irst six months of 2015 to a net loss of

$11.7-million during the irst half of 2016.

The company attributed this in part to lower copper prices, higher local currency operating expenses and depreciation at the Tsumeb smelt-er, in Namibia, and higher general, administrative and exploration expenses.

Dundee’s basic loss per share widened from $0.01 apiece in the prior corresponding period to $0.08 a share in the half-year under review.

The net loss attributable to common sharehold-ers from continuing operations in the irst six months of 2016 was $12.7-million, swinging from net earnings of $300 000 in the corresponding period last year.

“Net loss attributable to common shareholders from continuing operations for the second quar-ter and irst six months of 2016 was impacted on by several items not relective of the company's underlying operating performance, including unrealised losses and gains attributable to hedg -ing future copper and gold production, and for-eign denominated operating costs and net gains or losses on Sabina special warrants,” the com-pany added.

In the irst six months of 2016, adjusted net loss from continuing operations was $8.7-million, compared with adjusted net earnings from con-tinuing operations of $1.3-million.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depre-ciation and amortisation from continuing oper-ations in the irst six months of 2016 remained stable at $39.3-million.

PRODUCTIONIn the irst six months of 2016, Dundee produced gold contained in copper and pyrite concen-trates of 84 910 oz, a 6% increase on the prior comparative period, while copper production increased 12% to 20.2-million pounds and silver production increased 7% to 119 252 oz.

“These increases were due primarily to higher volumes of ore mined and processed, high-er recoveries for all metals and higher copper grades,” the company explained.

"Chelopech continues to perform well, and we expect to exceed the 2016 guidance we issued earlier this year. At Tsumeb, damage to the re-fractory lining following a power blackout in Namibia is expected to result in an unplanned three-week shutdown for repairs, and we now forecast 2016 concentrate smelted to be 20 000 t lower than anticipated," said Dundee president and CEO Rick Howes.

Tsumeb processed 101 967 t of complex concen-trate during the six months under review, higher than the 96 822 t in the prior year.

Complex concentrate smelted in 2016 is now expected to range between 200 000 t and 220 000 t.

Meanwhile, lower realised copper prices led to an increase in the all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold from continuing operations to $627/oz in the irst half of 2016, up from the $498/oz achieved in the irst half of 2015.

"Our focus for the balance of 2016 is to deliver on our production plans and initiatives to further optimise Chelopech and to maximise the Tsumeb smelter online time and capacity,” Howes noted.

Meanwhile, during the irst six months of 2016, the volume of gold in copper and pyrite concen -trates sold declined 4% to 69 618 oz, the cop-per in copper concentrate sold decreased 9% to 17.6-million pounds and silver in copper concen -trate sales fell 24% to 75 501 oz.

Dundee had cash and cash equivalents of $23.8-million, an investment portfolio valued at $22.5-million and $160-million of undrawn lines under its committed long-term revolving credit facility, as at June 30.

Output increases in the irst half while earnings drag - Dundee

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Helix

Vertical Multistage Pump

• Single-stage, low-pressure centrifugal pump• Flanges machined to DIN24255• Over-sized bearings as standard • Bronze & Cast Iron impellers available• High eficient results in low power consumption

Application

• Water transfer

NLEnd-Suction Bare Shaft Pump

VALCO Pumps & Valves (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +26 461 2611 99Email: [email protected]: Simmentaler Street 1, Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek

• Cast Iron construction • DN50 up to DN500 available • Starionery and Portable installation available• Max pressure of 8.7bar • Max low of 7950m3/hour • Local stock available

Appliation • Sewage and clean water drainage

FA

Sewage Pump

Pioneering for You

14 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

Ship repair company Elgin Brown & Ham-er (EBH) Nambia (EBHN) has announced that it has secured an agreement with the Mining, Metal, Maritime & Construc-

tion Union (MMMCU), resulting in the company withdrawing its intention to embark on unilateral retrenchments.

“We are extremely pleased to have concluded an amicable agreement with the union regarding the retrenchment process, following some two months of constructive engagement and nego-tiation. To arrive at a mutually agreed solution is a positive step forward for both parties; as well as being in the best interests of our employees,” says Hannes Uys, Chief Executive O�cer at EBHN.

EBHN Management and the union agreed on several points relating to the retrenchment pro-cess, including terms surrounding an early retire -ment option and the criteria for selecting those employees to be retrenched.

“It has been an extremely challenging time for all of us at EBH Namibia, and particularly for those afected by the retrenchments. To lose some of our valued staf is deeply regrettable, and we have made every conceivable efort to ensure the least number of retrenchments as possible under the circumstances.

It has always been our policy to care for our peo -ple as individuals, team members and valuable contributors to the success of the company. It is our sincere hope that the inancial support pro-vided to those afected by this process will be of real assistance to them as they go forward in their lives and careers,” says Uys.

EBHN announced its stabilisation plan in April 2016, in the wake of a 50% decline in revenue as a result of the sustained low oil price and subse-quent decrease in docking activity. The stabil-isation plan included irst and foremost several ‘non-HR’ performance improvement projects (PIP) and cost-cutting initiatives.

“Our PIP initiatives are not only aimed at short-term cost reduction and performance improve-ment; but will be the essential operational ‘com-pass’ by which we will steer this ‘ship’ going forward to ensure that we are sustainable in the long-term,” Uys points out.

For EBHN, retrenchments were a ‘last resort’ which was unfortunately unavoidable, given the current oil crisis and prevailing market condi-tions.

“It was crucially important to appropriately re-size and scale the business in accordance with prevailing market conditions; in order to ensure the company’s continued viability and long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, it should be noted that, while we are now looking forward to a resurgence of the global oil, gas and maritime sector (conserva-tively projected for mid-to-late 2017), we are also exploring a number of diversiication opportuni-ties in order to decrease our exposure in only one key market.

This is also part of our ‘PIP’ and continuous im-provement approach moving forward, ensuring we are able to be agile and lexible, with a more diverse ofering to our clients,” Uys advises.

He adds: “Skills retention is critical to our busi-ness going forward, to ensure our well-known high levels of quality and client service continue. To this end we have taken a very strategic and selective approach to our re-sizing process, to ensure that the company is still appropriately re-sourced and can quickly and efectively respond to any market resurgence going forward.

Creating a better level of lexibility in terms of staf numbers in relation to project activity, I be-lieve, will serve us well in the future.”

“This agreement represents an extremely im-portant milestone in our stabilisation process – the inal results of which we will measure at end of our current iscal year in March 2017.

Ultimately, this agreement together with our stringent adherence to the ethos of PIP and con -tinuous improvement going forward, will pave the way for EBH Namibia to continue our role as an important contributor to Namibia’s econo-my and as a major service provider on the west coast of Africa, to the international maritime and ofshore oil and gas industry,” Uys concludes.

EBH Namibia, an established ship repair com-pany strategically located on the west coast of Africa in Walvis Bay, Namibia, provides a holistic service solution in all aspects of marine engi-neering and ship repair to the local and interna-tional shipping and ofshore industry.

The company operates three privately-owned loating docks in Walvis Bay, including a Pana-max-sized dock.

Agreement with union marks pivotal milestone in stabilisation process to ensure

future sustainability for EBH Namibia

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 15www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

Swakop Uranium’s Project Director Mr Hu Jinsong (second from left) congratulat-ing the owner of OMK Civils, Mrs Yvonne Samson-Johannes on the tender allocated

to her company to erect the fence on the perim -eter of the Husab mine site. On the left is Mr Hu Chengming, also of Swakop Uranium, and on the right the Project and Contract Manager of OMK Civils, Mr Nehemiah Kapoi.

Swakopmund – A substantial tender for the fencing of the Husab mine has been awarded by mine operator, Swakop Uranium to a civils com-pany owned by a woman.

This week, the mine’s owner, Swakop Uranium announced it has awarded the tender for fencing

in the mine site to a woman-owned civils con-tractor, OMK Civils. The company is owned by Yvonne Samson-Johannes.

Mr Zheng Keping, Swakop Uranium CEO com-mented “It is part of Swakop Uranium’s desire to work hand in hand with the National Agenda of the Government and the Harambee Prosperity Plan to provide more meaningful and empow-erment opportunities in the mining industry for females, in particular previously disadvantaged groups and to reduce unemployment in the youth categories. Swakop Uranium will provide full support to OMK Civils to increase their con-struction management and technical capacity during the course of the project”.

OMK Civils was established to provide services in the areas of civil construction and infrastructure services. The company is located in Windhoek with satellite o�ces in Eenhana and Katima Muli-lo.

Samson-Johannes said “Securing this contract is a much appreciated opportunity after numerous attempts to get a foothold in the male-dominat-ed construction market. This will strengthen our contracting experience and empower OMK Civils in the civil engineering construction sector.”

Close to 50 workers will be employed to com-plete the 9,5km fence over a three-month pe-riod.

Husab mine fence empowers OMK Civils.

16 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

amibia’s irst iron mine, Lodestone’s

NDordabis iron mine which began

producing magnetite and hematite

products for niche consumers in mid-

2015, has an estimated life up to 2035, according

to the Chamber of Mines Annual Review.

Production commenced at the Dordabis iron ore

mine in July 2015 producing 4000 tonnes of iron

during the year in review.

The company signed its irst of-take agreement

with Ohorongo Cement and the Bankable Feasi-

bility Study (BFS) was inalised at the end of 2015.

A regional geological survey was completed on

all of Lodestone’s EPL’s in 2015. The company

continued to employ and train a local workforce

as operations commenced.

Lodestone Namibia is a private company that

was established in 2006 and owns the Dordabis

iron ore mine. The company was established to

produce iron ore for uranium producers in Na-

mibia as well as magnetite and hematite for in-

dustrial consumers. According to the chamber’s

annual review, magnetite is used by Ohorongo

in cement manufacturing, further signifying up-

stream value addition with locally produced in-

puts.

Lodestone Dordabis is a small mining operation

with a modest turnover in 2015 of N$5.1 million.

Fixed investment in 2015 amounted to N$6 mil-

lion, exploration expenditures were N$2 million

and royalties paid were N$153,000.

The shareholders of the company include Ger-

man Institutions who have a 50.34% stake, Na-

mibian individuals with 14.91%, German nationals

with 11.19%, a US citizen with 7.46%, and other

investors from Germany, the USA and the UK

with a combined holding of 16.11%.

Iron ore mine to produce up to 2035

The company was established to produce iron ore for uranium producers in Namibia as well as magnetite and hematite for industrial consumers.

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 17www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

It appears that there is no end in sight for Röss-ing’s water woes, with the miner this month telling the media that its attempts to get mov-ing on its desalination plant project, are not

moving, despite an appeal lodged with the Min-istry of Environment and Tourism.

Speaking to its Managing Director Werner Du-venhage, he explained that his o�ce has not yet received word on its planned appeal. “We have not received a notiication from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for a date to hear the appeal. There are no new developments on this matter.”

Rössing held a stakeholder engagement towards the end of April and at the time, announced that it was hoping to get word on the success or rather, rejection of its planned desalination plant. Rössing has on various occasions stated that the water it was procuring from the Areva Desalina-tion Plant, is prohibitively expensive.

Duvenhage in April told the members of the press, “Like I have said to the government and Namwater, Rössing has got no burning ambition to own a desalination plant, we are a mining company. The only reason why we are pursuing this is because it is practically hundreds of mil-lions [of dollars] that is going into water at the

moment. We would just like to make it more afordable. We have ofered Namwater the full bankable feasibility study. We said to Namwater, if they would like to use it, we would be quite happy to give it to them. We just want cheap afordable water.”

Duvenhage also added that Rössing would know by the end of the week if its appeal to the Min-istry of Water, Agriculture and Forestry is suc-cessful. Rössing initially announced its planned desalination plant as early as November 2014 and has since seen its request disregarded by the water ministry

No end in sight for Rössing’s water woes

We said to Namwater, if they would like to use it, we would be quite happy to give it to them. We just want cheap afordable water.”

18 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

The recently commissioned Dundee Pre-cious Smelter in Tsumeb may undergo a signiicant change in the near future, with plans in place to increase the size

of the smelter. This is what the media was able to establish when it recently contacted, Dundee spokesperson, Alina Garises, to gain clarity on the matter.

Garises explained that Dundee Precious was still in the preliminary stages of an anticipated ex-pansion project and that a inal decision is still to be made.

“We are in the preliminary stages of this project. No inal decision to expand has been made and no inal decision on an expansion can be made until the Environmental and Social Impact As-

sessment (ESIA) process is complete and the inal report issued. Therefore, we are not in a posi-tion to provide additional details on the proposal such as anticipated cost, potential new employ-ment and time frames for the possible comple-tion of the project,” she added.

Based on a throughput of 240 000 to 310 000 tons of copper concentrate, the N$2.7 billion smelter produces between 270 000 to 340 000 of sulphuric acid yearly. With the change in the plant set-up, the smelter’s ability to recover cop-per is expected to improve.

“Currently, the Ausmelt furnace and its lack of holding capacity has created a bottle neck in production. Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb proposes to upgrade the Ausmelt feed system

and furnace, install a rotary holding furnace, implement a slow cooling system and upgrade the slag mill to improve copper recovery,” said Garises.

“The plant is designed to capture of-gases that are rich in sulphur dioxide from copper smelt-ing and to convert them into sulphuric acid. The plant is an efort to eliminate sulphur dioxide emissions that have plagued Tsumeb residents since the smelter opened in 1963,” she explained.

Dundee Precious has previously stated that it has spent upwards of N$5 billion on the smelter in an efort to make it environmentally friendly as pos-sible and the planned expansion will no doubt add to that igure.

Possible smelter changes at Dundee

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 19www.namibianminingnews.com

GENERAL NEWS

Power trading agreements between coun-tries that possess excess power gener-ating capacity and those battling supply shortages will be a dominant theme in

the electricity markets of south-central African nations in the next three to ive years, says Stan-dard Bank.

Mozambique, which currently has the potential to produce more electricity than its economy requires at present, is likely to dominate the supply-side of this trading market with Namib-ia, Zambia and Botswana expected be the main purchasers in the region, after South Africa.

The biggest challenge to these arrangements will be reliable and stable transmission networks to facilitate the seamless transfer of electricity be-tween sellers and purchasers. These networks require signiicant co-operation between neigh-bouring countries, so the role of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) in ensuring cross-bor-der planning, investment and trading between member states remains critical.

“Power will increasingly become one of the most tradable commodities across the region in the coming years given the electricity shortage we

are seeing across Southern Africa,” said Cody Aduloju, Executive in Standard Bank’s Power and Infrastructure division.

“Almost every aspect of a modern economy relies on electricity to function so the countries that emerge as the ones with excess supply will have signiicant negotiating power, so to speak,” he added.

Namibia represents a huge opportunity for countries with potential oversupply in the region as it currently imports about 61% of its electricity needs. Given Namibia’s total power demand of 534MW, that would leave an estimated 320MW in possible supply deals up for grabs based on current peak usage of 508MW.

Namibia however, has several plans under way to boost its power generating capacity. These in -clude 800MW from the Kudu combined gas and steam plant; 44MW in onshore wind potential and 120MW in solar PV potential.

“The lack of its own sizeable power generating capacity means that it is absolutely imperative for Namibia to start entering into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with other partners in the

region, which is currently happening,” said Mr Aduloju.

“From a inancial perspective, NamPower is probably one of the strongest utilities on the continent so it has a lot in its favour in terms of entering into these PPAs,” he added.

Current agreements are being negotiated and inalized with South Africa and Mozambique.

Botswana is another country in the region that is likely to remain reliant on its neighbours for the foreseeable future given that the country already imports 68% of its power needs.

The SAPP members include utilities and private power producers from Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Swaziland and Malawi.

Plans are also afoot to determine the viability of building a multi-billion project to build a power transmission network linking the power grids of South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, the DRC and Angola.

Power to become one of the most tradable commodities

Namibia however, has several plans under way to boost its power generating capacity. These include 800MW from the Kudu combined gas and steam plant; 44MW in onshore wind potential and 120MW in solar PV potential.

20 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Following a long history of successful collab -oration and joint ventures between Belmet and 3C Metal, the French-based head of-ice of 3C Metal has o�cially taken the de-

cision to invest in a shareholding percentage of Belmet Namibia and Belmet South Africa.

The shareholding agreement is efective as of January 2016 and will formalise the current work-ing relationship shared by the two companies. “We have been talking for many years about initiating a more formal structure to our collabo-ration,” says Pieter Kroon, Managing Director of Belmet, who adds that the investment will help drive their commitment to future and long-term expansion plans in South Africa and Namibia. Philippe Boy, Managing Director of 3C Metal adds: “We have the same type of clients, but ser-vice them diferently around the world. Together we can cater for a wider range of services and not be limited to one company’s expertise and service oferings.”

The shareholding agreement is likely to create opportunities for employees too as the prospect of movement and training within the wider con-text of the two entities can be realised. “Clients will beneit from cost savings through the mobil-isation of shared resources and personnel,” says Kroon who explains how the ability to deploy local employees from Belmet Namibia to a rig in Walvis Bay recently saved the rig owner the cost of bringing in personnel from overseas.

“We will cater for a wider range of services, more collaboration between the two companies and a clearer marketing strategy,” says Boy adding that there is scope to develop and expand the cur-rent footprint. The two companies currently op-erate facilities in France, Dubai, Malaysia, Cape Town, Namibia and Ghana. “Together we have a very good footprint to service clients,” says Kro-on adding the full range of services can now be marketed within these regions.

Describing the strategic nature of the agreement between 3C Metal and Belmet, Boy says: “I don’t think there is any other company in Africa that can actually ofer the full scope of what we can do at the moment: site surveys with 3D laser scanning; engineering (calculation notes, design including 2D and 3D modeling); sourcing and procurement; prefabrication from six strategic locations; inspection services, installation on site (ofshore and remote onshore locations). In addi-tion, as privately owned companies, we can react quickly to market forces to develop the skills and services that are required.”

“Both entities believe in long term commitment and reinvesting into the facilities, employees and equipment. We want to ofer a better solution to the client,” says Kroon.

Reinvesting for expansion in Namibian facili -ty Investing in tooling for Cape Town

The installation and commissioning of a new

generation MPC CNC pipe cutting machine from HGG is underway at the Belmet Cape Town facilities in Bellville. The new machine is set to replace an older generation system that was purchased in 2005 speciically for the Subsea 7 manifold contract, but which cannot handle rect-angular or square tubing. Pieter Kroon explains that the added lexibility provided by the new machine will meet the needs of the company’s fabrication projects. The MPC allows for several possible conigurations making it a versatile and multi-purpose machine that is capable of cutting pipes, box sections as well as lat bars.

In preparation for the arrival of the new sys-tem, Belmet fabricated a base for the 15 x 20 x 6 m machine and will undertake commissioning, testing and training before dismantling the old-er machine, which will eventually be shipped to their facilities in Namibia.

“We have had a need for this machine for quite some time,” says Kroon explaining that rectan-gular tubing was being cut by hand. “This ma-chine will really help us with e�ciency, accuracy and save on labour costs,” he adds. The MPC is equipped with a laser measuring system to com -pensate for distortions across a variety of materi -als. With a strategy of reinvesting proits into the company, Belmet Namibia is currently inalising plans for the expansion of their facilities to ca-pacitate growth in both the marine and industrial sectors. The company will consolidate the pur-chase of an additional three properties into their

Belmet and 3C Metal Formalise A shareholding Relationship

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 21www.namibianminingnews.com

NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS

existing facilities to accommodate a new factory that will provide between 1,600 to 1,700 m2 of under-roof fabrication area.

According to Pieter Kroon, the new factory will include 15m under cranage with two 30-ton overhead cranes as well as a 5-ton auxiliary hoist unit. In addition, the existing factory will be in-creased by a further 900 m2 and two 5-ton over-head cranes installed. “We have already started with the irst phase of the extension, which in-cludes additional o�ce space as well as new cloakroom facilities for the staf. This will prepare us for the second phase, which will include the actual factory extension,” he says. Investment in Namibia extends to the employment of addition -al personnel. “We want to supplement the cur-rent staf and increase capacity,” adds Kroon who conirms that preference will be given to Namib-ians where possible when hiring. The company is investing in skills training to ensure that this objective can be met.

The Namibian entity is also undertaking DNV ISO 9001 and 18000 accreditation with the sec-ond stage of the process scheduled for August this year.

Rig work still viable“We hope that, with this investment in capacity, should there be a turnaround of the oil and gas industry as well as the mining sectors, we will be very well-equipped to cater for these markets,” says Kroon. “We are committed to Namibia with these long term expansion and investment plans that tie into the Namibian port plan of the future. In addition, we are in close proximity to West Af-rican oil and gas markets,” he adds. Having un-dertaken a number of rig jobs over the course of this year, Belmet Namibia is still pursuing the rig repair and fabrication market.

“Walvis Bay is a full ive days closer to the oil ields in West Africa (than Cape Town). This is a deinite advantage for us in Namibia and I am sure that the current expansion projects will help us attract this sector,” says Kroon, adding that port expan-sion by the Namibian government is also making Walvis Bay a more viable stop. Recent rig visits from Sea Drill (West Eclipse) saw the company undertaking some prefabricated steel work at the Namibian facilities as well as additional work on the quayside.

Industrial mining sectorThe industrial mining sector also represents an opportunity for Belmet Namibia’s range of ex-pertise and Kroon conirms that more efort is being placed on marketing their services to this sector with some good initial results.

“We have managed to secure our irst contracts with Dundee Precious Metal,” says Kroon who believes that by visiting the mines on a more reg -ular basis they have been able to secure more fabrication work from the sector in general.

“We are committed to Namibia with these long term expansion and investment plans that tie into the Namibian port plan of the future. We are in close proximity to West African oil and gas markets.”

Gantry system and sampling tool for De Beers MarineHaving successfully undertaken a variety of work for De Beers Marine in the past, Belmet’s Cape Town facility was pleased to secure the complete launch and recovery gantry system as well as sampling tool for the diamond mining compa-ny’s new vessel which is due in the port in July.

The gantry structure consists of two main legs of 22-tons each and a 86-ton top structure plus auxiliary items including the cursor frame, the gravity compensation system as well as the maintenance access platforms. The sampling tool and main frame have already been deliv-ered to De Beers Marine’s Paarden Eiland work-shop where inal assembly and testing is being undertaken by De Beers Marine prior to ship-ping to the vessel for load out. The sheer size of the separate pieces of equipment has provided some transport challenges for the team. Working with DFM and Apec Civil Engineering, complex design and calculations were undertaken to take into consideration the heavy weight, wind forces, terrain and soil compaction as well as bearing capacity for the concrete bases in order to do inal site assembly, which forms part of Belmet’s scope.

Describing the process of transporting the ab-normal load, Pieter Kroon highlights how the structures had to be o�oaded from the trucks onto the road 20 metres before encountering any transmission lines to be skidded on 70 mm Telon on the tar before being reloaded onto the truck on the other side. “This was actually a fairly quick process, but we had to undertake it be-tween 2 am and 4 am in the morning; and need -ed a crane to lift the structures onto and of the trailer,” explains Kroon. Once the top structure is delivered to the harbour, the team will assemble the gantry structure on K and L berth and under-take testing prior to the inal lift onto the vessel. A 750-ton crane is being commissioned by De Beers Marine to undertake the substantial lift.

www.belmet.co.zaWelding training undertaken in Ghana for new projects

Signiicant training has been undertaken in Gha-na where Belmet 7 secured additional contracts that represent an extension of the existing TEN project as well as a new contract for the yard. After an assessment of the skills of the current welders, a supervisor from South Africa selected the best candidates to undergo a three-month training programme that resulted in six welders being qualiied for working with super duplex steel. “The regulations for welding super duplex are far more stringent and welders need to con-trol exact parameters such as pressure and heat – so it is a lot more complex than your usual car-bon steel welding,” says Pieter Kroon.

The extension of the TEN project included a Gas Export Manifold (GEM) and associated pile. The GEM mainframe was fabricated using carbon steel tubing and beams, whereas the piping in-sider the GEM structure was fabricated from X65 high pressure carbon steel and super duplex stainless steel piping. The irst material was cut in October 2015 and the project is due for delivery to Subsea 7 in July. A total of over 220 tons of steel completed the scope of the project which included structural fabrication, CS piping, SSDX piping, control tubing, painting and FAT.

The second contract for Yinson included the de-livery of six suction piles with a completed ton-nage of almost 800 tons.

Kroon conirms that the yard is conident of their ability to attract additional business and is cur-rently tendering on projects for various clients in the ofshore industry. Belmet is a diversiied steel fabricator operating in the oil and gas, diamond mining, mineral processing and marine indus-tries, in both local and international markets. Our ability to meet all delivery deadlines; to manu-facture to stringent international speciications; and the business philosophy of honesty, integrity and transparency sets Belmet apart from other companies.

22 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

Let’s for a second imagine a world without nuclear energy. That’s a tough one but let’s try. No nuclear bombs, of course, no Cher-nobyl and Fukushima, no worries about

Iran and North Korea. A wonderful world, may-be?

Nuclear energy and uranium, which feeds it, are controversial enough even without any actual accident happening. Radioactivity is dangerous.

What many opponents of uranium forget to mention, however, are the beneits of nuclear en-ergy and the fact that the statistical probability of serious accidents is pretty low. They focus on the “What if?” and neglect the other side of the coin. But let’s try to see both sides of the issue.

The positive side of nuclear energy deinitely de-serves more attention than it’s currently getting. Uranium-fueled power is obscenely greener than

fossil fuels. It’s also cheaper and, perhaps surpris-ingly for many, it is actually lower in carbon emis -sions than solar and biomass.

This means that the construction of a nuclear plant, including materials used and the work it-self plus the operation of the plant over its lifecy -cle, produces fewer greenhouse gases than the construction and operation of a solar farm.

What’s perhaps more important is that nuclear energy is much more easily scalable than oth-er low or zero-carbon energy sources. And that isn’t just some claim from the nuclear industry – that’s something climate scientists and environ -mentalists are saying.

Here’s a public appeal by several such scientists, urging greater support for nuclear energy, not-ing that “While it may be theoretically possible to stabilize the climate without nuclear power, in

the real world there is no credible path to climate stabilization that does not include a substantial role for nuclear power.”

The uranium mining industry is certainly aware of these attitudes and it is also aware of a global trend: countries are building new nuclear plants and upgrading existing ones.

Forget about Germany and its plans to go nu-clear-free – plans that will cost it tens of billions, by the way. None other than Sweden–the post-er child of renewable energy, the country that vowed to become the irst fossil-free state in the world–is not only choosing to maintain its nu-clear leet; it is updating them. China is building 20 new reactors, South Korea is working on four; and even Japan is restarting some of the capac-ity shut down after the Fukushima disaster and building new reactors.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Investors back a nuclear renaissance

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 23www.namibianminingnews.com

NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES

Aury Africa MD Mark Houchin reveals that the company has just commis-sioned a hand-cast gravity-pour PU fa-cility. It previously imported all of its PU

panels from its sister company in Tianjin, China.

“Aury China has supplied us with manufacturing equipment so that we can commence with local manufacture. This represents a major cost-sav-ing, which will make our local products even more cost-competitive for our mining custom-ers, and establish us as the leading local supplier,” Houchin comments.

Aury Africa will use Electra Mining Africa 2016 as a platform to showcase both its existing product range and its manufacturing and service support capabilities. The company produces a complete range of high-quality vibrating screens for the coal and minerals-processing industries.

Banana vibrating screens are available in single- and double-deck coniguration, from 1.8 m x 4.8 m up to 4.8 m wide and 8.5 m long. Horizon-tal vibrating screens are available in single- and double-deck coniguration, from 1.2 m x 2.4 m up to 4.3 m wide and 8.5 m long. High-frequen-cy vibrating screens are available from 0.9 m x 1.8

m up to 2.4 m x 3.7 m.

Circular motion vibrating screens are available in single- and double-deck coniguration, from 1.8 m x 3 m up to 3 m x 6.1 m. Flip lop vibrating screens are available in single-, double- or tri-ple-deck coniguration, from 1.5 m wide up to 12 m long.

Aury Africa is also able to supply a range of ex-

citers to it most OEM screen types. Consumable products available include intertank/interstage cylinder screens for classiication, sieve bends and static panels for separation, and centrifuge baskets.

“Our engineering group has proven research and design capability, backed up by technical expertise from our Australian team, which has extensive experience in this ield, gained through working with vibrating equipment in the mining industry for many years,” Houchin highlights.

Aury Africa has just established a branch in Mozambique, in line with its general expansion strategy on the continent. “There is a lot of good business to be found elsewhere in Africa. It is of-ten easier to conduct business in some African countries due to there being less red tape, but at the same time it can be more di�cult if the necessary infrastructure is not in place.”

Houchin elaborates that Aury Africa’s move to local manufacture has been welcomed by the mining industry, which is continually on the look-out to cut costs due to the ongoing global slump in commodity prices.

“Times are very tough at present. We have found that all of our existing customers have tightened their belts. On the other hand, we are also see-ing a lot of new customers due to our attractive pricing,” Houchin points out.

Visit Aury Africa in Hall 5 Stand E24 at Electra Mining Africa 2016 from 12 to 16 September 2016 at Expo Centre Nasrec in Johannesburg. More information can be found at www.electramining.co.za.

Good vibrations for Aury Africa at Electra Mining Africa 2016

Aury-Africa-MD-Mark-Houchin

Current-PU-Stockholding

24 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES

I-CAT technical manager Morne van Wyk explains

that the R-SDR system creates a virtual curtain

around material low for outstanding particle con-

tainment. “Engineered to industrial strength and lon -

gevity, the R-SDR system surrounds the discharge low

on all sides, providing simple, focused dust manage-

ment that is well suited to continuous duty applications,

such as radial stackers.”

The R-SDR system boasts a stainless steel misting ring

designed for mounting at the end of conveyor belts to

aid in dust suppression at the discharge point. What’s

more, a variable coniguration allows nozzles to be

added, removed or replaced with diferent types and

sizes to suit speciic applications.

Van Wyk continues: “Thanks to variable particle sizing

(VPS) technology, it also features a number of cus-

tomisable options. It is an intrinsically safe, mounted

option, with a fully retractable and serviceable conigu-

ration for ease of access, installation and nozzle main-

tenance.”

The PLC-controlled system also consumes low amounts

of water, and a booster pump can be added to increase

water low and pressure. Van Wyk says a hose can be

supplied with the unit, which also comes with the op-

tion of being equipped with a two-way valve for man-

ual control of water low.

“The water hose connects directly to male pipe threads

on the ring. Water low can be controlled between 12.3

to 200.44 ℓ/pm at 6.89 bar of input. A water ilter can

be added for use with non-potable water, for droplet

sizes ranging between 50 and 200 microns,” he con-

cludes.

I-CAT launches new stockpile dust suppression solution

KSB Pumps and Valves has released its highly e�cient range of Amarex KRT submersible motor pumps for han-dling municipal and industrial waste

water in an efective and cost efective man-ner.

Taking their cue from previous models, KSB engineers have further improved the oper-ating reliability and hydraulic e�ciency to squeeze more out of the pump. By focus-ing on the typical operating ranges of waste water pumping stations the developers have adjusted the impellers’ free passages to not only comply with the applicable standard, but also to allow the pumps to ofer as broad a range of applications as possible.

Available with four diferent improved impel-ler types, the submersible motor pumps can achieve a maximum low rate of 10,080 m³ per hour and a head of 120 m. With 850 kW of power on tap, it ofers the highest stan-dard motor power available on the market today.

Despite this, KSB electric drives for these modern submersible motor pumps are ul-tra-e�cient. Depending on a system’s load proile, users can choose a highly e�cient motor variant which corresponds to the IE3 e�ciency level for standardised motors in accordance with the IEC-60034-30 standard. Such motors are particularly interesting for powerful pumps with a high start-up fre-quency. Two bi-directional mechanical seals reliably protect the motor space against in-gress of water.

A chamber illed with environmentally friend-ly oil ensures cooling and lubrication of the mechanical seals even when gas-laden lu-ids have to be pumped. Generously dimen-sioned ball bearings sealed for life support the stainless steel shaft with a special focus also being placed on the design of the cable gland. Individual conductors stripped, tinned and sealed in resin ensure that the cable gland is absolutely watertight even in the event of damage to the cable sheath or the insulation. This also efectively protects the pump from short circuits.

To ensure that the pumps can be easily dis-mantled even after years of operation un-der tough conditions, all wetted screwed connections are made of stainless steel. For transporting acid waste water, too, KSB also supplies pumps made from high-grade stainless and acid-resistant duplex steel.

KSB Pumps and Valves, Annett Kriel, Tel: (011) 876 5600, Fax: (011) 822 1746, Email: [email protected], Web: www.ksb-pumps.co.za

Economical submersible waste water

pump

Amarex KRT submersible motor pump

26 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

MSA Africa’s potential for growth in local market share in 2016 is consid-erable, following the late-2015 acqui-sition of UK-based Latchways by the

MSA Group. Latchways is a specialist in the de-sign and manufacture of horizontal lifelines and vertical fall arrest systems that are used in the utilities, telecoms, construction and aircraft mar-ket segments.

Latchways employs around 250 people glob-ally and had 2015 revenues of approximate-ly US$50-million. The transaction is valued at around US$190-million, and signiicantly broad-ens the global MSA Group’s existing line of fall protection products, while strengthening the company’s position in the global fall protection market, which is estimated to be up to US$2-bil-lion globally.

MSA Africa director Colin Oliver indicates that the Latchways range is entirely diferent, yet per-fectly complementary to the MSA range of fall

protection solutions. He believes that the prod-uct range now has a better reach into Africa, thanks to a larger network of existing resellers and distributors that have direct support from the OEM.

“This synergistic partnership ofers a high-quali-ty turnkey solution to the market that is backed up with unrivalled after-sales service. Adding the Latchways range to our existing solutions is ben-eicial to our customers, as we now provide the end-user with a comprehensive portfolio of fall arrest solutions that can be used individually, or in conjunction with one another,” he states.

Oliver anticipates that MSA Africa has the po-tential to grow its fall arrest business signiicant-ly during the course of 2016. “This acquisition holds enormous potential for us to dramatically expand our specialised fall protection portfolio to potentially become the largest across existing Sub-Saharan African markets, while penetrating new sectors, such as aviation,” he concludes.

NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES

MSA Africa fall arrest business set to soar following global acquisition

MSA Africa Director Colin Oliver

The Latchways range

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 27www.namibianminingnews.com

Container based space solutions for every applicationContainer based space solutions for every application

ContainerWorld MultiHouseContainerWorld MultiHouse

Completely modular,

Multihouse allows for a

combination of individual

containers to be joined

together in longitudinal and

transverse directions without

limits. This makes Multihouse

adaptable for any environment,

with air conditioning, electricity

and lighting as standard, and

the option of adding plumbing

suited to your requirements. In

addition, Multihouse can be

constructed up to three floors

in height for accommodation,

office and storage space.

Cut 75%Cut 75%

transport costs transport costs

Packs are transported in

bundles of four “flat-pack”

units which can reduce

transport costs by up to 75%,

and are CSC certified. Making

them ideal for ocean freight,

and hassle-free delivery to any

location, no matter how

remote.

Container ConversionsContainer Conversions

In addition to our most popular

converted container products,

ContainerWorld has the

capability to convert containers

into just about any type of

converted unit you may require.

Container World has been

providing specialized container

conversions into the sub-

Saharan market since 1983.

Complete camp solutionsComplete camp solutions

Container World has gained a

reputation on the African

continent for being able to supply

full turn-key solutions for remote

areas, even with extremely tight

deadlines and complicated

requirements. These have ranged

in size from camps for 20 – 3000

men, and have included the

provision of:● Accommodation units● Canteen / kitchen units● Secure storage facilities● Ablution facilities● And many other applications

ContainerWorld NamibiaContainerWorld Namibia

5. von Braun Street

Southern Industrial Area

Windhoek

Tel: 061 371 100

Fax: 061 371 102E-mail: [email protected]

Storage / Reefer containersStorage / Reefer containers

Container World offers a range of

Refrigeration containers, for use

either as static storage of

chilled/frozen products, and units

that are capable of freezing goods

and manufacturing ice in large

volumes. In addition to reefer

containers, it speaks for itself that

ContainerWorld can assist in the

purchase or rent of shipping

containers.

28 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

Renttech South Africa’s pan-African expan-sion strategy is well on track with the com-pany’s new branch in Namibia.

Featuring a broad range of well-known names in welding machinery and consumables, lifting and rigging equipment, as well as diesel generators and compressors, Renttech - situated in Walvis Bay, Namibia and trading as SA Welding locally - is focused on the country’s mining industry.

However, the company is also well positioned to service the maritime, engineering and civil indus-tries along the West coast and further aield.

Operating in Walvis Bay since mid-2014, Rent-tech’s Namibian branch SA Welding combines the beneits of local support and product knowledge with global technology solutions. These are evi-dent in their portfolio of brands such as Lincoln, Harris and Gentec; as well as Renttech’s own well-known UniArc and UniLift ranges.

For the past two years Renttech in Namibia has been meeting a growing demand for its rental equipment in the country’s mining industry, par-ticularly its range of diesel generators and top-brand welding equipment.

The company is also supplying a major ‘green-ields’ project at one of Namibia’s major uranium mines, providing the necessary equipment and consumables for the construction of a process plant; as well as on-site technical support for the duration of the project, an estimated two and a half years.

“Being able to ofer on-site technical and project support for as long as required is an important part of Renttech’s customer service ofering. To date, we have ensured an on-site presence on the mine since the beginning of the contract, ensur-ing all equipment and consumable requirements are being met on a daily basis and that there is

therefore minimal down time. This is part of our ‘total package’ solution,” says Gerrit van Zyl, Man-aging Director of Renttech South Africa.

Welding equipment supplied by Renttech for the uranium mining project includes the company’s engine-driven, multi-process welding machines; inverter welding packages; the Harris and Gen-tec ranges of gas welding and cutting equipment; and various welding consumables such as torches, stainless lux-cored wires as well as various SMAW and GTAW consumables. Also in demand are Renttech’s diesel generators and diesel compres-sors, gouging machines and personal protection equipment (PPE). In addition, the company has supplied various abrasives, power and hydraulic tools to the mine’s on-site operations.

Renttech’s own Unilift range of lifting and rigging equipment is also being used extensively on site. Produced at its manufacturing facility, Kelmeg Lifting Services, lifting accessories such as polyes-ter slings, web slings and endless round slings can be customised to speciic on-site requirements. Renttech also supplies a host of other lifting/rig-ging equipment, such as chain blocks, wire ropes, beam clamps, lever hoists and shackles.

With versatility, cost-savings and energy e�c-iency always in mind, Renttech has ensured that its product range is able to withstand harsh, outdoor environments, with special applicability to pan-Af-rican mining operations.

A case in point is the company’s own highly ver-satile MultiArc 350 amp inverter which is a robust yet lightweight unit, ofering the user an easy transition between multiple welding processes.

“The MultiArc 350 is ideally suited to various min-ing operations: it is robust, compact and gen-erator-compatible while having a built-in arc-safe function to meet the relevant mining safety speci-ications addressing acceptable OCV (open circuit

voltage) limits for welding machines,” notes Johan van Breda, Business Development Manager at Renttech in Namibia.

“Also the dual voltage of 380V and 525V enables lexibility on a mining operation, be it workshop, boilershop or plant, without risk of damage to PC boards,” van Breda explains.

Renttech also supplies a full range welding ma-chines and welding generators under their Uniarc brand, which are suitable for various types of welding, including gasless lux-core welding which is ideal for external use, typically encountered in opencast mining operations where shielding gas-es are exposed to the risk of being blown away in windy conditions.

Furthermore, Renttech took versatility to a new level recently, when it introduced a new dual pur-pose welder-generator unit to the market, which is able to meet both on-site power generation and welding needs in environments with unreli-able power sources.

A ‘brainchild’ of Renttech, the units are also ideal for a typical ‘greenields’ project, where they can function as an initial power-generation source and later be converted into a welding unit.

“At Renttech it is not just about selling or rent-ing equipment. Rather, it is about providing full on-site support and service – that is, ensuring the best overall solution for the customer that will be optimally e�cient and productive - thereby pr-oviding great return-on-investment.

We are working hard to make our presence felt in the busy industrial hub of Walvis Bay, strategically so well-located to service the entire West Coast, and are always on hand to bring the ‘Renttech service ethos’ to Namibia’s mining and other in-dustries,” van Breda concludes.

Industrial Equipment range brings cost and energy-sav-ing beneits to the Namibian mining sector through

Renttech SA’s branch SA Welding in Walvis Bay

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 29www.namibianminingnews.comwww.renttechsa.co.za

PROUDLY IN NAMIBIA - WALVIS BAY +264 64 221 320

& SALESRENTALS

22 BRANCHES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

UNIliftTM

HEAVY�DUTY

TBi Industries®

WELDING MACHINES • GAS CUTTING EQUIPMENT • WELDING CONSUMABLES • HAND TOOLS • PPE • LIFTING & RIGGING • GENERATORS • PLASMA CUTTERS

NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES

he design and installation of a vehicle ire pro-

Ttection system requires that mining vehicles go through a ire risk evaluation, which includes the Hazard Identiication and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

of potential ires. Each vehicle needs to be carefully as-sessed within its operating environment to understand what hazards and ire risks that vehicle is exposed to.

“During the assessment, the inherent ire risks in the vehicle are identiied, such as the turbo chargers and the brake system, which could overheat, as well as high-pressure hydraulic systems and electrical equip-ment that may cause an ignition of a combustible or lammable component of the vehicle. This is done for small vehicles such as an excavator, through to massive mining vehicles such as haul trucks and drag lines,” says ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk.

ASP Fire designs a system to suit each vehicle and its re-quirements. They look at the conditions not only inside the vehicle, but also within the surrounding environ-ment. “For instance, a bush ire may encroach a vehicle operating in a timber forest, or hot slag from a foundry can cause a vehicle's tyres to catch ire within seconds,” adds van Niekerk.

Although DCP extinguishers are highly-efective in ex-tinguishing lames, they ofer minimal cooling proper-ties. This results in re-ignition of lames, particularly in liquid fuel and rubber ires, thereby increasing the risk of property damage and loss of life.

The powder inside DCP extinguishers can also compact as a result of vibration when placed on a moving vehi-cle. This compacted powder increases the risk of mal-function when activated. As a result, DCP extinguishers placed on mobile equipment need to be serviced more frequently, which results in higher costs for mining op-erations.

DCP extinguishers also pose serious operator and envi-

ronmental hazards too. When used in conined spaces, they can afect the ire respondents visibility and their ability to efectively suppress the ire or safely evacuate an area should the ire grow out of control.

A more efective and environmentally-friendly solution is the I-CAT range of Water Mist special risk and handheld ire extinguishers, available through ASP Fire. Utilising water as the main agent and nitrogen as a propellant, this handheld range is capable of extinguishing most types of ire, including; rubber and plastic ires; kitchen cooking oil ires; diesel and petrol ires; and electrical ires rated up to 350 kV.

The atomised mist generated by the extinguisher irstly increases the surface area of water by more than a hun -dredfold. These micro droplets then turn rapidly into steam when they come into contact with burning or very hot materials. The endothermic reaction of water converting to steam rapidly and efectively cools down any hot surfaces in the immediate environment, extin-guishing the ire and cooling down hot spots without causing thermal shock. It also creates a thermal heat radiation barrier between the operator and the ire, al-lowing the operator to get close to the ire without the risk of being burned when operating the extinguisher.

The Water Mist range is environmentally-friendly and ensures greater operator safety. Each litre of water is converted to 1,700 liters of cold steam, making it ex-tremely safe and e�cient in knocking down and thereaf-ter extinguishing a ire. What’s more, the small quantity of water used also results in little or no consequential damage.

Van Niekerk indicates that the ixed, special risk I-CAT Water Mist system includes a protection mechanism that eliminates false alarms. “It boasts a heat sensitive pressurised activation tube, which requires heat to rup-ture and open a diferential valve on the main cylinder to activate the system.

“There are no false alarms, eliminating expensive and unnecessary down time caused by typical dry chemical systems. It also has an operational lifespan four to ive times longer than standard Dry chemical systems, to ensure greater cost-savings too.”

In addition to pure water based systems, ASP Fire also utilises an Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) solution, which provides superior ire extinguishing and vapour suppression for hydrocarbon fuel ires. The AFFF blanket blocks oxygen supply to the fuel and cools the hot lam-mable liquid by sealing the surface of the fuel.

Van Niekerk notes that it is essential to undertake pre-shift and weekly inspections on mining vehicles that op -erate in demanding environments to ensure that the ire system is in working order. “During the inspection, the technician needs to check that the nozzles are still cor-rectly attached covering the high-risk areas efectively, that the blow of caps are still on and there is pressure in the detection line and in the system.

The removable pressure gauges in both the primary cylinder and pressure tube can be safely removed and reinserted to verify correct operation of the gauge and to conirm that the systems are still pressurised. This option is currently not available in typical vehicle ire suppression systems, often resulting in systems that are depressurised due to a leak going unnoticed.

There should also be a minor inspection once a month, with a major service taking place at least annually where every component of the system is examined and veri-ied it for service. Depending on the type of vehicle, a monthly inspection can last from ive minutes to half an hour, while annual services are coordinated to coincide with a service on the vehicle, resulting in very little or no disruption to the serviceability of the vehicle.”

Protecting mining vehicles from ire“There are no false alarms, eliminating expensive and unnecessary down time caused by typical dry chemical systems. It also has an

operational lifespan four to ive times longer than standard Dry chemical systems, to ensure greater cost-savings too.”

30 Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 www.namibianminingnews.com

Namibian Mining Review | July - September 2016 31www.namibianminingnews.com

WindhoekTel: 061-307851, Fax: 061-307852,

Email: [email protected]

WEIG HBRIDGESWEIGHBRIDGES

© Arnold’s Designs, 2016 (Full page advert for Ultra Scales) +27 63 814 0870