Tag Archives: Electra Mining

Imilingo after optimal XRT ore sorting process with iPlant package

Comminution of minerals, Gem stone mining, Industrial minerals, Metallurgy, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , , , ,

X-ray Transmission (XRT) ore sorting is being rolled out across the industry, with companies mining metals and minerals from various parts of the periodic table taking advantage of its sensing capabilities.

South Africa mineral processing company, Imilingo gave an exclusive world-first preview of its latest innovations in sensor-based sorting at the Electra Mining conference in Johannesburg last year. IM caught up with Managing Director, Jaco Prinsloo, to find out more about the company’s offering.

IM: How does Imilingo’s ore sorting offering differ from others on the market?

JP: Imilingo utilises mainly XRT sorting, which is at the forefront of sorting technology in diamond and tungsten applications. Imilingo’s iPlant packages the technology in a way that optimises the efficiency of the sorting machines and provides customers the advantage of dealing with a tried and tested system versus a system made up of a combination of components that are possibly less than ideal for their application. The mobility of the plants also plays a big part in providing the client with a workable solution in African countries and abroad.

IM: Do you use ore sorters from some of the major suppliers and then integrate them into your iPlant offering?

JP: Yes, we have built a strong working relationship with TOMRA Sorting as they are at the forefront of sorting and have a proven track record. The iPlant was specifically developed to prepare material for sorting and delivering the feed material in a clean and well classified state, which increases the efficiency of the sorting process.

IM: How does this customisation result in the optimal conditions for an effective sort?

JP: Efficient material classification and fines removal is key to the sorting process and that is what we focus on when developing a plant. Factors such as operator safety and equipment reliability come standard with our bespoke plants.

IM: Why have you chosen to specialise in diamonds, coal and heavy metals?

JP: Diamond recovery is a clean and relatively simple process, which lends itself to the development of standalone modular plants that can easily be expanded based on a client’s requirements. Tungsten has a much higher specific gravity than the host rock containing it, making it a very effective sort and resulting in a very efficient upgrade of run-of-mine ore. In terms of coal, Imilingo had a test plant running in Middelburg (South Africa) that was relatively successful but not commercially viable at the time due to market constraints.

IM: Have you carried out any commercial coal installations?

JP: No, we have only run our own test plant but believe the coal market is up for the taking in terms of coal sorting. Based on the running of our test plant, we believe that there remains a great opportunity within the coal market for utilising XRT sorting.

IM: Since showcasing your offering at Electra Mining in September, what interest have you had from the mining community in terms of using your solutions?

JP: We have had many enquiries regarding our sorting and dredging solutions. The nature of mining projects is that time is required for projects to mature and convert into actual sales. We believe the main effect of the Electra show was to establish our name in the marketplace and create awareness of our offering, which has been achieved.

The upcoming IM March issue will feature an article on ore sorting

Kal Tire’s Gravity Assist System lauded at Electra Mining

Base metals, Energy minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , ,

Kal Tire’s Gravity Assist System (GAS) has won more plaudits, this time receiving top honours among a host of products in the International Mechanical and Technology Innovation category at the Electra Mining Africa conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.

GAS was one of more than 60 products reviewed across three categories on day two of the show, with the technology’s simplicity and effectiveness marking it out as a winner.

This is the first year Electra Mining Africa has launched these awards to recognise new technology and innovations coming from both within South Africa and internationally.

As Kal Tire says, the average mining tyre has a lot of lug nuts and, until now, support for the hefty 36 kg torque gun has come through the sheer brawn of tyre technicians.

“Today, the GAS essentially renders the activity and the torque gun ‘weightless’, making the process much more safer, efficient and precise. The system reduces common risks associated with torque gun tasks, including pinched fingers, muscle strain and fatigue,” the company says.

Eric Bruggeman, CEO SA Capital Equipment Export Council and judge of all the products at Electra Mining, said: “When I reviewed the GAS, I was taken aback at not only the simplicity of the machine, but how robust and effective it will be for tyre technicians on mine sites.

“For decades, these technicians have been suffering injuries and strains related to managing very heavy tools, the GAS is one of those things that makes you say, ‘Why hasn’t this been invented before?’”

Dan Allan, Senior Vice President of Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group, said: “Investing in innovation at Kal Tire means we are developing practical solutions that not only improve the safety of how our teams work but also provide opportunities for vehicles to spend less time in tyre bays.

“Our intent is to continually invest in innovation that brings new products and solutions to our customers that help to increase efficiency, productivity and safety.”

Kal Tire’s Innovation Centre in Canada has created several exclusive and patented products that have been launched and field-tested in Canada, South America, Australia and Africa.

Grundfos to premiere new CR inline multistage pumps at Electra Mining

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , , ,

Grundfos South Africa will have something new to show attendees at the upcoming Electra Mining exhibition in Johannesburg next month, with the launch of a new generation of its CR inline multistage pumps.

The Grundfos CR pumps will increase efficiency and maximum working pressure while almost doubling maximum flow to 320 m³/h, the company said.

Grundfos will also introduce three extra-large flow sizes based on extensive research, development and testing of new hydraulic designs. These have been engineered using state-of-the-art production methods, including a fully automated and flexible production line, it said.

Niren Rohanlal, Lead Business Development Manager at Grundfos, Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “The new CR will significantly move the limits for energy efficiency, which is extra-important when
you are working with large pumps. The increases to maximum working pressure and flow will also mean that the new generation can be used even more widely.”

The new 40 bar standard working pressure is suited to applications like filtration, reverse osmosis and boiler feed, Grundfos said. “And, with its increased 320 m³/h flow capacity, the CR will even be able to take on high-flow applications – such as large waterworks – which have until now been served by other pump designs,” the company added.

Grundfos will be unveiling the new generation of pumps at its stand, H31, in hall six of the Expo Centre Nasrec on September 11 at 11am.