Editor’s take: Pace setter
Attending the 3rd premium customer summit SANY Africa BU 2025, held in China, Modern Mining viewed first hand some of these technological marvels at play in the manufacturing space. SANY’s manufacturing facilities are a sight to behold - dominated by automation and robotics, few labour in these high-tech environments. In fact, SANY Heavy Industry - the world's third largest construction equipment manufacturer, and the largest in China, plans on upskilling its existing workforce to become engineers, innovators and solutions providers. At its factories, mundane tasks like relocating manufactured items are undertaken by robotics with scores of robotic welding arms operating 24/7. These powerhouse facilities are churning out some of the most advanced products, including the latest EV trucks equipped with game-changing battery swapping technology.
On the cover
Brelko streamlined for success
The rise in cyberattacks and data breaches in recent years has impacted several businesses across various sectors. This is a clear reason for businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defences and guard against emerging threats, says Brelko MD, Kenny Padayachee, who recently appointed an IT and Projects Director. Former business analyst, Michelle Padayachee, has upped the ante for the Johannesburg-based business, upgrading the company’s software and security systems and driving the agenda to streamline Brelko’s manufacturing processes and equipping the workforce with relevant IT skills.
Botala Energy: a saviour in SA’s impending gas cliff?
ASX-listed Botala Energy recently inked a binding letter of intent (LOI) with SCAW South Africa for its Serowe coal bed methane project in Botswana. The LOI is significant as it offers SCAW South Africa the opportunity to secure gas and side-step South Africa's impending gas shortage, says CEO Kris Martinick. Established in 2018, Botala Energy is focused on developing its 100% owned Serowe Coal Bed Methane (CBM) project located in a high-grade CBM region of Botswana.
Firering: becoming a leading supplier of quicklime in Zambia
With first production of quicklime from its Limeco Project in Zambia under its belt, AIM-listed Firering Strategic Minerals is targeting production ramp-up to 80 t/d of quicklime and gradual start-up of all eight kilns, Independent Non-Executive Director, Vassilios Carellas, tells Modern Mining. "Reaching first quicklime production at Limeco marks a significant milestone in our journey. Our focus now is on steadily ramping up production to full capacity while ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality quicklime to meet the growing demands of the Central African Copperbelt and agricultural sectors,” says Carellas.
Giyani targets commercial production of battery-grade manganese
On the back of global demand for battery electric vehicles forecast to grow six-fold from 2021 to 2030, demand for raw materials used in batteries is predicted to outpace supply by 2030, reveals a study by McKinsey & Company, Toward security in sustainable battery raw material supply. This is good news for Canada-based mineral resource company, Giyani Metals, which is targeting commercial production of battery-grade manganese in the next two-to-three years from its K.Hill project in Botswana, CEO Charles FitzRoy, tells Modern Mining.
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