Electricity + Control February 2017

39 / 44

LIGHT + CURRENT
Mobile power for Kamoa-Kakula Mine, DRC
The development of the world’s largest high-grade copper deposit – the Kamoa-Kakula Copper
Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – now is running on power from the DRC’s
national grid using a mobile substation recently commissioned by SouthAfrica’s Gauteng-based
Zest Energy.The 120/11 kV mobile substation will serve the construction of the planned initial
mine at Kamoa-Kakula, a project whose existing mineral resource has been independently veri-
fied as Africa’s largest copper find. Kamoa-Kakula’s principal owners are Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin
Mining and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Due to the high cost of running on diesel generators, themine developers decided to purchase
a mobile substation to interface with the network of the DRC power utility SNEL to provide power
during the construction phase of the project,” Alastair Gerrard, managing director at Zest Energy,
says. Zest Energy – part of the Zest WEG Group – undertook the design, manufacture, supply,
testing, delivery, installation and commissioning of the complete mobile substation, including
the trailer, transformer and related electrical equipment. It also provided a protection system,
earthing, site work (with full commissioning and testing) and site training.
Enquiries: Kirsten Larkan.Tel. :+27 (0) 11 723 6000 or email
SEW-EURODRIVE
GmbH President and
Managing Director,
Jürgen Blickle.
Increasing local
assembly capability
Paying a visit to the South African
head office in Johannesburg recently,
SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH President
and Managing Director, Jürgen
Blickle, commented that, while the
mining industry was still in a slump,
“We are still very strong in mining.”
Blickle revealed that the OEMplanned
to ramp up its local assembly op-
erations, with an expanded assembly
facility on the cards.
Another key focus for future growth
was boosting the aftermarket sector,
which has seen SEW-EURODRIVE
South Africa establish a new Field
Service Department and Repair Cen-
tre. “We want to increase the service
business, including servicing brands
other than our own.
This is an international trend,
whereby we find customers ap-
proaching us for this particular ser-
vice,” Blickle stressed.
However, Blickle added that the
main focus is still offering complete
replacement units wherever possible.
“As so many of our products are
largely identical and interchangeable,
we will simply offer a replacement
unit as opposed to repairing an old
one.” In South Africa, the Johannes-
burg assembly facility has invested
significantly in installing the latest As-
sembly Islands to streamline produc-
tion and reduce waste, an upgrade
that will be carried through to the
local branches in Nelspruit, Durban,
Port Elizabeth, and CapeTown.
Enquiries: Jana Klut.
Email
New safety midi torch
Wolf safety has introduced the ATEX led M-85 midi torch, a new zone 0 and 20 high power
primary cell led midi pocket torch for use in potentially explosive gas, vapour, mist and dust
atmospheres.The torch is available from DenverTechnical Products . ATEX and IECEx certified,
the high powered LED light source gives light output up to 189 lumens. The bespoke optics
deliver a high intensity narrow beam with a lower output wide angle fringe light, making the
new M-85 Midi Torch ideal for inspection and maintenance work in conditions of darkness or
reduced visibility. The new Midi torch is safe for use in Zones 0 (gas groups IIC/ T3/4) and 20
(dust group IIIB / T200°C), has a gas ambient temperature range from -40°C, to +40°C and is
approved for Group I M1 mining areas.This single-handed push button switch has a rubberised
switch cover and raised surface to allow easy operation even with gloved hands. The strong,
durable torch body enclosure has excellent chemical resistant properties and a proven impact
resistance, even at sub zero temperatures.The rubber armoured lens ring gives enhanced grip
and shock protection with a shatterproof polycarbonate lens providing excellent resistance to
impact damage.
Enquiries:Tel. +27 (0) 11 626 2023 or email
37 February ‘17 Electricity+Control