Page 51 - Energize October 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Mining companies demand alternative products to

keep machines on amid supply chain challenges

by Clive Maasch, Tank Industries

fter briefly returning to pre- What this means is that they
pandemic levels, South Africa’s are looking for effective repair and
Agross domestic product (GDP) maintenance solutions to ensure the
contracted by 0,7% in Q2, with eight longevity of mining infrastructure.
of the country’s ten manufacturing Electrical systems in particular require
divisions reporting negative growth constant maintenance to ensure their
rates, due to the worsening economic reliability and safety under harsh mining
environment that has been affected by conditions. With 26% of fatalities on
continued disruptions to global supply South African mines in the first half
chains. This includes mining, historically of this year reportedly being caused
the backbone of the economy, which by electrical accidents, maintenance
recorded a decrease in output by 8% becomes all the more crucial – as does
year-on-year. training on the proper use of alternative
As such, it is crucial to cement a electrical products.
solution to help the industry capitalise Ideally, training should comply
on favourable developments in global with standards such as SANS 10198
commodity markets such as stronger and NRS 053:2008 which deal with the
demand for and higher prices of coal in selection, handling and installation of
light of the energy crisis. electric power cables and accessories. Clive Maasch
Although the fallout from the To bridge the gap left by supply chain
Covid-19 crisis still remains a primary disruptions, Tank Industries has added
cause of supply chain challenges, this several cable and accessory product About Tank Industries
has been exacerbated by factors such as ranges to its portfolio that have Over the past 36 years, Tank Industries
the conflict in Ukraine, fresh lockdowns applications for newly built and existing has established itself as a leading
in China, and skyrocketing freight open pit and underground mines. These manufacturer and distributor of cable
costs, amongst others – all of which include electrical tapes and insulating and cable accessories, supplying the
are affecting the availability of crucial solutions from Plymouth Rubber; South African, African and international
components used in day-to-day mining specially formulated lubricants, sealants, markets with a wide range of quality
activities such as electrical power adhesives and cleaners from Polywater; power, telecoms and electronics
supplies. and jointing solutions from Raychem. solutions. Tank ensures reliable
This, in turn, impedes production. Training is also provided on their use connectivity by not only using products
Consequently, there has been a surge along with technical support. If the past that are tested by and comply with
in demand for alternative products and three years have shown us anything, it’s the South African Bureau of Standards
solutions from local suppliers. Not only that uncertainty is the only certainty. but by also using internationally and
does this avoid dependence on those But having an alternative supply chain nationally recognised experts in their
abroad, but also eliminates reliance on a solution in place can help to reduce that fields to educate customers on their
solitary supplier for certain products. It is uncertainty somewhat. proper use. Additionally, Tank provides
vital for the mining industry to ramp up This will go a long way towards comprehensive technical support and
production to recover from the effects of helping to build the mining industry back advice, based on decades of cable
the past three years. up into the powerhouse it once was and industry experience. The company is a
However, it is also struggling speed up South Africa’s economic growth subsidiary of JSE-listed industrial group
financially, with South Africa now rated in line with the global trend. Reunert and operates within the CBi
as one of the ten most unattractive Electric: African Cables division.
countries in the world for mining For more information, go to
investment. Companies are therefore https://www.tank.co.za Contact Tank Industries,
also pushing for alternative products that Phone 021 700-4380, info@tank.co.za,
help defer capital expenditure. References available on request https://www.tank.co.za

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