Mining Industry : Zambia overview

Zambia is a landlocked country in Africa, and the 39^th largest country in the world after Chile.  The capital of Zambia is Lusaka.  Population is mainly around Lusaka, and also the Copperbelt province.  On 24 October 1964, Zambia declared independence from British colonial rule.  Zambia was also named the world’s fastest economically reformed country in 2010.  Interestingly the  Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is headquartered in the capital Lusaka.  It is no secret that the mining industry is the economic backbone of Zambia.  Although Zambia is such a large producer of copper and cobalt 68% of the population live below the recognized poverty line.

Courtesy of www.geology.com

When it comes to the production of copper and cobalt in the world, Zambia is one of the major producers.  In regards to copper it is the seventh largest producer generating about 3.3% of the world’s production of copper.  When it comes to cobalt Zambia is the second largest producer coming in at 19.7% of total cobalt mined in the world.  Not only does it have large quantities of CI-CO (Copper) deposits but also a wide variety of other metalliferous and non-metallifierous resources.  Exploration of copper started as early as the 1930’s, but since then other commodities have been explored and mined.  As a by product of the mining, and production of copper significant quantities of selenium, silver, gold and platinum are produced.  Lead, and Zinc was found in the carbonate-hosted deposits in Kabwe, it ranks as one of the highest zink, and lead deposits in the world.

Mining in Africa in regards to jobs in the mining sector and what to expect should you move.
There are over 60 mineral and metal products produced in Africa. Mines in Africa are also the major producer of the world’s most important metals and minerals, this includes: Gold, Diamonds, Uranium, Manganese, Chromium, Nickel, Bauxite and Cobalt. What is interesting that although Africa has so much to contribute its contribution in regards to major metals (Lead, Zinc and Copper) is less than 7%. It is estimated that Africa hosts about 30% of the planets mineral reserves, of which 40% of Gold, 60% of Cobalt and 90% of Platinum. This makes Africa a very strategic producer of these precious metals. Because of the amount of mines in Africa there is a huge demand for specialised labour, there are various job opportunities in various countries, I’ve listed a few below.

There has almost always been some turmoil around the mining industry in various countries in Africa, from politics to child labour to government coops to bribery. In some countries people even get danger pay. Some countries are unstable because of their huge assets in the mining industry, the DRC comes to mind. Even with all of this negativity going around Africa is still producing, and growing tremendously fast in the mining industry. Recent discoveries of various commodities all around Africa have caused a stir worldwide and we will still see the outworking of this in the near future. Everywhere they are scrambling to build new roads, harbours, rail roads, power plants, power lines. There has been a huge layout for infrastructure all over the continent, this will a massive benefit to each country where this is happening. Tete in western Mozambique is an example of this. Because of this massive coal field found in Tete, mining started by a few major players. The infrastructure necessary for these mines to function is immense but already well on the way and much of it already finished. The port in Nacala has greatly benefitted from this. This is but one example of what is happening all across Africa.

There are many job opportunities all around Africa. These positions can vary from fly in fly out, to “you have to stay for x months”, to getting danger pay, to staying in camps. These positions can be so diverse and depending on the person you could really find the ideal position that suite your personality. From dangerous, to the normal office jobs. From start-up mining exploration companies ruffing it up, to well established companies, from no red tape to plenty of it. I am convinced that you could find the ideal job in the mining industry on your expectations. At the bottom of this article I’ve just listed a few positions that come to mind when thinking of positions open in the mining industry in Africa. Working in Africa in spite of certain political conditions is exiting, and favoured by many.
There are many large players in the mining industry that come from various countries like ie Canada, China, America, Australia. Recently there has been a wave in different countries about nationalisation of which South Africa has become the major push in this regard. Mining companies pay huge amount of tax to mostly corrupt governments all over Africa which results in no benefit to the locals in the vicinity of the mine. This has of late been a huge discussion all over the continent. Does mining benefit Africa? This is one of the questions popping up everywhere.

Countries doing mining extensively:
South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, DRC , Angola, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana.

Commodities in Africa
Antimony, Bauxite, Chromite, Coal, Cobalt, Copper, Diamonds, Gold, Iron Ore, Lead, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Palladium, Phosphates, Platinum, Silver, Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten, Uranium, Vanadium, Zinc, Zirconium

Various companies you will find in Africa but there are many others:
Papiloon Resources; BHP Billiton; Loncor; Gold One; Cluff; Pan African Resources; Volta; Middle Island; Gem Diamonds; Village Main Reef; Perseus; Tiger Resources; Randgold & Exploration; Taung Gold; Wits Gold; Anglo American; Kalahari Minerals; Extract Resources; De Beers; Globe Metals; Predictive Ddiscovery; Golden Rim; Exxaro Resources; Continental Coal; Adamus Resources; Obtala; Tanzanian Royalty; Keaton; Keegan; Cassidy; Lontoh Coal; Vale; Konkola; African Eagle; Perseus; Allana Potash; Glencor; Riverstone; Shaw Resources; Universal Coal;

Typical position that you might find in Africa in the mining industry
Blasting
Technical services manager
Shift Boss
Mine Overseer

Drilling
Drill Trainier
Engineering Manager
Diesel Mechanic
Artisans
Trackless fitter
Trackless Diesel Mechanic

Geology
Exploration Geologist
Project Geologist
Senior Geologist

Health and Safety
SHE officer
SHE manager
SHEQ officer
SHEQ manager
Safety Manager

Operations
Engineering Manager
Mechanical Engineer
Mineral Resource Manager
Mining Planning engineer
Mine design engineer
Mine Manager (Various Commodities)
• Ensure that the plant meets the production plan in accordance with the agreed production plan
• Ensure that all operations are conducted safely and all equipment is maintained in excellent condition in accordance with agreed planned maintenance
• Ensure strict control of costs to ensure minimum cost expenditure in accordance with budgets
• Should be flexible, dedicated, loyal to company and production orientated
• Be prepared to work on a single status, roster basis

Operation Manager
Senior Project Engineer
Underground Mine Engineer
Chief Underground Mine Engineer
Duties:
• Block Reserve Evaluation
• Development and Bulk Stoping (Blast Ring) Design
• Management of Survey, Ventilation, Infrastructure and Projects
• Strong Communication and Report Writing Skills
• Working to strict deadlines
• Strong Training and Coaching of Expats and Local Staff
• Change Management – Implementation of Planning Software and Building Technical Dept
• Month End Reporting Process
• Expatriate Experience (West Africa preferably)
• Experience on Remote Mine Sites (FIFO)
• Administration of Mining Contracts

Requirements:
• 10 to 15 years hard rock mining (technical and production)
• Minimum 5 years Trackless Longhole Bulk Mining
• Must have managed Short and Long Term Mine Planning
• Proficient in Mine24D and/or Surpac
• Experience of AutoCAD2010 or similar CAD package
• Experience of Promine

Qualifications:
• BSc/BEng or MEng/MSc Mining
• Professional Engineer or Equivalent Manager’s Certificate
• Proficient in Mine Planning/Design Software
• French language or willingness to learn

Plant
Plant Manager
Plant Engineer
Plant Metallurgist
Process Engineer Gold/Iron Ore/Coal/Base Metals

Survey
Quantity surveyor
Senior quantity surveyor

BBC has a documentary on the subject oes mining benefit Africa?
Here is part one:Does mining benefit Africa?

Basic Botswana Mining Industry Overview:

The mining industry has since 1990 brought great change to the people of Botswana.  The mining industry has dominated the national economy.  Diamond mining on a large scale started around 25 years ago, and diamonds have also been the leading mineral extracted.

Most of the Diamond production was gem quality this resulting that Botswana became the leading producer of diamond by value.  Other commodities mined in Botswana are Copper, Gold, Nickel, Soda Ash and recently there has been a move towards coal.

In 2005 38% of Botswana’s GDP came from the mining industry and in regards to the government more than 50% of their revenue were derived from mining and mineral processing activity. Botswana’s mining industry employs around 13000 people

Botswana is bordered by South Africa, Namibia , Zimbabwe having no port of their own.

Concerning the Diamond mining industry in Botswana:

Debswana a 50/50 joint partnership of De Beers Centenary AG and the Government accounts for all diamond production in Botswana.

There are various open positions on our site www.adogreen.com/jobs in the Botswana’n mining industry. Should you be interested in any open job in this mining industry of Botswana please feel free to contact us directly.

Video on what is in the pipeline for the Botswana’n diamond industry.

Video with an overview of diamond producers in the world:

Map of Botswana:

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For South Africans, energy is not something that is taken for granted. At the end of racial apartheid, only 40% of homes had electricity. Since then, that number has doubled to 83%, but that still leaves 17% of the population unconnected, and many more regularly affected by lengthy power outages. That is precisely why South Africans are looking towards a brighter future with solar energy at the helm.

In November, officials announced plans to build a 5GW solar power station in the Northern Cape—the world’s largest solar installation to date. The location was chosen for good reason, as the region is considered one of the sunniest in the world, with very few clouds and even less rain.

South Africa’s current electricity usage is somewhere between 45 and 48 GW per year, 90% of which comes directly from coal-fired power stations. This solar installation alone could cover one-tenth of the region’s electric needs, significantly decreasing their dependence on coal while also lowering their carbon emissions. The cost and time frame for getting this solar park up and running still remains to be seen. But if all goes well, it could actually replace coal and nuclear energy.

Another area where solar power looks highly advantageous is in domestic water heating. In South Africa, 40% of the average household’s electric bill goes to heating water, and it constitutes 18% of the region’s total energy consumption. But in using energy from the sun—a completely free and sustainable resource—they can lower utility bills and prevent those harmful power outages of the past.

One of the sunniest areas in the world, South Africa’s solar power potential is huge. While the country has been dependent on coal for some time, officials are realizing how much solar can do to take the region from the world’s thirteenth largest emitter of CO2 to a leader in renewable energy commerce.

Solar energy could provide electricity for every home in the South Africa, a significant increase in jobs, and a more stable economy for the future. South Africa has set its sights on increasing renewable energy usage to 15% by 2030, but in truth, the possibilities are so much greater. Let’s hope they continue to reach higher.

Kayla Albert is CalFinder’s go-getter. From green home remodeling to solar power, she is always on the cutting edge of new trends. Find information about anything from solar panels to solar contractors at CalFinder.

Solar Power projects also creates many new positions

Mining Engineering
Mining engineering is a discipline that involves the practice, theory, science, technology, and application of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment. Mining engineering also includes processing minerals for additional value.

Shaft

The need for mineral extraction and production is an essential activity of modern society. Mining activities by their nature cause a disturbance of the environment in and around which the minerals are located. Modern mining engineers must therefore be concerned not only with the production and processing of mineral commodities, but also with the mitigation of damage or to the environment as a result of that production and processing.

History of Mining Engineering
Since the beginning of civilization people have used stone, ceramics and, later, metals found on or close to the Earth’s surface. These were used to manufacture early tools and weapons. The oldest known mine on archaeological record is the “Lion Cave” in Swaziland. At this site, which by radiocarbon dating proves the mine to be about 43,000 years old, Palaeolithic humans mined mineral hematite, which contained iron and was ground to produce the red pigment ochre.
The ancient Romans were innovators of mining engineering. They developed large scale mining methods, especially the use of large volumes of water brought to the mine head by numerous aqueducts for hydraulic mining. The exposed rock was then attacked by fire-setting where fires were used to heat the rock, which would be quenched with a stream of water. The thermal shock cracked the rock, enabling it to be removed. In some mines the Romans utilized water-powered machinery such as reverse overshot water-wheels. These were used extensively in the copper mines at Rio Tinto in Spain, where one sequence comprised 16 such wheels arranged in pairs, and lifting water about 24 m
Black powder was first used in mining in Banská Štiavnica, Kingdom of Hungary present-day Slovakia in 1627. This allowed blasting of rock and earth to loosen and reveal ore veins, which was much faster than fire setting. The Industrial Revolution saw further advances in mining technologies, including improved explosives and steam-powered pumps, lifts and drills.
Mineral Exploration
Mining engineers are consulted for virtually every stage of a mining operation. The first role of engineering in mines is the discovery of a mineral deposit and the determination of the profitability of a mine.

Mineral Discovery
Mining engineers are involved in the mineral discovery stage by working with geologists to identify a mineral reserve. The first step in discovering an ore body is to determine what minerals to test for. The geologists and engineers drill core samples and conduct surface surveys searching for specific compounds and ores. For example a mining engineer and geologist may target metallic ores such as galena for lead or chalcolite for copper. A mining engineer may also search for a non-metal such as phosphate, quartz, or coal.

Mineral Determination
After a prospective mineral is located, the mining engineer then determines the ore properties. This may involve chemical analysis of the ore to determine the composition of the sample. Once the mineral properties are identified, the next step is determining the quantity of the ore. This involves determining the extent of the deposit as well as the purity of the ore. The engineer drills additional core samples to find the limits of the deposit or seam and calculates the quantity of valuable material present in the deposit.

Mine

Mining Operation
Mining engineers working in an established mine may work as an engineer for operations improvement, further mineral exploration, and operation capitalization by determining where in the mine to add equipment and personnel. The engineer may also work in supervision and management, or as an equipment and mineral salesperson. In addition to engineering and operations, the mining engineer may work as an environmental, health and safety manager or design engineer.
The act of mining required different methods of extraction depending on the mineralogy, geology, and location of the resources. Characteristics such as mineral hardness, the mineral stratification, and access to that mineral will determine the method of extraction.
Generally, mining is either done from the surface or underground. Mining can also occur with both surface and underground operations taking place on the same reserve. Mining activity varies as to what method is employed to remove the mineral.

Surface Mining
Surface comprises 90% of the world’s mineral tonnage output. Also called open pit mining, surface mining is removing minerals in formations that are at or near the surface. Ore retrieval is done by material removal from the land in its natural state. Surface mining often alters the land characteristics, shape, topography, and geological make-up.
Surface mining involves quarrying which is excavating minerals by means of machinery such as cutting, cleaving, and breaking. Explosives are usually used to facilitate breakage. Hard minerals such as limestone, sand, gravel, and slate are generally quarried into a series of benches.
Strip mining is done on softer minerals such as clays and phosphate is removed through use of mechanical shovels, track dozers, and front end loaders. Softer Coal seams can also be extracted this way.
With placer mining, minerals can also be removed from the bottoms of lakes, rivers, streams, and even the ocean by dredge mining. In addition, in-situ mining can be done from the surface using dissolving agents on the ore body and retrieving the ore via pumping. The pumped material is then set to leach for further processing. Hydraulic mining is utilized in forms of water jets to wash away either overburden or the ore itself.

Mining Process
Blasting
Explosives are used to break up a rock formation and aid in the collection of ore in a process called blasting. There are two types of explosives that can be used in mining: high velocity and low velocity. High velocity blasting uses high explosives while low velocity blasting is done with low explosives. Engineers determine the placement of the explosive charges and the blast sequence to efficiently and safely loosen the maximum amount of ore. They also are responsible for the safety of the miners by determining how best to support the rock ceiling in the newly-formed cave.

Mining Health and Safety
Legal attention to Mining Health and Safety began in the late 19th century and in the subsequent 20th century progressed to a comprehensive and stringent codification of enforcement and mandatory health and safety regulation. A mining engineer in whatever role they occupy must follow all federal, state, and local mine safety laws.

Mining and the Environment
A mining engineer may be involved at the end of the mine life cycle when mine reclamation operations are planned and carried out. They also decide how to close a mine that has ceased operations to keep the public safe.

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What is supply chain management:
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Management of the flow of materials, information, and finances. This process is to ensure that the company’s supply chain is cost-effective, and efficient. It is how a company transforms raw materials/components into a final sellable product in manageable steps.

There are various views on the different steps involved in supply chain management, but generally you can divide the flows into the following three main parts.
The Product flow – this includes the movement of goods from supplier to the customer. This also include the returns from the customer

The information flow – This involves things like the transmitting of orders, and keeping up to date with the status of delivery.

The finance flow – This has to do with all the payments, credit, etc.

You can also break down supply chain management into five different stages:
Plan
Develop
Make
Deliver
Return

Below are a few videos that will give you more insight on Supply Chain Management

Douglas M. Lambert, Director of The Global Supply Chain Forum and Fisher

Firstly what is a substation transformer?
It is a large encased group of metal plates about the size of a small house with 2 sets of insulated copper wires wrapped around the plates -an input and output – to convert a very high transmission supply line voltage – maybe 44 thousand volts to a lower voltage of 2200 volts that runs down the power line poles in your neighbourhood. Look at your street’s power poles and you will see a mini substation that converts he 2200 volt to 220 volts and may supply several homes.

to view the rest click on the link on the left :Wiki Answers

I’ve attached some videos so that you can get an idea of what substation transformers look, and sound like.  I’ve also included a video when things go wrong in a substation.

The following is what happens when they put on the transformers:

This is what it looks like when things are going wrong:

Communication in the near future can more than likely look like this.  Watch the following video.

Corning, a developer of touchscreen solutions, put together this video of what they think the future would  be like.   I must admit that the cellphones look a lot like an Iphone design.  But being able to work anywhere any time, that would have its benefits.

What would a the job function typically be of a stringing gear supervisor?

The stringing gear supervisor must be able to develop, implement and train staff on various procedures, and policies regarding their specific function.

Transmission Lines

The stringing gear supervisor must identify, and manage the maintenance requirements as well as acccessories.

This person normally reports directly to the Project Manager.

Qualifications you might need to do this type of position would normally be a minimum of a matric or N3/4.  This person must also have solid experience in the safety requirements, and implementations.

Equipment a stringing gear supervisor might work or oversee could include:

Zeck Drum Winch

Zeck Puller/Tensioner

What is a Millwright?

A millwright is a craftsman or tradesman engaged with the construction, maintenance and installation of heavy machinery that is used in various sectors of industry

Millwrigth

In the early years, millwrights were specialist carpenters, who designed and erected machines used for agriculture and food processing. They also created machines to process lumber and manufacture paper. In the early years of the industrial revolution, their skill sets changed and were pressed into service building of the earliest powered textile mills.

In the modern era wood was replaced with steel, and modern millwrights needed to combine the skills of several trades to successfully fabricate industrial machinery and to assemble machines from pre-fabricated parts. The modern millwright must also possess a keen insight into the reading and understanding of blueprints and schematics to assist in the construction and fabrication of complex systems.

One of the many duties of a millwright is tracing faults. In most cases the machine has to be dismantled before it is possible to determine where the fault lies. As it is often not possible to replace the defective component immediately, millwrights must be able to make temporary repairs, so that the machine can be used until the correct parts are available.

A thorough knowledge of the manufacturing of machine components is essential. The use of lathes, milling machines and grinders may be required to make customized parts or repairs.

In the course of work, millwrights are required to move, assemble and install machinery and equipment such as shafting, precision bearings, gear boxes, motors, mechanical clutches, conveyors, and tram rails, using hoists, pulleys, dollies, rollers, and trucks. In addition, a millwright may also perform all duties of general labourer, pipefitter, carpenter, and electrician.

A millwright may also perform some of the duties of a welder, such as arc welding, mig welding and oxyacetylene cutting.

Another important task of millwrights is electrical installation. They should be able to dismantle electrical motors and test for faults, check wiring, as well as determine power consumption. This includes other functions such as coupling of cables.

Millwrights usually work in the production section of factories, but sometimes also on sites. The fact that their working conditions change continually prevents their work from becoming monotonous.

Generally millwrights are unionized, although specialised millwrights tend to become independent contractors.

Millwrights also must have a good understanding of fluid mechanics (hydraulics and pneumatics), and all of the components involved in these processes, such as valves, cylinders, pumps and compressors.

Modern standards of practice for millwrights also require working within precise limits or standards of accuracy, at heights without fear; the use of logical step-by-step procedures in work; planning, solving problems and decision-making based on quantifiable information.

Millwrights are trained to work with a wide array of precision tools, such as vernier callipers, micrometers, dial indicators, levels, gauge blocks, and optical and laser alignment tooling.

Most millwrights are educated through apprenticeship programs where they receive a combination of classroom education along with a good deal of on-the-job training. Most programs last about four years. Apprentices are usually paid a percentage of the average millwright’s wage, and this percentage increases with experience

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