In The Spotlight
Secure on-site power will be critical to DRC mining growth (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Ivanhoe Energy is advancing its on-site power projects for the Kipushi and Kamoa-Kakula mine sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Kipushi is set to become the world’s fourth-largest zinc producer in 2026, the Canadian mining group said in a 4 June statement.
It achieved a monthly production record of 25,677 tonnes of zinc in concentrate during May.
Year-to-date zinc production totals approximately 110,000 tonnes of zinc, it added.
Annualised, this is equivalent to around the mid-point of the company’s 2026 production guidance range of 240,000 to 290,000 tonnes.
Kipushi is now tendering for a dedicated solar project with up to 200 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery energy storage (BESS).
The facility would provide 10MW of baseload power, reducing reliance on the backup diesel generators that are used intermittently.
The facility is to be located on a 70-hectare site near the mine, and it is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
Construction of Kipushi’s second tailings storage facility expansion is now nearing completion as the mine site expands.
Separately, Ivanhoe Energy recently posted an update on its other major DRC energy project to expand the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex.
Construction of Kamoa-Kakula’s on-site solar (PV) facility, with battery storage, is advancing on schedule, the company reported on 6 May.
The two facilities are expected to be operational, delivering a total baseload of 60MW to the site, from early Q3 2026.
The solar facility is already the largest solar project with battery storage on the African continent.
Kamoa-Kakula is further planning to increase the total on-site solar power generation capacity, with battery storage, to 120MW by the end of 2027.
A tender was awarded, and a power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed in late April for an initial 30MW expansion of the existing on-site solar facilities.
A further 30MW facility is being tendered and is expected to be awarded imminently.
Preparations have also been made across the group to secure on-site diesel supplies in the event of continued global supply chain disruptions.
This includes Kamoa-Kakula securing five months’ worth of diesel supply.
The company reported that its use of backup diesel generators is to be curtailed to rationalise diesel consumption, amid higher fuel prices and supply chain challenges.
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Mining's decarbonisation journey starts now
The new on-site power facilities in Angola (Image source: Margen S.p.A.)
Italy’s Margen S.p.A. has completed a project in Angola to supply a total of more than 4.5 MVA of on-site power to underpin food security in the country
The project involved the shipment of two high-capacity power plants, each of 2,270 kVA, designed and tested in-house to meet a critical need: ensuring uninterrupted energy backup for the African country’s large cold storage facilities.
Powered by heavy-duty Perkins motors, the two high-capacity units are designed to ensure immediate response and continuous cooling, protecting temperature-sensitive products from any network instability.
“Reliability is essential when food safety is at stake,” a company statement noted.
“In contexts where the stability of the cold chain is directly related to the security of supply, the choice of heavy-duty Perkins engines is strategic, configured to ensure immediate response times and total operational resilience even in the presence of an unstable national electricity grid,” Margen S.p.A. reported in a recent social media post.
“This order is not only a logistical milestone, but also reaffirms the company's technological ability to customise MPS power plant solutions for complex global infrastructures, where the protection of temperature-sensitive goods leaves no margin for error,” it added.
“By exporting innovation from its headquarters to emerging markets, Margen confirms itself as a strategic partner for major international development projects, enhancing the technical rigour and reliability of ‘Made in Italy’ at every latitude.”
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Eskom advances flagship gas-to-power project
Eskom keen on gas power (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Condra’s managing director, Marc Kleiner (Image source: Condra)
Crane and hoist manufacturer Condra has expanded its maintenance programme to include hands-on training for customers’ own service personnel
The company is also to introduce remote diagnostics for on-screen assistance at isolated sites, rolling out these improvements at installations in Saudi Arabia and in all African countries where Condra has a presence.
Over time, the diagnostics will combine with remote specialist oversight to aid repairs by the customer’s own technicians.
Electricians at Condra’s factories already add diagnostic chips to frequency drives during crane manufacture — the plan is to extend this capability to other crane components, delivering on-screen assistance to any site with an internet signal.
Until now, Condra’s maintenance programme has incorporated only selected agents and technical teams from its own factories.
In future, where customers have their own maintenance crews, it will be these personnel who will execute this type of work, helped either by visiting teams, or remotely by specialists at Condra’s technical centre in Johannesburg.
On-demand emergency repairs will continue to be managed by Condra technicians sent to site.
Marc Kleiner, Condra’s managing director, said the goal is to lower the customer’s service costs and to further improve machine uptime and productivity.
“We want to expand the capabilities of our customers’ maintenance personnel, who sometimes have difficulty repairing to OEM standard,” he said.
“We will work with them to identify the wrinkles, then let them get on with fixing those while our own people identify potential wear and take steps to correct it.”
Kleiner said that Condra teams would execute repairs only after quoting. Once accepted, support staff at Condra’s head office would then assemble spare parts and arrange all export documentation for shipping. Spares lists would normally include parts needed for the long term, based on predictions of likely wear.
“The idea is that a Condra team will oversee the mine’s own service personnel wherever possible, helping them carry out the repair themselves,” Kleiner said. “This will allow hands-on training under specialist direction.
“What we’re trying to overcome is the too-common practice of working a machine until it fails, then buying a new one, something often seen in mining applications.
“What we’re saying is this: If you buy the correct machine in the first place and look after it by carrying out scheduled maintenance, the life expectancy of your machine will increase along with your financial return. But if you wait until that machine breaks down, production will have to stop while you wait for the spares to arrive. This is not clever. With a little bit of support from our side, your machine will run more reliably and for much longer, and production can continue uninterrupted.”
Outlining the improved schedule, Kleiner said Condra will re-visit Ivory Coast and Angola during July and August, followed by Zambia and Namibia. After that will come Sierra Leone. Other countries appearing on the schedule include Liberia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, DRC, Mauritania, Ghana, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
Twelve service teams will carry out these visits (up from two teams five years ago), each one comprising either an electrical specialist accompanied by mechanical assistant, or vice versa.
Expanding on Condra’s plans for remote diagnostics, Kleiner said the company would work in conjunction with specialists in England and Australia to allow customers to receive prompt assistance in most of the world’s time zones, combining a phone call with on-screen visuals presented to the customer’s technicians at the installation site.
“We want to develop a library of repair videos to complement this diagnostic service,” he said.
“The idea is that, long term, Condra teams will be present for critical support only. We will achieve this through proactive maintenance schedules supported by remote fault diagnosis, and complemented by instructional repair videos.”
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Kumba accelerates mines with renewable energy partnership
Navigating mining decarbonisation (Image source: Adobe Stock)
As global scrutiny intensifies, mining companies are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task; ensuring their environmental, social and governance (ESG) pledges translate into measurable and sustainable impact
The above is also echoed by the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) which emphasises: “ESG is not only a responsible approach to business but a strategic imperative for long-term success.”
Cecil Maartens, account manager, MMM Segment for SSA at Schneider Electric, notes this urgency is being driven by a convergence of forces: “Mining companies are facing simultaneous pressure from investors, regulators and customers to reduce carbon emissions while improving operational resilience.
“Scope 1 & 2 emissions, direct from the source we own and indirect from energy we buy are increasingly tied to financing, permitting and even market access,” he says.
This move is fundamentally reshaping how mining organisations operate. Decarbonisation is strategic, evolving beyond its former compliance tick-box status. “Companies that can demonstrate lower emissions and stronger sustainability credentials are the ones that will attract capital and partnerships,” says Maartens.
The real differentiator lies in execution and, encouragingly, many mining houses are moving beyond ambition, actively embedding decarbonisation into their operational strategies.
Maartens cites examples within the sector where dedicated sustainability teams are aligning decarbonisation roadmaps with enterprise asset management and operational KPIs. “ESG roadmaps are now integrated into core business performance metrics, with accountability at senior levels.”
A similar transition is also underway in energy-intensive industries such as steel and other materials processing.
Sibongile Thobakgale, KAM Strategic, MMM for SSA at Schneider Electric highlights that sectors like steel, cement and glass are experiencing comparable pressures. “These industries are among the most carbon-intensive globally, and decarbonisation is being driven by regulatory requirements, market expectations and rapid technological advancements,” she says.
Technology enables low-carbon mining
Across mining and heavy industry, technology is playing a central role in enabling low-carbon operations.
However, as the adage goes “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start”, it is also important to understand the current state of operation. Here, Maartens reckons, digital maturity assessments and energy baselining allow organisations to identify inefficiencies and prioritise interventions.
From there, integrated platforms can bring together energy management, automation and real-time operational data to drive continuous improvement.
“Digitalisation is critical as it enables mining companies to model energy consumption, simulate different electrification scenarios and quantify the impact of renewable integration before making large-scale investment,” says Maartens.
On the ground, this translates into a range of practical interventions. Hybrid microgrids, supported by battery energy storage systems, are helping mines integrate renewable energy while maintaining reliability.
Also, electrification initiatives and more energy-efficient equipment, such as advanced variable speed drives (low harmonic-enabled VSDs), are also contributing to reduced consumption.
At the same time, asset lifecycle management engagement processes and approaches, intelligent IB (Installed Base) audits and assessments and understanding asset and reliability management including retrofits and eco-fits are extending asset lifecycle while lowering environmental impact.
Thobakgale adds that in broader industrial contexts, automation is also evolving to support decarbonisation. “Software-defined automation is improving process efficiency and reliability, particularly in energy-intensive operations. This is essential forvmaintaining productivity while reducing emissions,’’ she notes.
The growing role of advisory services
While technology is a critical enabler, both Maartens and Thobakgale emphasise that successful decarbonisation requires a structured, strategic approach, an area where advisory services are becoming increasingly important.
“Sustainability assessments and services like Schneider Electric SE Electrification Advisory Services help companies quantify their emissions, benchmark performance and identify the most effective pathways forward,” says Thobakgale. “It also plays an important role in unlocking capital and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.”
These services go beyond one-off evaluations. Instead, they form part of an ongoing process of monitoring, optimisation and alignment with long-term ESG goals. “Decarbonisation is not a once-off project. It’s a journey that requires ongoing measurement, adaptation and improvement across the entire value chain creating and ensuring long-term strategic partnership” adds Maartens.
Looking ahead, ESG considerations are set to play an even more decisive role in shaping the future of mining. Both Maartens and Thobakgale agree that sustainability will increasingly influence investment decisions, operational strategies and industry dynamics.
“Capital will flow towards companies that can demonstrate credible decarbonisation pathways,” says Thobakgale. “Those that delay ESG integration risk losing competitiveness and access to funding.”
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Tharisa advances connected mining operations
Togo, Benin border highway set for upgrade (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The African Development Fund (ADF) has approved a US$59.8mn loan to support the rehabilitation of a key transborder road section linking Benin and Togo
The project forms part of efforts to boost regional trade and economic integration across West Africa.
The financing will fund the rehabilitation of 78.8 kilometres of road between Kara and Kabou along the Benin-Togo border as part of the first phase of the Transit Roads and Transport Facilitation Project on the CU18 corridor.
The project is co-financed by the ADF, the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the governments of Togo and Benin.
“This vital corridor will help strengthen economic competitiveness, accelerate the opening up of the inland areas of Benin and Togo, and consolidate sub-regional integration,” said Lamin Barrow, director general for West Africa at the AfDB.
The project includes the upgrading of the corridor stretching from the Benin border at Ouaké through Kémérida, Soundjina, Kara, Djamdé and Kabou into a 3.5-metre dual carriageway, with a six-lane section through the city of Kara.
It will also support the construction and rehabilitation of socio-economic and educational infrastructure, strengthen transport services and logistics along the corridor and introduce measures to reduce trade barriers and improve traffic flow.
Of the total ADF funding, US$50.3mn has been allocated to the Togolese section of the corridor, while the Beninese section will receive US$9.5mn.
Capacity-building programmes for various project implementing agencies and other groups are also planned.
Poor road conditions and high transport costs have long constrained economic activity and mobility in the region, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women engaged in cross-border commerce and market gardening.
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Volvo CE, Hitachi Energy to advance zero-emission construction sites
Jendamark Automation’s catalytic converter shrinker machine integrates a 12- segment precision shrinking system, where SEW-EURODRIVE servo gear units and motion control software ensure each can is accurately reduced to predetermined dimensions based on mat weight and component tolerances. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)
Innovative technology for ‘shrinking’ catalytic converters - designed and built in South Africa by Jendamark Automation for the global market - relies on the precision of SEW-EURODRIVE’s highly dynamic servo-geared units and software
Based in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, Jendamark Automation is a specialist in advanced automated assembly systems for powertrains, catalytic converters, hydrogen technologies and other automotive components. Yanesh Naidoo, executive innovations director at Jendamark Automation, says that 95% of the locally produced machines are exported and are in operation in Europe, India and the USA.
"The shrinking machine - or ‘shrinker’ - is a core component within our catalytic converter assembly cell," commented Naidoo.
“This cell is a highly automated production environment in which multiple machines, robots and laser measurement systems operate in coordination.”
The process begins with the core of a catalytic converter - a ceramic ‘brick’ or monolith, coated with precious metals such as platinum and palladium, that converts exhaust gases into less harmful emissions. This brick is wrapped in a thick spring-like insulation mat and inserted into an outer casing (or can) of stainless-steel. In this process, there are many variable factors to consider, he explains.
“Because the ceramic monolith is extruded and baked, its diameter can vary slightly - by two or three millimetres in a passenger vehicle converter and up to ten millimetres in a truck converter,” he said.
“This makes the size of every monolith slightly different.”
To secure the monolith inside the casing with the right spring load, the casing itself has to be adapted. This is the key function of the shrinking machine - to reshape the stainless steel casing to the exact diameter required for each brick and mat combination. Shrinking stainless steel to tolerances of 50 microns requires enormous force and control which the shrinker achieves by closing a set of heavy tapered segments around the can.
“For a passenger vehicle converter we use twelve segments, while for a commercial vehicle converter - which is larger - we use sixteen,” stated Naidoo. “We pull a massive steel ring back over those segments and as the ring moves the segments close in, collapsing the can evenly around the monolith.”
Driving that motion are two powerful SEW-EURODRIVE servo motor systems, each connected to precision roller screws that pull the ring from both sides. Synchronizing those drives is critical.
“If one side is pulled just a few millimetres more than the other, this will damage these very expensive roller screws,” he explains. “This is where SEW-EURODRIVE’s technology comes into its own; the drives and controllers keep the two motors synchronised to within very fine tolerances, even at the high speeds we need to hit our 30 second cycle times.”
The speed at which Jendamark Automation’s shrinker operates is one of its critical advantages, Naidoo emphasises, and this has been achieved through its innovative tool changer. He explains flexibility is particularly important in converter production for commercial-vehicles as variants change every few hours. Traditionally, each change required a lengthy manual tool change which would mean two to three hours of downtime.
“This is why we developed an automatic tool change system for the shrinker,” he says. “We have got two cartridges outside the machine, one of which is preloaded with the next set of 16 segments. When the operator hits ‘tool change’ the machine ejects the old set, inserts the new one and locks everything down - all automatically in about 45 seconds.”
That innovation, also powered by SEW-EURODRIVE servo drives, has transformed productivity.
“We have reduced tool changing times significantly, giving our customers more production time per shift, allowing them to produce around 80 additional parts,” he says. “With two or three tool changes a day, the gains are massive.”
The entire catalytic converter assembly cell can contain up to 30 SEW-EURODRIVE servo drives, powering and synchronising multiple machines – from laser measuring systems to robotic handlers. Behind the scenes, Jendamark’s proprietary Variant Manager software orchestrates these movements.
“Every part coming down the line is slightly different, so every 30 seconds a new set of parameters - such as diameters, spring loads and positions - is sent to the drives,” Naidoo continued. “There are no fixed positions so it is completely dynamic, adapting in real time.”
Parallel to this performance, he adds, is an equivalent focus on reliability as customers require minimal downtime to ensure that their processes and products remain viable. He notes that a USA customer, Cummins (through its acquisition of Faurecia’s USA factory), has been running Jendamark’s shrinker for almost six years - during which time it has produced over three million catalytic converters.
“Apart from greasing the screws, there has been no major maintenance and no drive failures at all,” he stated. “That is a testament to the robustness of our overall design and of the reliability of SEW-EURODRIVE equipment.”
The customer was so impressed that it decided to standardise globally on Jendamark’s machines.
“They had two other suppliers’ machines next to ours on the same line,” commented Naidoo. “Now they’re replacing those with Jendamark machines, because of reliability and consistency of quality.”
Phillip Steyn, Branch Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE in Gqeberha, says the project exemplifies how advanced motion control systems enable complex automation.
“Our MOVIAXIS multi-axis servo system, combined with our efficient servo motors and dynamic gearboxes, provides the accurate positioning and torque that this machine needs,” remarked Steyn. “The challenge was to deliver very high torque while maintaining precise synchronisation and feedback at rapid speeds.”
He notes that it is easier to be accurate when machinery is moving slowly but it becomes much more challenging in the context of high speed machines like this one. SEW-EURODRIVE’s control architecture ensures that every motion - from the synchronised pulling of the ring to the positioning of the auto-tool change mechanism - is tracked and verified before the next cycle begins.
“There is a great deal of feedback between the drive and the upper level controller,” Steyn explained. “The system scans the input data - the product types and can sizes - and adjusts torque and position in real time. It is the brain and the muscle working together.”
Naidoo highlights the value of SEW-EURODRIVE’ integrated unit - the motor, gearbox and drive - which is already matched for torque and speed.
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In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects
Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.
“A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”
Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets.
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In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.
Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.
Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers.
Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention.
By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.
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Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.
“Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”
Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue.
There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.
Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets.
Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations.
Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.
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Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.
Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session.
Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality.
As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement.
Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.
Boosting small-scale hydropower in Africa (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The new on-site power facilities in Angola (Image source: Margen S.p.A.)
Eskom keen on gas power (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Zero-emission construction requires a coordinated ecosystem of solutions and seamless integration between machines, electrical infrastructure and energy management systems (Image source: Volvo CE/Hitachi Energy)
Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) and Hitachi Energy have announced a new pact to fast-track zero-emission construction sites
The move has broad potential impact across Africa and the rest of the globe as construction firms and equipment suppliers move toward cleaner, lower carbon working.
Two of the industry’s heavyweights have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that brings together the capabilities needed to make electric construction equipment a practical, on-site reality.
The collaboration brings together electric construction equipment with clean power supply, energy management and system integration capabilities to help address one of the construction industry’s most pressing challenges: decarbonisation.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work on a non-exclusive basis to assess potential technical and commercial concepts supporting zero-emission construction and manufacturing operations, with a focus on system integration and site-level operational execution.
The scope includes joint work on business models, go‑to‑market approaches, and aftermarket and support considerations, supported by joint teams from both companies.
“Strategic partnerships such as this with Hitachi Energy are key to accelerating the transition to zero-emission construction,” said Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE.
“By combining complementary expertise and delivering a complete, integrated solution, we are giving customers the confidence, security and peace of mind they need to adopt emission-free operations today.”
Customer and investor demand for lower‑emission, more productive construction operations is reshaping the industry, the two companies said in a statement.
At the same time, regulatory and permitting frameworks increasingly require projects to address emissions and environmental performance throughout the planning and approval process.
While electrification, automation and efficient resource and asset planning offer clear pathways to reduce emissions, transitioning from individual electric machines to fully functioning zero‑emission construction sites requires a coordinated ecosystem of solutions and effective system integration across equipment, power infrastructure, and energy management systems.
“Electrification is a game changer in the decarbonisation puzzle, particularly for hard‑to‑abate environments such as construction sites,” said Niklas Persson, CEO of Grid Integration at Hitachi Energy.
“As construction operations become more electric and more complex, success depends less on individual technologies and more on system‑level integration, strong execution, and close collaboration with partners like Volvo CE who share our ambition to enable zero‑emission construction at scale.”
The initial focus is on business and go‑to‑market‑oriented, emphasising practical, plug‑and‑play approaches to help customers simplify the transition to zero‑emission construction sites.
At the same time, the agreement establishes a foundation for deeper technical engagement over time, with the potential to explore more advanced capabilities such as connected machines, digital integration, and expanded service offerings.
Read more:
HMD, Tuboshu to launch for life scheme
Togo, Benin border highway set for upgrade (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Abrar Industries expands fleet with major IVECO S-Way order. (Image source: IVECO)
Navigating mining decarbonisation (Image source: Adobe Stock)
As global scrutiny intensifies, mining companies are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task; ensuring their environmental, social and governance (ESG) pledges translate into measurable and sustainable impact
The above is also echoed by the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) which emphasises: “ESG is not only a responsible approach to business but a strategic imperative for long-term success.”
Cecil Maartens, account manager, MMM Segment for SSA at Schneider Electric, notes this urgency is being driven by a convergence of forces: “Mining companies are facing simultaneous pressure from investors, regulators and customers to reduce carbon emissions while improving operational resilience.
“Scope 1 & 2 emissions, direct from the source we own and indirect from energy we buy are increasingly tied to financing, permitting and even market access,” he says.
This move is fundamentally reshaping how mining organisations operate. Decarbonisation is strategic, evolving beyond its former compliance tick-box status. “Companies that can demonstrate lower emissions and stronger sustainability credentials are the ones that will attract capital and partnerships,” says Maartens.
The real differentiator lies in execution and, encouragingly, many mining houses are moving beyond ambition, actively embedding decarbonisation into their operational strategies.
Maartens cites examples within the sector where dedicated sustainability teams are aligning decarbonisation roadmaps with enterprise asset management and operational KPIs. “ESG roadmaps are now integrated into core business performance metrics, with accountability at senior levels.”
A similar transition is also underway in energy-intensive industries such as steel and other materials processing.
Sibongile Thobakgale, KAM Strategic, MMM for SSA at Schneider Electric highlights that sectors like steel, cement and glass are experiencing comparable pressures. “These industries are among the most carbon-intensive globally, and decarbonisation is being driven by regulatory requirements, market expectations and rapid technological advancements,” she says.
Technology enables low-carbon mining
Across mining and heavy industry, technology is playing a central role in enabling low-carbon operations.
However, as the adage goes “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start”, it is also important to understand the current state of operation. Here, Maartens reckons, digital maturity assessments and energy baselining allow organisations to identify inefficiencies and prioritise interventions.
From there, integrated platforms can bring together energy management, automation and real-time operational data to drive continuous improvement.
“Digitalisation is critical as it enables mining companies to model energy consumption, simulate different electrification scenarios and quantify the impact of renewable integration before making large-scale investment,” says Maartens.
On the ground, this translates into a range of practical interventions. Hybrid microgrids, supported by battery energy storage systems, are helping mines integrate renewable energy while maintaining reliability.
Also, electrification initiatives and more energy-efficient equipment, such as advanced variable speed drives (low harmonic-enabled VSDs), are also contributing to reduced consumption.
At the same time, asset lifecycle management engagement processes and approaches, intelligent IB (Installed Base) audits and assessments and understanding asset and reliability management including retrofits and eco-fits are extending asset lifecycle while lowering environmental impact.
Thobakgale adds that in broader industrial contexts, automation is also evolving to support decarbonisation. “Software-defined automation is improving process efficiency and reliability, particularly in energy-intensive operations. This is essential forvmaintaining productivity while reducing emissions,’’ she notes.
The growing role of advisory services
While technology is a critical enabler, both Maartens and Thobakgale emphasise that successful decarbonisation requires a structured, strategic approach, an area where advisory services are becoming increasingly important.
“Sustainability assessments and services like Schneider Electric SE Electrification Advisory Services help companies quantify their emissions, benchmark performance and identify the most effective pathways forward,” says Thobakgale. “It also plays an important role in unlocking capital and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.”
These services go beyond one-off evaluations. Instead, they form part of an ongoing process of monitoring, optimisation and alignment with long-term ESG goals. “Decarbonisation is not a once-off project. It’s a journey that requires ongoing measurement, adaptation and improvement across the entire value chain creating and ensuring long-term strategic partnership” adds Maartens.
Looking ahead, ESG considerations are set to play an even more decisive role in shaping the future of mining. Both Maartens and Thobakgale agree that sustainability will increasingly influence investment decisions, operational strategies and industry dynamics.
“Capital will flow towards companies that can demonstrate credible decarbonisation pathways,” says Thobakgale. “Those that delay ESG integration risk losing competitiveness and access to funding.”
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Secure on-site power will be critical to DRC mining growth (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Condra’s managing director, Marc Kleiner (Image source: Condra)
Konecranes Liftace 4532 TCE5 reach stackers. (Image source: Konecranes)
An expanding container terminal in the Republic of the Congo has placed an order for a new package of equipment from Konecranes to accommodate rising container traffic
The order was recorded in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries expected during the second half of the year.
Situated along the country’s western coastline, the terminal plays an important role in facilitating container movement across Central Africa. Earlier deliveries of Konecranes reach stackers and empty container handlers between 2021 and 2025 helped establish a dependable cargo-handling fleet at the facility. The latest procurement is intended to strengthen operational capacity as the terminal continues to expand.
The order includes five Konecranes Liftace 4532 TCE5 reach stackers, developed to improve the movement of containers throughout the yard, alongside six Konecranes Liftace E 6/7 ECC9 empty container handlers dedicated to stacking and repositioning empty containers. The lift trucks are designed to combine productivity with advanced safety and ergonomic features, creating a more efficient and comfortable working environment for operators.
Local delivery and long-term service support will be managed by Konecranes distributor Paterson Simons. The distributor’s technical specialists will remain on site for eight months to assist with commissioning and support the early stages of operations.
“Our long-standing cooperation with the terminal group, together with Paterson Simons’ local presence, creates the conditions for smooth commissioning and dependable lifecycle support. The result is a fleet designed to improve operational efficiency and sustain performance,” said Patrik Lundbäck, vice-president, sales & distribution, Lift Trucks, Konecranes
Supporting quay-side operations, the Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 mobile harbour crane will enhance the loading and unloading of both containerised and general cargo. Offering a lifting capacity of up to 125 tonnes and an outreach of as much as 51 metres, the crane has been engineered to deliver reliable performance across a broad range of cargo-handling applications, including vessels in the post-Panamax category.
All 11 lift trucks, together with the mobile harbour crane, will feature TRUCONNECT Premium Remote Monitoring technology. The system provides real-time operational insights aimed at supporting preventative maintenance and increasing equipment availability.
“When customers choose Konecranes for both yard and quay equipment, they benefit from a consistent approach across the terminal. With our digital services delivering performance insights for the full fleet, operators gain the visibility to support efficiency over the longer term,” commented Antoine Bosquet, vice-president sales, Quay, Konecranes.
Konecranes continues to strengthen its position in the material handling sector through a customer-focused strategy and ongoing investment in business development and operational improvement. The company is also advancing digitalisation and new technologies while promoting more efficient material flows through solutions that contribute to decarbonisation, circularity and enhanced safety.
Spiro keen to expand growing industrial footprint (Image source: Spiro)
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AFC reaches financial close on the Poro Power Green Bond (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has reached financial close and disbursed €43mn under the Poro Power Green Bond, to be used to fund construction of a 66 MW solar power plant in the northern Korhogo region in Cote d’Ivoire
Structured as a €65mn dual-currency facility in euros and CFA francs, it marks the first project finance green bond in Cote d’Ivoire and across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
The solar power plant, developed by Poro Power, is expected to be operational in 2027 and will become the country’s largest solar plant.
The solar plant is expected to provide electricity to more than 100,000 households and avoid over 72,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, contributing to greater energy access and the country’s target of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix to 45% by 2030.
AFC acted as lead underwriter and co-arranger, helping to structure the innovative dual-currency green bond that creates what it called a ‘replicable model’ for mobilising African capital into bankable infrastructure.
It also called the transaction a milestone for Côte d’Ivoire’s capital markets and for African infrastructure more broadly.
Historically, long-term infrastructure financing in the country has depended heavily on international capital.
By contrast, the Poro Power Green Bond was African-led, structured, and fully funded by African institutions.
Samaila Zubairu, president and CEO of AFC, said the Poro Power Green Bond sets a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure financing in Africa.
“This landmark transaction demonstrates the growing capacity of African institutions to mobilise domestic capital and expertise to deliver transformative infrastructure projects,” said said Zubairu.
“We are not only helping to close the infrastructure gap, but also creating scalable, homegrown financing models that can be replicated across the continent.”
The transaction builds on AFC’s track record in Côte d’Ivoire across the power and transport sectors.
In the energy sector, it includes the 44MW Singrobo-Ahouaty hydropower project, Côte d’Ivoire’s first private hydro independent power producer.
Its investments in the country also include the 1.5km Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, which has eased congestion by 30% since commissioning and improved mobility in Abidjan.
In 2024, AFC also supported the Ivorian government in awarding six road development contracts worth €691.6mn.
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Brady Corporation unveils i4311 portable printer. (Image source: Brady Corporation)
Print everything you need, where you need it! With the first transportable printer to deliver 101.60 mm wide labelling without cords or limits
Automated identification and data capture specialist Brady Corporation launches a new type of hybrid label printer that offers industrial label printing performance in a cordless, portable design.
Larger labels
Brady´s new BradyPrinter i4311 is designed to bridge the gap between stationary benchtop label printer power and mobile flexibility. A well-known limitation for most mobile label printers is the maximum width of the label. Brady´s i4311 marks the new maximum label width at 101.60 mm for connected label printing systems that retain true portability.
The larger print width brings a lot more applications into the mobile label printing range, including perforated work-in-progress tags, common size rating plates and larger cable tags, wraps, sleeves, asset labels, component labels and GHS-compliant chemical labels.
Cut the cord
No need to look for power outlets with the i4311. The printer is powered by a battery that can handle 5000 large labels on a single charge. Swapping batteries has been made easy and they can be charged in 3.5 hours.
Easy to integrate
The new BradyPrinter i4311 can print labels from phones, tablets and laptops, and even from central company systems using Brady´s software development kit or ZPL support. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the i4311 also features ethernet and USB-C connections.
The printer´s on-board 7´´ (17.78 cm) touch screen offers both on-device support as well as the capability to print labels directly from the printer. Users can store on average different 85 000 label templates in the printer that can be completed with an on-board ´fill in´ option, fully responsive to your touch.
Industry feedback
Brady also revealed i4311 printer features that were developed with close involvement from the company´s long-standing customers. As a result, the printer´s footprint was limited to 23 x 23 x 33 cm and 5.9 kg and the device´s easy-to-grip handle was optimised.
A battery-saver was also added for when the printer is not in use and battery-swapping was made even easier.
Portable benchtop
Right in the middle of Brady´s mobile label printer and industrial benchtop label printer line ups now sits the BradyPrinter i4311: a portable printer with the company´s benchtop industrial printing capabilities.
Compatible with more than 1300 Brady label parts, the i4311 can print on a majority of Brady´s reliable, laboratory-tested label materials. Just like other Brady printers the i4311 includes LabelSense technology to automatically set label material burn, size and pre-print settings as soon as a label roll is loaded.
The company´s newest label printer also works with a host of free Brady Express Labels mobile apps. These enable users to select text in an image file for example, and import it for printing on a label. Or to read barcodes with a phone and send them to the printer. With a commanding voice, labels can even be printed completely hands-free, using BradyVoice, a smartphone microphone and the BradyPrinter i4311.
Watch the printer in action & learn more >>
BRADY Corporation in Africa
T: +27 11 704 3295
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