NEWS ARTICLES

OPTIMISED OPERATIONS: Advanced digital technologies will enable mining operations to become more agile, data-driven, and environmentally responsible Digital transformation is poised to reshape copper mining through enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making, reports industrial solutions specialist Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC). DGC assists mining operations in navigating the sector’s evolving technological landscape through its DGC MetPro Solutions, equipping mining companies with digital tools and expertise to optimise operations, reduce environmental impact and ensure long-term industry success, says DGC chairperson Trevor Dickinson. “The integration of advanced digital technologies will enable mining operations to become more agile, data-driven and environmentally responsible,” he enthuses. Aligned to this, DGC MetPro Solutions employs a suite of advanced technologies to enhance metal recovery rates, particularly for complex copper ores, improving the efficiency and profitability of mining operations. Through its highly skilled team, as well as strategic alliances with industry leaders, DGC MetPro provides specialised expertise and customised solutions to the copper mining industry. “Digital tools enable copper mining operations to optimise nearly every aspect of their processes,” he says. Through implementing technologies, such as digital twin systems and advanced process controls, mining operations can enable real-time monitoring and control of mining activities, from ore extraction to smelting. This results in improved production rates, reduced variability, and better resource use, enabling companies to meet growing demand while lowering costs. Dickinson anticipates that technologies, such as online condition monitoring and predictive analytics, will play a crucial role in the future of copper mining by providing continuous data on the health of mining equipment, enabling predictive maintenance strategies that reduce the likelihood of costly unplanned shutdowns. Sustainability, says Dickinson, is another aspect that can be improved through digital innovation in copper mining. DGC MetPro’s focus on reducing emissions and implementing resource-efficient technologies aligns with this trend, assisting clients with regulatory compliance while achieving environmental goals. Further, digital transformation in copper mining will enable better decision-making through using big data analytics and AI. By collecting vast amounts of data from sensors, automation systems, and digital twins, mining operations will be able to analyse performance, predict trends and make informed strategic decisions. DGC MetPro’s digital solutions ensure that data is collected and used effectively to drive operational improvements and reduce risks. Dickinson adds that the future of copper mining will increasingly involve remote operations centers and increasing levels of automation. “By enabling remote monitoring and control of mining processes, companies can improve safety and reduce the need for on-site personnel, particularly in hazardous environments,” he says. “DGC MetPro’s expertise in implementing robotics and automated systems positions it as a key player in helping mining companies transition to more automated, remotely controlled operations,” he explains. “DGC MetPro’s role in integrating these digital solutions ensures that its clients remain competitive and able to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global market,” enthuses Dickinson. PARTNER COLLABORATION Through collaboration with various partners, DGC MetPro Solutions addresses distinct challenges by enhancing DGC MetPro’s service offerings. South Africa-based engineering firm LogiProc provides process engineering and metallurgical solutions expertise, with Dickinson explaining that LogiProc’s deep knowledge, experience in process-driven engineering, expertise in metallurgical process improvement and efficiency enhancement, complements DGC MetPro's core services. Another example of collaboration involves refractory solutions supplier Refractory and Metallurgical Solutions (RMS), through which specialised expertise in refractory design, manufacturing, and life optimisation – particularly for high-temperature processes in smelting operations – is provided. A further example of collaboration is illustrated by engineering consultancy EAMS Africa’s offering of advanced technologies in enterprise asset management, including real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and digital transformation solutions. Further, engineering consultancy Engconomics contributes by integrating engineering, performance analysis, and reliability-enhancing solutions, assisting DGC MetPro in delivering sophisticated strategies for optimising production efficiency, resource use, and equipment reliability. Published 15 November 2024 https://www.miningweekly.com/article/digital-tools-poised-to-transform-copper-mining-2024-10-31 Written by Nadine Ramdass - Creamer Media Writer Edited by Donna Slater - Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer

DGC AFRICA, a proud member of the Dickinson Group of Companies, continues to be at the forefront of driving industrial growth across sub-Saharan Africa. As the demand for sustainable, efficient, and innovative industrial services accelerates, DGC AFRICA remains a trusted provider, delivering a comprehensive range of specialised solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the mining, metallurgy, mineral processing, and manufacturing sectors.   With offices strategically positioned in South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, DGC AFRICA leverages its extensive experience and technical expertise to deliver solutions that ensure optimal performance and efficiency. The company’s portfolio of services is tailored to each client’s operational challenges, offering bespoke solutions that align with their industrial requirements.   At the heart of DGC AFRICA’s service offerings are its furnace and smelter services, which play a critical role in maintaining the operational integrity of key assets across various industries. These services include complex furnace rebuilds, detailed inspections, and specialised refractory installations, all aimed at enhancing productivity, reducing downtime, and ensuring safety. By integrating advanced technology with decades of industry knowledge, DGC Africa helps its clients navigate and overcome the operational challenges posed by harsh industrial environments.   Additionally, DGC AFRICA delivers a broad range of other industrial services, such as industrial linings and mechanical engineering. These services enable companies to protect their assets, streamline operations, and maintain high safety standards, contributing to long-term sustainability and operational excellence. EMPOWERING AFRICA'S WORKFORCE: DGC WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS AND LOCAL COLLABORATION   An essential part of DGC AFRICA's long-term strategy is its commitment to empowering local communities and developing the continent’s workforce. This commitment is exemplified through DGC Workforce Solutions, a pivotal division of DGC Africa that focuses on addressing the complex and evolving workforce needs of African industries.   With a legacy rooted in over a century of industrial service provision, DGC Workforce Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services that include specialised recruitment, flexible labour hire models, workforce management, and consulting services. By bridging critical skills gaps, fostering local talent, and ensuring regulatory compliance, DGC Workforce Solutions plays a significant role in driving Africa’s industrial development.   A key initiative in this regard is the collaboration with Browhil Trading in Zimbabwe. As DGC AFRICA continues to expand its footprint in Zimbabwe, DGC Workforce Solutions will partner with Browhil Trading to provide tailored workforce solutions that meet the demands of Zimbabwe’s growing industrial sectors. This collaboration aims to offer artisanal training, skilled labour provision, and workforce compliance services, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s industries have access to a highly skilled, adaptable, and compliant workforce.   In Zimbabwe, DGCA Zimbabwe, a joint venture between DGC AFRICA and Browhil Trading, already delivers essential services to the mining and metals smelting sectors. The venture provides crucial services, including furnace rebuilds, mechanical engineering projects, and refractory installation, all while fostering community development by training and employing local talent. This partnership exemplifies DGC AFRICA’s broader strategy of combining global standards with local expertise to boost local employment, enhance industrial capabilities, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of Zimbabwe. A VISION FOR AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE   As DGC AFRICA continues to expand its reach across the continent, its focus remains firmly on innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. The company’s dedication to delivering world-class industrial services, combined with its commitment to local workforce development, positions DGC AFRICA as a key player in Africa’s industrial evolution. Whether through furnace and smelter services, mechanical engineering, or the strategic workforce solutions provided by DGC Workforce Solutions, the company remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their operational efficiency while contributing to local development. DGC AFRICA’s ability to merge technical expertise with deep local insights ensures that its clients are well-equipped to meet today’s industrial challenges and take advantage of the opportunities of tomorrow.   As DGC AFRICA strengthens its presence in countries like Zimbabwe and beyond, the company continues to deliver critical industrial solutions that are driving the future of Africa’s industrial landscape. Published 15 October 2024, Mining Zimbabwe https://miningzimbabwe.com/powering-africas-future-through-comprehensive-industrial-solutions/ Contributors:  Justin Nothnagel (Director Business Development, Dickinson Group of Companies)  Douglas Mhazo (Managing Director, DGC Zimbabwe) ABOUT OUR COMPANY, HISTORY, AND PARTNERS Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) was founded in 1910. For comprehensive information about Our Company – History, Vision & Values, Strategy, Global Alliances, Africa Footprint, Commitment to Safety, Anti-Corruption Policy, References, and Industrial Solutions, please visit our website.

GROWING WORKPLACE CAPABILITIES: Dickinson Group of Companies Africa has developed a robust strategy to leverage its partnerships with mineral processing companies to significantly enhance its engineering capabilities for the mining sector in Southern Africa. EXPANSION IMPERATIVE: Strategic partnerships are key to significantly enhancing DGC AFRICA's engineering capabilities Having anticipated the future demands of the mining sector, global refractory and industrial solutions company the Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) AFRICA’s key strategic objectives are aimed at developing lasting solutions for more sustainable mining practices and integrating advanced technologies. The company’s focus is on creating an uncontested market space by identifying and addressing unmet needs in the mining sector while breaking the value–cost tradeoff with clients. Other requirements include an emphasis on value innovation over competitive benchmarking. “At DGC, we’re expanding beyond our traditional industrial furnace clientele,” states DGC AFRICA's chairperson, Trevor Dickinson. “We’re looking upstream to mining customers, where our industrial linings, weld overlay, and wear protection solutions are crucial. This approach redefines industry boundaries, moving us from refractory specialists to comprehensive asset integrity management providers.” He says the company is now reaching previously underserved markets, including remote mining operations, with its advanced industrial technologies. “This strategic shift leverages our expertise in new ways, creating value for a broader client base while strengthening our market position.” The company’s approach to developing custom industrial solutions for the mining sector in Southern Africa and Latin America is fundamentally shaped by its Blue Ocean Strategy – one that has transformed DGC  AFRICA from mere refractory specialists to a leading global provider of asset integrity management and industrial solutions. CHALLENGES, PARTNERSHIPS DGC Africa has faced numerous challenges in developing optimal industrial solutions for clients across multiple jurisdictions in sub-Saharan Africa and these challenges have tested the company’s resilience and driven it to innovate and adapt its strategies, continuously. “One of the most significant hurdles has been navigating the diverse and complex regulatory environments across different countries, each with its unique set of mining laws, environmental regulations, and labour standards. To overcome this, we’ve developed a deep understanding of local regulatory frameworks and built strong relationships with regulatory bodies in each of the countries in which we operate,” explains Dickinson. Infrastructure disparities, with varying levels of development across the region, have posed considerable challenges, along with inadequate transportation networks and unreliable power supply in some areas. Skills shortages and workforce development have been persistent issues, particularly for specialised roles in advanced industrial processes. The company has addressed this by investing heavily in its artisanal skills development initiative in partnership with artisan training and development provider UXi Artisan Development. DGC AFRICA has also had to contend with political and economic instability in some regions, with sudden policy changes, currency fluctuations and supply chain disruptions requiring robust contingency plans and flexible operational strategies. Other challenges include mitigating incongruency in terms of matching the company’s advanced technologies with operations in remote mining locations and areas with limited technological infrastructure. Managing supply chains across multiple countries with limited logistical infrastructure has resulted in DGC AFRICA having to build strong local supplier networks and maintain consistent health and safety standards across diverse operational environments. “Despite these challenges, DGC AFRICA has consistently strived to deliver excellent industrial solutions, turning many of these obstacles into opportunities for innovation. Our ability to navigate these complex issues has been key to our success and has reinforced our position as a leading provider of asset integrity management and industrial solutions in the mining sector across sub-Saharan Africa,” says Dickinson. COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY The company has developed a robust strategy to leverage its partnerships with mineral processing companies to significantly enhance its engineering capabilities for the mining sector in Southern Africa. Dickinson notes that this approach aligns with DGC AFRICA’s directive of creating uncontested market space and offering unique value to clients in the region. To complement this directive, the company has partnered with multidisciplinary engineering firm LogiProc, enabling the former to offer comprehensive mineral process engineering, design, and construction services. Dickinson highlights that this partnership enhances DGC Africa’s capacity to deliver turnkey solutions across the mining, metals smelting, and mineral processing sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, with these services spanning the entire project life cycle – from initial feasibility studies and engineering, through to project management and ongoing plant operations and maintenance. “Our strategic alliance with Effixon Engineering significantly enhances DGC AFRICA’s reverse engineering capabilities,” states Dickinson. “This collaboration is particularly valuable for clients lacking original component drawings – a common challenge in brownfield environments. “Using advanced techniques like 3D scanning and precise measurements, we recreate accurate digital representations of existing equipment. This allows us to not only replicate parts but also identify potential improvements, enabling us to offer tailored retrofit solutions that enhance performance and extend equipment life.” This approach is crucial for optimizing operations and modernizing legacy systems, even without original documentation, he notes. This partnership strategy supports DGC AFRICA’s broader expansion plans to extend its geographic reach, with plans to enter Francophone West Africa by late 2025, further plans for DGC LATAM, in South America, and the eventual establishment of DGC Middle East. Dickinson adds that DGC AFRICA is also positioning itself as a versatile and robust international provider of industrial solutions. “This approach ensures that DGC AFRICA can offer localized expertise backed by world-class capabilities, meeting the evolving needs of mining clients across multiple continents while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainable practices,” concludes Dickinson. Published 6 September 2024, Mining Weekly By: Lumkile Nkomfe, Creamer Media Reporter, Edited by Donna Slater, Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer ABOUT OUR COMPANY, HISTORY, AND PARTNERS Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) was founded in 1910. For comprehensive information about Our Company – History, Vision & Values, Strategy, Global Alliances, Africa Footprint, Commitment to Safety, Anti-Corruption Policy, References, and Industrial Solutions, please visit our website.