South African mining on display at CIM Montreal

How does one make sence of an exhibition hall larger than a football field? I suppose you walk fast and find those companies that supply products and services you need. I started out doing this, until I came across an area marked out “South Africa.” Within a few minutes my American accent subsided and my African sound resurfaced. I chatted to the many people from South Africa who are promoting their products for the first time in North America. Here is a quick rundown on some:

MaximB represented by Charles Davis (charles@landpac.co.za at www.landpac.co.za) told me about the specialized vehicles they make for the mines in South Africa. I was intrigued by the 1.4-m high, sixteen-seat person transporter made specially for the platinum mines. I had always known that the platinum seam is narrow–here is physical proof.

GRIFO ENGINEERING represented by Gianni Fontanella (gianni@ grifo.co.za and www.grifo.co.za) regaled me with the story of how they developed specialized pumps that are self-balancing and able to lift mine waters the full 2,000 meters from the bottom of the shaft to the surface. Seems like there is a need for this abilty in some North American mines and certainly in the Quebec hydro power industry.

Oblique Engineering represented by Gary Da Silva (oblique@icon.co.za and www.oblique.co.za) told me how he had developed plant to separate diamonds from the muck: an old idea, but one awiating resuccitation, namely get the diamonds to adhere to the oil. He says that he can pull diamonds out of the many waste dumps at diamond mines. He has seven plants in operation and I have asked him to keep me informed about his success in getting his equipment distributed here and up north.

ATS 2000 represented by Antonio Rebello (ats2000@mja.co.za) showed me the log cutter and the pump and the other equipment he has made and developed. Each piece is a masterpiece of design: practical, pragmatic, robust, and safe. This is experience and expertise at work. Bill White (705-474-7121) is looking to represent them in Canada. Good luck to them all.

There are other manufacturers in the South African area, but it was cocktail time, so I saw them not. It is fascinating to look at the ingenuity and application of these folk and the boldness in coming to this part of the world to sell their expertise. I did it twenty eight years ago and I know it is daunting, but the prize is worth the race. So good running guys.