Mining hoist specialist wins gold prize
July 2007
News
Klaus Kacy, a senior technical consultant with ABB Automation in Canada and specialist in hoist technology has been awarded the prestigious Donald J. McParland Memorial Medal from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) for outstanding engineering achievements and service to the mining industry.
Klaus Kacy (left) receives the Donald J. McParland Memorial Medal
Kacy accepted the award at a gala event at CIM's Montreal headquarters at the end of April. "This is a real honour, because it is the first time in the history of the McParland award that it has been presented to a supplier," said Kacy, who holds an MSc degree in control engineering from Gliwice Technical University in Poland.
He has developed systems for mines all over the world, and in 39 years of professional experience his R&D work has resulted in more than 30 patents. In leading the centre of excellence for mine hoist technology in Canada Kacy has been involved in many successful mine hoist revamps in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Hoists are essential to mining operations. They must be safe and reliable to carry tons of ore, people and equipment in and out of the mines, and often reaching startling depths underground. Modern mine hoists are complex systems which require detailed knowledge of drives, control engineering and also electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
In Canada, Kacy was influential in developing the hoist systems for a mine in northern Quebec that is 2250 metres deep (believed to be the deepest shaft in the northern hemisphere). That is by no means the deepest in the world - South Africa's East Rand gold mine is more than 3500 metres deep.
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
printer friendly version