The evolution of mining infrastructure and EPCM collaboration
January 2024
Electrical Power & Protection
As the demand for raw material continues to surge, the spotlight has turned to the mining sector, bringing both greenfield and brownfield mining projects into focus. Ensuring these ventures are efficiently executed, without compromising on time or budget, necessitates a tailored strategy. Often, this means relying on the expertise of an engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contractor.
David Claassen, managing director of Trafo Power Solutions, firmly believes in the importance of partnering with adept EPCM professionals, and says the key to successful partnerships lies in comprehending the EPCM domain. Established in 2017, Trafo Power Solutions specialises in dry-type transformers, and has established robust collaborations with EPCM contractors globally. According to Claassen, Trafo Power Solutions’ consistent successes hinge on several principles, which include understanding project complexities, fostering effective communication, flexibility in adjusting to evolving project scopes, access to proven technology and products, and delivering timely results.
“It’s vital to understand that each project has its uniqueness, and our team successfully navigates this by adopting an ‘understanding’ strategy, emphasising the importance of collaboration to manage the complexities,” he says. “Our deep understanding of the project process helps us pinpoint and provide the most suitable solution tailored to customer needs.”
EPCM contractors handle intricate tasks such as detailed engineering and design. Trafo Power Solutions contributes by suggesting alternate solutions, ensuring efficient procurement, and avoiding redundancy, to ensure the best outcome for every project.
Communication is the cornerstone of successful project execution. With various EPCM entities employing different communication tools and software, Trafo Power Solutions prides itself on its adaptability. “Our flexibility allows us to mesh with any project team, irrespective of the chosen software,” Claassen notes. He emphasises that this adaptability optimises project management processes, contributing to each project’s success.
Integrity and collaboration remain at the core of Trafo Power Solutions’ operations. The company’s dedication to understanding project requirements and prompt response ensures minimal risks and streamlined operations. As Claassen aptly puts it, “The collective goal of stakeholders is the successful execution of a project.
“Trafo Power Solutions, in partnership with TMC Transformers from Italy, offers top-tier dry-type transformers, emphasising quality and reliability. As the world shifts towards rapid infrastructural developments, such collaborations and expertise will become more invaluable,” Claassen concludes.
Further reading:
Rail electrification and EV solutions for integrated transport systems
Electrical Power & Protection
A comprehensive range of solutions for rail electrification and electric vehicles is available from leading technology provider ABB, contributing significantly to integrated and sustainable transport systems.
Read more...
PPS delivers containerised distribution board for Western Cape hybrid power project
Electrical Power & Protection
South African electrical enclosure specialist Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project on a site in the Western Cape.
Read more...
The choice of a thermal carrier is critical for optimal processing
Electrical Power & Protection
Historically steam, fuelled by coal, has been the most prevalent thermal carrier in South African industry. However, times are changing, with the manufacturing and processing sector needing to review the energy reticulation systems and thermal carriers currently in use.
Read more...
ABB’s blueprint for a net zero future
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB’s Mission to Zero is a strategic initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable future characterised by zero emissions, zero accidents and zero waste.
Read more...
How South Africa’s transformer manufacturing industry can fill a gaping infrastructure gap
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s energy transition is accelerating the demand for power transformers. However, this shift toward renewable energy is exposing a critical infrastructure gap: a severe shortage of transformers.
Read more...
General-purpose 350 W AC-DC power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
The TDK-Lambda GUS350 series of compact single-output general-purpose power supplies addresses the need for an economically priced product while maintaining reliability and quality.
Read more...
Ground-breaking battery tester
Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Midtronics offers the proven MVT handheld battery tester. This revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.
Read more...
Green hydrogen could be the missing link in powering the future of technology
Electrical Power & Protection
Green hydrogen has numerous applications across multiple industries. It also has the potential to provide a clean energy source to power future technology, with far-reaching implications for both industry and society.
Read more...
Energy audits pave the pathway to sustainability and savings
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints, enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation.
Read more...
Passive fire protection for lithium-ion battery risks
Electrical Power & Protection
In response to the growing threat posed by lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires, a breakthrough passive fire protection solution is now available in South Africa.
Read more...