Rosh Pinah is a small Namibian mining town located some 100 km inland from the Orange River mouth. After having been in operation for over 40 years, the zinc and lead floatation units of the mine were structurally beyond maintaining and needed to be replaced. Capital for the project was approved and the contracts were awarded at the end of 2008.
All the civil, mechanical, electrical instrumentation and automation equipment needed to be replaced. The work was to proceed in two phases: phase 1 was the upgrading of the zinc circuit which was due for completion by September 2009 and phase 2 was the replacement of the lead circuit which was due for completion later in November. Arandis Services and K Neumayer were contracted to perform all the civil and structural work. Metso was responsible for the flotation cells, piping and instrumentation supply. ABB Namibia supplied the motor control centres. All the electrical and automation installation was executed by Iritron, with overall site management carried out by the Rosh Pinah mine personnel.
Iritron’s operations director Andre Roeloffze and managing director Alwyn Rautenbach were the consulting engineers responsible for the project management of the electrical, instrumentation and control portion of the project. They formed the interface between Rosh Pinah mine, ABB Namibia, Iritron and Metso. Frits Stoop managed the Iritron engineering team. Hardus Strydom was responsible for the electrical and lighting design, and Danie Smit designed the PLC and scada system assisted with the HMI graphics by Jan van Niekerk.
Andre Roeloffze says he enjoys going back to Rosh Pinah because he and the team are always welcomed. He says one of the reasons is the successful execution of the Rosh Pinah flotation unit replacement project.
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...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...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...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.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version