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First Africa Guide, Northwold Way, Randburg (2025)

23/09/2025

360 degree solutions at NAMPO Cape 2025

NAMPO Cape 2025 attracted nearly 50 000 visitors to Bredasdorp Park this September, making it the most successful show since Nampo Cape’s launch in 2018. BMG’s stand – with the theme ‘360 degree solutions’ - was among the highlights at the event, drawing great interest from visitors, with live demonstrations, competitions and a broad showcase of premium agricultural solutions.

BMG showcased its extensive range of agricultural products, including hydraulic components, bearings and seals, lubricants, electric motors, packaging conveyor belts and tools.

“This prestigious agricultural event has become a milestone for the farming community in the region and BMG is proud to participate,” says Carlo Beukes, Business Development Manager, Agricultural division, BMG. “Our focus is on giving farmers practical access to advanced technologies that improve productivity, conserve resources and minimise downtime. Feedback from visitors to our stand has been outstanding. We are proud to be part of every farmer's process, from start to finish.”

Highlights for BMG at the event include a focus on SKF Vehicle Aftermarket components, designed for Southern Africa’s ‘bakkie country’. Products, like complete wheel bearing units for Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser and Ford Ranger vehicles, were introduced alongside SKF heavy-duty truck components. The premium-quality SKF Vehicle Aftermarket portfolio, which comprises over 20 000 variations, is set to boost BMG’s other leading automotive brands – including Snap-On, Gates, Rexon and Liqui Moly.

BMG’s SKF Vehicle Aftermarket offering is exclusively tailored for the automotive sector – the company will not be supplying the standard SKF range of industrial bearings, but a specialised selection of automotive bearings and components, designed for passenger vehicles, commercial fleets and automotive workshop applications.

BMG has extended its lubrication and cleaning portfolio, with Liqui Moly Guntec firearm care products, which ensure safe and thorough cleaning of fi****ms.

Liqui Moly’s Guntec range - suitable for field use and workshop maintenance - has been developed for hunters, as a complete maintenance system, to meet essential cleaning and lubrication requirements.

The Guntec silencer cleaner is unique to Liqui Moly and has been formulated to dissolve combustion residues that accumulate in silencers - a common problem that conventional barrel cleaners do not adequately address. This cleaner efficiently removes fouling without damaging delicate components, enabling users to maintain silencers in safe operating condition, while reducing cleaning time and extending the service life of their firearm. BMG has also introduced conveniently packaged promotional kits - combining core cleaners and lubricants with accessories - as a ready-to-use solution for comprehensive firearm care.

Other highlights for BMG include advanced Gates harvester belts, engineered to withstand the toughest operating conditions and Danfoss VLT Aqua drives that improve energy efficiency in irrigation pumping. Both underscore BMG’s BoerSlim/Smart Farming initiative, which helps farmers reduce input costs, while supporting sustainable food production.

BMG’s user-friendly online shopping platform is highly popular with farmers, as a convenient way to procure engineering and agricultural products. This digital shopping portal, which adds value to BMG’s complete solutions offering, is supported by a broad branch network. These services ensure that farmers can source the right components, with technical back-up, whenever needed.

BMG’s agricultural team works closely with farmers around the country to ensure correct equipment selection, installation, operation and care. This service ensures improved machine performance, enhanced reliability and extended maintenance intervals and service life for most agricultural systems.

https://bmgworld.net/

BMG

21/09/2025

Op-ed: Building skills for sustainable growth in Namibia’s booming oil and gas sector

By Julien Karambua, Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia

Recent offshore oil and gas discoveries in Namibia could prove to be a turning point for the country. There is potential to attract billions in investment, create thousands of jobs and drive major infrastructure projects. For a country striving to diversify its economy, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, to avoid the ‘resource curse’ and ensure that the sector will develop sustainably and to the benefit of communities, careful planning is essential. To harness the long-term benefits of this natural resource wealth, Namibia must invest in skills development and transfer, enforce strong governance, and prioritise environmental responsibility.

Investing in people and skills

Skills development is critical in the creation of a thriving offshore industry, because many technical, safety and operational roles require specific accreditation. While Namibia has a strong pool of talented artisans and engineers, they often lack offshore-specific certifications. These may include Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW-95) for safety and seamanship; Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) for helicopter escape; Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) for offshore survival; and Dynamic Positioning (DP) for vessel operations. There is also a significant element of on-the-job training required to prepare for offshore work.

If the appropriate training and experience are not available for locals, companies will be forced to rely on expatriates to fill these roles. Expanding access to training requires collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions. Industry can fund bursaries and placements, training centres like Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) can align programmes with international standards, and government policies, including local content frameworks, can ensure Namibians are empowered to participate fully in the sector.

Ensuring sustainable and responsible development

While there is much interest in Namibia because of this wealth of natural resources, attracting investment is only part of the equation in creating sustainable and long-term economic growth. Namibia is taking steps to address this through establishing a sovereign wealth fund, modelled on successful examples in Norway and the UAE, to ensure oil wealth benefits current and future generations. In addition, draft legislation, including the Petroleum Resource Development Bill, aims to provide transparency and accountability for the sector.

However, responsible development also demands environmental stewardship. Mandatory environmental impact assessments and regional cooperation through the Benguela Current Commission help safeguard marine ecosystems. Oil and gas revenue can also fund clean energy initiatives, such as solar PV and green hydrogen, supporting Namibia’s broader transition to sustainable energy.

Avoiding the resource curse

Other countries have shown the risks of neglecting local communities: inequality, social tension and economic stagnation can follow. To prevent falling into this trap, Namibia must prioritise skills development, transparency, and local participation to ensure the benefits of offshore resources reach the people and help diversify the economy.

Namibia’s oil and gas discoveries are a unique opportunity to transform the economy. By investing in skills, upholding strong governance, and committing to sustainable practices, this boom can deliver tangible, lasting benefits for Namibians today and for generations to come.

21/09/2025

Aterian Launches Responsible Coltan Trading Operations in Rwanda

UK-Based Aterian Expands in Rwanda with First Responsible Coltan Shipments Amid Regional Tensions

Rwanda continues to draw foreign mining investment despite criticism from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and reports by the United Nations alleging Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.

Against this backdrop, UK-based Aterian plc, a critical minerals exploration and development company, announced the launch of its coltan trading operations in Rwanda.

The company confirmed its first shipment of tantalum-niobium (coltan) concentrate sourced from responsible, OECD-compliant supply chains. This initial delivery will be exported to one of its international trading partners, marking what the company calls a pivotal moment in its commercial expansion.

Aterian has partnered with a global metals and minerals trading house specializing in non-ferrous and specialty materials. This alliance provides the company with immediate access to international markets and buyers while strengthening its long-term sales platform.

The company’s Rwandan subsidiary, Eastinco Ltd, has established a supply chain involving artisanal and small-scale miners, subject to rigorous on-site audits and due diligence checks.

All deliveries comply with the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) standards and OECD guidelines, ensuring traceability and conflict-free sourcing.

To fund the rollout, Aterian has mobilized a $250,000 loan facility, already deployed to acquire responsibly sourced Rwandan mineral concentrates.

Simon Rollason, Aterian’s Managing Director, said the combination of supplier verification and new trading capital enables the company to scale rapidly.

“We anticipate a significant increase in trading volumes over the coming weeks as we expand sourcing relationships and ramp up procurement with our trade finance partners. This is a pivotal moment, laying the commercial foundations for long-term growth across the region,” Rollason noted.

He added that Aterian’s compliance systems, risk management protocols, and supply chain partnerships position the company to demonstrate full traceability while supporting growth and long-term revenue generation.

Aterian emphasized that its auditing process includes verification of mine origins, conflict-free certification, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) checks. This commitment, the company argues, strengthens its reputation and appeal among international buyers increasingly focused on transparent and ethical sourcing.

Exports of container-sized industrial volumes are expected to begin shortly, with additional announcements anticipated on trading volumes and supply expansion in the coming weeks.

Despite ongoing accusations from the DRC that Rwanda is profiting from Congolese mineral resources through indirect channels, Rwanda’s mining sector continues to attract foreign investors.

In August, Trinity Metals and U.S.-based Global Tungsten announced a critical minerals supply chain agreement enabling direct tungsten exports from Rwanda to the United States.

19/09/2025

Flexible, lightweight disc couplings for advanced industrial performance

BMG’s Power Transmission division has expanded its extensive portfolio of quality branded couplings, with the introduction of the ESCODISC FIL series - a new generation of flexible, lightweight disc couplings.

The new ESCODISC FIL composite disc series - manufactured by ESCO Couplings SRL - has been developed from advanced composite materials, to deliver high strength and a 60% weight reduction. These advanced couplings meet growing demand for high performance, lightweight, low maintenance components required in modern industrial applications.

“The new ESCODISC FIL, which offers significant advantages over traditional elastomeric couplings series, represents the future of flexible disc couplings. By combining marine-grade metals with advanced composite technology, we can offer our customers with a dependable solution that increases efficiency and reduces maintenance,” says Steven Hodgkinson, Engineered Couplings Specialist, BMG’s Power Transmission division. “For example, in a cooling tower installation, the significant weight reduction of ESCODISC FIL helped lower energy consumption, while extending equipment life. The composite lightweight design does not require intermediate bearing support and can deliver a materials lifespan of up to 10 years, compared with elastomeric couplings that require replacement every two to eight years, depending on design, material and operating conditions. In this project the result was reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs and improved reliability of the installation.

“ESCODISC FIL couplings have high resistance to corrosion and ultraviolet exposure, ensuring durability in harsh environments. The construction of this series integrates marine-grade Stainless Steel hubs and fasteners for reliable protection, together with high-strength composite disc packs that extend service life under demanding conditions.

“In comparative testing, these composite couplings have shown service life up to 40% longer than standard metallic equivalents, as well as reduced unplanned downtime.”

A key innovation of this series is its new floating composite spacer, which is produced from carbon or e-glass fibres embedded in an epoxy matrix, with UV protection. This design reduces overall weight by up to 60% compared with conventional steel spacers, thus easing the load on connected machinery. An optimised spacer-flange interface further enhances operational reliability and fatigue resistance over an extended service life.

These couplings have also been designed for convenient installation and easy maintenance and do not require a crane to be mounted. The flexible elements have high misalignment capacity which facilitates assembly of the coupling on the installation. Components are dimensioned for infinite life, with high resistance against corrosion. Lubrication-free ESCODISC FIL couplings reduce the need for lengthy maintenance and improve cost of ownership for the end-user.

These couplings are engineered in line with recognised ISO and API compliance standards, with extensive laboratory testing validating their fatigue strength, torsional rigidity and corrosion resistance. This ensures suitability for industrial sectors where reliability, safety and extended service intervals are critical.

BMG’s Power Transmission team supports a broad range of components with technical expertise and aftersales service to ensure correct selection, specification, installation and long-term reliability.

BMG

16/09/2025

Clean, eco-friendly chain lubrication

BMG’s extensive lubrication range includes GO Chain Wax Chain lubricant, a wax-based, non-toxic and solvent-free product, developed to meet the requirements of performance, environmental responsibility and cost efficiency in many sectors.

GO Chain Wax is designed for dependable use in motorcycle chains, as well as chains and equipment operating in demanding industrial environments. The high wax content and ease of use make it a cost-effective and practical solution for multiple industries, from mining and manufacturing to agriculture and transport.

According to Carlo Beukes, Business Development Manager for BMG’s Agricultural, Automotive and Lubrication division. “The development of GO Chain Wax addresses two critical industry challenges - equipment reliability in harsh operating environments and the need for environmental responsibility. This highly efficient product is biodegradable, non-flammable and solvent-free and meets occupational health and safety requirements in sectors where aerosols are restricted.

“GO Chain Wax is especially effective in dusty or contaminated conditions, like cement works, sawmills, fertiliser plants, mining and agriculture, where conventional oil-based lubricants tend to attract and hold dirt. The product, with a wax content of over 40 % in a water-based emulsion, provides a thicker and more durable protective film compared with traditional dry lubricants, most of which contain only 10 to 25 % wax. The slow evaporation of water ensures deeper pe*******on before forming a dry coating that repels dirt and moisture.”

Independent tests have shown that chain life in heavily contaminated mining operations can be extended from two weeks to over six weeks using GO Chain Wax. By reducing friction and preventing the formation of grinding paste, the lubricant enhances performance and prolongs the working life of critical equipment. This product is also resistant to water, reducing the risk of corrosion – but specialists recommend that application is carried out under dry conditions.

GO Chain Wax can be applied by spray, squeeze bottle, brush, feeder system or dipping, without the need for pre-cleaning.

Unlike conventional aerosol-based lubricants, it is non-hazardous and safe to use in areas where flammable materials or confined spaces prevent the use of solvent-based products. Excess material expelled during use hardens and falls away, minimising build-up and eliminating the need for degreasing between applications.

This product is suitable for most motor-driven chains and general lubrication applications not exceeding 70°C. Typical applications are in conveyors, forklifts, hoists, cranes, crawlers and woodworking machinery.

GO Chain Wax is available from BMG in 500 ml, 5 litre, 25 litre and 180 litre containers, offering flexibility for both small-scale and large industrial users.

BMG specialists offer a technical advisory service on correct chain and lubrication selection, application and care. BMG

12/09/2025

Circuit breakers for reliable, compliant protection

Legrand’s low-voltage power distribution portfolio encompasses the DX³ range of miniature circuit breakers, designed to deliver dependable protection in residential, commercial and industrial installations. The range covers ratings from 1 A to 125 A, with breaking capacities up to 50 kA, making this system suitable for installations where performance and safety compliance are essential.

The DX³ range provides a wide selection of tripping curves - from B and C types for resistive and general-purpose loads, to D and Z types for inductive or sensitive equipment. This flexibility allows installers and designers to match breaker characteristics precisely to system requirements, improving selectivity and operational reliability. These devices combine thermal and magnetic trip mechanisms: the thermal element ensures reliable response to prolonged overloads, while the magnetic element provides instantaneous disconnection in the event of a short-circuit.

According to Legrand specialists, “As electrical installations advance to include more sensitive equipment and higher energy densities, it is increasingly important that protection devices meet stringent standards and are easy to specify and install. DX³ circuit breakers are engineered to safely handle high fault levels and to perform consistently in both AC and DC systems. This range, with rated operational voltages up to 230/400 V AC and dedicated DC configurations for solar and battery applications, offers safety compliance and long-term reliability.

“Installers value many features of the DX³ range, including those that enhance safe operation. Wide connection reinforced terminals with compensating clamps reduce the risk of overheating from loose connections and retractable insulating shields are designed to prevent accidental contact. Clear contact position indicators, secure label holders and full compatibility with auxiliaries allow quick installation and uncomplicated integration into distribution boards and energy management systems. Typical applications are in data centres, commercial buildings and renewable energy systems.”

The DX³ range is also classified for high current-limiting performance. By interrupting fault currents before they reach their peak value, these breakers significantly reduce the thermal and mechanical stresses imposed on conductors and connected equipment. This critical feature not only protects downstream devices but also extends the service life of the overall installation.

DX³ circuit breakers are compliant with IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2 specifications and are suitable for use in environments from residential distribution boards to industrial panels requiring higher short-circuit capacities. These devices have insulation voltages up to 500 V and are tested to stringent endurance requirements, ensuring reliable performance throughout their service life.

Legrand’s DX³ circuit breakers are available in single to four-pole versions and can be installed in both alternating and direct current systems. The design also facilitates multipole series connection for higher DC voltages, which is an important consideration in photovoltaic and battery storage applications.

By combining robust electrical performance with advanced technology and practical design features, the DX³ range ensures safer, more efficient power distribution in diverse installations.
Legrand

10/09/2025

A sweet win for BMG and a hole-in-one golfer

BMG has won two prestigious awards at the 97th SASTA (SA Sugar Technologists Association) Congress, held recently at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.

“BMG received the Informative Exhibition Stand Award and the Silver Exhibition Stand Award. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering valuable insights, innovative solutions and expert knowledge to the global sugar industry,” says Darryn Wright, Group Marketing Executive, BMG. “Our stand highlighted the company’s capability to provide and support total process solutions in the sugar sector – an important area of growth for BMG.

“The BMG team works closely with key players in the sugar industry to enhance production efficiencies, minimise downtime and extend the service life of critical systems in the field and during harvesting, transport, milling and refining.

“We are proud each year to participate at the esteemed SASTA event, which strives to promote the exchange of scientific knowledge related to sugarcane agriculture and the processing of sugar cane products.

“BMG’s broad range of engineering components and capital equipment, which enhances efficiencies for sugar growers and millers, is enhanced by a high level of supporting technical expertise and close customer collaboration.”

Rudzani Ramuageli, Group Projects and Business Development Manager for BMG presented a technical paper focusing on the important role that BMG’s Dinamic Oil planetary gearboxes play in the sugar industry in Africa.

Dinamic Oil SPA, in collaboration with BMG in South Africa, has introduced a breakthrough in sugar mill modernisation, with its shaft-mounted planetary drive solution.

Leading this innovation is Mohan Patil, Sugar Technologist at Dinamic Oil, who is an expert in industrial application engineering, with over 25 years’ experience and more than 24 research publications in the field.

Drawing on his extensive expertise, the innovation has been successfully tested across sugar mills in India and Central America, achieving a 24% reduction in power consumption, a 4.5% increase in bagasse extraction and consistently lower moisture levels below 49%. By eliminating traditional components, like pinions and tail bars, the system reduces mechanical stress by up to 50%. This solution also extends the lifespan of critical parts and minimises capital expenditure by removing the need for extensive civil works.

This system, which embraces the latest technology, has been designed as both a retrofit and new-build solution, to help sugar mills achieve higher throughput, greater energy efficiency and long-term cost competitiveness, while also supporting the industry’s sustainability goals.

Hole-in-one

As part of SASTA’s 2025 events, BMG sponsored a refreshment hole and a hole-in-one challenge at the SASTA Golf Day, which was held at the Umhlali Country Club. Victor Tindell came up trumps and was presented with R100 000 prize money for his successful hole-in-one shot. BMG

10/09/2025

Stringent regulations ensure high productivity and optimum safety in coal MINING

“The Mine Health and Safety Act states that the installation of incline conveyor belts must include the fitting and use of one or more devices to prevent run-back or run-on, to prevent injury by materials or minerals falling from a conveyor belt,” says Carlo Beukes, Business Unit Manager, BMG’s Power Transmission division. “The BMG team works closely with engineers in the coal mining sector to maintain critical safety standards and ensure adherence to current legislation. Stringent measures are taken to prevent roll back incidents that can cause injuries during conveying operations.

“Tsubaki back stop cam clutches, which prevent reverse rotation of incline conveyors, offer a simple and cost-effective means to protect capital equipment and enhance safety on site. This range is available with different capacities and designs, to provide optimal functional characteristics for three basic modes of operation – over-running, indexing and backstopping.

“Our technical experts advise mines on the selection of the correct cam clutch for each application and appropriate installation and usage, for optimum performance and safety at every mine.”

BMG’s range of Tsubaki back stop cam clutches, which is suitable for high or low speed applications, meets the requirements of current mining legislation and has many critical features not found in conventional models.

The high-torque, high-speed Tsubaki BS-F series – designed for high-speed inclined and long overland belt conveyors and bucket elevators – is particularly well-suited for coal mining applications. The narrow width I-beam torque arm is a drop-in replacement to conventional roller-ramp designed devices, which allows for quick and easy on-site installation. This design also enables the quick replacement of an old backstop with the new BS-F design, without the need for modification to the existing layout.

Although this series has a narrower width than other models, the downsized unit exceeds the requirements of high-speed inclined belt conveyors, with the benefits of space-saving and reduced installation time.

A common cause of conventional backstop failure is oil leakage. Tsubaki has eliminated this risk in the BS-F series by designing the backstop to operate with grease and a specially- designed labyrinth seal.

Other important features of this series include a non-roll over cam and roller design, which offers higher backstop torque capacities and lower running temperatures than conventional anti roll back devices. Added to this, a flexible labyrinth seal mechanism prevents the ingress of dust and water in abrasive conditions and a double-lip oil seal and multi-temperature grease enable safe operation at a wide ambient temperature range, from – 40°C to + 65°C.

The cam and roller cage orbit at low speed, continually conveying grease internally from the bottom to the top of the mechanism. The constant circulation of grease minimises internal friction and reduces operating temperature for dependable operation. Maintenance intervals are between 7 500 hours and 8 000 hours and the effective service life of the units is also significantly extended compared with conventional oil-filled units.

For extended service life, correct lubrication methods and dust prevention care are critical. BMG recommends the use of a maintenance kit and Tsubaki-approved EP-free grease for easy and effective maintenance of the BSF series. The company offers customers a complimentary Tsubaki maintenance kit with BSF backstops larger than a 200 mm shaft, which allows for easy servicing of the unit during operation, without the need for removal from the shaft.

BMG also supplies a wide range of customised Tsubaki reclaimer chains, designed and manufactured with various options, to suit specific requirements of reclaimers used in the coal mining sector.

BMG specialists believe that reclaimer chains should provide the longest service life to achieve the best overall value. Chain must have large bearing areas, high hardness and deep case depth, to provide optimum performance. Tsubaki engineers have implemented these principles while retrofitting many reclaiming conveyors with chain and sprockets, achieving longer service life than OEM chains. Due to their complex requirements, reclaimer chains are manufactured on a made-to-order basis and are designed and manufactured to meet the specific, unique requirements of each site.

Tsubaki has developed new reclaimer chains with outboard rollers that prevent the build-up of abrasive particles between bushes and rollers, solving the problem of premature wear. A new labyrinth construction, with improved anti-dust capabilities, prevents debris from infiltrating the outboard rollers and chain wear areas. In addition, the outboard rollers are sealed for life and require no additional maintenance.

Tsubaki customisable large size conveyor chains are also available from BMG, with a selection of base materials, corrosion resistant coatings, attachments and rollers.

BMG’s technical team conducts full plant surveys and advises on the selection of the correct cam clutch and reclaimer chain for each application, as well as the appropriate installation and usage, to ensure optimum performance and improved safety standards.

Apart from the mining sector, BMG’s cam clutches are used for belt conveyors for materials handling, metals, timber, pulp and wood chip, as well as for bucket elevators for cement and grain. These units are also installed to enhance performance of large drift conveyors and screw pumps.

BMG stocks a wide variety of the Tsubaki backstops locally and test runs every unit before delivery. This is a major advantage, as the current industry norm is up to 24 weeks delivery. The complete range of Tsubaki power transmission components is available from BMG’s national branch network, which offers a technical advisory and 24-hour back-up service. BMG

First Africa Guide

23/09/2025

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FAG

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00