Effective industrial cleaning and vacuum solutions are key to valuable mining materials reclamation, in the form of fines as well as protecting the health and wellness of workers in mining and processing plants.

This is according to Francis Braz, Director for Cosira Industrial and Mining Solutions (IMS), a specialist division of the Cosira Group that focuses on the supply of products and engineering technologies for bulk materials handling, processing equipment and industrial vacuum solutions.

“Our vacuum systems are used mainly to clean up spillages and recover materials in mines, industrial plants, and power stations,” explains Francis Braz, director at Cosira IMS.

”This ability to capture and contain even the finest particles has a direct impact on the company's bottom line in terms of recovery of valuable gold and platinum fines,” Braz states.

He continues: “Equally importantly, the capacity for our clients to protect their employees and the environment in and around their facility is directly dependent on the performance of their vacuum systems to collect particles like fly ash. When uncontrolled, this can cause health problems. However, properly collected and treated, it can be recycled and re-used productively.”

Cosira IMS is not only the importer and supplier of some of the world's leading brands and technology in this field, the company also manufactures of tailor-made vacuum solutions for the South African context and the local applications of their clients.

One such client is Kagiso Vacuum Solutions, a black empowerment company specialising in industrial plant cleaning, with a range of different vacuum machines and collectors able to  pick up large volumes of materials - both light or granular fines - in wet or dry conditions.

Kagiso Vacuum Solutions has recently purchased some of Cosira IMS's range on vacuum systems, including a Titan Vecloader 127kw diesel mobile vacuum machine – currently the biggest of it's kind available in South Africa. In addition, they have purchased two 75kw vacuum electrical vacuum machines, and two 10 ton hydraulic trailers, for a wide range of materials needing to be completely contained.

Kagiso Vacuum Solutions has also purchased two 7.5kw electric side channel vacuum machines and two Gravity feed collectors of 1.5 cubic meter each. 

Also on order are one 90kw electric vacuum machine, a 127kw Cosira IVS170 diesel machine and two gravity feed collectors that will be motorised as for continuous operation.

Thandi Weideman,  Manager for Kagiso Vacuum Solutions comments: “We are very particular about who we use as service providers. We want products that are superior in quality as to enhance our services to the client;  and products that are manufactured and developed locally which makes it easy for services and availability of parts and assistance.”

“What is more,” she continues, “we put a very high value on product knowledge and experience. Cosira's team has extensive experience, which we call upon to assist us with making the best possible choices for the diverse conditions surrounding the mining of South Africa's many minerals  and the manufacture of its products.

In addition, since we ensure that we use the latest technology, we gain peace of mind that we are supported by specialists like Cosira who are available for regular visits and inspections.”
 
Cosira IMS's Francis Braz adds: “The benefits of a vacuum system are a cleaner plant, healthier environment and a reduction on excess labour cost. Applications for vacuum systems can be suited to both mobile truck mounted vacuums, or alternatively centralised vacuum systems that are permanently set up inside plants and factories where spills and material build-up needs to be controlled.”

“Irrespective of the type of system, Cosira IMS has the design and detailing capabilities, as well as the facilities and expertise to manufacture vacuum units that will specifically cater for the needs of the industry and the application,” concludes Braz.