In a significant development for Tronox Mineral Sands, the company has placed a major order with Condra for a powerful 35/12.5-ton crane to be used for mill maintenance at its Namakwa Sands East OFS Project, located 385 kilometers north of Cape Town. In addition to the crane, Tronox has also secured two Condra hoists with capacities of 5 and 7.5 tons for the mill discharge and run-of-mine stockpile—key equipment for this cutting-edge operation.
Digging Deeper into Namakwa Sands’ Future
The East OFS project marks a new frontier in the extraction of orange feldspathic sand (OFS)—a mineralized grit—at Namakwa Sands. The new extraction site will tap into deeper levels of the sand deposit, areas previously untouched by mining operations. With extraction set to begin this year, the project is poised to play a vital role in enhancing the company’s mining capabilities.
The “Big 3” Behind Condra’s Winning Formula
Marc Kleiner, Managing Director of Condra, credits the company’s long-standing reputation for high-quality, durable, and reliable service for securing the Tronox contract. According to customer surveys, these three qualities—the “Big 3” in the lifting industry—are top priorities when clients make purchasing decisions.
Kleiner adds, “We’ve spent years refining these aspects, and it’s clear that our ability to customize lifting equipment for the specific needs of a project is what sets us apart in successful tenders.” Condra’s design team at their Germiston headquarters crafted the three machines, with the final manufacturing taking place in the company’s factory.
A Crane Built for Precision and Safety
The mill maintenance crane is a double-girder electric overhead travelling machine, designed with precision to handle demanding tasks. It features a powerful 35-ton main hoist and a 12.5-ton auxiliary hoist on a single crab, with a span of 23.3 meters and a lifting height of 30 meters. With a built-in storm brake to prevent unwanted movement during high winds, the crane is engineered for reliability and safety.
Other cutting-edge features include a full-length walkway, radio control with a pendant back-up, and audiovisual safety alerts to ensure smooth and secure crane operation.
Hoists Tailored for the Job
For Tronox’s specific needs, Condra provided two class 2m hoists from their modular K-Series range. Designed to meet the project’s unique demands, the hoists are equipped with remote radio control, a back-up pendant, and integrated audiovisual warning lights to alert operators during use. These weather-proof machines also feature protective covers for the hoists and motors, ensuring durability in all conditions.
The 7.5-ton stockpile hoist offers a lifting height of 9.5 meters, while the 5-ton mill discharge hoist can reach 8.5 meters. The mill discharge hoist also comes with articulated crawls, designed to smoothly navigate a monorail with curves of just 1.9-meter radius—a crucial modification for maneuvering around tight spaces in the mill area.
Seamless Installation and Commissioning
All machines are equipped with load cells, digital read-outs, and corrosion-resistant paint finishes, making them ready for the harsh demands of the mining environment. Additionally, the electrical panels are made from stainless steel to IP65 standards, ensuring they can withstand even the toughest conditions.
The machines were delivered at the end of last year, after undergoing professional engineering certification. Blue Cranes, based in Cape Town and already servicing much of the lifting equipment at Namakwa Sands, will handle the installation and commissioning of the crane and hoists. This partnership ensures that local expertise and knowledge of the operating environment are leveraged for optimal performance and longevity of the equipment.
A Bright Future Ahead
With these powerful new machines now in place, Tronox is well-equipped to enhance the efficiency of its operations at Namakwa Sands. Condra’s custom-built lifting solutions, combined with local knowledge and cutting-edge technology, ensure that the East OFS project is set to achieve great success. This collaboration is a testament to how high-quality equipment, precise design, and strong partnerships can drive innovation and growth in mining operations.
