The AESSEAL Kuruman branch was established in 2011, when Arno Nieuwenhuis took the brave step of leaving the city lights of Johannesburg to tackle the prospects and positive challenges that Kuruman has to offer.
Now, 5 years later, Arno and his team have expanded their services to the likes of Kumba Iron Ore, Diamond and Manganese Mining, PPC Lime, Beeshoek, Khumani, Black Rock, De Beers and Wessels mine. There is also now the bright outlook of providing services to the new Solar Plants opening in this area.
AESSEAL Kuruman mainly has two focus areas of services they provide to their customers, i.e. mechanical seal systems and Belzona applications. The group has provided Labtecta’s, packing, mechanical seals and did conveyor belt repairs at various plants. The group also addressed problematic roof leaking at Kumba Iron Ore, with the application of Belzona.
AESSEAL Kuruman also installed a fully functional mechanical seal system at South 32 Wessels mine and provides an ongoing service to them.
The group is extremely involved in various activities taking place at Black Rock Mine. In 2014 they embarked on a project called the Thickener underflow pumps upgrade from stage 2 to stage 4 with the AESSEAL water management system.
There is also an expansion project at Black Rock Mine that is in the commissioning phase where AESSEAL Kuruman is involved. There are also 40 mechanical seals currently running at Black Rock Mine which AESSEAL are responsible for.
AESSEAL Kuruman also saw the potential of getting involved with the various solar plants, and they are currently in the process of control valve upgrading at Bokpoort Solar Plant and Kaxi Solar Plant.
New Solar Plants are also on the way for the Kalahari namely:
- Kathu Solar Plant
- Red Stone Solar Plant
- Khi Solar Plant
Interesting facts about Kuruman and the area
Kuruman is situated in the heart of the Kalahari in the Northern Cape of South Africa. One might think that the dry and barren Kalahari has nothing to offer, but it is quite to the contrary, boasting with lovely scenery and unique beauty.
One of the most spectacular natural phenomenon’s can be found here called “The Eye of Kuruman”. It is the largest natural fountain in the Southern Hemisphere, delivering an astounding 20 to 30 million litres of fresh water every day. This water is cool and clear, and is essential to the survival of the plants, animals and people in the area as it is the main source of potable water for these ones. It feeds the Kuruman River and flows into two long irrigation canals.
Discovered in 1801 during an expedition called Truter Somerville, The Eye was first known as the Fountain of Christianity, with the purpose of educating the locals and converting them to Christianity. The Eye was declared a National Monument in 1992 and continues to be historically and naturally relevant.
Sishen Mine
Sishen mine, is near the town of Kathu in the Northern Cape Province. Sishen is the flagship operation and one of the largest open pit mines in the world – some 14km long. Sishen mine has sufficient reserves to sustain a 19-year life of mine.
The bulk of iron ore production comes from Sishen mine, with most of it being exported. Sishen mine by opencast methods and then transport the ore to the beneficiation plant where it is crushed, screened and beneficiated. Sishen beneficiate their products through dense media separation and jig technology. The jig plant at Sishen mine is the largest of its type in the world.
Sishen Mine
Sieshen Loading station hydraulic room roof sealing with Belzona 3111 Flexible Membrane
Sieshen Stair case coated with Belzona 5231 SG Laminate
Sishen Conveyor belt repair on production belt from stop to start up in less than four hours done with Belzona 2111 D&A High build elastomer.
Assmang Manganese Black Rock Thickener upgrade with AESSEAL water management system.