Advanced crushing technologies

RELYING on both domestic and international technology cooperation and communication, Zhengzhou Dingsheng (DSMAC) developed a series of crushing machines and crusher spare parts that the company launched at Bauma China 2012 in Shanghai in November. Unveiled were the models of 1000 to 30,000 TPH sandstone making line and outstanding crusher spare parts. The AMC composite wear-resisting hammer head, the high manganese steel and super high manganese steel materials ore assets, with approximately two-thirds of African iron ore expected to be exported to feed China’s voracious appetite for steel.

Challenges and opportunities
West Africa does not have the port capacity to sustain the level of iron ore imports required to meet the international demand. Road and rail Infrastructure deficits continue to be cumbersome for the efficient transportation of iron ore to ports of exit for international markets.Moreover, only 10% of the West Africa’s population has access to electricity and the industrial demand for electricity from the emerging mining industry is largely unmet by current supplies. Therefore, demand for power is expected to continue in the long term due to the booming mining industry.

Nevertheless, iron ore development projects in West Africa are boosting investment in infrastructure with an estimated 5,000 km of rail and 11 new ports on the drawing board. Rio Tinto Plc and ArcelorMittal have committed U$25 billion towards rails and port development. Third party agreements to access new and refurbished infrastructure facilities are being established between mining companies and governments to share infrastructure.

Sound logistical infrastructure, and an export market for iron ore, will assist in driving multinational trade within West Africa. However, the length of these infrastructure projects remains a challenge as infrastructure developments can take years to bring online.

Certain factors such as corruption, political instability, energy capacity constraints, increasing fiscal demands, shortages of mining equipment and consumables, represent challenges to the development of long-term investment in the region. Another significant restraint to the development of iron ore projects and infrastructure is the lack of skills in the engineering and construction sectors.

Overall, however, the iron ore mining rush in the region offers an abundance of opportunities. Increased investment within the sector will be accompanied by an increase in demand for exploration, extraction, mineral processing and financial services. An expected increase in exports, due to a growing global demand for steel products within the Asia-Pacific regions, is predicted to have an associated positive impact on iron ore sector in the West African region.