M&D Construction Group’s (M&D) decision to offer full-service dewatering solutions via M&D-CTS further positions the group as a single point of contact for cutting-edge multi-disciplinary construction solutions.
M&D-CTS leverages the group’s impressive track record delivering technical solutions to leading participants in the African mining industry. Among other clients, these include Anglo American, South32, Ivanplats, Northam Platinum, Exxaro and Vedanta Resources. Furthermore, M&D-CTS harnesses the group’s extensive experience delivering top-notch water infrastructure to Africa’s largest water services authorities and providers. They include the Department of Water and Sanitation; Rand Water; Magalies Water; Umgeni Water; and Johannesburg Water.
The group’s decision to expand into dewatering services is a response to the demand for tailored innovative solutions for removing water from sites efficiently and safely. Traditional dewatering systems often fall short of addressing the unique challenges posed by remote mine sites. Among others, these include limited power supply and water quality; and unavailability of suitable technology combined with the technical skills required to maintain and repair it.
In this way, M&D-CTS is yet another example of how M&D continues to strive to meet clients’ demand for uniquely African solutions that are robust, simple to operate, flexible, cost-effective and bolster safety of operations. This strategic competitive edge is supported by M&D’s core values, namely:
- “Be Safe”
- “Do it Right”
- “Find the Best Way”
- “Do What you Say”
- “Khula Nathi”
These important core values emanate across the group from the boardroom all the way through to M&D’s many project sites where they are also implemented by dedicated employees who abide by five unwritten ground rules (UGRs), namely:
- “Around Here, Safety begins with me!”
- “Around Here, the right way is the only way!”
- “Around Here, we find solutions!”
- “Around Here, you can count on me!”
- “Around Here, we grow, you succeed!”
By optimising costs and potentially enhancing safety by centralising electrical infrastructure, M&D-CTS puts action to these words.
Its proprietary air pump technology already has a proven 30-year track record operating in many arduous applications across the globe. For example, it is being used to dewater mines in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and the world’s largest coal terminal in New South Wales. The technology is also operating at various construction worksites, including underground railway stations in Singapore; wastewater infrastructure projects in the United States; and resort development in Fiji where it is used to supply water.
Martin van Aswegen, who has taken the lead in many of the group’s successful water infrastructure projects as Divisional Director of M&D Pipelines, says that M&D-CTS differentiates itself from the competition by being able to propose integrated systems.
“While dewatering is a critical mining component, a key challenge is getting power to bores. Our proprietary air pumps enable us to locate a compressor or bank of compressors adjacent to an existing or central power supply. We can then operate multiple pumps per compressor via compressed air pipelines up to 25 kilometres. In some locations, the technology even supports the rollout of space-intensive solar generation to power dewatering systems,” Van Aswegen says.
When applied correctly by an expert, the air pumps can also serve as components of larger water infrastructure systems because they are lightweight; do not have moving parts downhole; and can operate in poor quality water.
According to Rukesh Raghubir, Group CEO, such an innovative solution could potentially provide significant capital and operational cost savings of up to 50%. “Concerns over the capital costs associated with dewatering weigh heavily on miners’ decision-making process. This is especially the case for new mines that are entering production and when additional bores are introduced at existing operations with old electrical dewatering systems. The ability to use smaller bores while balancing surface and downhole infrastructure costs can present tangible upfront cost savings,” Raghubir says.
However, as he notes, ultimately, the safety of M&D employees and those of its clients is always a top priority. “Be Safe” and “Around here, safety begins with me!” surpass the group’s other important core values and UGRs, respectively. Therefore, the potential that this technology plays in improving safety remains the top selling point for the group.
Raghubir concludes by noting that M&D’s innovative approach to dewatering, underpinned by its core values and UGRs, positions the group as a leader in the industry. “By leveraging advanced technologies and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that African miners face, M&D-CTS is poised to deliver solutions that are not only effective but also safe and cost-efficient. As the company continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to excellence and innovation will remain unwavering. In this way, we will ensure that we are always at the cutting-edge of the water infrastructure sector.”
