Reducing energy consumption in industrial and mining operations – attend a seminar in your area

There is a critical power constraint in the country.  This has been temporarily alleviated by the economic downturn and the consequent reduction in production.  However, this is not expected to continue for much longer and with a steady economic recovery, South Africa’s power reserve margins will dwindle.

Twelve leading experts in energy saving strategies in the industrial and mining sectors have committed their time and expertise to embark on a national series of technical seminars hosted by Mining and Industrial Energy Optimisation (MIEO).  The events will take place in Cape Town on 10 August, Midrand on 25 August, Rustenburg on 9 September, Klerksdorp on 15 September and Richards Bay on 6 October 2010.

The MIEO experts present a range of practical options for engineering professionals to implement cost-effective and sustainable systems-based energy saving measures now in industrial and mining operations in order to cope with the even bigger supply constraints that are expected in the near future.  Energy efficiency solutions can take up to two years to implement fully and effectively reduce the energy demand of an industrial site.

MIEO is a chapter of the Southern African Association for Energy Efficiency (SAEE).  Their efforts are underwritten by Eskom’s Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) department which endorses the objectives of both organisations.

“Considering that 58% of South Africa’s annual energy output is consumed by the industrial and mining sectors combined, the massive importance and influence of these sectors is apparent.  It is necessary that these areas of activity pave the way as far as the effective promotion of efficient electricity use is concerned,” says Nosipho Maphumulo, Eskom’s General Manager for EEDSM.
The one day seminars are targeted at professionals in the industrial and mining sectors.  Plant managers and engineers from chemicals, food and beverages, and textiles production; companies responsible for the processing of metals and non-metallic minerals; wood products manufacturers; and mining companies are urged to attend.

Delegates will learn about energy saving solutions from a range of presentations covering topics including pumps and pumping systems; variable speed drives; materials handling systems; compressed air; mining and industrial fans; energy measurement and monitoring; steam systems and electric motors.  In addition to this, the DSM funding process and opportunities will be presented by Eskom.

“As MIEO members, we are delighted to have the opportunity to share our experience and expertise with our engineering colleagues around the country.  By introducing systems-based energy savings measures into various industrial and mining concerns, significant operational and monetary benefits can be derived,” says Mario Kuisis, Chairman of MIEO.

Delegates can look forward to a presentation to be delivered by Bo Wallander, Chief Technical Advisor, Industrial Energy Efficiency Projects, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), on the priority placed on energy efficiency by the international community.  He will discuss the collective work being done by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and other international standards bodies in introducing an energy management standard for industry which will permit energy reductions of 40% to 50% when implemented.  Plans for the local implementation of this are on track, with the assistance of the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Registration on the day of the event commences at 07h30 and networking concludes at 18h00.  Professionals involved in industrial, manufacturing or mining industries in and around Cape Town, Midrand, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp and Richards Bay are encouraged to attend at a cost of R2, 750.

Please contact Sandra Du Preez at the SAEE on 082 411 3257 or send an e-mail to her on mieo@saee.org.za if you wish to attend a seminar in your area.  For more information on the presenters and topics to be covered, visit

www.eskomdsm.co.za/?q=mining_industrialseminar

Issued on behalf of MIEO:  

Ruth Momberg 
Magna Carta
Telephone: (011) 784-2598
Cellular: 084 434 1771
Fax: 086 567 5876