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In The News                    17



        In  Sub  Saharan  Africa,  Botswana      From Page 15 <<<
        becomes  the  second  country  to  have
        such kind of machine from The United     commended its own local network for the achievement. “As a wholly Botswana
        States. Other African countries using a   citizen owned Company whose core focus is on promoting a safer, healthier
        similar machine include Ghana, Nigeria   and environmentally friendly workplace, whilst also promoting health and
        and  Ivory  Coast.  These  countries  have   safety awareness to the country as a whole, we are grateful for the immense
        also shown interest to acquire a similar   support we have from local media and government, local industry and other
        machine. United States Military is using   stakeholders,” says Fhoster Manyaapelo, TRM Group director.
        the same machine in Afghanistan.
                                                 “Last  year’s  Electra  Mining  Botswana  was  supported  by  the  Botswana
        Matt Roberts explained that the machine   government including the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology
        will  take  2  or  3years  before  one  can   and  Energy  Security,  the  Ministry  of  Investment,  Trade  and  Industry,  the
        start  to  replace  parts  and  Springboard   Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development – which
        Biodiesel  will  supply  and  service  the   falls under the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, as well as the
        machine. The cost to buy the biodiesel   Botswana Chamber of Mines alongside Vivo Energy, the Botswana Institution
        plant  is  US$23  000  and  shipment  is   of Engineers, Business Botswana, the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of
        around US$ 2 000. It produces 380litres   South Africa and the South African Capital Equipment Export Council.”
        of biodiesel and it is the highest grade of
        biodiesel called the ASTMD6751.          “Electra Mining Botswana 2019 also enjoyed massive support from its official
                                                 Media partners such as Engineer Magazine, Beneath Botswana, Engineering
        The  number  of  liters  produced  by  the   News, Mining Weekly and Interact Media Defined.”
        machine can be increased from 380litres
        to  1200liters  of  biodiesel  if  additional   “We are all in partnership together to ensure the greater good, reach and
        equipment  is  mounted.  “You  load  the   success of Electra Mining Botswana for the benefit of all stakeholders and the
        machine with inputs, turn the machine    country as a whole,” concludes Manyaapelo.
        on,  press  start  and  it  makes  highest
        grade of biodiesel, very simple and very   Agreeing  with  Manyaapelo,  Specialised  Exhibitions  Portfolio  Director
        safe” said Roberts.                      Charlene Hefer explained that having a local partner ensures the show is
                                                 relevant and supported within the regional market.
        The machine is automated it does all the
        functions for you, inputs goes through   Hefer says that she is “passionate about working with a local partner as this
        a heating process and you get the final   creates an exhibition suited to the local environment,” and that, “we feel
        product.  Vehicles  using  this  type  of   very strongly about adding value to the region and we use local suppliers
        Biodiesel  can  also  use  diesel  from  the   and contractors wherever possible. In fact, more than 80% of budget is spent
        fuel  station  and  even  if  it  is  mixed  at   on local suppliers. We are looking forward to working alongside TRM Group
        any ratio the vehicle will still work e.g  a   again in 2021.”
       “                                         beyond the exhibitors and visitors. The positive impact of these events in
        vehicle with half tank of biodiesel can be
                                                 Hefer further explained that “the benefits of Electra Mining Botswana extend
        fueled with diesel from the fuel pump.
                                                 Botswana is that they can be contributing in the region of 8-million Pula to
                                                 the national economy, either directly or in-directly. This is through venue
                                                 expenses, expenditure on products and services, advertising and promotion,
        The machine makes
                                                 logistics, travel, accommodation, meals and drinks, spend of exhibitors on
        biodiesel for less
                                                 at the trade show. The exhibition also contributes to part-time job creation
        cost than the cost                       exhibiting, and the additional local spend of visitors and exhibitors whilst
                                                 during  the  show  and  add-on  tourism  for  those  visiting  Botswana.  It  is
        of diesel at the                         estimated that every 1 Pula spent on exhibiting brings in 7 Pula.”

        pump and just as                         The  fifth  edition  of  Electra  Mining  Botswana  will  be  taking  place  at  the
                                                 Gaborone Fairgrounds from 14-16 September 2021. The show plays a pivotal
        importantly fuel emits                   role  in  bringing  related  industries  together  at  one  location  in  Botswana,
                                                 showcasing  new  products,  services  and  technology  whilst  also  providing
        90% less carbon                          excellent learning and networking opportunities for visitors and exhibitors.

        dioxide ..                               For additional information, visit the website www.electramining.co.bw



                                              www.engineermagazine.co.bw                     Issue 26  Feb-Mar  2020
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