Page 17 - issue 26
P. 17
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