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Multotec spiral donation to Tukkies aids R&D and learning
In its efforts to promote South Africa’s skills growth and continuous product improvement, the Multotec Group recently donated one of its SC20/7VC small diameter, seven-turn spirals to the University of Pretoria – where it will support research and development as well as effective and experiential learning among students.
According to Wynand Roux, lecturer in the Department of Material Science and Metallurgical Engineering, proper research needs the involvement of industry players like Multotec. Significantly, the organisation has a long-standing relationship with Tukkies that has included providing both funding and equipment donations.
“Ongoing interaction with equipment suppliers affords our students the opportunity to undertake projects aimed at providing innovative solutions and new technology for the mining and metallurgical sectors,” says Roux. “Having access to equipment like Multotec’s spiral certainly assists in bridging the gap between theory and practice, and allows students to better understand what this sort of equipment can achieve.”
Post-graduate student Bernard Fundikwa, who is doing his Master’s degree in the department, says the equipment is used by both undergraduates – for practical work – as well as by post-graduate students who are conducting research.
Rikus Immink, managing director of Multotec Process Equipment and himself a Tukkies graduate, says the donated spiral has a shallower angle and is equipped with a mouth organ product box and three sliding splitters.
“This particular spiral offers the ability to process a variety of minerals, coarse or fine and ranging from low density to high density ores, which could include mineral sands, heavy minerals and rare earth minerals,” says Immink. “The through angle is designed such that it falls between the high-grade spiral and fines spiral, and can be used for pre-concentration or for cleaning purposes.”
Attending the handover ceremony with Multotec group CEO Thomas Holtz, Immink reiterates that the company is proud to be associated with the University of Pretoria, and looks forward to future research projects that will be conducted using the spiral.