LTA Autecon’s Metals & Minerals division, which has a proud industry track record of over 40 years in the construction of mining, steel, iron-making and mineral recovery process plants across Sub-Saharan Africa, is on track to complete a pivotal project in the Western Cape. Namakwa Sands is one of the largest mining projects to be undertaken in South Africa in recent years.
The scope of work for this milestone project includes the supply, fabrication, delivery and installation of structural steelwork, mechanical, plate work and piping (SMPP) for the new mineral processing plant – as well as associated overland piping – for the Namakwa Sands East OFS (Orange Feldspathic Sand) project.
Located at Brand-se-Baai, which is 385 kilometres north of Cape Town, this operation is owned by Tronox Mineral Sands Proprietary Limited, a subsidiary of Tronox Holdings plc, a multi-national mining and chemicals company.
Tronox mines, processes and beneficiates heavy minerals to produce titanium dioxide feedstock (chloride and sulphate grades), zircon, rutile and high purity iron. These products are used as feedstock in a wide range of applications including pigments, metals, ceramics and foundries.
The Namakwa Sands operation focuses on the extraction and processing of heavy mineral sands via open-cast strip mining to extract sand ore. The operation features two open-pit mines, three concentration plants, a mineral separation plant (MSP) and two smelting furnaces which produce titanium slag. The ore mined and processed at the primary concentration plants produces a heavy mineral concentrate – which undergoes further processing at the secondary concentration plant to yield a magnetic and non-magnetic stream.
Completion and highlights
LTA Autecon General Manager Marius Botes says that the SMPP portion of the project, which was awarded in November 2023, is on track for completion within the scheduled timeline – at which time final completion activities, including electrical, instrumentation and controls will take place. Commissioning will begin immediately with an expected commissioning completion date of November 2025.
“On completion, this project will have included the installation of 700 tons of structural steel, 1 000 tons of conveyor steel, the entire mill installation complete with mechanical equipment, 530 tons of platework, 6 000 m2 of grating – as well as 10 200 metres of plant piping and a massive 24 500 metres of overland piping,” Botes advises.
Key project highlights include the completion and handover of the overland pipeline in December 2024; as well as carrying out complex tandem lifts as part of the main construction process.
“Deadlines were also adhered to for outlying areas feeding the main plant area in April 2025,” Botes says.
He adds that this complex project has been challenging due to the remote location of the site – which made transport and accommodation of staff, and delivery of materials to site difficult – not to mention the vast overall site layout.
Safety and sustainability
Both LTA Autecon and its client Tronox have stringent policies with regard to sustainability and on-site safety.
Botes points out: “LTA Autecon’s unwavering commitment to safety aligns seamlessly with our client Tronox’s stringent health and safety standards.
Guided by our company ethos and safety motto of ‘home without harm, everyone, every day’, LTA Autecon prioritises a culture where safety is integral to every operation – as demonstrated by our achievement on this project of 500 000 LTI-free man-hours.”
“This alignment of values – as well as our longstanding SMPP track record in the mining sector – played a crucial role in LTA Autecon securing this project.
Tronox seeks partners who do more than meet regulatory requirements. They look for companies that deeply instil and embed safety into their operations. Our strong safety protocols, leadership-driven approach, and proven track record in maintaining high safety standards reflect a shared commitment to zero harm.”
He also notes that LTA Autecon’s integrated Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management System emphasises risk mitigation, proactive hazard identification, and continuous improvement principles. These complement Tronox’s dedication to creating a safe and sustainable work environment. This synergy ensures that every worker is empowered to prioritise safety, fostering a collaborative and vigilant workplace.
Mining for future opportunities
According to Botes, LTA Autecon’s Metals & Minerals division is focusing on mining-related construction opportunities across Africa.
“The Metals and Minerals division utilises proven, customised systems to manage and monitor quality and progress. This includes sequencing and accurately delivering all project materials – from planning to execution,”
The fact that our systems and processes are solidly underpinned by strong teams of experienced SMEIPP professionals – who are very knowledgeable about the supply chain process and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality results in the SMPP and mining sector – also bodes well for the LTA Autecon Metals & Minerals division, as it expands the company’s geographic and operational footprint,” Botes concludes.
Spooky Electric
Sibongile Sambo from a young age had an interest in flying, but when she was rejected from South African Airways for not meeting the height requirement, she decided to reach her dream another way. In 2003, with the help of a small family loan, she launched SRS Aviation. Not long after she started up, she won a tender from the government, which gave her the perfect opportunity to enter the industry and learn the ropes. In 2006, her business was issued with a formal Air Operating Certificate, making her business the first black operational enterprise in South Africa to have full rights to undertake commercial flying activities. In 2010, SRS Aviation opened its first airport-based shop and has since opened a chain of retail shops across South Africa.