NEWS ARTICLES

As 2024 comes to a close, we at the Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary year of progress, partnerships, and achievements. Celebrating 115 years of industry leadership, DGC is truly ‘Leading the Way in Asset Integrity Management and Industrial Solutions', delivering sustainable value to clients, communities, and industries across the globe.   From regional expansions to global ventures, and strategic partnerships to innovative service offerings, 2024 has been a year of transformation and success. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key milestones that defined our year.   A YEAR OF REGIONAL GROWTH AND COLLABORATION   STRENGTHENING SOUTH AFRICAN OPERATIONS   In response to growing demand, we have expanded our footprint across South Africa, establishing regional hubs that allow us to better serve local clients with tailored, timely solutions. This expansion reflects our dedication to ensuring accessibility, reliability, and excellence in service delivery.   A key highlight of 2024 was our ongoing collaboration with UXi Artisan Development, which has empowered hundreds of aspiring professionals through skills training programs. UXi’s innovative training models combine theoretical knowledge with real-world application, achieving an impressive 87% employment rate among graduates. Together, we are equipping the next generation of artisans and industrial professionals to meet the demands of South Africa’s rapidly evolving industries.   EXPANDING ACROSS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA   DGC’s growth beyond South Africa has been marked by impactful partnerships and localised solutions tailored to the needs of each region: • Zimbabwe: The establishment of DGCA Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Browhil Trading has positioned DGC as a leader in workforce outsourcing, HR services, and labour broking in Zimbabwe. • Madagascar: Our collaboration with MC Mining has expanded the availability of industrial tools and equipment, supporting mining operations with reliable, high-quality resources. • DRC: Partnering with SARENS, we now provide world-class heavy lifting and engineered transport solutions, ensuring the safe and efficient execution of large-scale industrial projects. • Zambia: The launch of Talisman Equipment Hire Zambia ensures that businesses across construction, manufacturing, and other sectors have access to top-tier industrial and commercial equipment solutions.   Through these partnerships, we have combined DGC’s global standards with local expertise, delivering sustainable growth and fostering economic empowerment across Africa. BREAKING NEW GROUND GLOBALLY   DGC LATAM: ENTERING SOUTH AMERICA   This year, we proudly announced the establishment of DGC LATAM Lda. in Brazil, marking our entry into the South American market. Partnering with DME Engenharia, we now bring DGC’s expertise in Refractory Services and Asset Integrity Management to the mining and metals sectors in the region.   Key Service Areas Include: • Refractory Design and Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostics to optimise operational performance and extend asset lifecycles. • Project Management and Execution: Seamlessly managing technically complex industrial projects from concept to completion.   This partnership is a testament to DGC’s commitment to delivering world-class solutions and expanding our global footprint.   STRATEGIC ALLIANCES: DRIVING INNOVATION AND GROWTH   EAMS AFRICA   Since 2014, our partnership with EAMS Africa has been at the forefront of asset management innovation. By integrating IoT technologies, advanced analytics, and actionable insights, EAMS helps our clients optimise performance, improve efficiency, and embrace sustainable practices.   LOGIPROC   Through our collaboration with LogiProc, we provide multidisciplinary engineering solutions that address the unique challenges of minerals processing, water treatment, and infrastructure projects. This partnership ensures that DGC clients benefit from tailored, process-driven solutions designed to drive measurable results.   EFFIXON ENGINEERING PVT LTD   Partnering with Effixon, DGC delivers cutting-edge engineering outcomes, including conceptual design, 3D modelling, and large-scale project management. Effixon’s innovative approach complements DGC’s reputation for precision and excellence. REFLECT   Our partnership with REFLECT has strengthened our capabilities in refractory assurance. By ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of high-temperature industrial systems, REFLECT plays a critical role in supporting turnkey furnace rebuild projects. DGC NORTH WEST (PTY) LTD   This year, we established DGC North West (Pty) Ltd, a joint venture with Rustenburg Steel Construction. • Core Focus: Turnkey furnace rebuild projects, including mechanical and structural scopes. • Regional Impact: Supporting DGC’s Mechanical Projects Division on cross-border operations in Zambia, DRC, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar.   This collaboration positions DGC as a leader in large-scale industrial projects, combining technical expertise with a commitment to excellence. EXPANDED SERVICE OFFERINGS In 2024, we introduced several new services to meet the evolving needs of our clients and industries. These innovations reflect DGC’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and providing measurable value to our clients: • Online Condition Monitoring: Real-time insights into asset health, enabling predictive maintenance to prevent downtime and improve reliability. • Oil Analysis Services: Proactive tools designed to optimise equipment performance and extend asset lifecycles. • MetPro Solutions: Customised metallurgical and process optimisation services for mining and smelting operations, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. • Weld Overlay and Ceramic Composite Linings: Advanced wear-resistant solutions to combat abrasion and corrosion, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of industrial components. • Refractory Materials Supply (DGC Refractories): As part of DGC Refractories (a Division of DGC South Africa), we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality refractory materials designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-temperature environments. These materials ensure reliability, performance, and long-term durability for our clients’ critical industrial systems. • Refractory Performance & Assurance Services (REFLECT): In collaboration with REFLECT, we provide performance-driven solutions that enhance the safety, efficiency, and lifespan of refractory systems. These services include diagnostics, quality assurance, and turnkey support for furnace rebuilds and maintenance projects.   With these expanded offerings, DGC reinforces its position as a leader in delivering cutting-edge, comprehensive solutions tailored to address the challenges faced by industrial clients today. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE   At the heart of DGC’s success is our people. Through initiatives like DGC AFRICA Skills and DGC Workforce Solutions, we continue to address critical skills gaps while fostering economic empowerment.   OUR PEOPLE: THE FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE DGC is dedicated to providing meaningful careers and an engaging work environment for all employees. By promoting a high-performance culture, we attract, develop, and retain top talent across technical, managerial, and executive levels. Our senior management team, known for its expertise and leadership, plays a pivotal role in mentoring employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.   Integrity, honesty, and mutual trust are the pillars of our workplace culture. Transparent HR processes, constructive input from employees, and respect for diverse opinions create an environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. Through structured personal development plans, in-house training programs, and mentorship opportunities, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to DGC's success.   DGC AFRICA SKILLS   In partnership with UXi Artisan Development, DGC Africa Skills has provided artisanal training to hundreds of individuals, equipping them with the technical, entrepreneurial, and digital skills needed to thrive in modern industries.   DGC WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS   Complementing this training initiative, DGC Workforce Solutions ensures seamless workforce deployment through: • Recruitment and HR Management: Tailored talent acquisition strategies for industrial clients. • Labour Broking and Outsourcing: Providing skilled professionals for short- and long-term assignments. • Cross-Border Support: Managing work visas and payroll for international projects.   Together, these divisions ensure that industries have access to a skilled, job-ready workforce that meets their operational demands.   CELEBRATING 115 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE   2024 marked a significant milestone in DGC’s journey: 115 years of delivering exceptional service, fostering innovation, and building lasting partnerships. From our origins as a family-owned business to becoming a global leader in industrial solutions, our legacy is defined by resilience, trust, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.   LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025   As we look to 2025, DGC remains committed to Leading the Way in Asset Integrity Management and Industrial Solutions and is committed to building on this year’s successes with ambitious goals: • Expanding our global reach through strategic partnerships. • Innovating in Asset Integrity Management to deliver even greater value to clients. • Continuing to uplift communities through education, skills training, and employment initiatives. •   Thank you for your support in making 2024 an extraordinary year. Together, we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in 2025.   For More Information Visit www.dgc-africa.com or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates. ABOUT OUR COMPANY, HISTORY, AND PARTNERS Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) was founded in 1910. For comprehensive information about Our Company – History, Vision & Values, Strategy, Global Alliances, Africa Footprint, Commitment to Safety, Anti-Corruption Policy, References, and Industrial Solutions, please visit our website.

Zambia’s ongoing energy crisis presents a significant challenge to economic stability, impacting the productivity and viability of key sectors, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and commercial enterprises. Frequent power outages disrupt critical operations, reduce output, and hinder economic growth. Recognising the need for dependable power solutions, DGC AFRICA has formed a joint venture with Talisman Hire to establish Talisman Hire Kitwe. This collaboration offers both generator rentals and sales to provide businesses with reliable, adaptable power solutions that mitigate the impacts of the country’s energy shortages, helping sustain essential operations across Zambia’s economy. Talisman Hire, founded in 1993, has become a trusted name across South Africa, with over 100 franchises providing high-quality, well-maintained equipment and excellent service. Known for its wide selection of power tools, earth-moving machinery, scaffolding, and three-phase diesel generators, Talisman is celebrated for its reliable equipment and customer support. This joint venture with DGC AFRICA brings Talisman’s proven expertise and extensive product range to the Zambian market, including diesel-powered generators, automatic switchover panels, and high-performance lighting solutions. Additionally, Talisman Hire Kitwe intends to expand its offerings to plant and equipment hire, allowing the business to support a wider variety of projects and industries. This includes machinery, power tools, and scaffolding options that cater to large-scale construction, agricultural, and industrial operations across Zambia. The impact of Zambia’s energy crisis extends across its core economic sectors, which drive employment, investment, and overall development. A stable power supply is essential for ensuring operational continuity, upholding safety standards, and fostering growth. Talisman Hire Kitwe addresses these needs with a comprehensive range of diesel-powered generators, from 6.5 kVA to 600 kVA, available for rental and purchase—including both new and second-hand units. This flexible range ensures tailored solutions to meet the diverse requirements of Zambia’s industries, allowing businesses to select products that match their specific operational needs and budgets, whether for short-term projects or long-term use. Beyond generator rental and sales, Talisman Hire Kitwe takes a holistic approach to energy resilience, offering advanced power distribution solutions that include automatic switchover panels, lighting towers, and electrical distribution boards. These innovations improve energy management, enhance on-site safety, and reduce downtime, enabling businesses to maintain operations with minimal disruption during power outages. By safeguarding critical processes and reducing operational risks, Zambia’s industries can focus on growth and strategic initiatives, even amidst an unpredictable energy landscape. Talisman’s offerings, including trailer-mounted generators and noise-controlled options, provide businesses with adaptable solutions that meet the varied needs of both urban and rural operations. As Talisman Hire Kitwe establishes itself in the Zambian market, the company is already planning its next phase of growth by expanding into solar power solutions. This initiative is designed to support Zambia’s shift towards renewable energy sources, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Solar energy will provide businesses with eco-friendly, dependable alternatives that strengthen resilience and reduce reliance on grid power, especially in the agricultural sector, where consistent power is crucial for irrigation, storage, and processing. The planned expansion into solar power solutions reinforces Talisman Hire Kitwe’s dedication to energy security and environmental responsibility, offering a pathway to sustainable growth for businesses across commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Addressing Zambia’s energy challenges requires more than temporary fixes; it demands a forward-thinking, collaborative approach that fosters resilience and supports long-term progress. The partnership between DGC AFRICA and Talisman Hire exemplifies the importance of robust infrastructure and flexible power solutions in meeting the evolving needs of Zambia’s economy. By empowering industries with reliable, versatile energy options, this collaboration helps build a stable economic environment that supports Zambia’s growth despite energy challenges. The company’s expansion into plant and equipment hire will further strengthen its service offering, allowing industries to access the tools they need to operate efficiently and complete projects on time, regardless of the country’s power constraints. As Zambia navigates its energy crisis, the solutions offered by DGC AFRICA and Talisman Hire highlight the value of adaptability, innovation, and reliability. By minimising the effects of power shortages, Talisman Hire Kitwe provides critical support to businesses across multiple sectors, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and a more resilient future. This partnership exemplifies how targeted, industry-driven solutions can play a pivotal role in addressing complex national challenges and strengthening Zambia’s economic foundation. Talisman Hire Kitwe remains committed to its role as a vital partner to Zambia’s industries, providing trusted support that empowers businesses to thrive, despite the challenges posed by an unpredictable energy landscape. Published 18 November 2024 https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/strengthening-zambias-economy-with-reliable-power-solutions-across-sectors-2024-11-18 This article was supplied by DGC AFRICA Edited by Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

OPTIMISED OPERATIONS: Advanced digital technologies will enable mining operations to become more agile, data-driven, and environmentally responsible Digital transformation is poised to reshape copper mining through enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making, reports industrial solutions specialist Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC). DGC assists mining operations in navigating the sector’s evolving technological landscape through its DGC MetPro Solutions, equipping mining companies with digital tools and expertise to optimise operations, reduce environmental impact and ensure long-term industry success, says DGC chairperson Trevor Dickinson. “The integration of advanced digital technologies will enable mining operations to become more agile, data-driven and environmentally responsible,” he enthuses. Aligned to this, DGC MetPro Solutions employs a suite of advanced technologies to enhance metal recovery rates, particularly for complex copper ores, improving the efficiency and profitability of mining operations. Through its highly skilled team, as well as strategic alliances with industry leaders, DGC MetPro provides specialised expertise and customised solutions to the copper mining industry. “Digital tools enable copper mining operations to optimise nearly every aspect of their processes,” he says. Through implementing technologies, such as digital twin systems and advanced process controls, mining operations can enable real-time monitoring and control of mining activities, from ore extraction to smelting. This results in improved production rates, reduced variability, and better resource use, enabling companies to meet growing demand while lowering costs. Dickinson anticipates that technologies, such as online condition monitoring and predictive analytics, will play a crucial role in the future of copper mining by providing continuous data on the health of mining equipment, enabling predictive maintenance strategies that reduce the likelihood of costly unplanned shutdowns. Sustainability, says Dickinson, is another aspect that can be improved through digital innovation in copper mining. DGC MetPro’s focus on reducing emissions and implementing resource-efficient technologies aligns with this trend, assisting clients with regulatory compliance while achieving environmental goals. Further, digital transformation in copper mining will enable better decision-making through using big data analytics and AI. By collecting vast amounts of data from sensors, automation systems, and digital twins, mining operations will be able to analyse performance, predict trends and make informed strategic decisions. DGC MetPro’s digital solutions ensure that data is collected and used effectively to drive operational improvements and reduce risks. Dickinson adds that the future of copper mining will increasingly involve remote operations centers and increasing levels of automation. “By enabling remote monitoring and control of mining processes, companies can improve safety and reduce the need for on-site personnel, particularly in hazardous environments,” he says. “DGC MetPro’s expertise in implementing robotics and automated systems positions it as a key player in helping mining companies transition to more automated, remotely controlled operations,” he explains. “DGC MetPro’s role in integrating these digital solutions ensures that its clients remain competitive and able to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global market,” enthuses Dickinson. PARTNER COLLABORATION Through collaboration with various partners, DGC MetPro Solutions addresses distinct challenges by enhancing DGC MetPro’s service offerings. South Africa-based engineering firm LogiProc provides process engineering and metallurgical solutions expertise, with Dickinson explaining that LogiProc’s deep knowledge, experience in process-driven engineering, expertise in metallurgical process improvement and efficiency enhancement, complements DGC MetPro's core services. Another example of collaboration involves refractory solutions supplier Refractory and Metallurgical Solutions (RMS), through which specialised expertise in refractory design, manufacturing, and life optimisation – particularly for high-temperature processes in smelting operations – is provided. A further example of collaboration is illustrated by engineering consultancy EAMS Africa’s offering of advanced technologies in enterprise asset management, including real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and digital transformation solutions. Further, engineering consultancy Engconomics contributes by integrating engineering, performance analysis, and reliability-enhancing solutions, assisting DGC MetPro in delivering sophisticated strategies for optimising production efficiency, resource use, and equipment reliability. Published 15 November 2024 https://www.miningweekly.com/article/digital-tools-poised-to-transform-copper-mining-2024-10-31 Written by Nadine Ramdass - Creamer Media Writer Edited by Donna Slater - Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer