Condra has secured a significant order from Tronox Mineral Sands for the Namakwa Sands East OFS Project, located 385 km north of Cape Town, with the delivery of a 35/12.5-ton overhead crane and two hoists.
The crane, designed for mill maintenance, will be integral to the extraction of orange feldspathic sand (OFS) from deeper levels than previously mined at the Namakwa Sands operation. The project, expected to begin extraction in 2025, aims to expand operations at the site.
The 35-ton main hoist and 12.5-ton auxiliary hoist are housed on a single crab and form part of a double-girder electric overhead travelling crane with a span of 23.3 meters and a lifting height of 30 meters. Additional features include a storm brake to prevent unintended crane movement in high winds, full-length walkways, and advanced safety mechanisms such as radio control with pendant back-up, along with audiovisual warnings for crane movement.
In addition to the overhead crane, Tronox ordered two Condra hoists: a 7.5-ton unit for the stockpile and a 5-ton machine for mill discharge. Both hoists are modular K Series models, specifically assembled to meet the project’s requirements. The 7.5-ton hoist has a lifting height of 9.5 meters, while the 5-ton discharge hoist extends 8.5 meters and is equipped with articulated crawls for navigating a monorail with tight curves. Both hoists are fitted with load cells, digital readouts, and weather-resistant covers for protection against the elements.
Marc Kleiner, Condra’s managing director, attributed the success of the contract to the company’s reputation for producing durable, high-quality equipment and providing excellent customer service. He noted that Condra’s ability to tailor its lifting equipment to meet specific operational needs has been a key factor in securing such contracts.
The machines were designed at Condra’s Germiston headquarters, with manufacturing completed at the same location. Delivery of the equipment was completed late last year after professional engineering certification. Installation and commissioning will be handled by Blue Cranes of Cape Town, which already services much of the lifting equipment at Namakwa Sands. The company will also provide ongoing maintenance in line with Condra’s policy of collaborating with local businesses familiar with site-specific conditions.
