Impala Platinum Refineries Ltd has been named the overall winner of the Stainless Steel Awards 2008, held in South Africa. “Impala Platinum’s massive new autoclave is described as a breakthrough in the leaching process in the mining industry. It was entered into the product category, the biggest and most varied category of all, and it aroused the most debate,” said chairman of the Stainless Steel Awards judging panel, Michael Coulson. Impala Platinum’s Second Stage Leach Autoclave was manufactured by Metso ND Engineering. Completed in 2007, the autoclave is the first of its kind in the world. Made of duplex SAF2205 stainless steel its performance and reliability far outclass the older design. It provides a safer working environment and reduces maintenance time and costs. The entry from Impala Platinum was one of 42 entries received from across South Africa. It also won the Best Stainless Steel Product Award. The Best Stainless Steel Project was awarded to Rebcon for the Timeball Tower at New Point Waterfront Development in Durban. Gillet Exhaust Technology trading as Tenneco, won Best Stainless Steel Services. The Innovation Award was won by Hazleton Pumps for their high voltage flameproof submersible pump. The Student Award went to a deceptively simple but effective solution – Boipuso Isaac’s portable stainless steel galleries. Lastly, the Achievement Award was given to three long-serving members of the stainless steel industry. Jack Moody, Sakkie Nel and Dave Rowlands all received certificates for their outstanding commitment and unselfish contribution to the industry.
