In The Spotlight
Dhofar Islamic has signed an agreement to support the development of Oman’s first underground copper mining project, reinforcing the Sultanate’s ambitions to expand its mining industry and strengthen economic diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040.
The agreement will support the Al Ghuzayn copper project being developed by Mawarid Mining, the mining investment arm of Mohammed Al Barwani LLC. The initiative is regarded as an important milestone for Oman’s minerals sector as the country seeks to increase local value creation and establish a stronger presence within global copper supply chains.
Representatives from Dhofar Islamic, Mawarid Mining and Ahli Islamic attended the signing ceremony, alongside senior executives from the MB Group.
Copper demand has risen significantly in recent years due to its importance in renewable energy technologies, power infrastructure, electric vehicles and industrial manufacturing. The Al Ghuzayn development is expected to contribute to Oman’s long-term industrial growth while supporting the transition towards more sustainable industries globally.
Amor Al Amri said the project represented a major addition to Oman’s mining landscape.
“As Oman’s only underground copper mining development, Al Ghuzayn reflects both the forward-looking vision of MB Group and the structuring capabilities of Dhofar Islamic,” he said. “This project represents a significant addition to the Sultanate’s mining sector and aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, supporting economic diversification and sustainable growth.”
Beyond increasing copper production, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for Omani nationals across technical and operational fields, while also supporting local suppliers, skills development and community initiatives.
Mawarid Mining views the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen Oman’s role in supplying minerals required for global industrial and energy transition projects. The company said the development would contribute to expanding downstream mining activities and enhancing the country’s industrial capabilities.
The Al Ghuzayn project also reflects wider regional efforts to diversify Gulf economies beyond hydrocarbons by investing in critical minerals and industrial infrastructure. As countries accelerate renewable energy adoption and electrification programmes, copper has become one of the most sought-after resources worldwide due to its use in power transmission, battery systems and advanced manufacturing.
With construction and development progressing, the project is expected to play a key role in supporting Oman’s mining ambitions while contributing to broader economic growth and industrial resilience.
The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 16th edition of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, bringing together leading international scientists to discuss the future of weather modification technologies and operational cloud seeding strategies.
Held under the theme “From Scientific Evidence to Operational Readiness: Key Lessons from the WMA Annual Meeting for the Future of Rain Enhancement,” the webinar examined how recent scientific findings can be translated into practical rain enhancement operations.
The session featured several UAEREP-supported researchers, including Michael Dixon, Roelof Burger, Will Cantrell and Daniel Rosenfeld.
Moderated by Mohamed Mahmoud, the webinar reviewed insights from the 2026 Weather Modification Association annual meeting held in Reno, Nevada.
Speakers highlighted the growing use of advanced technologies in cloud seeding evaluation, including dual-polarisation radar systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning and causal analysis tools. Discussions also explored developments in cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and methods for determining cloud seedability using laboratory research, modelling and satellite observations.
The webinar additionally focused on the operational application of seeding materials and how UAEREP-funded studies are helping improve cloud seeding strategies under UAE weather conditions. Experts noted that upgraded software platforms and integrated data systems are becoming increasingly important in strengthening operational decision-making and programme evaluation.
Abdulla Al Mandous, who also serves as Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, said international collaboration remains essential to advancing weather modification science.
“At NCM, we remain committed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and active engagement across global platforms that advance weather modification research,” he said. “As water security continues to be a strategic priority for the UAE, we are focused on supporting the development and application of innovative, evidence-based technologies that enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable water resources.”
Alya Al Mazroui said the webinar demonstrated the programme’s role in connecting research outcomes with practical implementation.
“By bridging the gap between research outcomes and operational implementation, and fostering knowledge exchange among leading experts, the programme continues to promote multidisciplinary approaches and reinforce partnerships that support sustainable water resource management,” she said.
UAEREP also participated in the Weather Modification Association Annual Meeting 2026 as a sponsor, with its awardees presenting scientific research across multiple technical sessions. The webinar series continues to provide a global platform for researchers and policymakers to explore emerging solutions addressing water scarcity and climate-related challenges.
Sungrow has signed an agreement with Masdar to supply energy storage and photovoltaic inverter technology for the UAE’s large-scale round-the-clock renewable energy project.
The initiative, being developed by Masdar in partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), combines 5.2GW of solar PV generation with a 19GWh battery energy storage system, creating what is described as the world’s first gigascale renewable baseload energy project.
Under the agreement, Sungrow will provide 7.5GWh of its PowerTitan 3.0 energy storage systems and 2.6GW of PV inverter solutions to support the project’s performance, efficiency and reliability.
The development is intended to meet rising demand for uninterrupted clean electricity across sectors including industry, residential communities, commercial operations and digital infrastructure.
Expected to begin operations in 2027, the project is designed to strengthen grid resilience while demonstrating how solar and battery storage can work together to deliver continuous renewable power at utility scale.
The scheme will utilise more than 1,000 PowerTitan 3.0 liquid-cooled battery systems integrated with advanced inverter technology to maintain stable power delivery. Each unit is engineered to operate on an eight-hour charging and 16-hour discharging cycle, supporting around-the-clock renewable energy supply.
The storage systems incorporate liquid-cooled Silicon Carbide Power Conversion System technology, achieving efficiency levels of up to 99.3% and a round-trip efficiency of 90%. The systems are also designed to operate in harsh climates, including temperatures reaching 55°C without performance reduction, making them suitable for the UAE’s environmental conditions.
The project aims to address one of the renewable energy sector’s biggest challenges (intermittency) by combining large-scale solar generation with advanced battery storage. Once completed, it is expected to provide competitively priced renewable baseload electricity and serve as a model for similar projects globally.
More than 300 government representatives gathered in Abu Dhabi and online for the 31st Council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where discussions centred on energy security, renewable energy deployment and the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on the global energy transition.
Held over two days in a hybrid format, the meeting reviewed progress on the agency’s ongoing programmes and explored priorities for the next stage of renewable energy development worldwide. Delegates also examined how electrification and emerging technologies could help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Francesco La Camera said the global energy landscape was undergoing rapid change, affecting economies and communities across the world.
“Changes in today’s global energy landscape are affecting not only the energy sector, but entire economies, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable communities,” he said. “This Council convenes at a critical moment as IRENA’s Membership discusses priorities for the next phase of the transition, from energy security and resilience to electrification of end-use sectors and the growth of digital economies.”
The meeting also highlighted the increasing connection between renewable energy, economic stability and food security.
Serving as chair of the 31st IRENA Council, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stressed the importance of strengthening renewable energy systems amid global uncertainty.
“The current global landscape clearly demonstrates that energy security, economic stability, and food security are inextricably linked,” she said. “Now, more than ever, the world must double down on renewables.”
She added that IRENA’s role remained critical in helping countries navigate the changing energy environment while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience goals.
Delegates also reviewed the implementation of IRENA’s 2026-2027 work programme and budget, while beginning discussions on the agency’s medium-term strategy for 2028-2032.
The council meeting comes as governments worldwide continue increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, low-carbon technologies and grid modernisation to strengthen energy resilience and reduce emissions.
UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.
PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.
Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.
“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”
Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO2e within the structures.
“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”
The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.
Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO2e captured through interior fit-out works.
Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.
Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”
Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.
Elsewedy Electric has strengthened its position in the energy services sector through the acquisition of a 60% stake in Dutch turbine maintenance specialist Thomassen Service.
The deal covers Thomassen Service’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, its filter manufacturing division, and its Africa-based subsidiary. The agreement was signed by senior executives from both companies, including Elsewedy Electric CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Elsewedy and Thomassen Service CEO Peter Hertog.
The acquisition forms part of Elsewedy Electric’s wider expansion strategy as demand for dependable energy infrastructure and maintenance services continues to rise across the Gulf and other high-growth markets.
By integrating Thomassen Service’s expertise in gas turbine maintenance and repair, Elsewedy Electric aims to broaden its technical capabilities and strengthen its end-to-end offering across the energy value chain.
Ahmed Elsewedy said, “This acquisition represents an important step in enhancing our technical expertise and expanding the integrated solutions we provide to customers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Combining Thomassen Service’s specialist capabilities with our engineering and project delivery strengths will enable us to better support the evolving requirements of the energy sector.”
He added that the move also supports the company’s international growth plans by expanding its ability to provide services covering the full lifecycle of energy projects, from construction through to long-term operation and maintenance.
The transaction comes as countries across the region continue to invest heavily in power generation and industrial infrastructure aligned with long-term economic diversification programmes, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Elsewedy Electric is also developing two advanced gas turbine component repair facilities in the UAE, which are expected to improve local servicing capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas repair centres. The company said the investment would help shorten turnaround times while improving operational efficiency and equipment reliability for customers.
Peter Hertog described the partnership as a significant opportunity for Thomassen Service to expand into new markets and accelerate growth.
“Joining Elsewedy Electric creates strong opportunities to scale our operations and broaden our international reach,” he said. “We are pleased to partner with an organisation that shares our focus on innovation, quality and customer service.”
He added that Thomassen Service’s experience in turbine maintenance, combined with its agile technical teams and international expertise, would complement Elsewedy Electric’s expanding portfolio across the energy, oil and gas industries.
The acquisition is also expected to support further investment in technology, workforce development and infrastructure, enabling both companies to strengthen their presence in the global energy services market.
According to IDTechEx analyst Lily-Rose Schuett, advances in coatings, graphene and critical material recovery are reshaping the global materials landscape, with growing demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions across sectors ranging from aerospace and EV batteries to energy and data centres.
In her analysis, “The Top of the Material Chain – Advanced Coatings to Critical Minerals”, Schuett highlights how advanced coatings are increasingly being adopted to improve durability, efficiency and safety. Citing IDTechEx research, she notes that the coatings market is currently valued at around US$202bn, with Germany, China and the US leading exports. Demand is being fuelled by industries seeking lightweight materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, particularly in aerospace and energy applications.
Schuett explains that advanced coatings are also being developed with sustainability in mind, as environmental regulations and consumer expectations push manufacturers towards PFAS-free and heavy metal-free alternatives. Applications highlighted in the research include improving fire safety in EV batteries, aerospace systems and data centres, while also reducing maintenance requirements in sectors such as wind energy, oil and gas, and construction.
The report further identifies manufacturing efficiency, coating performance and sustainability as the three main priorities shaping coating development. Desired properties include long shelf life, low viscosity, short curing times and lightweight composition, although balancing performance with sustainability remains application dependent.
Schuett also explores developments in graphene and other advanced materials. Graphene, a 2D nanocarbon material, is valued for its exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, electrical properties and gas impermeability. It is increasingly being used in thermal management systems, conductive inks, sensors, membranes, concrete and asphalt applications.
However, she notes that maintaining graphene quality remains a challenge, as pristine graphene sheets must be carefully transferred from their growth substrate to the final application without damage. Future developments may include genuine monolayer and bilayer graphene additives, as well as more sustainable production methods using green or waste-derived feedstocks such as methane, coke and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.
According to Schuett, competition from materials such as carbon black and carbon nanotubes remains strong, yet the graphene sector continues to expand. IDTechEx forecasts the graphene market will surpass US$1bn by 2032, with continued growth expected over the following decade.
The analysis also examines the growing importance of critical material recovery as geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks increase pressure on global access to strategic materials. Critical materials, which include metals, elements and composites essential to key industries, are becoming increasingly important as countries seek greater supply security.
Schuett outlines several extraction and recovery methods covered in IDTechEx research, including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, electro-leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, biosorption and electro-winning. Established secondary sources for material recovery include platinum group metals from automotive emission control systems, while emerging opportunities are centred on lithium-ion batteries and rare-earth magnets from EVs.
The report also evaluates extraction technologies based on factors such as scalability, energy consumption, waste-source versatility and circularity, reflecting the increasing emphasis on sustainability within the critical materials sector.
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Elsewedy Electric has strengthened its position in the energy services sector through the acquisition of a 60% stake in Dutch turbine maintenance specialist Thomassen Service.
The deal covers Thomassen Service’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, its filter manufacturing division, and its Africa-based subsidiary. The agreement was signed by senior executives from both companies, including Elsewedy Electric CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Elsewedy and Thomassen Service CEO Peter Hertog.
The acquisition forms part of Elsewedy Electric’s wider expansion strategy as demand for dependable energy infrastructure and maintenance services continues to rise across the Gulf and other high-growth markets.
By integrating Thomassen Service’s expertise in gas turbine maintenance and repair, Elsewedy Electric aims to broaden its technical capabilities and strengthen its end-to-end offering across the energy value chain.
Ahmed Elsewedy said, “This acquisition represents an important step in enhancing our technical expertise and expanding the integrated solutions we provide to customers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Combining Thomassen Service’s specialist capabilities with our engineering and project delivery strengths will enable us to better support the evolving requirements of the energy sector.”
He added that the move also supports the company’s international growth plans by expanding its ability to provide services covering the full lifecycle of energy projects, from construction through to long-term operation and maintenance.
The transaction comes as countries across the region continue to invest heavily in power generation and industrial infrastructure aligned with long-term economic diversification programmes, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Elsewedy Electric is also developing two advanced gas turbine component repair facilities in the UAE, which are expected to improve local servicing capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas repair centres. The company said the investment would help shorten turnaround times while improving operational efficiency and equipment reliability for customers.
Peter Hertog described the partnership as a significant opportunity for Thomassen Service to expand into new markets and accelerate growth.
“Joining Elsewedy Electric creates strong opportunities to scale our operations and broaden our international reach,” he said. “We are pleased to partner with an organisation that shares our focus on innovation, quality and customer service.”
He added that Thomassen Service’s experience in turbine maintenance, combined with its agile technical teams and international expertise, would complement Elsewedy Electric’s expanding portfolio across the energy, oil and gas industries.
The acquisition is also expected to support further investment in technology, workforce development and infrastructure, enabling both companies to strengthen their presence in the global energy services market.
Qatar is intensifying efforts to diversify its water sources as concerns over long-term supply security grow, despite its advanced desalination capacity. A new report by Oxford Business Group highlights the increasing need for alternative solutions across the country and the wider MENA region.
Frequently identified by the United Nations as one of the most water-stressed nations globally, Qatar faces a complex challenge: while desalination has enabled reliable supply, it also creates dependency on centralised systems that can be vulnerable to disruption.
The analysis, produced in collaboration with Skydrops Sustainable Water Technologies, explores how decentralised water solutions are gaining traction as a complementary approach. As demand rises alongside population growth and urban expansion, policymakers are increasingly evaluating how distributed systems can strengthen resilience.
The report points to several factors shaping this shift, including fluctuations in energy costs, supply chain pressures and climate-related risks. In addition, heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region has reinforced concerns around over-reliance on large-scale, centralised infrastructure.
Within this context, technologies such as atmospheric water generation are emerging as viable supplementary sources, particularly in densely populated urban areas where demand is concentrated. These systems can operate independently of traditional networks, offering flexibility and reducing pressure on existing desalination facilities.
The video also highlights the role of digital innovation in transforming water management. Advanced tools, including artificial intelligence-driven optimisation and smart distribution networks, are being deployed to improve efficiency while lowering the carbon footprint associated with water production.
Industry leaders note that while desalination will remain a cornerstone of Qatar’s water strategy, diversification is becoming increasingly important. Decentralised solutions are seen as a way to address distribution challenges and support expanding urban centres without requiring extensive infrastructure buildout.
From a broader regional perspective, water security is now closely linked to economic resilience and sustainable development. Qatar’s evolving approach illustrates how established systems can be enhanced through emerging technologies, creating a more adaptive and balanced model for the future.
As water demand continues to climb across the Gulf, integrating alternative solutions alongside traditional infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) have signed a new agreement aimed at significantly increasing the use of locally manufactured building materials across housing developments in the emirate, with a target of reaching up to 80% local sourcing.
The memorandum of understanding was signed during ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’, the UAE’s flagship industrial platform, and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, reinforce supply chain resilience and support national economic diversification goals.
The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for UAE-based manufacturers and suppliers by increasing demand for locally produced construction materials across upcoming residential developments in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, it is intended to support the delivery of more cost-efficient and sustainable housing projects by reducing reliance on imported materials and streamlining procurement processes.
The collaboration builds on an existing working relationship between ADPIC and ADHA, particularly in the development of integrated residential communities for Emirati citizens. Both organisations said the agreement reflects a shared vision to improve coordination across government entities while strengthening the role of the local industrial sector in major infrastructure and housing programmes.
Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, director-general of ADPIC, said the initiative marks an important milestone in integrating local industry more closely into Abu Dhabi’s project delivery ecosystem.
“Our collaboration with ADHA represents a significant step in strengthening the role of local industry within the capital project development ecosystem,” he said.
“By working towards sourcing 80% of building materials locally, we are empowering UAE manufacturers, enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring that our infrastructure delivery continues to meet the highest standards of quality.”
He added that the agreement aligns with ADPIC’s wider mandate to oversee and improve project delivery across the emirate through greater efficiency, resilience and integration between stakeholders.
“At ADPIC, we are committed to advancing a more integrated, efficient and resilient approach to capital delivery. This MoU aligns with our mandate to oversee, supervise and monitor work across the emirate,” Eid said.
Officials noted that increasing local sourcing is expected to provide long-term economic benefits by stimulating industrial growth and encouraging greater investment in the UAE’s manufacturing sector. It is also expected to contribute to improved project timelines and enhanced supply chain stability amid ongoing global market fluctuations affecting the construction industry.
Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, director-general of ADHA, said the partnership supports the authority’s objective of creating a more future-ready and sustainable housing ecosystem.
“Our collaboration with ADPIC reflects a shared commitment to advancing a more sustainable, agile and future-ready housing delivery ecosystem,” he said.
“Expanding local sourcing across housing project supply chains is a strategic step that strengthens supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on external markets and supports the efficient and reliable delivery of housing projects with greater long-term stability and confidence.”
Under the agreement, both entities will work together to increase the adoption of UAE-made materials across housing developments while ensuring compliance with approved standards for quality and sustainability. The partnership will also focus on improving procurement pathways and supporting local suppliers in accessing major development opportunities.
The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to increase the contribution of national industries to strategic projects while advancing the UAE’s broader industrial and economic diversification agenda.
Pilot Crushtec has been named Metso’s Best Dealer in the EMEA region, a prestigious international accolade recognising the company’s strong commercial performance, customer support strength and long-standing commitment to delivering high-value crushing and screening solutions across the Middle East and Africa
The award positions Pilot Crushtec among Metso’s top distributors globally, while specifically recognising its leading performance across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also reflects the company’s sustained sales success, technical capability and customer-focused service approach across its Southern and sub-Saharan African territory.
According to Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Pilot Crushtec, the recognition marks an important milestone for the business and highlights the collective effort of its people.
“This recognition is a significant achievement and a powerful testament to the commitment, expertise and passion of our entire team,” commented Marais.
“Being recognised on an international stage among leading distributors including others across Europe, the Middle East and Africa reinforces our position as a trusted partner and industry leader.”
Marais says several factors contributed to the company securing the award, including continued market growth across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa, robust aftermarket support capabilities and deep product and application knowledge.
“Our consistent sales performance and market growth across Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa has been a key contributor,” explained Marais.
“Despite challenging market conditions in many sectors, we have continued to grow the presence of Metso’s crushing and screening solutions in the region.”
He adds that Pilot Crushtec’s established service teams, technical expertise and parts availability ensure customers receive dependable support throughout the full equipment lifecycle.
“Our team works closely with customers to understand their operational requirements and provide solutions that optimise productivity, efficiency and long-term value,” said Marais.
The recognition follows the recent five-year renewal of Pilot Crushtec’s distributorship agreement with Metso, further underlining the strength of the partnership and ensuring customers across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa continue to access globally recognised crushing and screening technology.
“The five-year renewal of our distributorship agreement with Metso is extremely significant for Pilot Crushtec’s long-term strategy and reinforces the strength and stability of our partnership,” Marais says.
Through the renewed agreement, Pilot Crushtec will continue supplying Metso’s static and mobile crushing and screening equipment to customers operating in some of the region’s toughest mining and quarrying environments. It also supports ongoing investment in technical training, spare parts availability and support infrastructure.
Customers benefit from the combination of world-class technology and strong local backing, with Pilot Crushtec maintaining strategic stock of equipment, wear parts and critical components to minimise lead times and maximise uptime.
“Our highly trained service teams work closely with Metso to ensure that customers receive expert installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting support,” Marais explained. “This ensures machines operate at optimal performance levels throughout their lifecycle.”
The company’s aftermarket portfolio includes genuine spare parts, wear parts, service agreements, technical upgrades and operator training, helping customers maximise productivity and long-term returns.
Looking ahead, Pilot Crushtec plans to build on the latest recognition by expanding its footprint across Africa and further strengthening its support and service capabilities.
“Our priority is to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and strengthening our position as a leading provider of crushing and screening solutions in Africa, while continuing to build our broader presence and reputation in the global market.,” Marais commented.
This will include broader reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, increased equipment availability and continued enhancement of its aftermarket support network to deliver fast and reliable service wherever customers operate.
“We will also continue investing in skills development and technical training to ensure our teams remain at the forefront of industry expertise and are fully equipped to support the latest technologies from Metso,” he concludedPilot Crushtec Secures Metso EMEA Dealer Honour.
By combining deep regional understanding with global technology partnerships, Pilot Crushtec continues to support the growth and performance of Africa’s mining, quarrying and construction sectors.
Brady has launched the BradyPrinter i4311. (Image source: Brady Corporation)
Print everything you need, where you need it! With the first transportable printer to deliver 101.60 mm wide labelling without cords or limits
Automated identification and data capture specialist Brady Corporation launches a new type of hybrid label printer that offers industrial label printing performance in a cordless, portable design.
Larger labels
Brady´s new BradyPrinter i4311 is designed to bridge the gap between stationary benchtop label printer power and mobile flexibility. A well-known limitation for most mobile label printers is the maximum width of the label. Brady´s i4311 marks the new maximum label width at 101.60 mm for connected label printing systems that retain true portability.
The larger print width brings a lot more applications into the mobile label printing range, including perforated work-in-progress tags, common size rating plates and larger cable tags, wraps, sleeves, asset labels, component labels and GHS-compliant chemical labels.
No need to look for power outlets with the i4311. The printer is powered by a battery that can handle 5000 large labels on a single charge. Swapping batteries has been made easy and they can be charged in 3.5 hours.
Easy to integrate
The new BradyPrinter i4311 can print labels from phones, tablets and laptops, and even from central company systems using Brady´s software development kit or ZPL support. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the i4311 also features ethernet and USB-C connections.
The printer´s on-board 7´´ (17.78 cm) touch screen offers both on-device support as well as the capability to print labels directly from the printer. Users can store on average different 85 000 label templates in the printer that can be completed with an on-board ´fill in´ option, fully responsive to your touch.
Industry feedback
Brady also revealed i4311 printer features that were developed with close involvement from the company´s long-standing customers. As a result, the printer´s footprint was limited to 23 x 23 x 33 cm and 5.9 kg and the device´s easy-to-grip handle was optimised.
A battery-saver was also added for when the printer is not in use and battery-swapping was made even easier.
Portable benchtop
Right in the middle of Brady´s mobile label printer and industrial benchtop label printer line ups now sits the BradyPrinter i4311: a portable printer with the company´s benchtop industrial printing capabilities.
Compatible with more than 1300 Brady label parts, the i4311 can print on a majority of Brady´s reliable, laboratory-tested label materials. Just like other Brady printers the i4311 includes LabelSense technology to automatically set label material burn, size and pre-print settings as soon as a label roll is loaded.
The company´s newest label printer also works with a host of free Brady Express Labels mobile apps. These enable users to select text in an image file for example, and import it for printing on a label. Or to read barcodes with a phone and send them to the printer. With a commanding voice, labels can even be printed completely hands-free, using BradyVoice, a smartphone microphone and the BradyPrinter i4311.
Watch the printer in action & learn more >>
BRADY in the Middle East
UAE's DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets
Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.
Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.
The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.
Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”
Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."
Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil
DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:
Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.
Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.
Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.
Strengthening Santos capacity
DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).
These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.
A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.
DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.
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The upcoming edition of bauma is scheduled for 7-13 April 2025. (Image source: bauma)
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The generator set offers 2.6 MW (3250 kVA) for emergency standby and demand response. (Image source: Caterpillar)
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Wajdi Marroun, managing director of Versatile International. (Image source: Versatile International)
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The panel emphasised South-South collaboration. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
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Failing to notice and deal with safety issues can result in accidents. (Image source: Cat Lift Trucks)
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In front of the company's headquarters, the flags fly in the new design. (image source: Deutz AG)
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Brady has launched the BradyPrinter i4311. (Image source: Brady Corporation)
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New applications are made possible by the coordinated components from Siemens and the power distribution platforms from Rittal. (Image source: Rittal)
