Africa Surveyors September-October issue 2022 digital

September-October issue 2022 Volume 4 issue no. 23
Africa Surveyors
Wildfires in Africa
Causes and effects of wildfires
Drone technology in water risk applications
Defense diplomacy in Africa
Terestrial Surveying
In this issue......
Steel plant power line
topographic survey commence
in Zimbabwe....pg 32
African Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG) Makes Sense for Europe,
Now and Going Forward....pg 14
Weaponised drones the
latest tech threat to
reach Africa....pg 34
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September-October issue l 2022 1

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2 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

CONTENTS
Contents
Current Issue
16
In this issue we look at
Wildfires in Africa, their
causes and effects on earth
and many more....enjoy the
issue!
REGULARS
28
News Briefs 4
Events 8
Innovation 10
Opinion 14
Project review 36
Director
Augustine M. Rang'ondi
Managing Editor
Monica R. Kemunto
Senior Editor &
Marketing Lead
Dorcas Kang’ereha
Writers
Violet Ambale
Harriet Mkhaye
Irene Joseph
Innocent Momanyi
COVER STORY
34
Wildfires in Africa: Causes and effects
Features
Engineering: Excellence award and international
recognition
Drones: Drone technology elevates innovation in water risk
applications
14
Sales Executives
East Africa
Jimmy Mudasia
Lydia Kamonya
Caiser Momanyi
Vincent Murono
Sheila Ing’ayitsa
Mining: Exploration rights and production
Offshore: Drilling and inspections
Project Review: Topographic Surveys begins on the
Africa's largest steel plant power line
22
South Africa
Paul Nyakeri
Sean Masangwanyi
Lisa Brown
Thembisa Ndlovu
Nigeria
Emelda Njomboro
Uche Maxwel
Designed and
Published by:
P.O. Box 52248-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
ADVERTISER'S INDEX
Caroni.......................................................................................IFC
Diversified Communication.................................................IBC
Position Partners....................................................................OBC
Diversified Communication................................................pg 8
Forssea Robotics...................................................................pg 23
Applanix...................................................................................pg 31
Saab..........................................................................................pg 25
4D Global.................................................................................pg 26
Saab..........................................................................................pg 27
IGI...............................................................................................pg 30
EnergyNet.................................................................................pg 33
MacArtney...............................................................................pg 38
32
Contact us
Tel: 0774288100
Emaii: info@africasurveyorsonline.com
Web: https://africasurveyorsonline.com
The Editor accepts letter and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may
request your name to be withheld from publication. We can reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Send your letters to: info@africasurveyorsonline.com
Disclaimer:
Nailex Africa Publishing makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made to such accuracy and
no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed on
interviews are not necessarily shared by Nailex Africa Publisher.
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September-October issue l 2022 3

NEWS BRIEFS
Veld fires cause loss of Zesa
equipment
The Zimbabwe Electricity
Transmission and Distribution
Company (Zetdc) has warned
of recurring veld fires in the country
that have been damaging electricity
infrastructure.
Zimbabwe currently experiences
electricity blackouts due to the aging
plant at its Kariba hydro power station
and the main coal-driven power
generators at Hwange. In a statement,
Zetdc said some areas in Zimbabwe,
mostly in the Western region, have
been affected by veld fires which are
destroying electrical equipment leaving
hundreds of homes in darkness.
"The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission
and Distribution Company (Zetdc) would
Norwegian offshore vessel operator
and subsea services firm DOF Subsea
on Friday announced several new
project awards and a contract extension
across the North Sea, Mediterranean, and
Africa.
The projects combined total more than 500
vessel days, excluding optional work, and
have a combined revenue of more than $80
million.
Skandi Acergy, Skandi Constructor, Skandi
Seven, Skandi Skansen, Skandi Hera and
selected third-party vessels will be used for
the offshore execution phases.
DOF Subsea said that one of the awards
was a SURF contract with a major oil & gas
operator. The company did not say who the
client was.
According to DOF, the SURF project
includes design & fabrication of spools and
installation of umbilical, lying leads, spools
and various subsea equipment.
Main installation phase is scheduled
for the second quarter of 2023, in the
Mediterranean and shall be executed on
Veld fire. image courtesy
like to apologize to its valued customers
in the Western Region for power outages
due to burnt poles caused by veld fires,"
read the Zetdc statement.
Zesa says veld fires have been posing
threats to electricity infrastructure.
This has resulted in businesses and
industries being affected by power
outages. A recent Environmental
Management Agency (EMA) report
states that 3 948 fire incidents burnt 1
033 722.86 hectares of land during the
2021 fire season.
DOF Subsea Bags Multiple Deals in North Sea,
Mediterranean, and Africa
DOF`s construction vessel Skandi Acergy.
Project management, engineering and
procurement are managed by DOF`s project
teams in Aberdeen and Houston.
FPSO Mooring Rectification
Another award is an FPSO mooring
rectification project in West Africa. The scope
includes project management, engineering,
and fabrication, using the Skandi Skansen as
the main installation vessel.
Also, DOF Subsea said it had secured an
early phase study from an unnamed "major
oil & gas operator" for the purpose of
detailing cessation plans for one of its fields
in the North Sea, based on utilizing the DOF
fleet.
Mons Aase, CEO DOF Subsea AS, said,
“I am pleased with the series of awards
in the Atlantic region, securing projects
across North Sea, Mediterranean and
Africa. Together with previous announced
contracts, our latest SURF award confirms
full utilization of Skandi Acergy within
the SURF segment across the North Sea,
Mediterranean, and Australia from fall 2022
to summer 2023."
NNPC Limited acquires OVH
Energy Downstream Assets
CEO of OVH Energy Marketing (OVHEM) Limited,
Mr. Huub Stokman | image NNPC
The Nigerian National Petroleum
Company (NNPC) Limited has acquired
OVH Energy Marketing (OVHEM), owner
and operator of the Oando downstream
assets. The acquisition is in line with its
vision to maintain leading position in the
Nigerian petroleum downstream sector.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the Board
Chairman of NNPC Limited, Senator Margery
Okadigbo, said the acquisition, brings over
380 additional filling stations under the
NNPC Retail brand in Nigeria and Togo, on
our journey to attaining 1,500 stations. We
will be the largest petroleum products retail
network in Africa,” Okadigbo stated.
The Chairman explained that the acquisition
came under an Accelerated Network
Expansion (ANEX) Initiative, aimed at
strengthening the Company’s downstream
business portfolio, enhancing profitability
and guaranteeing national energy security.
Among the downstream assets acquired by
NNPC Limited are a reception jetty with a
monthly capacity of 240,000MT, eight LPG
plants, three lube blending plants, three
aviation depots, and twelve warehouses.
In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive
Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Mallam Mele Kyari,
said the acquisition has further strengthened
the company as a vehicle for ensuring that
NNPC Ltd company delivers on the energy
transition goals of the country.
“Our acquisition of OVH, brings more NNPC
branded fuel stations under the NNPC Retail
Ltd umbrella, providing wider access to
our customers, enriched supply chain and
product availability across our different
locations. Our goal as NNPC Ltd is to become
a catalyst for massive improvement within
the downstream oil and gas industry”, the
GCEO further added.
4 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

NEWS BRIEFS
SHELT launches SOC
extension in Nigeria
SHELT launches SOC extension in Nigeria|Image
courtesy SHELT
SHELT is proud to announce the opening
of its very own SOC in Nigeria, where
it will serve as a local extension to its
overseas and already established 24/7 SOC
operation.
This launch comes amidst the growing
need of SHELT’s Nigeria branch to step into
serving the local clientele through a team
that is locally present and becoming closer
to our customers. The SOC extension will
serve to raise the cybersecurity readiness of
the clients through implementing cuttingedge
technology to monitor cyber-attacks
and address possible cybersecurity threats in
real time and on a local platform.
On his visit to Nigeria to be present at the
launch, SHELT’s Managing Director, Youssef
Abillama commented saying: “It gives me so
much pleasure to be here for this wonderful
occasion and I know our SOC will play a
pivotal role in the cyber security readiness
of our clients to assist them in safeguarding
their systems and increasing their resilience
from a locally available support system.”
SHELT’s Nigeria Business Development
Manager, Walid Bou Abssi, said: “The risks of
cyberattacks are always on the increase in
Nigeria and I am so proud we are part of the
solution where we can monitor cybersecurity
threats and respond in real time to address
and resolve any possible threats that may
target our clients.”
Mr. Abillama added “I would like to recognise
our team members who led the project
and completed it so successfully and I
am glad that we are also contributing to
the job market in Nigeria in the field of
cybersecurity.”
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Shelter Afrique extends Corporate Loan to MSD for housing
projects in DRC
Pan-African housing development
financier Shelter Afrique Board
has approved a USD18.5 million
commercial loan to Katanga-based real
estate development company, Maison Super
Development (MSD).
The projects earmarked for the facility include
Jumbo Office Building in Kolwezi; Alilac Office
in Lubumbashi; and Munua Housing project
in Lubumbashi, expected to be completed in
the year 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The three projects are expected to contribute
considerably to the commercial and
residential real estate in the areas.
“The facility is part of shelter Afrique financial
solutions targeted at Urban Regeneration.
Ghana sign RLSF MOU to promote access to reliable, clean,
and affordable electricity in the country
In line with its mission to promote access
to reliable, clean, and affordable electricity,
the Government of Ghana has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) for
the roll out of the Regional Liquidity Support
Facility (RLSF) within the country. RLSF, a
joint initiative of ATI, the KfW Development
Bank and the Norwegian Agency for
Development Cooperation (Norad), is
a financial product that is designed to
address the short term liquidity risks faced
by small and medium sized Independent
Power Producers (IPPs) that sell electricity
to state owned power utilities – improving
bankability and helping such projects reach
financial close.
The signing of the MoU has come at an
opportune time when the demand for
energy in Ghana is increasing by 10% per
year, coupled with the country’s focus on
expanding the contribution of renewable
energy sources towards the country’s energy
mix. Thanks to the MoU, IPPs in Ghana
will benefit from RLSF which was not only
created to help tackle climate change and
attract investments by supporting renewable
energy projects in ATI’s member countries,
but also to protect the IPPs against the risk
of delayed payments by public offtakers.
Ghana has one of Africa’s highest rates of
access to electricity at 86.63 percent with 74
Shelter Afrique AG. MD Kingsley Muwowo | Image
courtesy Shelter Afrique
Lubumbashi and Kolwezi are two cities
gradually being transformed into major cities
in the DRC and Shelter Afrique is happy to
support the process by ensuring we provide
financial solution that makes it easy to create
a mix where both affordable housing would
exist with commercial spaces to spur business
activities and employment,” Shelter Afrique
Ag. Managing Director Kingsley Muwowo said.
ATI Chief Executive Officer Manuel Moses (seated)
with Ghana's Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia at
the Company's AGM held June 2022 in Accra, Ghana.
|Image courtesy
percent of rural residents and 95 percent of
urban residents connected to the electricity
grid. Ghana also exports excess power
to the neighboring countries of Benin,
Burkina Faso and Togo. Additionally, the
country, which currently has a total installed
capacity of over 5,300 MW – aspires to
industrialize, modernize its agriculture,
and provide economic opportunities for its
growing population. However, one of the key
constraints to this vision is access to reliable
and cost-efficient electric power, and the
sector’s current financial deficit. RLSF
will therefore be available to relieve the
financial burden of the national utility, the
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which is
often asked to provide collateral for similar
liquidity instruments under power purchase
agreements.
September-October issue l 2022 5

INTERNATIONAL
Slam and UAV
Technology Combine
to Improve Safety
and Accuracy for
Aggregates Industry
With onsite safety an increasingly
important consideration, UAV
combined with simultaneous
localisation and mapping (SLAM) LiDAR
technology has been put to use by a major
cement plant in France in order to improve its
stockpiling measures.
Using Flyability’s Elios 3 drone and LiDAR
capabilities, alongside GeoSLAM’s leading
software GeoSLAM Connect, plant operators
were able to create a 3D digital replica of
cement material containers, offering a unique
look into storage management and stockpile
measurement systems, and providing greater
accuracy and safety for those working onsite.
Stored in huge silos measuring up to 25
metres in height, clinker, a binding agent
commonly used in the manufacturing of
cement, is an important commodity for
cement plants and stock levels, and must be
accurately calculated for effective production
planning.
At most cement plants, operators continue to
use a manual approach for tracking clinker
inventory levels – a routine that requires
employees to stand on a platform inside the
silo, and, using a long pole, poke around the
clinker to feel and estimate how much clinker
is currently available. These estimations are
reported back to the plant production teams
for forward planning.
Rather than exposing workers to dusty, dark
and potentially dangerous environments, not
to mention producing inaccurate inventory
data, one cement plant has embraced
technological enhancements, deploying
Flyability’s Elios 3 drone to take a deeper look
into the clinker silos.
Using a LiDAR sensor to collect highly precise
data while in flight, the Elios 3 was able to
collect measurements from all areas of the
silo. Using GeoSLAM Connect to accurately
process the point cloud, a fully comprehensive
3D digital replica of the container and clinker
levels was created.
EAASI joins the UNGGIM-PSN to reinforce
global partnerships
The European Association of Aerial
Surveying Industries (EAASI) has
recently become a member of the
Private Sector Network of the United
Nations Committee of Experts on Global
Geospatial Information Management
(UNGGIM-PSN). One of EAASI´s objectives
is to serve as a platform for communication
and cooperation to enact positive change
in the aerial surveying industry. With this
new partnership, the non-profit association
aims to reinforce the global geospatial
infrastructure, providing its specific expertise
in aerial imagery.
“EAASI is delighted with this new alliance.
Our members are the more significant actors
in the generation of geodata from airborne
platforms in Europe. Our datasets provide all
users with actionable spatial intelligence for
solving burning societal problems. We would
like to collaborate with United Nations and
private companies to share our knowledge
and work together towards the achievement
of the 2030 Agenda”, says Dr. Simon Musäus,
President of EAASI. “The aerial surveying
industry can certainly assist with monitoring
key indicators of the UN Sustainable
Development Goals.”
EOI Space, a company deploying lowflying
small satellites that provides
intelligence to government and
commercial customers, has announced its
deal with SpaceX to launch EOI’s first satellite
using the SpaceX rideshare program. SpaceX,
which designs, manufactures, and launches
advanced rockets and spacecraft, has a unique
service that allows small satellite owners to
share space on its missions.
EOI’s first satellite, a technology demonstrator,
is manifested to launch in 2023 on a
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This demonstration
mission will allow EOI to test and validate
its technology, ensuring the satellite’s
configuration and operational parameters
meet the desired mission applications.
Providing imagery at a 15 cm (6-inch)
ground sample distance will enable EOI to
Image credit: EAASI
“The geospatial industry is making huge
strides in technology advancement,
application development, and implementation
across varied economic sectors. UNGGIM–PSN
represents an important component of the
broad geospatial ecosystem and is committed
to representing and supporting sustainable
development goals (SDGs) and aligning itself
with the values and purpose of commonality
and cohesiveness of UNGGIM”, explained
Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chair UN-GGIM PSN (CEO,
Geospatial World).
The United Nations Committee of Experts on
Global Geospatial Information Management
(UNGGIM) was established in July 2011
by the Economic and Social Council of the
UN (ECOSOC), to strengthen international
cooperation in the area of global geospatial
information management.
Earth Observant Inc. (EOI Space) inks deal with
SpaceX
deliver worldwide high-resolution imagery
and location data in a timely manner, never
previously seen from commercial satellites.
“This is an exciting time for us as EOI will
be the first private company to operate in
VLEO. Our first satellite launch is just the
beginning of EOI’s mission to provide the
highest resolution commercially available
imagery and near real-time data delivery to
our government and commercial customers,”
said Christopher Thein, CEO of EOI. “We look
forward to working with SpaceX on additional
rideshares as we complete manufacturing a
series of satellite rollouts in the near future.”
6 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

INTERNATIONAL
LiDAR and Digital Surface Models from Bluesky Aid Wind Farm Planning
An Irish hydrological consultancy firm
is saving significant time and expense
by using LiDAR datasets from Bluesky
International, the aerial survey and mapping
company. Hydro-Environmental Services (HES)
carries out essential analysis for public and
private clients to determine optimal layouts
(from a drainage and environmental impact
perspective) for wind farm sites that are often
planned in remote upland forested areas.
Mapping prevailing drainage patterns is a key
part of the assessment stage in addition to
ensuring that existing areas of environmental
importance, like peatlands which store carbon,
are not significantly disturbed. Michael Gill is
a Director at HES and he explains: “To analyse
the drainage patterns for proposed wind
farm sites we need a clear picture of where
the existing streams and drainage channels
are located. Available national river mapping
only goes so far in providing the information
we need, so for a more detailed site-specific
picture of current drainage
patterns we are now using
LiDAR imagery from Bluesky.
The LiDAR data means we can
generate a comprehensive
and accurate definition of
site drainage in advance of
site surveys when groundtruthing
and environmental
monitoring are undertaken.
Importantly, the enhanced
drainage definition we can
extract from the LiDAR data
is used in our constraints studies to identify
areas of proposed sites that are not suitable
for development.”
HES is using Bluesky’s Digital Terrain Models
(DTM) specifically to analyse areas under
tree canopies to assess what is happening
in terms of forestry drainage. Mr Gill added:
“Using the DTM data we can digitise forestry
Image credit: Bluesky
drainage to supplement and enhance our
drainage mapping datasets. We can then
export the enhanced drainage mapping to
engineering drawings and integrate into
proposed drainage plans for wind farm site
planning applications. Without these data, we
would have to physically survey the undertree
canopy areas and this would prove near
impossible given the scale and topography of
many of the sites.”
Groupe Gorgé completes the acquisition of iXblue, paving the way to
bringing ECA Group and iXblue together
Groupe Gorgé has announced having
reached a major milestone with
the acquisition of iXblue. This
operation, that will bring ECA Group and
iXblue together, will lead to the rise of a
European high-tech industrial champion
in the fields of robotics, maritime,
navigation, aerospace and photonics.
The two companies will benefit from a
global workforce of 1,500 people and
will achieve an annual turnover of €250
million. Together, iXblue and ECA Group
will provide customers with a unique offer
ranging from components to complex
systems to support critical missions in
severe environments.
“In addition to our complementary activities,
both our companies share a common
DNA centered around innovation and
entrepreneurship. This acquisition by Groupe
Gorgé, that puts iXblue and ECA Group under
the same roof, will enable us to create new
synergies and strengthen our capacity to
invest in research and development to offer
Image credit: iXblue and ECA Group
solutions that are always at the cutting edge
of technology,” rejoices Fabien Napolitano,
President & CEO of iXblue.
Dominique Giannoni, CEO of ECA Group, adds:
“With the combination of the technological
expertise and global footprint of the two
companies, we will provide unmatched value
to our customers through our comprehensive
portfolio of products and solutions. This
operation consolidates our leadership in
our markets and offers excellent growth
prospects. The teams of our two companies
have already started working closely together.
We see great development opportunities that
we are eager to share with our customers.”
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
September-October issue l 2022 7

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8 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

EVENTS
Offshore Technology Africa 2022
With 18,950 miles of coastline, shared by 38 Countries,
newly discovered offshore gas reserves, extensive
offshore wind potential, technological advancements
in tidal power, ocean current power, OTEC, and marine floating
PV. Africa’s offshore energy potential is perhaps the most
underdeveloped resource across the continent.
Offshore Technology Africa (OTA) launches in Cape Town, South
Africa, in November 2022 to enable Governments, Financiers,
Developers, Solution and Technology providers to come together
to expedite the unlocking of Africa’s vast and transformative
offshore energy potential.
Offshore Technology Africa will take the form of interactive
boardrooms, allowing all participants to get involved in
collaborative and productive discussions. All attendees should
come prepared to participate in a collaborative environment and
leave with productive outcomes.
Geo Week 2023
Geo Week is the intersection of geospatial + the built world.
The event brings together AEC Next Expo & Conference, SPAR
3D Expo & Conference and the International Lidar Mapping
Forum into a single powerhouse event. Co-located partner events
include USIBD, ASPRS, MAPPS Annual Meeting. Industries covered
include Architecture, Engineering & Construction; Asset & Facility
Management; Disaster & Emergency Response; Earth Observation
& Satellite Applications; Energy & Utilities, Infrastructure &
Transportation; Land & Natural Resource Management, Mining
& Aggregates, Surveying & Mapping, and Urban Planning/Smart
Cities. The combined conference program and tradeshow floor
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
will feature commercial applications of 3D technologies, innovations
and case studies in the built environment, advanced airborne and
terrestrial remote sensing solutions, smart products for a full project
team and much more! Professionals from a range of disciplines will
network and gain insight into the increasing confluence of their worlds,
providing even more opportunities to support the next generation of
digital technology. It is presented by Geo Week News and organized by
Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes
Commercial UAV Expo Americas, Commercial UAV Expo Europe
(Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Digital Construction Week and GEO
Business Show (London, UK).
September-October issue l 2022 9

INNOVATION
Leica Geosystems
announces new Leica
DMC-4 airborne
imaging sensor
delivering superior
image fidelity
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon,
has announced the introduction
of the Leica DMC-4, a highly
efficient airborne imaging sensor providing
unsurpassed image quality for various
applications and complex mapping
environments.
The new system continues Leica Geosystems’
tradition of combining industry-leading
optics with precision mechanics to deliver
the highest mapping performance. The sensor
provides superior image fidelity by leveraging
the CMOS-based Leica MFC150 camera
module with Leica Geosystems’ unique
mechanical forward-motion-compensation
(FMC). The production-proven technology
extensively used in Hexagon’s Content
Program has already surveyed 1.2 million
square kilometres and delivers crisp, full
radiometry at faster aircraft speeds across
various operating conditions.
With over 31,500 pixels across swath, the
Image Leica Geosystems
DMC-4 maximises acquisition efficiency and
improves performance by 20% to cover larger
areas with fewer flight lines. Standard (S) and
high (H) focal length configurations enable
maximum airspace flexibility, providing a
comprehensive solution for demanding
applications and use cases. The DMC-4 was
designed with application versatility in mind,
supporting photogrammetry, remote sensing,
terrain extraction and vector mapping.
Image GeoSLAM
GeoSLAM’s software package is set to
become even more feature-rich with
three new key additions in the latest
update. The launch of Connect 2.2 offers users
of GeoSLAM software new import & export
options and the ability to merge multiple
datasets.
The Connect 2.2 software package comes
after positive feedback from GeoSLAM’s
2.1 update back in April 2022. Connect
2.1 included automatic data cleaning, RGB
colourisation with the ZEB Vision, and an
integrated measuring tool.
GeoSLAM’s aim is to frequently release
software updates that further develop
workflows and create a user-friendly
environment for processing and reviewing
point cloud data.
Customers with a GeoSLAM Care subscription
GeoSLAM
introduce
manual
alignment and
new export
options in their
latest software
update
will be able to freely upgrade to Connect 2.2
today, via the GeoSLAM website. The sale of
new hardware products from the ZEB family
of scanners comes with a 1-year GeoSLAM
Care package, with the chance to upgrade to
3 years, and Connect 2.2 as standard.
10 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

INNOVATION
Acecore and Phase One teams up to offer
turnkey inspection solutions
Acecore Technologies the developer
and manufacturer of professional
grade UAVs for data collection and
surveillance markets, announces a new
product collaboration with Phase One, the
world-leading developer and manufacturer of
medium and large format aerial photography
systems. This marks the next step in the
collaboration to offer customers a full turnkey
solution.
“It has been two years since we first
announced a full integration with Phase
One iXM-range cameras” said Jorrit Linders,
Founder and CEO of Acecore. “We used to
build our own camera control hardware and
made it communicate to the pilot on the
ground – with the introduction of the P3
we immediately knew our workload would
decrease and the integration would become
seamless to the end user. We’re excited to see
our product mature and offer an improved
user experience together with Phase One.”
“We’re very excited to intensify our
established partnership with Acecore
technologies. said Michael Messerschmidt,
Unmanned Portfolio Director at Phase One.
“Our new turnkey bundle with Acecore
Technologies’s Zeo drone and the Phase One
P3 payload, will deliver superior efficiency
and enable customers to capture the smallest
details, from the furthest distance, in any
weather conditions. Allowing us to provide
the very best inspection and mapping
solution for those looking at state-of-the-art
surveillance technologies and solutions.”
Teledyne DALSA extends its Falcon area scan
camera series with new 37M and 67M models
Teledyne DALSA is pleased to announce
its new Falcon4-CLHS M6200 and
M8200 cameras, based on Teledyne
e2v’s Emerald 37M and 67M monochrome
sensors.
The new Falcon4-CLHS models deliver higher
resolution, added functionality and ease
of use with a CLHS interface that has been
engineered for industrial imaging applications
requiring high-speed data transfer. These
models can reach multiple thousands of
frames per second in either partial scan mode,
or when using the Multi-ROI mode, with up to
32 distinct region of interest. Additionally, the
updated firmware enables appending detailed
meta data to each ROI linked to different light
sources, while new multi-ROI or moving ROI
in sequencer or cycling modes deliver higher
frame rates and added functionality.
“The Teledyne e2v Emerald 37M & 67M
CMOS image sensors provide excellent
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
performance and image quality for any
machine vision applications that requires
true high-performance imaging,” said Manny
Romero, Senior Product Manager at Teledyne
DALSA. “With the addition of these latest
Falcon4-CLHS models, we are now pleased
to offer a variety of cameras ranging from the
high-speed 11.2M camera with frame rates
up to 609 fps in full resolution and these new
high-resolution 37 MP and 67 MP cameras
with frame rates of 120 fps and 90 fps
respectively in full resolution," he continued.
New Falcon4-CLHS
models deliver higher
resolution, added
functionality and
ease of use with a
CLHS interface |
Image Teledyne
Falcon4-CLHS cameras leverage standard
cabling technology such as CX4 and fiber
optic (AOC) cables to maximize length and
speed. Falcon4-CLHS cameras are engineered
to deliver high-speed, dependable results for
applications such as industrial automation,
flat panel display inspection, semiconductor
inspection, PCB-AOI (Automated Optical
Inspection), aerial imaging, and general
machine vision applications that require true
high-performance imaging.
September-October issue l 2022 11

ENGINEERING
Osmotic Engineering Group celebrates
international recognition and expansion
in Africa
Africa, especially in terms of water, energy
and telecommunications. “We leverage our
experience to address Africa’s problems, as
such an award is recognition of the local and
regional expertise available to us.”
Business Development Director Ronnie Khoza
adds that FIDIC provides a global platform for
consulting engineers to showcase challenges
and solutions. “This recognition means that
people sit up and take notice of us. Here is
a company we can talk to and consult and
partner with.”
L-R: Andrew Johnson, Dr Tony Igboamalu, Aldecia Johnson, Dr Frank Igboamalu and Ronnie
Khoza, Osmotic Engineering Group
Energy Director Andrew Johnson says the
award immediately places OEG on a global
level. “It is important to note we received this
recognition over other international entrants.
In terms of an African context, it really means
we have the right people here.”
Established only in 2020, Osmotic
Engineering Group (OEG) is already
making an impact on the local
consulting engineering industry. Water and
Wastewater Infrastructure Director Dr. Tony
Igboamalu was announced the winner of
the International Federation of Consulting
Engineers (FIDIC) 2022 Future Leaders Award
at a high-profile gala dinner on 12 September
2022 in Geneva.
The awards acknowledge and promote the
outstanding achievements of future leaders in
the consulting engineering industry globally.
Adam Bialachowski, chair of the judging panel
and also chair of the FIDIC Future Leaders
Advisory Council, says the judges were
unanimous in their decision.
“Dr. Tony Igboamalu has shown a high level
of achievement and a keen appreciation of
the social impact of his work, which perfectly
reflects FIDIC’s key values and the positive
difference that engineering seeks to make in
society,” says Bialachowski.
Dr. Tony Igboamalu is a professional chemical
engineer who obtained a Global Excellence
Stature (GES) 4.0 Research Fellowship in
2022 at the University of Johannesburg
looking at the application of 4IR in solving
water challenges.
With 15 years’ experience in the water
industry, he implements and manages
multidisciplinary rural and urban
development and poverty alleviation projects,
including team, technical, financial (3P) and
contracts management. His main focus is on
socioeconomic development, maintenance
management and privatisation, training,
application and transfer of appropriate
technology and skills.
“Emerging market problems are not just
about engineering but have a socioeconomic
basis as well. Solving these myriad problems
requires a multidisciplinary approach
combining finance, economics and politics.
Engineers need to be open-minded. OEG
represents the future of Africa in that we
are driving the development of our future
engineers,” comments Dr. Tony Igboamalu.
CEO Dr. Frank Igboamalu highlights that this
international validation from FIDIC means
OEG is well-placed to serve in an advisory
role with regard to infrastructure issues in
Commenting on the progress made by OEG
since its initial foray into South Africa and
Nigeria, Ronnie Khoza reveals it has opened
new offices in Ghana to focus on West Africa
and in Uganda and Kenya to serve East Africa.
The local office meanwhile covers the entire
Southern African region, including Botswana
and Namibia.
“One of our biggest achievements to date
have been our initiatives in other countries.
We approach this with due consideration and
care as we always aim to partner with local
companies. Our focus on technical advisory as
the main service offering of the future at OEG
has improved our portfolio of the type and
size of advisory projects with government and
the private sector, adding respected clients
like Rand Water, MTN and others to our list of
clients.”
Another key differentiator for OEG is its
capability to partner with financiers and
investors to drive infrastructure development
on the continent. “While the client is the
main anchor, we offer complete solutions.
This means bringing in external services that
fall outside our scope if need be, such as
environmental and legal,” he concludes.
12 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

AWARDS
Clintonel Innovation Centre wins Autodesk
Learning Partner Excellence Award
Clintonel Innovation Centre (CIC) Aba
recently won the latest Autodesk
Learning Partners (ALP) Excellence
Award in the EMEAR region for its Nigerian
Genius Engineering Competition 2022.
Awarded on a quarterly basis, the Excellence
Awards recognize learning partners in Europe,
the Middle East, Africa, and Russia (EMEAR)
region for high performance, innovation and
learner satisfaction.
"We are grateful to all our partners,
especially Aspire Coronation Trust
Foundation, The Royal Academy
of Engineering, Advanced
Engineering Centre and Autodesk.”
For Autodesk – a leading global brand in
engineering software and products, the
Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition was
amazing, and the judges were particularly
impressed with Clintonel’s effort to engage
with Nigeria’s future manufacturing workforce.
The Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition
2022 brought together Nigeria’s brightest
minds in tertiary institutions to solve Nigeria’s
toughest engineering and manufacturing
challenges.
The participants learnt Advanced Engineering
Skills from industry experts and were given
access to Precision Manufacturing Equipment
at CLINTONEL Advanced Engineering Centre
Aba to build engineering and manufacturing
solutions for Nigeria.
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
They went further to deploy the skills
acquired to design and build different
engineering products and solutions and were
ultimately given the challenge to design and
build solutions for Nigeria’s power (energy)
problems using renewable energy sources.
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) was
ranked no.1 in engineering education for
the Year 2022, after emerging as the winner
in the competition. Learn more about the
Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition
here.
Speaking on the award, Tochukwu Chukwueke,
Founder of Clintonel Innovation Centre (CIC)
said, “This international Award of Excellence
is a great honour for our organization. It is
an appreciation to all who contributed to the
success of the Nigerian Genius Engineering
Competition 2022.
We are grateful to all our partners, especially
Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, The
Royal Academy of Engineering, Advanced
Engineering Centre and Autodesk.”
“As an organization, CLINTONEL will continue
to push and break boundaries in engineering,
innovation and capacity building till Nigeria
becomes a technology producer.”, Tochukwu
concluded.
September-October issue l 2022 13

OPINION
African Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Makes Sense for Europe, Now and
Going Forward
Image Source: abode.com
By NJ Ayuk
In the months since the European Union declared it
would reduce its reliance on Russian oil following
that country’s invasion of Ukraine, there’s been a
lot of talk about the new opportunities this moment is
creating for Africa’s natural gas industry. I myself have
been part of that conversation, and I stand by my past
statements.
Africa’s capabilities are considerable, as the African
Energy Chamber (AEC) makes clear in our State of
African Energy Q2 2022 Report.
What’s more, certain developments within Europe are
putting African natural gas producers in a stronger
position than they have been in before with respect
to being able to fight for— and win — a larger market
share. Quite simply, there are gaps in the European
gas market that weren’t there in the past — gaps that
urgently need to be filled. The existence of those gaps
means that there’s more room for African gas now
than there used to be, particularly liquified natural
gas, which is easy to store and transport. As our report
notes, 50% of the 2022-25 cumulative gas flows from
Africa’s top-10 producers are expected to be exported
as LNG.
And, the interest in African LNG is not likely to be a
momentary blip. Going forward, new technologies and
shifting geopolitical conditions should make it easier for
African producers to maintain market share in Europe.
In short, things are changing.
More Room in The Market Right Now
For decades, Russia was the EU’s single largest provider
of gas, delivering at least a quarter to a third of its
total consumption. According to International Energy
Agency (IEA) data, the figure was even higher in 2021,
when it supplied 155 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas,
equivalent to 45% of total imports and 40% of total
consumption.
The numbers for 2022 are bound to be different. The
volume of Russian gas flowing into European markets
started going down significantly not long after the start
of the war in Ukraine. In April 2022, the share of Russian
gas in total EU imports was reported to be 31%, down
from 45% in April 2021. There’s no reason to believe the
number has gone back up since then, since April was the
last month that Russia was willing to accept payment
from most EU customers in U.S. dollars or euros instead
14 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

of using special ruble-denominated accounts
that are subject to sanctions. Indeed, ever
since Russia’s new payment requirement has
taken effect, European customers have had to
learn to live with abrupt cut-offs or reductions
in pipeline gas deliveries, with their Russian
supplier Gazprom citing payment difficulties
or failure to resolve technical problems as
reasons for the disruptions.
Since the end of April, these kinds of cut-offs
have happened to Poland and Bulgaria,
they’ve happened to Finland, and they’ve
happened to Germany and all the other
countries served by the Nord Stream I
network. More cut-offs are likely before the
end of the year, and no one knows exactly
how much they’re going to affect the total
volume of Russian gas shipments to Europe.
The upshot, though, is that in 2022 the
volume of delivered gasis sure to be quite a
bit lower than the 2021 figure of 155 bcm.
And that’s where African gas starts to come
into the picture.
If the EU doesn’t have enough Russian gas
this year, it will have to make up the deficit
somewhere else in order to endure the
next heating season. And in part, it’s been
trying to do so by importing more LNG from
established large-scale producers such as the
U.S. and Qatar. The EU has also been buying
more LNG from smaller-scale producers such
as Peru. But it’s also reached out to gasproducing
states in Africa. Italy, for instance,
has negotiated the purchase of additional gas
from Algeria in 2022 and is also looking to
buy more gas from Egypt and Angola in the
short term.
More Room in The Market for The
Years to Come
And European buyers aren’t just treating
African gas as a quick fix — as something to
cover the gap for the time being. Italy expects
Algeria to keep supplying extra volumes
beyond 2022, and it’s also talking to Angola,
Egypt, and the Republic of Congo about
more extensive deals. Germany is looking
to cement ties with Senegal in light of that
country’s future gas production, which is on
track to start next year. The EU has signed
a trilateral memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Israel and Egypt in the hope of
boosting future gas imports from the Eastern
Mediterranean region.
What’s more, the EU has sent Matthew
NJ Ayuk, is the Executive Chairman
of African Energy Chamber
Baldwin, the European Commission’s deputy
director-general for energy, to Nigeria to
discuss the possibility of increased gas
supplies. Baldwin, who leads the EU’s Energy
Platform Task Force (EPTF) — set up in May
2022 to help cut Europe’s dependence on
Russian oil and gas — waxed enthusiastic
about Nigeria’s contribution to the EU’s
gas supply in an exclusive interview with
Premium Times. He noted that the West
African country already accounted for 14%
of the EU’s LNG imports, suggested that the
figure might rise to 30% or more in the long
term, and described Nigeria as a supplier that
European gas buyers could count on.
“We need more gas from Nigeria as a result
of the terrible war of aggression Russia has
mounted on Ukraine,” Baldwin declared. “We
can no longer count on gas coming from
the Russian Federation, and we want to
build a new partnership with countries like
Nigeria with whom we have an already wellestablished
partnership to obtain more gas
and LNG from you on good commercial terms.”
The Window of Opportunity Will
Remain Open
It is somewhat tempting to meet these
statements with skepticism, given that the EU
has talked about gas supply diversification for
OPINION
more than 20 years and has done relatively
little to make that diversification a reality.
Yes, Brussels has supported initiatives such
as the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), which
began delivering gas from Azerbaijan to Italy
in 2020. However, in the time it took to bring
that project to fruition, Gazprom managed to
plan one larger pipeline across the Black Sea
(South Stream), scrap that plan, draw up a
plan for another larger pipeline (TurkStream),
and then execute that plan, all while working
on an even bigger subsea pipeline to
Germany, Nord Stream 2.
I believe, however, that such skepticism would
be misplaced at this time. The EU is no longer
working in a context where the benefits of
supply diversification are theoretical and
abstract; it’s now a concrete and immediate
matter. For policy reasons, the EU wants to
deny Russia access to revenue from gas sales
and strip its status as a normal commercial
partner. For practical reasons, European gas
buyers need to find a way to make up for the
supplies missing from Russia. And for both
policy and practical reasons, Brussels wants
to deny Moscow the opportunity to continue
using gas supplies as a blunt instrument with
which to threaten Europe in the future.
The change isn’t going to be immediate. It
will take time to reduce Russia’s profile in the
EU’s energy mix. But the process of supply
reduction is underway, and it has already
opened up new opportunities for African gas
producers to acquire market share in Europe. I
expect those opportunities to last beyond the
near term, as the EU attempts to establish a
new combination of gas suppliers to replace
Russia over the next few years.
I also hope Africa’s emerging gas producers
take advantage of new LNG technologies such
as the modular Fast LNG solutions offered
by New Fortress Energy (NFE), a U.S.-based
company, to meet European demand for gas.
With these technologies, they won’t have
to wait as long or spend as much money
to begin producing the LNG that European
consumers are clamoring to buy. They can
start in two years or less, rather than waiting
five years or more, as is common with more
conventional onshore projects.
Between these new technologies and the EU’s
new policy stance, the African gas sector is
likely to look very different within just a few
years. I encourage you to read the State of
African Energy Q2 2022 Report and find out
more for yourself.
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
September-October issue l 2022 15

ENERGY
COP27 provides a once-in-a-generation
opportunity to lay foundations for
Africa’s clean energy future – finds
Wär tsilä repor t
The climate change conference COP27 offers a unique
opportunity to increase energy access and lay the foundations
for decarbonisation across Africa, but wealthy nations must
deliver on their climate finance pledges to unlock the continent’s
potential, according to a new report.
‘Pathways for Africa’s Energy Future,’ a report from the technology
group Wärtsilä, provides power system modelling of three African
countries, Nigeria, South Africa and Mozambique. It finds that they
can leapfrog some developed nations by not embedding inflexible
fossil fuel-based systems. To enable such a massive transformation
a combination of climate finance, effective planning and system
reforms will be essential.
The report demonstrates that replacing coal with renewable energy
combined with flexibility from engines and energy storage is the
most effective way to reduce energy costs, increase energy access
and improve reliability. The modelling found that renewable energy
and flexibility can generate enough energy to provide power for
close to 100 million people in South Africa, Mozambique and Nigeria
who currently do not have energy access, if it were matched with
the required grid infrastructure. These systems will require a total
investment of around USD 119 billion over the next decade, which
will not be possible unless wealthy nations deliver on the promise
made in 2009 to deliver USD 100 billion annually in climate finance
from 2020.
Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO, Wärtsilä Corporation said:
“Despite contributing less than 3% of the world’s energy-related
carbon emissions, African countries are among the hardest hit by
climate change. COP27, hosted in Egypt, is the perfect opportunity
to deliver on global climate finance pledges so that, as a global
community, we can seize this moment to act and unlock Africa’s
renewable potential. That investment must be combined with
effective planning and system reforms to increase energy access and
create the renewable energy systems of the future.”
Wärtsilä modelled power system decarbonisation pathways for three
countries in Africa, each with different starting points and facing
differing challenges. Key findings:
• Nigeria can cut electricity costs by 74% on its path to net
zero by 2060. Wärtsilä’s modelling shows that Nigeria can build
a 100% renewable net zero power system by 2060, comprising
around 1,200 GW of clean capacity, in line with its ’30-30-30’ and
Image: Africa can leapfrog to a renewable and reliable energy future and
increase energy access © Wärtsilä Corporation
net zero targets. The impact is significant, with the cost of electricity
generation predicted to drop by 74% by 2060 compared to 2022
levels and emissions dropping to zero.
• South Africa can solve its load-shedding dilemma and save
USD 26 billion by 2032. By adding 40 GW of wind and solar PV, South
Africa can build a power system that would meet current and future
energy demand. This can deliver a 17% reduction in power system
emissions and reduce energy system costs by USD 10 billion per year
by 2032.
• Mozambique can reduce emissions and save USD 84
million. By adding 200 MW of low-cost renewable energy annually,
Mozambique can build 3 GW of clean capacity by 2032, supported by
205 MW of new energy storage capacity and 1 GW of grid balancing
engine capacity. This would cut 5.6 million tonnes of carbon
emissions between 2022-2032 and save USD 84 million on the cost
of electricity production.
Wärtsilä produced this modelling using independent market
simulation software PLEXOS to support African countries that wish
to shape multi-year plans to build their optimal power systems for
the future. Across the continent, countries can help to stimulate
investment by setting out clear strategies to build well-functioning
flexible renewable grids, showcasing the new opportunities those
conditions create, such as green hydrogen production. Regulatory
reform is also needed to place a value on flexibility and encourage
the market. Doing so will help to lay the foundations for more flexible
and reliable grids able to support high levels of renewable energy,
while increasing energy access
16 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

TERRESTRIAL SURVEYING
Terrestrial Surveying
Terrestrial surveying involves the collection of accurate measurements of heights
and distances. It is often used to plan and construct construction projects and can
supplement existing data from satellite remote sensing and aerial surveys. These
surveys are used to record the relative location of features such as buildings and roads. Several
types of surveying equipment are used.
Terrestrial Surveying|Image: Fugro
In addition to using
GPS, terrestrial
laser scanning is
a useful tool in
measuring land
mass. This method
records a dense
array of distance
returns over a
large area. The
resulting data can
be used to create a
detailed digital 3-D
landscape model.
The data generated
can also be merged
with digital
photographs to
create photorealistic
3-D landscape
models
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
In geomorphology, the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is driven by the need for accurate
and rapid topographic data. The data obtained from repeat surveys allows researchers to
unravel complex space-time variations in landforms and landscapes. It also helps establish
strong links between processes and forms. In geomorphology, repeat surveys have been used
to understand and model processes such as hillslope-channel coupling, a phenomenon that
involves hydrological and topographical changes in alpine drainages.
The use of GPS has reduced the human resources required for surveying in the field. The use
of total stations and laser scanners has also simplified the execution process. The most recent
technologies include 3D laser scanners and terrestrial lasergrammetry. These technologies are
fast, reliable, and accurate. In addition, they can be integrated into a variety of applications.
Besides using GPS and satellite imaging, surveyors also use ancillary equipment to complete
their work. Surveyors use instruments such as leveling instruments to level the surface of the
land. They also use beacons to locate landmarks and landforms. They also wear protective
equipment to avoid exposure to dangerous environments. Before Electronic Distance Measuring
(EDM), the primary method of determining a position on earth's surface was triangulation. With
this method, the surveyors could measure a distance between objects by using their existing
position on a map or plan. They could then use this information to calculate the heights and
distances of other objects.
In addition to using GPS, terrestrial laser scanning is a useful tool in measuring land mass. This
method records a dense array of distance returns over a large area. The resulting data can be
used to create a detailed digital 3-D landscape model. The data generated can also be merged
with digital photographs to create photorealistic 3-D landscape models.
With its numerous applications, drones are fast becoming a valuable addition to the land
surveyor's toolkit. Drone mapping has a number of advantages, including reduced costs, time,
and risk. The use of drones is increasingly common in oil and gas exploration, and the energy
industry has adopted this technology in many projects.
Early surveys were performed using primitive instruments, but modern surveying techniques
were first developed during the 18th century. The first precision theodolite, invented by Jesse
Ramsden, was introduced to the public in 1787. It was originally used for testing new military
aircraft instruments, but it was later modified to be a commercial aerial photogrammetry
system. Then, Vladimir Zworykin invented the kinescope. This instrument was widely used for
land surveying.
Another important aspect of Terrestrial Surveying is the definition of station positions. This is
critical for the success of the project, and must be based on material characteristics and terrain
constraints. The position of each station must be determined accurately, and the parameters
must be grouped to ensure the best coverage of the surface. Since the scanners lift everything
they "see", a clean cloud of points must be created, which helps eliminate the noise.
September-October issue l 2022 17

MINING
Ivanhoe awarded new
exploration rights in South
Africa
Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) has been
granted three new highly prospective
exploration rights covering total surface
area of 80 square kilometres adjacent to
the company’s Platreef project in Limpopo
province, South Africa.
Platreef is a palladium, rhodium, nickel,
platinum, copper and gold development
project that is 64% owned by Ivanhoe. A
26% interest is held by Ivanhoe’s broadbased,
black economic empowerment
(B-BBEE) partners, which include 20 local
host communities with approximately
150,000 people, project employees and local
entrepreneurs. A Japanese consortium owns
the remaining 10% interest.
The project hosts a thick, underground
deposit known as Flatreef, containing
approximately 58.8 million oz. of precious
metals (palladium, rhodium, platinum and
gold), as well as 6.2 billion lb. of copper
and nickel in indicated resources, plus 94.3
million oz. of precious metals and 11.9 billion
lb. of copper and nickel in inferred resources.
It is located on the northern limb of South
Africa’s Bushveld Complex, where platinum
group metals mineralization is primarily
hosted within the Platreef, a mineralized
sequence that is traced more than 30 km
along strike.
Ivanhoe’s project, within the Platreef’s
southern sector, comprises two contiguous
properties: Turfspruit and Macalacaskop.
Turfspruit, the northernmost property, is
contiguous to Anglo Platinum’s Mogalakwena
group of properties. The Flatreef deposit lies
entirely on the Turfspruit and Macalacaskop
properties.
Phase 1 average annual production is
expected to be 113,000 oz. of precious
metals, plus 5 million lb. of nickel and 3
million lb. of copper. The average annual
production of the Phase 2 expansion is
expected to increase to 591,000 oz., plus
26 million lb. of nickel and 16 million lb. of
copper.
Platreef is projected to become Africa’s
lowest-cost producer of platinum group
metals, nickel, copper and gold.
New exploration
territory
The new exploration rights form a continuous
block situated on the southwest border of
Ivanhoe’s existing Platreef mining rights at
Turfspruit and Macalacaskop, which together
cover 78 square kilometres in area.
The exploration rights overlap a significant
geophysical gravity anomaly known as the
“Mokopane Feeder”, the centre of which is
located approximately 10 km from Platreef’s
Shaft 1.
“The Bushveld Complex sits among the most
unique and valuable mineral endowments
on our planet. These exploration rights are
postulated to be geologically significant
by our leading geoscientists. The new
exploration rights are located at the
intersection of a highly significant gravity
geophysical anomaly and major regional
geological structures,” said Robert Friedland,
Ivanhoe’s executive co-chairman.
“Therefore, the ‘Mokopane Feeder’ may be
related to the actual source of the giant
mineralizing system feeding the entire
northern limb of the Bushveld Complex,” he
added.
The Bushveld Complex is currently the largest
known, layered igneous complex in the world
and is host to the largest known reserves
of platinum group metals, chromium and
vanadium, as well as gold and base metals
including nickel and copper.
According to the geological team at Ivanhoe,
the “Mokopane Feeder” anomaly is the most
significant gravity feature in the entire
Bushveld Complex. Academic studies based
on historical data hypothesized that the
anomaly represents a primary feeder zone to
the Rustenburg layered suite of the northern
limb.
To better understand the conceptual
“Mokopane Feeder” target, Ivanhoe said it will
begin a detailed high-resolution, airbornemagnetic
and gradiometer-gravity survey over
the project area. The surveys are expected to
be completed in early 2023.
The initial scope of the development plan is
to fast-track Platreef into production, starting
with an initial 700,000 t/y underground mine
using the existing Shaft 1 and a new on-site
concentrator. First concentrate production
from Phase 1 is planned for Q3 2024, with
the Phase 2 expansion expected following
the commissioning of Shaft 2 in 2027.
Aerial view of the Platreef project showcasing latest construction activities, with Shaft 1 on the
right and Shaft 2 hitch-to-collar construction in the center. Credit: Ivanhoe Mines
18 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

MINING
South Africa's mining sector
contracts in August as gold
production down 17.4%
Miners work deep underground at Sibanye Gold's Masimthembe shaft in Westonaria, South
Africa, April 3, 2017. Image Credit: Reuters
By Vladimir Basov
According to Statistics South Africa
(StatsSA), the domestic mining
production decreased by 5.9% yearon-year
in August 2022.
StatsSA said that largest negative contributors
were platinum group metals (a decline of
12.9%, contributing -3.1 percentage points);
gold (-17.4%, contributing -3.0 percentage
points); and iron ore (-15.2%, contributing
-2.0 percentage points). Manganese ore was a
significant positive contributor (an increase of
25.4%, contributing 1.5 percentage points).
The agency added that seasonally adjusted
mining production in South Africa was flat in
August 2022 compared with July 2022. This
followed month-on-month changes of 3.1% in
July 2022 and -1.0% in June 2022.
According to the report, the country’s
seasonally adjusted mining production
increased by 0.6% in the three months
ended August 2022 compared with the
previous three months, mainly due to the
higher production of manganese ore, which
was partially offset by lower production of
platinum group metals.
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
September-October issue l 2022 19

COVER STORY
Wildfires in Africa
Causes and effects of wildfires
Image: SWT
By Dorcas Kang’ereha
Using satellite images, NASA has found
that there are more wildfires in Africa
than in the Amazon. According to NASA,
70 percent of the total area burned by fire
around the world is Africa and 90 percent
of these fires are human-caused. While fires
are a natural part of the ecosystem, they
Image courtesy
NCC Type 1 firefighters working the line on a wildfire
can also pose a serious threat to human life.
Fires in Africa are often sparked by lightning
strikes, and most of them occur during the
wet season. According to ICPAC June 2020
report Zooming into the Eastern Africa
region, wildfires in the region are a regular
occurrence especially after the rainy season,
when the environment is conducive for fire.
They are a natural cycle in many ecosystems,
especially the savanna, but also in the forest
ecosystems. The region experiences two
fire seasons in a year’s circle that is, April to
August in the areas south of the Equator and
September to March in the areas north of the
Equator.
“It all depends on context, time of the
year, frequency, etc. Some of the negative
impacts can range from air pollution,
excessive erosion, loss of species; damage
to infrastructure, negative impacts on the
economy and livelihoods, loss of life is also
possible,” asserts Dean Ferreira, Managing
Director at NCC Environmental Services (Pty)
LTD. “In some ecosystems, if wildfires occur
at the incorrect frequency or season, if the
fire intensity is too high (or too low), the
ecosystem can be damaged due to a loss
of species and even affecting ecosystem
services such as water retention or carbon
sequestration,” he adds.
Conferring to Global Forest Watch (GFW),
South Africa’s peak fire season typically
begins in late June and lasts around 20 weeks.
There were 6,883 VIIRS fire alerts reported
between 11th of October 2021 and 3rd of
October 2022 considering high confidence
alerts only. This is high compared to previous
years going back to 2012, says GFW. The
online monitoring platform further discloses
that, From 2001 to 2021, South Africa lost
116kha of tree cover from fires and 1.41Mha
from all other drivers of loss. The year with
the most tree cover loss due to fires during
this period was 2017 with 20.5kha lost to
fires — 22% of all tree cover loss for that year.
In Western Africa, UNISDR Regional Subsahara
Wildland Fire Network indicates that, fire
is a regular feature in the landscape of
most West African countries especially in
areas dominated by savanna and woodland
vegetation. More recently wildfires have
become annual events in the forest and
forest transition zones of some countries (e.g.
Ghana). The causes of wildfire occurrence are
quite similar in most member countries in the
West African region and are mostly humancaused.
In spite of these negative impacts,
most countries lack a holistic and efficient
system for preventing and controlling
wildfires. Consequently, the problem of
rampant wildfires continues to persist.
Since early August, 106 fires have broken out
in Algeria, destroying 800 hectares of forest
and 1,800 hectares of woodlands, this is
according to Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud,
who said some had been caused by arson.
20 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

WILDFIRES IN AFRICA
A counter fire in the Fynbos Biome | image NCC Environmental Services (Pty) LTD
The recent wildfires in eastern Algeria have
killed at least 43 people and 200 people
were injured. Officials have not confirmed
the numbers but local media has said that
the death toll may be higher. This is due to
scorching air temperatures and dry conditions
as well the lack of fire-fighting aircraft by the
authorities.
In Central African Republic the peak fire
season typically begins in late November and
lasts around 14 weeks. There were 11,706
VIIRS fire alerts reported between 11th of
October 2021 and 3rd of October 2022, this is
according to Global Forest Watch.
While the numbers of fires are significantly
higher than those in the Amazon, forest fires
in Africa are an ongoing concern due to the
rainforests. People ignite fires to open up new
areas for farming. Cattle farmers light fires in
the savannahs to stimulate nutritious grass
for animals and to control parasitic ticks.
These fires often get out of hand and become
difficult to put out. As a result, up to half of
the Serengeti grasslands burn every year.
This region is renowned for the migration of
wildebeest and other safari animals. In order
to prevent future fires, education campaigns
are mandatory.
“Each year more and more areas of Kenya’s
precious water towers are being lost to wild
fires. If this is to continue, where will Kenyans
get their water from in the future?” Questions
Toby Dunn, Director at Farmland Aviation Ltd.
Fires are a common problem throughout
Africa, and their extent is becoming much
greater in some parts of the continent. Some
of the fires are caused by farmers performing
prescribed burns. These burns are often
conducted during the dry season. However,
it is important to note that the number of
fires does not necessarily mean that there is
ecological damage.
“It is also very important to understand that
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
wildfires are part of the African landscape and
not all wildfires are bad. Certain ecosystems
are not only fire prone, but also fire driven.
The Fynbos Biome, the most diverse biome
on the planet, requires fire to maintain this
unique diversity, as long as they occur during
the right season and at the appropriate
frequency. African landscapes are burnt to
ensure grazing, reduction in fuel, for localized
agriculture and this indigenous practice has
occurred for 100’s, if not 1000’s of years. The
landscape has adapted to this. Africa is the
fire continent and wildfires will be part of it
for 100’s of years to come,” states Dean.
“Broadly speaking, veld fires are a very
necessary in rejuvenating the veld, getting
rid of bush, parasites, and of course, the
ash provides much needed fertilizer to the
new growth,” says Mark Jackson, Owner at
Leading Edge Aviation. “It is when the veld
is not allowed to burn, normally around a 15
year cycle, that disastrous fires take place.
Our task is to help extinguish the fires that
threaten the urban interface. We protect
people’s homes, farms and of course their
lives in extreme cases. During an initial
attack concept last Cape fire season, we saved
property worth an estimated R94m and no
one fell into harm’s way,” he articulates.
Researchers have found that wildfires are
caused by several factors, including climate
change. Climate variability is one cause,
although widespread management practices
has reduced flammable materials in forests.
Nevertheless, wildfires are responsible for
3 to 8 percent of terrestrial net primary
productivity each year. These fires release
between 1.7 and 4.1 gigatonnes of carbon
into the atmosphere.
Even so, the fire frequency in tropical Africa
is expected to decrease, it will remain high
in certain regions. The Sahel and southern
Africa are particularly vulnerable to fire.
This is because grasslands burn more easily
and prevent the forest from regrowing.
Additionally, recent El Nino events may have
increased the frequency of fires in these
areas. However, there are a number of ways to
mitigate the risk of wildfires in Africa.
Ways to mitigate the blazes
In his opinion, Toby recommends to rapidly
attack wildfires while they are still small to
contain their spread. “Aircraft can respond
to a fire in the wilderness a lot quicker than
teams on the ground. Farmland Aviation Ltd
uses purpose built Air tractors to contain the
wild fires giving the ground crews time to get
on sight and mop up the remaining embers.
It’s a proven strategy for preventing greater
wildfire damage while substantially reducing
firefighting costs,” he affirms.
“The cheapest fire is the one that is
extinguished immediately. Every fire starts
small, and only time allows it to grow. The
bigger the fire, the more dangerous and costly
it becomes. Our company hopes to continue
with our QRF, bringing a new dimension to
aerial fire-fighting in the Cape,” acclaims Mark.
According to Dean, integrated wildfire
management is one of the tools to mitigate
the risk of devastating wildfires. Dean further
elaborates on wildfire management and the
components of mitigating the risk. “There
are 5 components of integrated wildfire
management and to mitigate the risk, land
managers, policy makers, politicians and
those that control the purse strings need to
recognize this and devise strategies for their
own context.”
The 5 R’s are:
1. Reduction – community education,
awareness and advocacy, fire (fuel) break,
alien clearing, risk reduction burns, prescribed
burns
2. Readiness – preparedness to
respond in the event of a wildfire –
September-October issue l 2022 21

WILDFIRES IN AFRICA
Leading Edge Aviation’s Black Hawk refuelling
at a fire
ongoing training and fitness, equipment
preparedness, practicing and checking
3. Response – mobilizing, in a safe
manner, to suppress the fire within the
objectives of the landscape e.g. initial and
direct attack or allow for indirect in areas
that ecologically require to be burnt and
the conditions permit that.
4. Restoration – post the event,
replacing/acquiring lost or damaged
equipment, fixing of roads, fence, potential
erosion sites, etc
5. Research – undertaking
applicable research into IWFM, equipment,
fire regimes, crew safety, nutrition, etc.
“Education and community wildfire resilience is critical (the first
R). Too much time and resources are dedicated to readiness and
response. Not enough effort is put into the final two R’s – Restoration
and Research,” says Dean.
“The context of the landscape in question needs to be understood and
the appropriate application of the 5 R’s then needs to be strategized
and implemented. One common theme from around the world is that
we (firefighters) have spent so much time stopping fires, which the
consequence is now a massive amount of fuel build up, that when
these unburnt areas burn, the outcomes can be devastating. Climate
changes is exacerbating this,” he adds.
Leading Edge Aviation Huey’s
Nonetheless, as global temperatures continue to rise, wildfires will
become more frequent and more destructive. In fact, the UN has
issued a report warning that humans are contributing to the problem.
While most wildfires are caused by human activities, they are also a
major contributor to climate change. The nutrient-rich aerosol from
Africa contributes almost half of the phosphorus found in the Amazon
Basin. As a result, the African continent plays an important role in the
Amazonian ecosystem.
“Finally – we need to ensure that our responders are properly trained,
kitted out and competent to perform their tasks when they are called
on. Responding to wildfires is dangerous!” recommends Dean.
22 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

Inclination Monitoring
Has Never Been
So Easy
Ready-to-use & Service Free Technology
for Marine Construction
V-LOC calculates your assets real-time coordinates
thanks to open-source tags which are affixed to them.
Our technology is embedded inside a calibrated
camera which exists in both air and subsea versions
for highly accurate marine surveys.

SURVEYING
SBG Systems new Inertial Navigation
System is the perfect tool for UAV
GEOxyz Presents surveying TerraSond to Support
New Hybrid Survey Vessel
SBG Systems announces the new
Quanta Micro product embedding,
in an extremely compact form factor,
a dual-frequency/quad constellations GNSS
receiver for centimetric position with a very
high performance IMU.
High-end Inertial Navigation
Technology in the Smallest Form
Factor
The company is proud to present its new
RTK capable, miniature inertial sensor called
Quanta Micro. With its incredibly reduced
size and weight (50 x 37 x 23 mm and 38g)
and The its Geo high-end Ocean VI offshore performance survey vessel. (centimetric
positioning, roll/pitch with less than 0.02°
error and heading with less than 0.06°
error) Quanta Micro is the perfect tool for all
geodata applications specialist. that require extreme SWaP-C
and has already been selected for the
development of LiDAR payloads for UAV and
mobile mapping systems.
The acquisition of the offshore survey vessel Geo Ocean VI marks the next step
in the expansion of the offshore survey capacities of GEOxyz, the Belgium-based
With a focus on delivering next-generation geodata acquisition solutions, the
GEOxyz Group is strategically investing in its offshore survey fleet. With the
acquisition of the hybrid propulsion vessel Geo Ocean VI, GEOxyz is further
specializing in providing greener, more sustainable and smarter solutions for
hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical surveys.
To achieve such performance in even the
hardest conditions, Quanta Micro benefits
from SBG Systems unique experience in
designing and manufacturing inertial sensors,
including an individual calibration of each of
the manufactured sensor across the full range
of working temperature (-40°C to +85°C).
Equipped with a fully integrated launch and recovery system, the vessel is
also ready to act as mother vessel for hydrographic survey ASVs. This creates
a flexible all-round platform that is cost and operationally efficient and meets
today’s and tomorrow’s offshore survey requirements. The Geo Ocean VI is a
green and versatile multidisciplinary offshore survey vessel, fitted for geophysical
as well as geotechnical survey work. She will be permanently
equipped with specifically selected survey equipment and
ready to serve the offshore industry.
SBG SystemsCompact and
Powerful but easy to use and
integrate
Despite its compact form factor, Quanta micro
embeds all the features usually present in the
other state-of-the art SBG inertial sensors: a
built-in datalogger, Ethernet connectivity, a
PTP server, multiple serial ports, a CAN port,
etc. It is easy to configure with a user-friendly
built-in web configuration interface; but can
also be configured using SBG systems API or
ROS drivers.
MORE HEADLINES WWW.HYDRO-INTERNATIONAL.COM
Vineyard Wind 1 Project
TerraSond, a product and service line brand in Acteon’s geoservices segment,
plans to invest in a new base in Massachusetts as part of its commitment to
support the Vineyard Wind 1 project and wider U.S. offshore wind
developments.
The company, which already has facilities in Alaska and Texas, has been
confirmed as a preferred supplier for the subsea balance of plant inspection
and survey services for the Vineyard Wind 1 wind farm, a joint venture
between Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. The
wind farm will be situated 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and
Nantucket, and 35 miles from mainland Massachusetts. It will be the first
major commercial-scale offshore wind farm in U.S. waters. The new
TerraSond facility is likely to be located in the Bristol County area of
Massachusetts and will create local employment opportunities.
performances, the data acquired from the
Quanta Micro can easily be post-processed
using Qinertia: SBG own PPK tool (Post-
Processing Kinematic). This allows to process
the data with tight coupling of the GNSS and
Inertial data, and a merge of forward and
backward solutions allowing to maintain
centimetric precision even during multiple
seconds of GNSS outages; and improves
heading errors to less than 0.035° and roll/
pitch to less than 0.015°.
TerraSond is already committed to the U.S. East Coast offshore wind industry
through its site investigation surveys and operating and maintenance
inspections. The Vineyard Wind 1 balance of plant work, which will add to the
company’s solid experience and track record, covers turbine foundation
remotely operated vehicle inspections and export and array cable seabed
surveys, alongside a range of other subsea integrity and operational services
from across the Acteon group.
While the Quanta Micro supports dual GNSS
Antenna mode to improve heading accuracy Qinertia flavors range from the desktop
in low dynamic applications, it has been version with a user-friendly Graphical
designed maintain exceptional heading User Interface (GUI), but can also be easily
performances even in single antenna. This integrated into any processing pipelines with
makes it the right tool for UAV payloads that the various options available such as the
cannot embed two GNSS antennas.
Command Line Interface (CLI) to integrate
within workflows running on a desktop
Post processing with Qinertia
computer or the private or public cloud
TerraSond’s new facility solutions and the wider for services workflows offered running by on a server.
Acteon are set to deliver a world-class offshore wind farm
To further enhance its extreme real-time
for Massachusetts.
E M P O W E R I N G
24 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com
Hydro INTERNATIONAL | ISSUE 2 2022 | 9

DIGITAL TWIN
Tesmec launches a high precision 3D Digital Twin
integrated system
Tesmec, leading group in the
market for infrastructure
technologies (overhead,
underground and railways) for the
transport of electricity, data and
materials (oil and derivates, gas and
water), as well as surface mining and
quarrying technologies, on the occasion
of Bauma 2022 launches its brand new
Mobile Mapping System (MMS), an
integrated radar mapping system of the
underground and high-precision digital
3D survey of the environment above.
The Mobile Mapping System is
equipped with a detection system
installed on the top and an Explorer
2.0 Georadar. The survey system is
designed to perform a georeferenced
3D reconstruction through the union
of two types of data: the 3D point
cloud obtained through the use of
LIDAR technology; the 3D point cloud
obtained through stereoscopy algorithms applied to the images
acquired by high resolution matrix cameras.
The resulting point cloud with the image superimposed is then
subjected to digital re-elaboration processing carried out by
sophisticated artificial intelligence networks in order to get a
georeferenced and accurate mapping. The MMS detection system
has an accuracy of about 2 cm and returns a cloud of points of
the surrounding environment that can be consulted on the cloud
platform, useful for proper planning of the construction site.
Explorer 2.0, è il modello Tesmec di georadar ad altissima precisione
dotato di 32 antenne che scansionano il suolo fino a una profondità
di 96 cm, e che è in grado di operare, trainato dal veicolo, ad una
velocità massima di 17 km/h. L'output generato da Explorer 2.0,
consiste nella mappatura delle infrastrutture interrate esistenti,
utile per le attività di indagini preliminari allo scavo. L'uso del
geroradar permette infatti di accorciare/ridurre i tempi di esecuzione
dei lavori, di garantire la sicurezza dei cantieri e di consentire una
maggiore precisione nei lavori di scavo evitando le possibilità di
danneggiamento delle utenze sotterranee esistenti.
Explorer 2.0 is the Tesmec very high precision georadar equipped with
32 antennas that scan the ground up to a depth of 96 cm, and which
is able to operate, towed by the vehicle, at a maximum speed of 17
km / h. The output generated by Explorer 2.0 consists of the mapping
of existing underground infrastructures, useful for preliminary
excavation investigations. In fact, the use of the geroradar allows to
reduce the execution times of the works, to guarantee the safety of
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
Tesmec remote control devices support|image Tesmec
construction sites and to allow greater precision in excavation work,
avoiding the possibility of damage to existing underground utilities.
The integration of the two surveys makes it possible to get a 3D digital
mapping on a cloud platform, on which the As-Built map generated by
"SmartTracker" Tesmec can be superimposed. An integrated dashboard
with a GIS engine is available through a web platform for displaying
the information from the surveys and processing, which allows
the georeferenced and simultaneous display of data. The specially
configured interfaces allow navigation within different types of data,
such as visible images and high-resolution videos, thermal images,
laser point clouds and three-dimensional BIM models.
With the presentation to the market of this high-tech solution,
Tesmec's participation in Bauma 2022 is confirmed under the banner of
Digital Transformation. "The Mobile Mapping System is a solution that
can be combined with excavation technology and is complementary
to it. The Digital Transformation has naturally pushed us towards the
creation of a new portfolio of technologies and business models."
affirms Marco Quarta, New Technology Manager. "This is a further
step towards the supply of integrated solutions for the underground
laying of high-techcables. The product is part of the Group's growth
strategy, under the banner of digitalization, sustainability and energy
transition, with the aim to bring the advanced image processing and
artificial intelligence skills acquired by the Group in different verticals
to markets that are still unexplored."
September-October issue l 2022 25

www.4dglobal.com.au
www.4dglobal.com.au
info@4dglobal.com.au
info@4dglobal.com.au
Tel. 03 9466 5255

EMPOWERING
our new generation of electric work robots
more powerful more intelligent more future-flexible
world leader in electric underwater robotics

DRONE
Drone technology elevates innovation in water risk
applications
“
© iStock/aerogondo
By Guy Schumann
Drone technology can provide
high-quality products or
services, and offer costeffective
and tailor-made
high-end solutions especially
as a low-cost non-contact
alternative to small aircrafts,
for acquiring high-precision
data over areas that are
typically too small for
satellites to detect any detail.
Moreover, they help to keep
manned aircrafts costeffective
While challenges remain in
incorporating the wide use of
drone technology, RSS-Hydro is
leading several innovative projects for
the use of drones in water-based risk
applications.
Many remote sensing technologies
are present in both industry and
academia – ranging from ground-based
sensors to airborne and space-based
platforms – measuring a very large
amount of important environmental
parameters for sustaining ecosystem
services, environmental management,
transportation, and weather, just to name
some of the major fields of application.
Market opportunities of
drones
One of the leading sectors where remote
sensing, particularly ground-based
and airborne, has seen major advances
in the last few decades is agriculture.
More recently, it has become one of
the leading application sectors in the
drone market. Drone technology was
introduced into the sector more than two
decades ago.1 Nowadays, the second and
sixth biggest addressable markets for
drone-based solutions are, respectively,
agriculture (for crop monitoring), with
an estimated potential value of $32.4bn,
and the insurance industry (for risk
monitoring and assessment), with an
addressable market value of $6.8bn.2
Another application sector for
drone-based solutions is emergency
management, especially in the case of
natural disasters such as floods. On the
one hand, drones can be useful before
a flood occurs by collecting lots of data
on important infrastructure, and for
supporting flood risk assessment efforts.
On the other hand, drones can be useful
after a flood occurs, for flood extent and
damage assessment.3
Industry challenges
It is clear that drones are extremely
useful and have great market growth
potential; however, the use of drone
technology comes with several
challenges. These challenges are
mainly faced in Europe, where the new
regulations limit the use of drones,
especially for drones that remain
uncertified. The objective is to create a
controlled environment and to increase
safety while drones start to be used in a
wide range of sectors due to a ‘thriving
market’.4 As a consequence, flying
drones, be it as an individual for private
use or in a commercial setting, requires
a range of precautionary measures
in order to comply with regulations.
Unfortunately, this can turn out to be
much more complex than expected in
some cases, particularly when looking at
risk assessments or the specific category.
Therefore, national drone federations
exist in many European countries
and elsewhere, which aim to support
companies during these procedures. The
newest addition to this international
federation network, is the Luxembourg
Drone Federation (LDF), of which RSS-
Hydro is a founding member. A major
commitment of LDF is to help members
develop a simplified flight authorisation
procedure for operators. Therefore, LDF
also acts as an intermediary between
companies and the Luxembourg
Department of Civil Aviation (DAC), by
authorising flights in order to facilitate
exchange and compliance. LDF also
collaborates with the administrations of
bordering countries.
R&D opportunities
Due to the high flexibility and the easy
acquisition of drone technology, they
have become an asset in a wide range of
innovative R&D projects. RSS-Hydro is
28 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

TECHNOLOGY
photos from a drone and running them
through a big computer, a high-precision
flood hazard model has been created
to help predict and identify people at
risk more rapidly. This was tested for
a flood-prone area of interest around
Mocuba (Mozambique, Africa). The bigger
goal is to scale up this effort to other
flood-prone areas where WFP operates,
which will help communities be better
prepared and become more resilient.
Patrick McKay conducting an advanced drone training in Beira, Mozambique, 2019. Photo:
WFP/INGC/Antonio Jose Beleza
leading several innovative R&D projects,
combining computer modelling with
the latest advances in remote sensing
technologies, including satellite and
drone images.
In one of its projects, RSS-Hydro is
looking at drone technology to survey
the condition of plants and crops
impacted by droughts. Since the impact
of agricultural droughts depends on
several local factors, such as soil, crop,
and growing stages of crops, information
with very high spatial resolution is
needed to assess their localised impact.
For this, an objective of the project is
to develop and set up a drone-based
drought monitoring service which can
be activated when drought events are
forecasted to take place in a certain area.
More generally speaking, it is well
known that drones can be used to
monitor crop conditions from the very
beginning of the growing season, all the
way through to planning and harvest.
Advanced analytics allow for monitoring
soil moisture and deriving fertilising
requirements. To meet growing food
demand and improve current water
usage, new technologies such as the
Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and
Artificial Intelligence (AI) are now being
considered in this field of application by
many. It has been estimated5 that 80%
of all drones will be used in Precision
Agriculture Technologies (PAT) in the
future, also to detect damages from
droughts, floods, hailstorms, or wild
animals, and for smarter irrigation
management and proper crop protection.
The fact that drones can overcome
several limitations encountered with
satellites in terms of spatial resolution
and tasking flexibility makes them a
considerable asset in many applications.
Therefore, drones can be used to support
vulnerable communities that are severely
affected by climate change, for example
in Africa and Asia. Finally, the insurance
sector can also benefit from such
technologies for index-based solutions,
and develop their insurance products
accordingly.
RSS-Hydro is also employing drones to
monitor flooding and related processes.
That information is used to evaluate
their flood risk models, and to validate
satellite-derived products in some of
their R&D projects supported by the
European Space Agency (ESA).
Humanitarian and aid
development opportunities
Drones are widely used in emergency
management situations, particularly in a
humanitarian context. Mapping disaster
extents and damage after the event are
crucial for a fast humanitarian response.
The rapid deployment of drones makes
them a major asset, especially in remote
areas that cannot be accessed easily.
In the context of flood disaster response,
The United Nations World Food
Programme (UN WFP), and partners, have
been collaborating with the National
Institute for Disaster Management of
Mozambique (INGC) to improve flood
alerting and preparedness, using drone
technology. By taking thousands of aerial
Aid development projects are also
looking to introduce drone technology
as a complementary tool to acquire
important local data. Together
with regional and local public
and private partners, in Niger and
Europe, RSS-Hydro’s development aid
project SEMOR addresses the current
data challenge in the Niger River Basin,
by proposing a low-cost and sustainable
space-based ICT solution to develop
a flood prediction and alerting model
for the region. The system combines
flood modelling with industry-proven,
affordable, small water-level sensors,
open-access satellite Earth observation
data, and drone imagery. The project also
focuses on capacity building and training
workshops around topics of Earth
observation, drones, and model use for
water risks (floods and droughts) under
the impacts of climate change.
The future of drone
technology
The benefits of drones are numerous.
Drone technology can provide highquality
products or services, and offer
cost-effective and tailor-made highend
solutions. Drones are especially
attractive as a low-cost non-contact
alternative to small aircrafts, for
acquiring high-precision data over areas
that are typically too small for satellites
to detect any detail. Moreover, they help
to keep manned aircrafts cost-effective.
Despite operating regulations for
drones becoming more stringent, the
commercial and R&D opportunities for
drones are extremely promising and fast
growing. The market projections for the
usage of drone technology are looking
very promising, with technological
innovations in drone manufacturing and
sensor development opening up many
new opportunities for growth.
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
September-October issue l 2022 29

OFFSHORE
Hyprops to use Saab Seaeye robot for
inspections offshore Nigeria
Hyprops Nigeria Ltd. has chosen the
400kHz RESON Saab Seaeye T50 multibeam Falcon and robotic did not vehicle wreck search in an unMapped
only reveal to individual increase munitions its long-term items, but footprint also in area
Nigeria. numerous, at first glance, piles of unidentifiable To make best use of the time, multibeam
objects. Owing to high beam density (600
Hyprops beams/120° provides swath) and a wide small range footprints of services to
the
(0.5x1°),
Nigerian
even
offshore
sedimentary
oil
features,
and gas
such
sector,
as
and
scours around possible targets could be
adding the Falcon as its resource is in keeping
observed. Based on this data, a contact list was
with the federal government’s initiative to
created and once again the AUVs were
increase indigenous participation in the
deployed for mapping. After the trip, detailed
sector.
processing and interpretation of the data
revealed that the Pelzerhaken area alone
Falcon
contains
depth
at least
options
1691 individual
range from
munitions
300 m to
1,000 objects m. and Falcon's 127 piles iCON of munitions. intelligent The control
system different allows distribution the patterns option originate of customization from two of
the very vehicle different and methods gives of the dumping. pilot One total way control.
The was vehicle to throw the provides munitions easy overboard, access to which spares
and led to a choice individual of objects tools sometimes and accessories, forming as
well lines as or other an open patterns, frame which construction now allow the allowing
ease course of of fitting a dumping various vessel sensors to be retraced. and tooling The to
meet
other
client
method
requirements.
of dumping was
The
to fill
vehicle
barges with
has a
munitions and open them once a dedicated site
five-function manipulator arm, wire cutter and
had been reached. This resulted chaotic piles
brushes enabling light work intervention.
of both larger objects and boxes containing
smaller items. Figure 5 shows both types of
patterns in the Pelzerhaken area.
mapping was always conducted at night time.
Once the areas in Lübeck Bay had been fully
mapped, the researchers spontaneously decided
to visit yet another site that is located 6nm to the
east. Historic research indicates that the area
called Großklützhöved was used to scuttle entire
barges that were loaded with munitions. The
prospect of investigating a munitions-filled wreck
was exciting to everyone on board and when the
first wreck was visible in the data, the entire
group quickly gathered around the multibeam
station. During the course of the night, two
UXO remediation, it was essential to gain precise
knowledge about the number, location and types
of munitions.
During MineMoni-II, there was not enough time to
map the entire area of Großklützhöved, so the
researchers decided that they would come back in
2021 to finish the job. When ALKOR returned to
Kiel harbour, the team were able to look back at
two very successful weeks. More than 26km² had
been mapped to acquire high-resolution
multibeam data. Water samples were taken at 77
locations, which means that over 200 syringes
with exchanger resin are stored in the freezer,
waiting to be analysed with liquid chromatography-
additional wrecks (one of which appeared to be mass spectrometry. The AUVs ANTON and LUISE
Hyprops Nigeria Ltd. has chosen the Saab Seaeye Falcon robotic vehicle to increase its longterm
footprint in Nigeria|image courtesy
a sailing boat) were found. The next day, the two went on 36 missions to acquire tens of thousands
sunken barges were explored using towed of photographs and finally, 32 TV-CTD profiles
TV-CTD with real-time video stream. One of were filmed. It will take the researchers a year to
them Hyprops capsized and said lost the its hazardous Falcon will cargo give them evaluate the this massive amount of data. By then,
during ability sinking. to In meet the darkness the constant of the Baltic and Sea, vital need they will be ready to embark on MineMoni-III,
a pile to of grenade inspect cartridges pipelines, came flowlines, into view risers, of the vessels which is planned for October 2021.
TV-CTD
and
LED
platforms
spots. The
in
photo
both
and
shallow
video footage
and deepwater
combined with high resolution MBES led to a Disclaimer: With the contribution of the European Maritime and
projects.
more qualified estimate of the amount of
Fisheries Fund of the European Union (Grant Agreement No:
dumped munitions. For the planning of future 863702 (BASTA); 863693 (ExPloTect)
Hyprops will deploy the Falcon on subsea
inspection, survey, light-intervention and
maintenance services for current and future
projects in the Nigerian market where their
clients include international and indigenous
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30 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com
Hydro INTERNATIONAL | ISSUE 3 2021 | 17

6 | |
Gazania well starts drilling
offshore South Africa
The semisub Island Innovator has
spud the Gazania-1 exploration well
in Block 2B offshore South Africa for
operator Eco Atlantic and its partners.
This flowed 191 bbl/d of light, sweet crude
and optionally-crewed vessels and will augment the company’s existing AUVs, rated
to the surface and proved about 50 MMbbl of Image courtesy
to 6,000 metres depth.
contingent resources.
HEADLINES
Ocean Infinity Expands Robotic
Fleet with Six Additional AUVs
Kongsberg Maritime has
announced that Ocean
Infinity has signed an order
for six HUGIN Autonomous
The drilling location is 25 km offshore the Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
Northern Cape in the Orange Basin in 150
rated
m
to 3,000 metres depth.
of water. Gazania-1 will be drilled to a depth
The vehicles are equipped with
of
This
about
latest
2,800
order from
m through
Ocean Infinity
a multi-zone
takes a geophysical sensor suite and
pay
their fleet of HUGIN AUVs to more than 20. the latest-generation Kongsberg
section 7 km updip of Soekor’s 1988 AJ-1
batteries. The new vehicles will
discovery well on the same acreage.
be mobilized for global operations, enabled by Ocean Infinity’s remote operations
infrastructure. The vehicles will integrate as part of the Armada fleet of uncrewed
Dan Hook, CTO of Ocean Infinity, said: “Lessening the environmental impact of
Gazania-1 is targeting more than 300 MMbbl
operations at sea is core to our business, and with an expanded
of light oil. Pending a discovery in the vertical
fleet of robotics we’ll have greater capacity to offer sustainable
offshore
section,
data
the
acquisition
partners
services.
have an
Using
option
these
to
AUVs as part of
our
directionally
robotic fleet, we’ll
drill
be
a second
supporting
sidetrack
the growing
well
renewables
from
sector the with main remote wellbore. data and inspection services.”
Both the vertical well and the mapping sidetrack projects
optional well will be logged and and whether plugged a
back to surface, with the casing hydrographic cut off below
surface.
vessel will be in
Block 2B is in a similar syn-rift basin to
MARINE SURVEY
NOAA Unveils 2022 Hydrographic
Survey Season Plans
NOAA hydrographic survey ships and contractors are preparing for the 2022
hydrographic survey season in U.S. coastal waters and beyond. The ships
collect bathymetric data (i.e. map the seafloor) to support nautical charting,
modelling and research, but also collect other environmental data to support
a variety of ecosystem sciences.
NOAA considers hydrographic survey requests from
stakeholders such as marine pilots, local port authorities,
the U.S. Coast Guard and the boating community, and
also considers other hydrographic and NOAA science
priorities in determining where to survey and when. It is
worth visiting
NOAA’s ‘living’
story map to find
out more about the
your area this year.
TotalEnergies and Shell’s oil and gas
discoveries earlier this year offshore Namibia.
The partners have identified prospectivity
over the entire A-J graben area from 686 sq
km of 3D seismic data acquired in 2013.
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www.africasurveyorsonline.com
September-October issue l 2022 31

PROJECT
Steel plant project survey in Zimbabwe
ZETDC commence topographic surveys
on power line for largest steel plant
Tsingshan Holdings steel mine |Image Tsingshan Holdings
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission
and Distribution Company (ZETDC)
has commence topographic survey to
determine the route along which the 100km
transmission line from sherwood sub-station
in Kwekwe to the new steel plant in Manhize
near Mvuma will be erected.
Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco), a
subsidiary of China's Tsingshan Holding Group
Company Limited, is constructing Africa’s
largest steel plant in Manhize at an estimate
capital outlay of US$1 billion. The plant is
scheduled for commissioning next year and
will have the capacity to produce 1,2 million
tonnes of steel per annum.
ZETDC, the distribution arm of State
power utility Zesa, intends to construct the
330-kilovolt transmission line at a cost of
US$66 million through a loan to be funded by
Disco. The loan will be recovered from ZETDC
through deductions from Disco's monthly bills
until it is fully paid over an estimated fiveyear
period.
In an interview, ZETDC acting Managing
Director Engineer Howard Choga said the
32 September-October issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY
topographic survey on where the electric
towers for the transmission line will be
constructed was 80% complete.
“After the environmental impact assessment
was done, (topographic) survey works
have started and equipment for wailing
(transmission equipment such as pylons)
has been acquired and we are now doing
a topographic survey which is critical as it
gives us guidance in determining where the
electric towers for the transmission line will
be erected,” he said.
At present, Manhize is connected to the
national grid but this cannot support the
huge steel works to be undertaken; hence
the need to connect the operations to the
trunk grid via Sherwood. It is hoped that the
planned 330kv connection will also reinforce
electricity supplies to other industries in
Manhize and the surrounding areas.
Recently, President Mnangagwa officiated
at the ground-breaking ceremony for the
Disco Steel project, which the government
has granted national projected status, and is
expected to have its first blast furnace up and
running by September next year.
“The topographic survey, which started
recently, could now be at 80%, there will
be a site meeting where we will get further
feedback before construction of the power
line begins soon,” said Eng Choga
Image courtesy
Under the first phase of the integrated steel
plant, thousands of jobs will be created while
on full completion at least 10,000 people
will be employed directly and 50,000 others
across the value chain.
Meanwhile, Disco and Zesa Enterprises
(Zent), a subsidiary of Zesa responsible for
engineering solutions to the electricity sector,
will establish a galvanizing plant around
the end of next year to produce steel towers
needed for transmission lines and many other
steel products. Galvanizing is the process of
coating iron or steel with zinc to protect them
from rusting.
“The
topographic
survey, which
started
recently, could
now be at 80%,
there will be
a site meeting
where we will
get further
feedback
before
construction of
the power line
begins soon.”
Image courtesy
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
September-October issue l 2022 33

DRONES
Drones
Weaponised drones
the latest tech threat to reach
Africa
By Karen Allen
Drones have for some time been used by regular
armed forces on Africa’s battlefields, such as in
Ethiopia and Mali. But now they’re increasingly
being deployed by terrorists – sparking a global sense of
urgency.
At the end of October, the United Nations (UN) Security
Council Counter-Terrorism Committee will host a
special meeting in India on countering the use of new
technologies for terrorism. Drones or unmanned aerial
systems (UAS) have been identified as one of the key
terrorist threats by the meeting’s organisers. Other risks
are disinformation, the misuse of social media, and new
payment technologies used by violent extremists.
Drones are by and large a force for good, for example in
delivering medicines to hard-to-reach parts of Africa. But
their widespread availability, increased range and growing
sophistication in terms of payload (what they can carry)
have seen an expansion in their applications.
The hobbyist drone market has grown rapidly, with
global sales increasing from US$14 billion in 2018 to
a projected US$43 billion in 2024, according to Drone
Industry Insights. South Africa represents the biggest
market in Africa, particularly for aerial technology used in
the mining and agricultural sectors. This democratisation
of relatively affordable technology means that UAS can be
used for nefarious ends both in wartime and peace.
The Ukraine-Russian war has underscored the significance
of the new drone battlespace with an arms race in
production and acquisition underway. But drones can
also be bought, adapted and used to disrupt critical
infrastructure such as airports, energy plants and
communications networks.
As African governments assess the risks of cyber attacks
on critical infrastructure such as on Transnet in South
Africa in 2021, they should also consider the unintended
consequences of drone proliferation.
The continent has yet to witness a major installation
being targeted by a UAS. But there is growing evidence
of drones being weaponised by violent extremists and
transnational criminal networks, either as a surveillance
tool or as part of their intelligence and reconnaissance
operations. As ISS Today has previously reported, armed
groups such as al-Shabaab in Somalia and insurgents in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique
are applying the technology in combat.
UN Security Council Resolution 2617 recognises the
increasing misuse of UAS globally, including ‘the misuse
of unmanned aerial systems by terrorists to conduct
attacks against, and incursions into, restricted commercial
and government infrastructure and public places.’
Council members have been urged to ‘balance fostering
innovation’ while ‘preventing the misuse of UAS.’ But how
can this be achieved in practice?
For a start, research is being done to understand how
terrorists use drones. A joint UN Office of Counter-
Terrorism, and Conflict Armament Research project is
underway to assess global trends. The next steps will be
to classify types of UAS (hobbyist, commercial, military,
etc.) and establish a registration system so they can be
tracked.
The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism has developed a
good practice guide on protecting vulnerable targets
from drone attacks, knowing that commercial or hobbyist
drones are being shaped into weapons. 3D printing
technology also opens up the prospect of spare parts
being rapidly manufactured by extremists.
34 July-August issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

DEFENCE
Karen Allen, is a Consultant at ISS Pretoria
Image: © geospatialworld.net
While countries such as South Africa may not consider
themselves at risk of an imminent terrorist attack,
industry insiders worry about economic terrorism – the
destabilisation of essential utilities or other state services.
Kim James, an executive member of the Commercial
Unmanned Aircraft Association of Southern Africa,
confirms that crime syndicates use ‘narco drones’ in South
Africa for basic reconnaissance and to distribute drugs. A
similar tactic is seen in Colombia to evade border security
measures. The prospect of drones being used to target, for
example, cash-in-transit vehicles is a possibility.
While tighter regulations won’t necessarily prevent the
nefarious uses of drone technology, they can provide early
warning signs. They could, for example, locate suspect
drones or flag the delivery of bulk purchases of hobbyist
drones close to potential targets. This was seen in Iraq
and Syria in 2016 when large consignments of hobbyist
drones were delivered to Turkey and then driven across
the border.
As Audrey Kurth Cronin observed in her book Power to
the People: How Open Technological Innovation is Arming
Tomorrow’s Terrorists, ‘the most common type of drone
used by Islamic State was the DJI phantom, purchasable
on Amazon.com for as little as 450 USD.’ Export controls
for such dual use technologies may also be an avenue for
policymakers to consider.
Regulations require enforcement. Given the broad
applications of drones, it will need an approach in which
government departments coordinate their responses.
In South Africa, the Commercial Unmanned Aircraft
Association of Southern Africa is drawing up proposals
with the Department for Economic Development for a
registration and accreditation process that protects the
public but doesn’t harm business.
Technical fixes and alerts including how to identify
potentially dangerous drones, are also being developed by
the private sector with a focus on big installations such as
mines, pipelines, prisons, airports etc. This raises questions
of who is legally permitted to intercept a drone, and of
state sovereignty and international law.
This month’s UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism
Committee meeting will have to tread carefully so as
not to hamper the legitimate use of drones which is
transforming business, agriculture, humanitarian relief
and medicine in Africa. At the same time, the continent
presents a vulnerable environment where weaponised
drones may be tested and used by militaries and
insurgents alike.
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
July-August issue l 2022 35

DRONES
Turkey deepens its
Africa
defense diplomacy in
By Kate Hairsine and Burak Ünveren
Sales of drones and other arms to African nations are
booming after Turkey signed military cooperation deals with
dozens of governments on the continent. DW examines why
so many countries are turning to Turkey for arms.
Turkey is stepping up its security footprint in Africa after over
a decade of strategically expanding its economic and cultural
influence on the continent. The government has recently inked a
number of security agreements, particularly in West Africa, and arms
exports to Africa have exploded.
Turkey's defense and aerospace exports to the continent grew more
than fivefold, to $460.6 million, in 2021 — up from $82.9 million in
2020.
Turkey's share of Africa's arms market is still tiny at 0.5%. But the
rapid growth of defense sales is "striking," according to a 2022 study
on Turkey's security diplomacy in Africa by the German Institute for
International and Security Affairs (SWP).
Against a backdrop of growing Islamist insurgencies in both
East and West Africa, as well as domestic conflicts, governments
are upping their defense spending. Turkey is proving a reliable
alternative to traditional arms exporters, such as Russia, China,
France and the United States.
For African governments, "Turkey provides a means of actually
purchasing military hardware," Abel Abate Demissie, an associate
fellow at the British think tank Chatham House, told DW.
Turkish arms are relatively cheap, have shorter delivery times and
come free of "bureaucratic hurdles" such as political or human
rights conditions, Abel said from Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.
The media aide to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari praised
Image: Baykar/AA/picture alliance
36 July-August issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

DEFENSE
Turkish defense technology in a statement in late 2021, saying it
would accelerate efforts to rid the country "of pockets of terrorists
and the menace of kidnappers and bandits."
African nations are most interested in buying Turkish-manufactured
armored vehicles, naval equipment, infantry weapons and drones,
according to the SWP study.
Why are Turkish-manufactured drones so
popular?
"In Africa, wherever we went, they asked us for unarmed and armed
drones," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after returning
from a 2021 trip to the continent.
African nations that have already taken delivery of Turkishmanufactured
drones include Somalia, Togo, Niger, Nigeria and
Ethiopia — although the drone sales to Ethiopia have attracted
Western criticism after the government used them to attack civilians
in the Tigray conflict.
Several others have reportedly placed orders, although Turkey's
popular Bayraktar drone currently has a three-year waiting list.
Turkey's drones are cheap compared to US or Israeli versions and
easy to operate. But a big selling point is that they are battle-proven,
said Yunus Turhan, an analyst of Turkey Africa relations at Haci
Bayram Veli University in Turkey.
Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used "very
effectively" in Syria, Libya and in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of
Nagorno-Karabakh, he said. Most recently, the Bayraktar TB2 armed
drones have gained fame in Ukraine for destroying large numbers of
Russian tanks.
For Turkey, Africa is potentially huge market for Ankara's emerging
defense and aerospace industry, which boasted some 1,500
companies in 2020 compared to just 56 in 2002.
At least 15 African nations also operate armored vehicles, made by
several competing Turkish firms.
Last month a Turkish shipyard laid the keel for two new offshore
patrol vessels for Nigeria's navy while another Turkish aerospace
company will send six attack helicopters.
New security training deals
African nations aren't just interested in Turkey's arms, though. There's
also a "huge demand" for security assistance, said Ovigwe Eguegu,
a Nigerian-based political analyst for Development Reimagined, an
international consultancy
Turkey has signed military-related pacts with the majority of African
countries, mainly in West and East Africa (as shown in the map
below). While the deals vary in scope, they can include technical
visits to research centers, personnel exchanges between institutions
and companies, and training.
Its longest-standing involvement is in Somalia, where Turkey operates
its biggest foreign base, Camp TURKSOM, and where the Turkish
government has boasted of training a third of Somalia's 15,000-strong
army in the fight against al-Shabab.
Nigerian military personnel have also undergone combat drone
instruction in Turkey, while Ankara has been training Kenyan police
officers since 2020.
Turkey's experience fighting counterinsurgency is welcome, and, as
a Muslim-majority nation without colonial baggage, it enjoys a high
level of trust on the continent, Eguegu said. Plus, because of its NATO
membership, deepening ties with Turkey comes at "a low diplomatic
cost" for African countries.
Erdogan, who has visited more African countries than any non-African
leader, has even redefined Turkey as an "Afro-Eurasian state," Eguegu
pointed out. "By connecting its identity with Africa, it's a way to make
itself almost a neutral partner of African countries."
Sahel nations eager for support
But it's in the terrorist-hit Sahel countries in West Africa and Central
Africa where Turkey is making its latest push to extend its influence.
Turkey gave the G5 Sahel Joint Force (made up of Burkina Faso, Chad,
Mali, Mauritania and Niger) a $5 million contribution for the fight
against terrorism in 2018.
It has since signed military cooperation and defense agreements with
Niger, Nigeria, Togo and Senegal.
"We see these types of requests from West African countries, because
they have huge security challenges across the Sahel, where lots of
countries aren't in control of large swaths of their territories," Eguegu
said.
Military cooperation not only solution
The 2021 Turkey-Africa summit attracted 16 African heads of state
and more than 100 ministers.
This shows that the continent is increasingly attaching strategic
importance to Turkey, said Senegal-based peace and security analyst
Aissatou Kante, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, an
African think tank
Though African nations are obviously interested in diversifying their
partnerships, including in the security field, Kante said there was
a danger in seeing defense agreements, such as those signed with
Turkey, as the only solution to Africa's security crises.
The revival of defense agreements raises concerns about "an
increasing militarization of states facing multiple threats," Kante said.
Edited by: Keith Walker
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
July-August issue l 2022 37

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