I-CAT offers integrated dust-management solutions

I-CAT has in-house capabilities to research and develop products to fit specific client needs with its end-to-end integrated dust-management solutions.
The environmental management company conducts site inspections to gather all the necessary information from the client in order to compile a baseline of their current dust emissions. It then consults with the environmental department to determine the source of the dust, which involves a full-scale analysis of the soil samples taken in order to provide a tailored solution.
Wessel van der Westhuizen, dust division project manager at I-CAT, explains: “Each case is different. Once each has been analysed, we customise the necessary products and service in accordance with the client’s requirements.”
This includes daily, weekly, and monthly client reporting. “We are in constant contact with the client. Most importantly, we have personnel stationed at the mines to look after the projects at hand, and to ensure that the client’s expectations are met,” he says.
Additionally, I-CAT conducts a thorough report on the effectiveness of any systems supplied. It conducts regular trials for mines on different soil samples.
“Trial-and-error is key to perfecting our products and systems,” he adds.
One of the main products is the RDC 20, an innovative formulation of blended emulsified co-polymers and ionic modifiers. When sprayed onto the road surface, this water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymer forms a durable cross-linked matrix. The matrix binds fine soil particles into larger heavier particles, which are less prone to becoming airborne.
I-CAT has acquired the sole distribution rights for sub-Saharan Africa for state-of-the-art, low-pressure misting systems from Europe. “We have modified and adjusted this world-leading technology for application in the industrial and mining sectors in Africa,” says Van der Westhuizen.
The DustMonster product line provides outstanding results by creating an ultra-fine mist that attracts dust, encapsulating airborne particles and driving them to the ground. In terms of customisation, RDC20 and GreenBit make up a fixed formula that can be adjusted as needed.
Currently, I-CAT has numerous projects running in the Northern Cape for primary haulage roads and secondary roads.
“We are working on coal mines in Mpumalanga, as well as platinum and gold mines in North West. We have major projects running internationally in countries such as Australia, Botswana and Namibia, where the primary application is for road haulage on mines,” Van der Westhuizen concludes.