Lovink straight splices in large mine project South Africa
Lovink cable splices power major mining expansion in South Africa
A major infrastructure expansion is underway in eastern South Africa at Zulti South Mineral Sands, one of the continent’s largest mining operations. Located near Richards Bay, this coastal site faces extreme environmental challenges. As a result, the project demands highly durable and moisture-resistant cable splices to ensure long-term grid reliability.
Expansion a coastal mine with complex requirements
Zulti South is an extension of a mining operation that began over 40 years ago. Originally developed along a 17 km coastal strip, the area is rich in titanium dioxide, ceramic-grade zirconium, and rutile for welding electrodes. These minerals are critical for global industries, ranging from electronics to construction.
To secure future resource supply and long-term income, the company is now expanding southward. As part of this expansion, 33kV underground cable routes are being installed across three fields. Consequently, this scale of development calls for reliable medium voltage joints that can perform under coastal conditions.
LoviSil®: trusted medium voltage splice technology in South Africa
Lovink’s LoviSil® medium voltage splice kits already have a strong track record in South Africa, especially in industrial environments. RBM (Richards Bay Minerals), part of the Rio Tinto Group, selected LoviSil® based on a trusted recommendation from a leading contractor. Fred Peters of KBK, Lovink’s official distributor in South Africa, explains: ”A large contractor in South Africa has recommended us based on his many years of experience with LoviSil® in industrial projects. That kind of trust is invaluable in projects of this scale.”
While several vendors were considered, Lovink stood out. Its medium voltage splices performed best in tests for moisture resistance and mechanical durability — two top concerns for mining infrastructure. In addition, Lovink’s reputation for reliability further influenced the decision.
Custom engineering for heavy-duty applications
Mining operations often involve large cable cross sections, which means they require more adaptable medium voltage splice housings. To address this, Lovink engineered a custom version of the LoviSil® 33kV cable joint specifically for this use case, extending the splice body to accommodate the cable dimensions. Not only does this modification supports mining infrastructure, but it also aligns with growing needs in the renawable energy sector, where heavy-duty cable joints are becoming increasingly important.
Key benefits of Lovink cable splices for mining and coastal applications
✅ Moisture-resistant up to 2 bar water pressure — ideal for coastal and wet soil environments
✅ Custom-fit for 3-core 300mm² 33kV cables — perfect for mining and heavy industry
✅ High reliability in harsh climates — trusted in South Africa for over a decade
✅ Fast and flame-free installation — reducing risk of errors in complex field conditions
Looking ahead: supporting South Africa’s infrastructure growth
As the Zulti South expansion progresses, infrastructure needs to evolve with it. Choosing the right medium voltage cable splices isn’t just about performance — it’s about long-term value and operational stability. LoviSil® delivers on both fronts. Tested in some of the world’s harshest environments, this technology is built to last. Looking forward, as mining and renewable energy sectors continue to grow, LoviSil® is ready to meet the challenge.
