Booming Mining Market Needs More Rubber Following on Transvaal Rubber Company's (Truco) success in being awarded new orders for its highly regarded pulp and slurry hoses, as well as the introduction of a number of new lining materials to meet all abrasion requirements, the company has increased production capacity at its plant to cope with the increased market demand. Mining, marine and industrial rubber specialist Truco has increased its industrial plant capacity by 30%, and will grow by a further 40% by the end of the year to keep up with demand from its mining customers. "There are currently about 50 new mining projects that have started in sub-Saharan Africa, and about 60 mining projects that are in various stages of approaching the bankable feasibility phase," says Roger Tait, Managing Director, Truco. "Several of the new projects are platinum related, and located in South Africa, while outside the country's borders most new developments are taking place in gold and diamond mining."