African Mining November 2019 | Page 38

 MINING IN FOCUS TECH SAVVY GROUND BREAKERS With ambition and the will to improve their production, Ground Breakers installed an all-in-one materials washing and water recycling CDE Combo, which has revolutionised their operation, writes Ntsako Khosa. T he aggregate quarry located in Lanseria is a little under fi ve years old and produces over 12 000 tonnes of product a month. Looking at the family history, quarrying is second nature to owners Johan Meintjes and JC Janse van Vuuren. What might explain their success thus far, is having a forefather who is still in the industry. Bucket wheel vs sand washing technology Installed in March this year, the technology stems from CDE. The multinational fi rm designs, manufactures and commissions Ground Breakers Construction supplies building materials like G5, G6, G7, top soil, building sand, river sand and plaster sand to the construction industry. Initially producing about 300 tonnes a month co-owner, van Vuuren says over the last few months, they’ve added over 10 000 tonnes to their production rate. Increased profi t margins are owed to the sand washing technology they installed to improve effi ciency and remain simple on site. A loader pouring in sand to begin the refi nement process. Co-founder JC van Vuuren says heavy equipment on site is determined by strength and Japanese steel is the strongest for their operation. 36  African Mining  November 2019 www. africanmining.co.za