IM 2017 November 17 | Page 52

HIGH PROFILE mines where BELAZ trucks operate, in South Africa, Russia and elsewhere. The support team for BELAZ in Morocco includes an engineer dedicated to support OCP, two other BELAZ specialists and five technicians qualified in servicing Cummins engines equipped with special tools and vehicles. With the fleet increase the technical teams will increase accordingly. Technical resources include five mobile workshops with special tools, and two warehouses dedicated to OCP parts in Casablanca and at the mine. South Africa and South America The BELAZ dozers at OCP are able to keep operating in the very high temperatures experienced at the mines that can exceed 50°C that the BELAZ water sprinkler is very robust and uses a technology in watering much more developed than that offered by competitors. The BELAZ sprinkler truck with electric drive has been in operation for two years without any major breakdowns and the managers of the OCP are very satisfied.” In terms of why OCP opted for the 180 t haul trucks in addition to the dozers and sprinkler, Belfkira states: “First of all a factor was the very high availability and satisfaction rates of the water sprinkler truck bought in 2015 and secondly the very good quality of service provided by Soberma through its five technicians and engineers who are available 24/7 on the OCP sites. Thirdly the value for money offered by BELAZ and finally, the on-site availability of spare parts and our technicians.” OCP officials also had the opportunity to visit the BELAZ factory in Belarus as well as other BELAZ has built up a number of references in South Africa in recent years. Established BELAZ trucks are in operation at the Lyleveld project of Kumba Iron Ore (owned by Anglo American) in the Northern Cape province. In addition, four BELAZ trucks of 130 t capacity are now in operation at the Kudumane manganese mine for a three year contract to provide haulage for the 4Arrows mining contractor. A further two BELAZ 220 t trucks are intended for rental at the Mogalakwene platinum mine which belongs to Anglo Platinum, representing a new opportunity for BELAZ to make its footprint in the platinum mining industry in South Africa. Finally, a fleet of BELAZ 220 t trucks will soon start working at a new coal project in Mpumalanga province. BELAZ machinery will contribute to the long-term