SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPLIERS
Sandvik will locally manufacture 5 t and 8 t loaders , as well as all of its flameproof coal loaders , such as the LS312 , at its new South African facility
rebuilding of machines to OEM standards , including sub-assembly refurbishments on transmissions , axles , differential and pump motors .”
This facility , which has been fully operational for the past six months , allows the company to locally manufacture its 5 t and 8 t LHDs , as well as its flameproof coal loaders , supporting its customers ’ local procurement efforts .
To keep up with global standards on mine mechanisation and automation , Sandvik has had to invest in training infrastructure in South Africa , according to Andrews .
He explained : “ South Africa boasts a depth of expertise and experience in mining , but our deep level mines have not lent themselves readily to mechanisation and automation . This has affected the levels of skill available for our transition to new technologies and required that we invest substantially in training .
“ As a multinational organisation , we have a responsibility to the country ’ s economy and future ; my role as Sales Area Vice President includes ensuring that we make our local contribution .
“ The cost of doing business in South Africa is probably significantly higher than other sales areas – including our extensive training budget – but the Sandvik group is supportive . We are heavily invested in the region and are here for the long term , having built our success on partnerships rather than one-off transactional business .”
East and South Asia .
He said local manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of the company ’ s business in South Africa , providing the responsiveness – as well as rebuild and servicing capability – customers expect . This has seen the company develop skills in the local economy . “ As a multinational OEM , FLSmidth is fully supportive of broad-based black empowerment , supplier development and enterprise development – and we have had considerable success in developing local businesses among our sub-contractors ,” de Kock said . “ By collaborating with us , mining companies are indirectly contributing to these constructive efforts , while still benefitting from the quality and reliability we can deliver .”
This local supply base has aided the company ’ s international export efforts , with the 13,000 sq . m “ Supercenter ” facility in Delmas manufacturing screens that are transported to destinations as varied as Mozambique , Russia , Poland and other European countries , de Kock said .
Like some of the other OEMs featured , FLSmidth ’ s customised solutions for the local market have also gained global appreciation . de Kock references ongoing developments in mill and crusher technology in the local platinum sector that have been made available more widely across the global group , in addition to the piloting of digital and remote monitoring solutions in South Africa that allow technicians to use virtual reality headsets to conduct remote support of equipment .
“ We have also piloted technologies in the chrome sector for recovering fine chrome and expect this to become one of our global solutions ,” he said .
The company ’ s Buffalo range of feeders , feeder breakers and sizers was locally manufactured initially for South Africa ’ s coal fields , but have since found application in countries including Guinea and India , and in bauxite and other commodity sectors .
Alistair McKay , VP for Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa , Middle East and South Asia , said : “ Buffalo equipment has evolved into mobile and semimobile plug-and-play versions to optimise feeding throughout the mine – a good example of a domestic innovation going global .”
Keeping a low profile
An example of ‘ domestic innovation going global ’ also comes from GHH Mining Machines , a South Africa-based subsidiary of GHH Group .
The company ’ s Johannesburg facility designs , manufactures and sells mining machines , with
Skills transfer
Global mineral processing OEM FLSmidth is also in South Africa for the long-term , with a domestic workforce that totals almost 600 in local manufacturing facilities , according to Deon de Kock , President for Sub-Saharan Africa , Middle
FLSmidth ' s Buffalo range of feeders , breakers and sizers are locally manufactured in South Africa
22 International Mining | JANUARY 2022