SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPLIERS
Earlier this year , BME announced the development of Innovex™ 300D – a highstrength bulk emulsion explosive for challenging surface mining conditions including dynamic water
strength bulk emulsion explosive for challenging surface mining conditions including dynamic water .
Sustaining operations into the future
Fellow South Africa-based explosives and blasting company , AECI Mining , is also on a charm offensive overseas , recently acquiring a significant development project in Peru with the aim of establishing the company as a dominant player in one of the world ’ s most dynamic mining regions .
The expansion comes on the heels of the company ’ s 2020 entries into the Brazil and Chile markets , embedding AECI across many of the major Latin American mining hubs .
The newly acquired project encompasses nearly 200 ha of strategically located land , complete with permits to build state-of-the-art
AECI Mining recently acquired a significant development project in Peru with the aim of establishing the company as a dominant player in one of the world ’ s most dynamic mining regions explosive manufacturing plants . Situated in the heart of Peru ’ s most productive mining region , this land will serve as a launchpad for AECI ’ s direct operations , enabling the company to supply safely and efficiently to the local mining industry .
This acquisition not only marks a fundamental step in AECI ’ s global expansion strategy , but also , it says , positions the manufacturer of explosives and chemicals solutions for mineral processing at the forefront of innovation in the Latin American mining industry .
When it comes to product development , AECI Mining Explosives ’ Regional Manager of Surface South Africa , Edward Felix , highlights the company ’ s commitment to research and development , which has led to the creation of new surface emulsion technologies like the Powergel base emulsion range . These innovations not only enhance safety but also contribute to the sustainability of the industry . Powergel X ², part of the Powergel product range , is specifically designed for surface mining operations facing extreme blasting conditions . While most products cater to either reactive ground or hot-holes , Powergel X ² addresses both simultaneously . This single-solution-technology not only improves safety but also reduces the need for maintaining large inventories , offering significant benefits to AECI ’ s customers dealing with a variety of extreme ground conditions .
Powergel X ² is developed in a safe , nonexplosive form as a base emulsion , sensitised upon loading into the blast holes from where it becomes an explosive after completion of a chemical process . Additional customer benefits include optimal shelf life , leading to better working capital and inventory management , as well as improved product ‘ flowability ’, which results in cleaner storage silos , AECI says .
Taking the Powergel range a step further , AECI has introduced an eco-variant of the product , which , it says , offers excellent water resistance and incorporates recycled oil within the emulsion .
A growing underground offering for Komatsu
In July 2024 , Komatsu acquired GHH Group , which has operations in South Africa under the company name , GHH Mining Machines ( GHHMM ), significantly expanding its underground hard-rock portfolio in the process . This means Komatsu now has an offering for underground mining customers focusing not only on low-profile mining but also narrow-vein and mid-seam mass mining applications .
The GHHMM team located in Johannesburg will now also be the distributor of all Komatsu underground hard-rock products in southern Africa , as Komatsu will be transitioning the distribution and servicing from the regional Komatsu business ( Komatsu Africa Holdings / Komatsu South Africa ), which sells and services Komatsu mining and construction equipment , and consolidates all underground hard-rock business activities under GHHMM .
GHHMM will now offer the full range of Komatsu underground hard-rock equipment , including the products manufactured locally in South Africa as well as all products from the global Komatsu factories and its partner companies , including LHDs , trucks , drills , bolters and utility vehicles . In addition , GHHMM will also support the Montabert drifter and hammer business , and shaft sinking equipment in the region .
Ray Tink , CEO of GHHMM , and now part of the Komatsu organisation , said : “ This is a pivotal moment in Komatsu ' s and GHHMM ’ s history in being able to offer a full suite of underground mining solutions for customers .”
GHH is renowned for its robust and reliable low-profile offering , including the SLP-5 , SLP-6 and SLP-8 , along with the LP rigs , with the key design feature being that machines are designed for life and not for rebuild . The LHDs will soon be rebranded to Komatsu . Along with the visual change from white to yellow comes some key product feature updates .
All the LP LHDs are available with optional diesel particulate filter ( DPF ) systems to reduce diesel particulate matter to within the EU Stage V limits measured on ppm and ensure a safer working environment from an emissions point of view .
The SLP-8 has also received an upgraded control system , which pulls through key performance indicators on the display as standard . This includes fuel usage , distance driven , tonnes per hour productivity , running time , bucket tips , etc . The upgraded control system supports improved maintainability through quick diagnostics . The software has been upgraded , in collaboration with customers , to allow for improved data analytics . The harnesses are also all plug-and-play for easier
12 International Mining | JANUARY 2025