SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPLIERS popular for their ability to be quickly transported and commissioned on site , with the company ensuring these plants are also operated in a safe and efficient manner .
“ Contractors are of course required to adhere to mines ’ stringent safety requirements , while meeting the demanding throughput targets by ensuring optimal uptime of these plants ,” he says . “ This is what makes our Metso Lokotrack range so attractive , as its reliability and performance is matched by the range of safety features enabled by intelligent controllers .”
The increased reliance on intelligent controllers rather than manual levers , buttons or switches means safety aspects of each crushing and screening system can be modified to suit the preferences of each customer . The electronic nature of the controllers can allow safety delays , sirens and other elements to be timed and programmed according to the site .
This is among the factors that have led to mobile crushing plants overtaking their modular , static equivalents by some distance , according to Francois Marais , Sales and Marketing Director at Pilot Crushtec .
“ This trend has been supported by the growing availability in the region of skills sets necessary for reliably operating and maintaining these systems ,” Marais says . “ The speed of deployment is a key factor in driving customer choices ; the mobile units drastically reduce the timeframe from capital expenditure to production and revenue generation .”
The market has also been taking advantage of significant technological advancements in the fields of mobile crushing and screening . While jaw , cone and impact crushers have dominated this landscape for a century , the philosophy of pressure or extrusion in crushing is now available in the realm of mobile plants .
“ For instance , high pressure grinding rolls from Metso can now be mounted on mobile plants ,” Marais explains . “ Trials are currently underway with this equipment , and we are enthusiastic about the prospects for this new line .”
Another advance is the development of dualpower systems , which allows mobile crushers to be driven either by diesel power or an electric feed .
“ From our perspective in South Africa , we are also pleased to have delivered our first low carbon EU Stage V engine on a mobile Vertical Shaft Impact crushing unit ,” Marais says . “ Even though the local emissions legislation is not as demanding as many northern hemisphere markets , we have pushed ahead with this in recognition of the needs of our European customers .”
M & A accelerating
The acquisition late last year of South Africabased pump dewatering specialist IPR ( Integrated Pump Rental ) by Atlas Copco ’ s Specialty Rental Division is good news for southern Africa ’ s mining sector , according to IPR Sales Manager , Steve du Toit . du Toit says the acquisition strengthens IPR ’ s ability to meet the growing demand for dewatering solutions in the region ’ s mining sector , with the company now able to leverage Atlas Copco ’ s vast resources , technical expertise and regional footprint on behalf of its regional customer base .
Atlas Copco ’ s acquisition strengthens IPR ’ s ability to meet the growing demand for dewatering solutions in the region ’ s mining sector , it says
This will give mines easier access to highquality dewatering pump rental services , faster response times and enhanced support through a broader network , he says . For IPR , the Atlas Copco diesel-driven auto-priming pumps and submersible units make up an important segment of its market offering , along with Toyo heavy-duty slurry pumps and IPR ’ s in-house designed SlurrySucker dredging units .
“ Being part of the Power Technique Business Area of Atlas Copco ’ s Specialty Rental Division enhances our capabilities to drive customer service – which has always been IPR ’ s focus and our pathway to success ,” du Toit says . “ With Atlas Copco ’ s robust supply chain , we can now ensure even faster delivery of a wider selection of specialised pumps tailored to tough mining conditions .”
The partnership ultimately strengthens IPR ’ s ability to provide consistent quality solutions that reduce operational downtime , du Toit says , across countries including Zambia , Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo .
He highlights the synergy that lies in IPR ’ s expertise in pump rental solutions , combined with Atlas Copco ’ s technical resources and technological capabilities .
“ We bring our deep knowledge of the southern
JANUARY 2025 | International Mining 15