SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPLIERS
African mining sector to this relationship , and almost a decade of experience in customised dewatering solutions ,” he explains , “ while Atlas Copco offers regional and global reach , cuttingedge technology and advanced engineering .”
Through the acquisition , the regional mining industry will be able to draw upon even more comprehensive and efficient service – combining IPR ’ s flexibility and responsiveness with Atlas Copco ’ s innovation in pump technology , digital monitoring and energy-efficient systems .
“ This means better performance , reduced operating costs and more sustainable solutions for our customers ,” du Toit says .
Epiroc milestone machine
AARD Powered by Epiroc recently marked the completion of its first yellow , globally destined , Epiroc Terrah Series machine , the TS100FR with the FR100SCL ( scissor lift ) cassette .
Epiroc completed the acquisition of South Africa-based AARD in 2023 , at that time inheriting a portfolio that included drill rigs , bolters , loaders , scalers and utility vehicles . The latter included the AARD-branded UV42 , UV80 and UV100 models .
AARD Powered by Epiroc ’ s customers are mainly in the southern Africa region where its machines are present in over 30 large mining operations from gold to platinum to diamonds , including the Venetia Underground Project . With the brand new global range of utility vehicles , Epiroc is now expanding its footprint to customers in all parts of the world , with a strong demand already seen from customers from several different continents .
Screening for tech advances
Sandvik Rock Processing also celebrated a regional milestone recently , with a southern Africa customer becoming only the second globally to be piloting the latest remote monitoring innovations in rock processing from the company .
Kwatani became part of Sandvik Rock Processing at the end of 2021 , with the global OEM inheriting 45-years of vibrating screen and feeder knowledge and expertise .
According to Tarynn Yatras , Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions ’ Vice President for Sales Area Africa , operations in southern Africa are receptive to adopting new technologies that the global mineral processing powerhouse is developing .
“ It is exciting to see companies in the region leveraging on-mine connectivity , for instance , to take advantage of our state-of-the-art monitoring systems for cone crushers and screens ,” Yatras said .
With most customers now using the company ’ s connectivity-enabled equipment , their adoption of monitoring and automation systems is accelerating . Sandvik Rock Processing ’ s SAM platform fits into this as it can collect and analyse data from the operating equipment , to drive plant optimisation , extend service intervals and lower total cost of ownership .
According to Frengelina Mabotja , Business Line Manager for Screening Solutions at Sandvik Rock Processing , the southern Africa market is expected to be boosted by mining expansions to meet demand for critical minerals .
“ We look forward to firmer underlying prices for many commodities , which will definitely impact the investment in equipment – and encourage customers toward innovation and productivity upgrades in their crushing and screening facilities ,” Mabotja says . “ Customers are also looking for support in meeting their sustainability targets and environmental impact , and our crushing and screening solutions therefore prioritise decarbonisation aspects such as energy efficiency .”
Given the company ’ s integrated solutions that include crushers , screens and screening media , there is particular attention paid to optimal equipment selection – facilitated by its digital design and simulation tool – PlantDesigner . PC Kruger , Business Line Manager for Crushing Solutions at Sandvik Rock Processing , highlights how this simulation enhances the ability of mines , consultants and engineering , procurement and construction firms to analyse options from an early stage in any project .
“ With tools like this , including our integrated flowsheet offering , customers can quickly generate and assess various crushing and screening alternatives at concept or early project stage ,” Kruger says .
Underpinning the application of its continuous innovations is the company ’ s strong footprint in southern Africa , and a focus on in-country skills development . Yatras emphasises the established Sandvik network , which gives easy access to customer sites .
There is strong synergy between the company ’ s support function and its advances in digital technology , Yatras points out . Sandvik Rock Processing ’ s initiative in Africa to digitally enable and connect the installed base of crushers , for instance , generates valuable data not just for the user but for the OEM . Service technicians can use reports and analysis on equipment performance to inform and improve their services , proactively guiding the customer on maintenance decisions .
Electra Mining trends
Electra Mining Africa 2024 , in Johannesburg , provided a great opportunity for Multotec to showcase a broad range of solutions to boost efficiency and precision within the mining and industrial sectors .
The mineral processing group ’ s Senior Vice President of Product Management , Rhodes Nelson , said one of the trends he picked up on at the 2024 event was the heightened level of competition within the sector .
“ With many international players entering the market and offering products with minimal customer support , it is crucial for local suppliers like Multotec to maintain high levels of service and keep costs down ,” he said . “ We have branches and infrastructure in place to do this and our model of being close to the customer is the differentiator .”
Another significant trend was the emergence of digital solutions .
Nelson explained : “ We are continuously working on trying to find the magic solution and how we can add value to a plant from a digital perspective . Overall digital solutions have been more successfully implemented in mining than in process plants . We believe that this is due to the safety element that needs to be addressed in mines by removing people from dangerous environments .
“ This has not been the case with plants where the environment is less dangerous . We ’ ve seen many OEMs add intelligent parts to their equipment , but this is not necessarily taking off .”
Multotec is currently testing smart screening panels and leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to determine the flow in mills and to predict failures in equipment such as cyclones .
Nelson said : “ When it comes to digital solutions , we think a big part of the issue is the lack of collaboration . Instead of companies trying to solve problems individually , we need to work together and collaborate with big tech companies to address these challenges effectively .”
Multotec is currently testing smart screening panels and leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to determine the flow in mills and to predict failures in equipment such as cyclones
16 International Mining | JANUARY 2025