SOUTHERN AFRICA SUPPLIERS
Sold through Sandvik Rock Processing distributor, S & R Enterprises, the Sandvik UJ443E heavy jaw crushing plant has already been sold into the market, with significant interest building as the sector accelerates its move towards lower carbon, more cost-effective operations, the OEM says
“ This is the first time Africa will see a Sandvik mobile plant built from the ground up on a fully-electric track platform,” Jaco Benade, Distributor Manager at Sandvik Rock Processing, says.“ It is a gamechanging development that helps customers cut operating costs while advancing their sustainability goals.”
Benade says the introduction of the fully-electric mobile crushing plant is a step change in efficiency and sustainability.“ A key differentiator of the Sandvik UJ443E is its energy flexibility,” he explains.“ The unit can operate directly from the electrical grid, bringing customers considerable savings through reduced fuel costs, lower emissions and quieter operation. Where grid power is not available, it can switch to diesel or renewable biofuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil.”
By offering multiple energy pathways, the Sandvik UJ443E allows customers to adapt
to site-specific conditions while preparing for the broader shift towards electrification in mining, quarrying and construction, the company says. Benade notes that where reliable grid electricity is available, operators can also benefit from extended drivetrain service intervals, leading to reduced downtime and lower lifecycle costs.
The Sandvik UJ443E is fitted with the CJ412 jaw crusher, with this latest generation unit featuring smart technology for real-time performance monitoring and adjustment as well as an unblock facility that improves safety and reduces downtime, the OEM claims. Other innovations include threespeed electric tracks for precise movement, a redesigned feed station with hydraulic tilt access for easier maintenance and a downstream 125 amp connection for integrating other electric equipment such as screening plants.
“ This machine consumes about 90 % less hydraulic fluid than its predecessors which means lower maintenance costs and a lighter environmental footprint,” Benade explains.“ It also offers flexible configurations – from a vibrating grizzly feeder for clean rock to an under-screen option for fines removal.”
To ensure seamless commissioning of this inaugural unit, Sandvik Rock Processing and S & R Enterprises have invested in advanced training for local service teams. A Sandvik factory technician will also be on site for the installation, guiding both distributor and customer teams through the process.
“ Comprehensive lifecycle support underpins this introduction,” Benade says.“ We have ensured that our distribution network is ready with spares, technical expertise and tailored aftermarket packages. The Sandvik My Fleet telematics will further enhance support by enabling remote diagnostics and performance monitoring.”
Side-tensioned screening
One of the challenges faced by mining operations is that the extraction and processing of materials often involve rigorous demands on equipment, particularly in the screening stage.
Mines typically rely on various types of screening media to separate and classify materials efficiently. However, the harsh conditions inherent in mining operations – such as heavy impacts from large rocks and abrasive materials – can lead to rapid wear and tear on traditional screening media like woven wire mesh.
This results in frequent maintenance interruptions, increased operational costs and potential safety hazards for workers. As a consequence, many mines experience significant downtime and inefficiencies, highlighting the need for more durable and effective screening solutions that can withstand the rigours of mineral processing while minimising operational disruptions.
A case study illustrates how a mine in South Africa turned to Multotec to address the challenges it faced with its woven wire mesh screening media. The company opted for a strategic solution by transitioning to Multotec’ s side-tension polyurethane( PU) mats, which, the company says, effectively resolved the operational issues the mine was experiencing.
The mine operates as an open-pit facility, specialising in the production of various rock and mineral products, including metallurgical materials, commercial aggregates and lime products.
In line with common practices in the quarry industry, the mine used woven wire mesh screening media in its secondary sizing plant. Although this type of screening media is generally affordable and readily available, it presents several disadvantages, according to Multotec.
Pieter Uys, Business Development Manager at Multotec, explained:“ In this case, the woven wire mesh struggled to withstand the impact and abrasion from the product stream, necessitating frequent change-outs – sometimes as often as twice 24 International Mining | JANUARY 2026