Plant Equipment and Hire February 2019 | Page 20

PRODUCT FOCUS PIT-TO-PORT HANDLING SOLUTIONS Compiled by Tarren Bolton Even amid economically challenging times and sluggish market conditions, the mining industry continues to seek to improve their productivity based on the innovative craft of customised technology and innovation. T design solutions for efficient bulk handling solutions,” says Philipp Nellessen, thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions South Africa CEO, sub-Saharan Africa. that, for one, labour costs for the reduced. There is no doubt that bulk material handling equipment simplifies a labour-intensive process, which saves money and time for everyone. “An operation is only sustainable if it is profitable,” notes Nellessen. “We fully comprehend the importance for customers to achieve maximum efficiencies through optimum production while keeping input and operational costs to an absolute transportation of bulk materials are minimum,” he adds. But with the current tough times, is it realistic to expect customers to maintain their level of investment in bulk material handling technologies? The answer is an obvious and resounding “Yes”, when you consider he mining industry’s relationship with automation has played a significant role in the growth of the bulk material handling market. You only have to visit any developed mining plant today and you will encounter a wide spectrum of products, such as excavators, crushers, feeders, conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, transfer cars — all used for solid bulk material handling operations. “From extraction at pit side to export at port side, we are positioned to offer best-in-class technology and system Hydraulic excavators are recommended for selective coal excavation and compact mining applications, while the higher production efficiencies offered by bucket wheel excavators make them the preferred choice for continuous block mining in larger mines. 18 FEBRUARY 2019 www.plantonline.co.za