Modern Mining September 2017

EQUIPMENT

Sandvik launches loader for low-profile mining operations

local suppliers. The organisation therefore decided to establish its own local manufac- turing facility for the complete production of Sandvik LH115L LHDs for the African market. In addition to the LH115L, Sandvik’s Product Area Load and Haul is bringing its global standards and processes in high quality manufacturing to this new facility. “We are cre- ating knowledge transfer to set up the proven processes and systems that we already have in our other manufacturing locations around the world so that we can be in a position to add other Sandvik products to this manufactur- ing site when needed,” says Mats Eriksson, President for Product Area Load and Haul at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. The South African manufacturing facil- ity began prototype operations in July 2017 and will initially produce only the LH115L machine. “Facility operations will follow a staged approach, with capacity ramping up based on customer demand,” says Steve Greisiger, Production Manager Jet Park, Product Area Load and Haul. Sandvik’s current overall workforce totals 1 400, based at the regional hub in Jet Park, seven main branches and multiple mines and

Sandvik has launched a new 5-tonne capacity low- profile loader, the LH115L, which has been designed with the needs of Southern Africa’s low profile platinum and chrome mines in mind and which is manufactured in a new 1 500 m 2 facility at Sandvik’s premises in Jet Park, Johannesburg. The launch of the newmachine was attended by senior Sandvik executives, including Sand- vik’s Group President and CEO, Björn Rosengren.

S andvik Mining and Rock Technol- ogy has almost 70 years’ history of servicing the South African mar- ket. During this time, it has become well-acquainted with the challenges facing its mining industry and understands the important modernising role that private investment and local manufacturing can play in extending mine life, skills development and employment and the achievement of sustain- able, inclusive growth. Sandvik identified the opportunity to sup- port local industry through local manufacture of Sandvik products and localisation of machines, supporting both employment and

The LH115L loader was re- cently launched at Sandvik’s premises in Jet Park.

38  MODERN MINING  September 2017