53 / 64
November 2015
MODERN MINING
51
CONSULTANTS/
PROJECT HOUSES
feature
A surface main station
fan at the WBJV Project 1
platinummine (Maseve) site
in the Western Bushveld. A
typical example of the work
undertaken by BBE Projects
(the projects arm of the BBE
Group).
of customised software for the analysis of mine
ventilation, refrigeration and cooling networks.
The most modern package, VUMA, com-
prises a suite of modules that determine air
flows, pollutant levels and temperature dis-
tribution throughout ventilation circuits and
cooling networks, all displayed in full 3-D
colour graphics with the capability of real-time
modelling.
In response to client demand, BBE has also
established various business units over the
past few years that offer professional services
beyond system designs and equipment specifi-
cations and, through these units, is able to offer
a full spectrum of services, focusing on mine
ventilation, refrigeration, cooling and energy.
BBE Projects delivers complete turnkey
projects and has to date completed more than
R1 billion worth of projects across the African
continent.
BBE Energy was launched in response to
a growing need to optimise energy usage and
management in ventilation and refrigeration
networks. Through a combination of intelligent
control systems and some sophisticated hard-
ware, the company has reportedly achieved
huge success in a relatively short time period
with a reduction in demand of over 100 MW
across the mining industry. This has made a
significant contribution to alleviating the coun-
try’s and mining industry’s energy challenges.
BBE Laboratory provides a specialist ser-
vice for the analysis of respirable dust samples,
essential for air quality assessment.
BBE aims to increase its footprint in the
international arena and an expansion initiative
led to the opening of an office in Perth to serve
the greater Asia-Pacific market. In other areas of
the globe, joint ventures have been established,
with all the design capabilities supported from
the Johannesburg head office. The company’s
next satellite office will be opening in Canada
next year.
The staff complement within the group is
well balanced with younger members on well-
defined career paths aimed at future succession
within the company. Bursaries are offered to
ensure a steady inflow of graduates coming
from universities.
Reflecting on 25 years of business, co-
founder Steven Bluhm, who is also CEO, says:
“We have an enviable track record of consulting
behind us which has been made possible by the
contribution of our loyal staff and the support
of our clients for which we thank them, and
we look forward to another 25 years of deliv-
ering exceptional and innovative professional
services.”
french sa