Capital Equipment News August 2016

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS

AUGUST 2016

frica’s changing mining landscape has

necessitated a rethink of traditional

methods and is guiding global mining

technology group Sandvik Mining and Rock

Technology to focus on smart solutions to im-

prove overall mining efficiency.

These services and products will also form

the basis of Sandvik’s presence at Electra

Mining Africa 2016 when customers will be

able to share in the array of systems available

to raise productivity and contain overall costs.

“Similarly, we will look at issues such as ex-

tending the life of equipment through various

interventions, as well as introducing smart

solutions that will help our customers manage

their operations more cost effectively,” says

Andrew Main, Strategic Accounts Manager for

Southern Africa.

“Tough trading conditions exist at present and

we are adapting our focus to support mines to

survive and thrive during this period. Our of-

ferings have therefore become more centred

on aftermarket services that nurture and im-

prove operations and find efficiencies within

existing and planned infrastructure.”

Mechanisation needed

In addition, Main explains that extraction of the

continent’s mineral wealth is becoming ever-

more challenging because of complexities

within existing ore bodies. Mechanisation

is needed to maintain productivity levels for

safe cost effective mining. The shortage of

people wanting to work underground is also

exacerbating the problem, which will inevitably

lead to a necessary focus on mechanisation

further down the line

“The new generation of miners is less willing

to work underground, but much more accept-

ing of technology. To mechanise means that

operators are able to sit in comfort above

ground and operate multiple pieces of equip-

ment at the same time. Similarly, modern

mine managers are able to “take the roof off

their operations at any time” to view what is

happening underground and ensure smooth-

er production, know the status and health of

equipment, how much is being produced and

if targets are being met,” Main says.

“Mechanisation techniques have also evolved

from a fixed type of footprint to a more portable

and flexible solution which makes it viable for

a far wider range of mine types. Although it

does have an impact on the jobs underground

it removes people from the danger areas

and this provides safety benefits that far

outweigh underground staffing issues. Jobs

are also made up again on the support side

and keeping the equipment and technologies

running.”

“Despite these and other challenges, Africa

has special opportunities with the potential for

mechanisation being huge. For this reason,

mechanised mining tonnages are expected

to increase over the next five years with the

use of smart technologies optimising the pro-

ductivity. This is certainly the trend Sandvik is

observing by working with its customers on

new and future operations,” Main adds.

Massive opportunities

Main continues, “We will use the opportunity

afforded to us during Electra Mining Africa

2016 to showcase our abilities to control costs

and boost production of mining clients across

the continent. We will also introduce visitors to

the advanced technology at our disposal and

highlight some of the considerable knowledge

that we have built up over the decades.

This pertains to our advanced products in

cemented carbide, titanium, ceramics and

alloyed steel. Also to our patents, drawings

and expertise in metals and materials that is

the root of our global success.”

“As for the many other commodities within the

region we are of the opinion that the answer

for successful mining in Africa is not to just

look at the dollars and cents cost per unit,

but rather to look at ways of reducing overall

costs and increasing overall productivity. This

requires the right product mix and associated

aftermarket support systems and services to

assist them.”

“We see gold and platinum remaining a key

focus in Southern Africa for the foreseeable

future and depending on trends in the manga-

nese market, this will also be a focus area for

our miners. Whatever the circumstances and

no matter what commodity, Sandvik has the

right solutions to support the industry,” con-

cludes Main.

DRIVING PROFIT

throughout declining commodity price cycle

Sandvik is centred on aftermarket services that nurture and improve operations.

Whatever the circumstances or

commodity, Sandvik has the right

solutions to support the industry.

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA