Capital Equipment News August 2016

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA

DRIVING PROFIT throughout declining commodity price cycle

A 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

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

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

Whatever the circumstances or commodity, Sandvik has the right solutions to support the industry.

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. b

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