Capital Equipment News May 2021

A HaulMaster high-performance haul truck from for medium to large-scale underground mining and tunnelling.

to invest in the new facility following interest generated by its rubber-tyred solutions. “As our SMT Scharf rubber-tyred product line began to garner interest in the African mining market, we did not just want to import into South Africa – we wanted to build here too. We wanted to ensure that we were investing in the country and doing our part to support the local economy. “Our light electric vehicle (LEV) also shows a great amount of potential from both underground and open-pit mines, and even from game reserves. The opportunities are endless!” says Amos. The equipment ranges manufactured in Johannesburg include the company’s trackless (rubber-tyred) machinery in both battery-electric and diesel power configurations. “This includes our LEV. In addition to the rubber-tyred product line, we manufacture electric monorails and chairlifts.” Amos says the new facility comprises nearly 3 000 m 2 of manufacturing space. “Included in this are six dedicated bays for our rubber-tyred mobile equipment. In addition to these bays, we have set aside two bays for our LEV product.” He says the advantages of having equipment manufactured locally are “numerous” and include the fact that equipment is built specifically for Africa’s harsh mining requirements. “It enables us to be more competitive in terms of price for our customers on the continent. Manufacturing on African soil allows us to improve our service and support offering to the local mining industries.” Manufacturing at the new facility commenced in December 2020. “We have been working at a fast pace, with a nearly full shop in Quarter 1,” says Amos. b

QUICK TAKE

Trends such as automation, real-time data management, conversion to electric drives and increasing networking are “reshaping mining”

The company expanded its portfolio in 2018 with the acquisition of Canadian mining company RDH Mining

Its light electric vehicle has shown great potential in underground and open-pit mines

The advantages of having equipment manufactured locally are numerous and include the fact that equipment is built specifically for African conditions

“As our SMT Scharf rubber-tyred product line began to garner interest in the African mining market, we did not just want to import into South Africa – we wanted to build here too. We wanted to ensure that we were investing in the country and doing our part to support the local economy.”

Shaun Amos, MD of SMT Scharf

TALKING POINT

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS MAY 2021 31