Chemical Technology May 2016

Turnkey protective coating solutions for the mining industry

Despite an ongoing slump in the mining sector, Kansai Plascon has maintained its competitive edge as a leading paint supplier to the industry, thanks to the fact that it offers a 360-degree turnkey solution that comprises decorative products, mine marking products and protective coating products – all backed up by dedicated after- sales support. Kansai Plascon is a market-leader in supplying decorative coatings and aerosol marking paint to the mining industry. Deco- rative paint products are used on mining properties, which include staff housing, hostels and offices, while marking paint products are used at operational level in shafts. Kansai Plascon brand manager for industrial coatings, Mareta le Roux, says that although the company boasts majority market share in these areas, there is still room for growth. “One area of mining that holds consid- erable growth potential for us is corrosion protection for processing plants such as smelters and concentrators. We are a rela- tively minor player in this field at present. However, the strategic five-year plan in terms of resourcing, is to put a focus on corrosion protection for the processing plants in the mining industry. Our protective coating prod- ucts meet all industry requirements, and it is now a matter of driving them forward,” she states. Over the years, Kansai Plascon has de- veloped fundamentally strong relationships with some of the largest names in the global mining industry. Le Roux believes that this will work to the company’s advantage, when promoting its protective coating range. “This is already bearing fruit, as a large gold min- ing operation with mines in East, West and Central Africa now specifies Plascon Protec- tive coatings for all of its processing plants. We have also been supplying products to mines in the Zambian copper belt for a number of years. Further expansion in Africa

FOCUS ON CORROSION & COATINGS

holds the potential for measurable growth.” “We are by far the biggest coatings manufacturer in southern Africa, and we offer a one-stop shopping experience that is uncommon,” reveals Kansai Plascon nation- al market manager for mining & minerals/ roadmarking, Rolf Redelinghuys. He adds that technical strength and capability also places Plascon ahead of the competition. “Our service is not just selling protective coatings, but doing specifications. We do not just sell the paint and walk away – there is support provided throughout the process. Our technical teams undertake site visits to check if the product is applied correctly, especially when it comes to the corrosion protection,” he elaborates. Corrosion protection is expensive to ap- ply, and le Roux indicates that it is essential to successfully complete the application of the coating on the first attempt. “Bearing this is mind, we provide extensive training to mining contractors at no additional charge. It’s all about the customers’ bottom line at the end of the day, and we are there to en- sure that everything goes according to plan.” With regard to research and develop-

Mareta le Roux

ment, Kansai Plascon boasts a modern laboratory in Durban, KZN, which features dedicated teams working solely on industrial and protective coatings. Kansai Plascon also boasts a strong network of distributors in sub-Saharan African regions with plans to expand the network in East Africa and West Africa. For more information contact: Mareta le Roux on tel +27 11 861 0300; email: MleRoux@kansaiplascon.co.za; or go to www.plascon-industrial.co.za

JULY

AUGUST

• Water treatment • Control and instrumentation • Plant maintenance, health, safety and quality • Nanotechnology

• Corrosion and coatings • Pumps and valves • Design and materials of construction • Petrochemicals

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Chemical Technology • May 2016