Construction World July 2024

CONSULTING ENGINEERINGS

the first lined tailings dam at Steelpoort which in itself has necessitated finding innovative solutions to problems. His department consists of a group of around 40 engineers who specialise in water, hydraulics, dams and pipelines. Bartels moved to SRK with expertise in the design, construction and rehabilitation of roads. Organic expansion Van Zyl says that SRK’s expansion is conditional on finding people who share its values and are looking to build an expert practice. “We try to ensure that there is some diversification of projects and sectors and therefore operate in multiple regions and commodities but any new business area or expansion is on the proviso that we find the right person who has the expertise and who shares our values with which a practice can be built. We will assist our experts with opportunities for diversification, but we start with the people, not with the geography or commercial considerations,” says Van Zyl. SRK’s global footprint is a huge advantage. “You are able to find an expert in a range of technical disciplines and geographic areas. For example, we have offices in China and because China has many investments in Africa, working with the Chinese office has made it easier for us to get involved in projects that are done by Chinese companies,” says Bartels. Changes and expansion Van Zyl says that over the last five decades whilst there have been changes in the way the company provides its services

there are certain aspects that have not changed. “Innovation was a focus and remains a focus. Being a good engineer was a focus and still is. We have never had a corporate career path. One starts as an engineer, then becomes a senior engineer and then a principal engineer. There is no limit as to how many can be at that level as there is no limit to how many people can run a consulting practise at SRK.” There is an expectation of innovation and collaboration and it is essential that all practices are aligned with our corporate values and our overall objectives, like diversification and transformation. What has changed is that disciplines like ESG that were not envisioned 50 years ago, have become vital and have to be integrated into every project. Van Zyl says that SRK does not have a growth target. “If we find people that share in SRK’s passion and values and have a skill to grow a new practice, then SRK will grow. “There are many things to consider in mining which includes responsible sourcing initiatives, sustainability concerns such as decarbonisation, safety aspects with the GISTM and we have to ensure that we integrate those aspects into how we do business and ensure that our people remain passionate about every niche part of engineering. We have to keep on doing what we do, better. If a person comes in and connects with that vision, SRK grows along with their practice. But I am happy for SRK to remain the same as long as we practise responsible engineering within a constructive and respectful culture,” he concludes. 

SRK is involved in various large tailings dams, including the construction of new dams and the strengthening of existing dams.

32 CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2024