Construction World May 2023

QUARRYING

The Lokotrack LT200HP mobile cone crusher is being used to crush historic dumps in Zambia.

FAST, OPTIMAL SOLUTIONS UNDERPIN AFRICA GROWTH FOR PILOT CRUSHTEC

With its focus on product quality, responsive service and high stockholding, Pilot Crushtec has continued to grow in Africa by responding rapidly to customers’ crushing and screening needs with reliable solutions.

Pilot Crushtec Africa Sales Manager Wayne Warren.

W hether the operational pressure is on mine production or project start-up time, there is seldom any time to lose when a mining customer in Africa needs a crushing solution, according to Pilot Crushtec Africa Sales Manager Wayne Warren. Manufacturing lead times and logistical delays – where equipment may need transporting across borders to remote areas – can often frustrate customers in the mining sector. “A recent contract in Zambia showed the value that we bring to customers’ operations by being quick off the mark with the right equipment,” says Warren. “A customer contacted us to discuss their urgent need for a crushing solution, and within a month they could push the button on site and begin operations with a Pilot Crushtec plant.” This was despite the equipment taking two weeks on the road to reach the site, he notes. With Pilot Crushtec’s strategy of prioritising its large stockholding, it was also able

to recently assist another African mining operation with a full modular plant solution at short notice. “In fact, the initial enquiry from this company was for mobile crushers – but the application was better suited to a modular format,” he says. “We were able to discuss the options with the customer, and they decided to follow our recommendations, which proved even more cost effective for them.” He explains that Pilot Crushtec had both the mobile and the modular options available in stock, so was able to supply without delay. It is not unusual for this kind of equipment to require a lead time of several months for manufacture, assembly, delivery and commissioning, he says. There has also been significant uptake of Pilot Crushtec crushing solutions in Africa by mining companies based in Asia, says Warren. While many of these have used crushing equipment that

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