MechChem Africa July-August 2025

⎪ Local manufacturing and food processing ⎪

New opportunities and sustainability Steinmann says that Africa is emerging as a significant player in the global rare-earth mineral supply chain, with several countries possessing substantial reserves. “We are cur rently seeing these emerging opportunities in countries such as Tanzania, amongst others, where project development is underway. From an ESG perspective, he says that environmental sustainability is a key priority for Sandvik Rock Processing. “This is why we place a strong emphasis on regional manu facturing. Expanding local production not only supports community development but

also helps minimise environmental impact. By shortening supply chains, we reduce transpor tation-related emissions, thus contributing meaningfully to our sustainability goals. “Our solutions prioritise perfor mance, productivity, safety, and effi ciency, with a range engineered to han dle throughput capacities from 1.0 to 8 000 t/h. Our vibrating screens are backed by deep industry expertise, and we can also offer advanced digital monitoring technology, high-quality OEM spare parts, consumables and life-cycle services,” concludes Steinmann. www.rockprocessing.sandvik

Sandvik Rock Processing sizing and costing tools to generate accurate, real-time cost estimates. Then, once the order is placed, and the customer approves the general arrangement drawing, the standard manufacturing lead time ranges from 12 to 18 weeks, depending on the screen’s size and complexity.” Sandvik Rock Processing screens are designed with global manufacturing in mind, and this includes selecting screen components based on steel sections that are commonly available in dif ferent markets. Another notable differentiator is that on Brownfield projects the company can match the footprints of competitors, without compromising the integrity or performance ad vantages of their equipment. Before delivering a screen design to site, Sandvik Rock Processing performs a factory ac ceptance test (FAT) using its purpose built screen testing bay at its Spartan premises in Kempton Park. “Sometimes clients want to witness these tests in person, but we can also patch them in to witnessthetestsremotely.Everydeliveredscreen comes with a full test report highlighting the tech nical specifications, test results, and a certificate,” Steinmann notes. On commissioning at a client site, the screen will again be tested, and the results compared to those from the FAT. “We have also developed spe cialist software that we take to site for diagnostics. By collecting vibration data from key test points under different loading conditions, we are able to double check that the installed performance aligns with the FAT results. “In addition, we can feed these results onto a digital twin of the design to ensure that the engi neering matches the actual performance required onsite,” he says, adding that this data is ideal for diagnostics, proactive maintenance and condition trending across the life of the screen. Refurbishments, retrofits and onsite service SandvikRockProcessingalsoofferscost-effective onsite service and refurbishment solutions for all the equipment it provides. “For exciter gearboxes, for example, we offer a comprehensive strip-and assess process that involves evaluating each com ponent against strict tolerance criteria. A detailed technicalreportisthenprovidedtoourcustomers, outlining the parts that require replacement. “By regularly replacing the screen panels, and refurbishing the gearboxes, motors and other components, we can keep our vibrating screens performing as reliably as they did when new,” he says.

SRP’s SM horizontal double deck exciter-driven screen is equipped with Sandvik screening media, ensuring consistent performance across tough applications.

An SM Range horizontal double-deck exciter-driven screen with an S Range feeder being lifted by crane during on-site handling.

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