Modern Mining April 2020

COVER STORY

At the summit of the global mining Global expansion is at the forefront of AECI Mining’s strategic efforts to improve its position in the global mining industry. This is underpinned by the company’s continued R&D drive to design and manufacture products and solutions, which will solve the countless challenges mining is faced with on an on-going basis. While these efforts are coupled with enhancing AECI Mining’s already strong brand, the company remains steadfast in its quest to operate safely and sustainably without any harm to people or the environment.

I n recent months, AECI Mining has placed a strong focus on repositioning itself as a strategic partner in the value chain of its mining customers. The AECI Mining Pillar was formed by integrating AECI Mining Explosives (AEL Intelligent Blasting) and AECI Mining Chemicals (Senmin) as a means of bolstering the mining value chain at large. Commenting on the success of this venture, Michelle le Roux, Marketing and Communications Manager, says the new AECI brand has rejuve- nated the group’s position in the mining industry. Leveraging this strong new brand and the group’s innovation drive, AECI Mining is seeking market growth in the mining industry. Edwin Ludick, MD of AECI Mining Explosives, says the new brand has been well received and is excited about what this holds for the future. “By providing a combined solution to the market, we are optimising on opportunities with our customers and growing our footprint globally,” he says. “Through effective collaboration with all stakeholders, AECI Mining

is increasing its contribution to digitised mining by focusing on future technologies that will provide customers with efficient processes and optimised outcomes. Global expansion AECI Mining Explosives is expanding its global busi- ness reach as part of a strategic plan to increase its global business exposure by at least 30% over the next couple of years and in a concerted effort to substitute volumes from the ever-declining South African mining industry. The venture is already yielding pleasing results, with the company recently announcing the finali- sation of a US$6,3-million acquisition of Brazilian explosives manufacturer, Dinacon. The transaction includes full ownership of a bulk emulsion plant, packaged explosives manufacturing facility, licenced storage facilities as well as distribution networks. The deal is expected to be settled by H1-2020. The deal offers AECI Mining Explosives a platform

Morne Stiglingh (left) and Christo Peltz (right) of AECI Mining, accept the AECI Safety Award from Neil Franklin (centre), AECI Group Safety, Health and Environment Manager at the Annual AECI Awards event.

from which to grow, not only in Brazil, but across Latin America. Of particular importance is Peru and Chile, two established min- ing destinations in the region and key to the Company’s future. “The global expansion drive remains critical to ensure future sustainability for the Company. While the Dinacon acquisition secures us a presence in Brazil, equally important is that it affords us the opportunity to also expand our footprint in neighbouring countries,” says Ludick. Dinacon’s Lorena facilities mainly served the Brazilian construction and civil blasting industry and had limited expo- sure to the large mining sector, something that AECI Mining will surely be focused on. Ludick says under AECI’s ownership, there are signifi- cant opportunities to grow the business. One of these is by leveraging the Group’s

10  MODERN MINING  April 2020