Modern Mining December 2023

underpin Bell Equipment’s success

Bell Equipment continues to have the largest range of ADTs in the world, with the Bell B50E as its flagship 6x6 truck.

continent – has been Bell Equipment’s mainstay. According to Goosen, although the South African and African mining sector experienced a dip in demand prior to Covid, post Covid the base-metals sector has experienced a turnaround in fortune. This, underpinned by the drive for clean energy products such as renewable energy and electric vehicles, has been the impetus for growth. “In addition to the continued robust demand for coal locally, the strong demand for minerals and met als such as graphite, copper, nickel and lithium, has led to the development of several new mines which has, in turn, translated to strong demand for large scale equipment used in the mining process.” The JSE-listed equipment supplier has an exten sive range of products, including “the world’s largest range of ADTs” and, according to Goosen, remains the preferred equipment supplier for miners looking to deliver on increased productivity. The company’s customer-centric design phi losophy, which favours a low cost of ownership, is especially relevant amidst rising energy prices, as it offers agnostic fuel solutions. “Coupled with our product range being extremely reliable and durable, it has the best fuel burn in the industry, which is what sets us apart from our com petitors and has been the impetus for our strong

growth over the past five years,” says Goosen. Although the equipment supplier has migrated the majority of its operations in Africa to dealers, it has retained a presence in Zambia and Zimbabwe. “The dealer network has been expanded and the migration to an independent dealer model has proven beneficial,” explains Goosen. He adds that since the appointment of President Hakainde Hichilema, whose regime has fostered an investment-friendly environment, there has been greater confidence in the Zambian market, which

Bell Equipment’s niche 4x4 crossover trucks, headed up by the B60E, offer significant advantages to customers not requiring 6x6 off-road capability.

feature

December 2023  MODERN MINING  21