Modern Mining December 2023

MATERIALS HANDLING

Armed with a new strategy and a stronger focus on the mining sec tor, flowsheet technology and service supplier to the global mining industry, FLSmidth is looking to grow the business sustainably with more ‘smaller’ acquisitions, said Vice President Site and Service Sales in Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and South Asia, Alistair McKay, when he addressed a media delegation visiting FLSmidth’s Stormill facility in the west of Johannesburg. By Nelendhre Moodley . FLSmidth redefines, aligns to a ‘greener’ future

T he technology specialist recently redefined its focus in line with the changing macro economic fortunes and transitioned from an engineering company to a technology partner focused on achieving on its sustainability agenda. The company launched new corporate mining strategy CORE’26 with the ‘pure play’ plans intended to focus on sustainability, service, technology and performance. The group is also simplifying its oper ating model to reduce risks, improve efficiencies, ensure stronger execution and improve profitability and quality of earnings. “The ability of the company to evolve and align with the changing environment is really critical. Today FLSmidth is a very different company from when it started over a century ago – in fact, even if we track back to ten years ago, when it was pre dominantly a supplier to the cement industry. Today the company is largely focused on the mining sec tor, which accounts for roughly 80% of FLSmidth’s business,” said McKay. Underpinned by its drive towards sustainability and achieving on its net zero emission target by 2030, has been the decision to redirect away from

FLSmidth Stormill Service Centre in South Africa.

the cement industry, which contributes as much as 8% to global CO₂ emissions, and importantly, has become highly saturated by the entry of several new players. According to Stephan Kruger, Vice President Pumps, Cyclones & Valves at FLSmidth, on the back of numerous acquisitions, the company has tracked exponential growth. “Since 1982, FLSmidth has completed a signifi cant number of acquisitions – 95 to be exact. The storyline of more acquisitions will continue into the future,” he affirmed. Following its acquisition of thyssenkrupp’s mining business last year, the equipment supplier’s strat egy now is to grow the business “with smaller type acquisitions” that enhance its sustainability strategy and service agenda. FLSmidth is busy evaluating an option to “acquire a small production facility in South America”. “We are always looking at improving our supply chain footprint, aiming to be closer to our customers. Nearshoring helps us to deliver product quickly and

Alistair McKay.

Stephan Kruger.

feature FLSmidth Mining Strategy - CORE’26 - mining for a sustainable world.

24  MODERN MINING  December 2023