Modern Mining February 2020

PRODUCT News

Kwatani collaboration boosts local mining economy

Specialist vibrating equipment Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Kwatani is leveraging a recent multi-year service contract at a large mining customer in the Northern Cape to further boost the area’s local economy. “Our branch near the customer’s mining operation has for many years employed and developed local expertise,” Kim Schoepflin, CEO of Kwatani, says. “Our latest initiative takes this further, by upskilling a local sub-contractor to conduct certain maintenance work on our behalf.” A lengthy selection process was conducted by Kwatani to find a suitable sub-contractor, followed by ongoing training to empower artisans and other workers with specialised skills. Schoepflin says it was also important to involve the mine itself, so that they remain confident in the strength of their supply chain. “Promoting local employment, skills and sustainability cannot be a tick-box exercise,” Schoepflin says. “It has to be based on proper engagement, hands-on training and the sub-contractor’s own commitment.”

She warns that mining legislation and regulatory pressure can tempt stakeholders to rush such a process. “This would be a mis- take; rather, it should be treated as an opportunity to strengthen the capability of all stakeholders.” Kwatani’s 35 years of experience in heavy duty minerals appli- cations means that the OEM now has approximately 800 vibrating screens and feeders in the Northern Cape. The maintenance con- tract is an ideal opportunity to involve and foster the technical capability of local players, she says. It was vital that the chosen sub-contractor already had consider- able experience and capacity, equipment and relevant expertise. “As a South African OEM with our own technologies and intel- lectual property, we are able to certify the sub-contractor and their quality of work,” Schoepflin says. “Phase 1 of our initiative will see them conducting basic service and maintenance functions.” Kwatani retains responsibility for all work conducted, and continues with services such as detailed technical inspections, engineering support, on-site testing and diagnosis. It also supplies OEM spare parts, ensuring quality control, increased lifecycle time and reduced downtime. Schoepflin notes that communities countrywide are eager to see more benefits from economic activity, and the Mining Charter provides clear guidance on how mining companies can contribute to this process. Kwatani’s mining customer is therefore also eager and incentivised to promote local businesses, both directly and through the supply chains of its main local contractors. She highlights the importance of supporting local firms to build sustainability in the local economy. This also strengthens the skills base for this economy to diversify, making it less dependent on mining and more resilient to commodity cycles and eventual mine closure. “Our own business is local from the ground up, sourcing 99% of direct purchases from inside South Africa,” she says. “So, we understand the positive role that local procurement and skills

development can play.” Kwatani, website: www.kwatani.co.za

Kwatani training customer employees on site.

The company’s extensive product offering is available from seven specialist divisions – tools and equipment, cutting tools, welding products, lifting equipment, PPE products, locks and machine tools. The manufacturing division offers work- shop repairs and services, as well as the production of a wide range of custom- made industrial materials, including welding screens, strip curtains, fire blankets, spill mats, tarpaulins and dam liners. INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment was estab- lished through the consolidation of six independent tooling companies – Man-Dirk, Tool Quip & Allied, SA Tool, Sibuyile Industrial Supplies, Gem Tool and F&H Machine Tools. The company has its head office in Benrose, Johannesburg and branches through South Africa and Namibia. INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment, website: www.industri.co.za

Training college awards contract to supply tool kits The Colliery Training College (CTC) in Emalahleni (Witbank) has awarded INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment the 2020 contract to sup- ply tool kits, which are used during mining and engineering related skills training.

of this skills upliftment initiative, which plays an increasingly critical role in South Africa. The 2020 CTC tool kit contract encom- passes the supply of quality-branded hand tools, that are used by hundreds of students every day in the CTC engineering work- shops and during practical skills training. “The CTC, which is accredited by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), also has certifica- tion from relevant SETAs. In line with the CTC’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in every aspect of the training programme, all tools are carefully selected by INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment specialists, in terms of quality, suitability for the task, safe use and long service-life.”

“The CTC, which was established in 1964 specifically for the mining sector, has since diversified and artisan skills training is now available for many different trades. Students are offered training for various sectors, including electrical, auto electrical and instrumentation, or as riggers, diesel mechanics, plater welders, millwrights and fitters,” says Kriban Govender, Managing Director, INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment, part of the Engineering Solutions Group (ESG) of Invicta Holdings Limited. “The INDUSTRI team is proud to be part

38  MODERN MINING  February 2020