Modern Mining February 2022

ROOF SUPPORT

Sandvik’s Harare powerhouse keeps mining moving With exciting prospects for new mines and brownfield projects in Zimbabwe, Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions’ Harare-based operation remains at full capacity and at the leading edge of industry innovation.

“ W e are looking forward to two new plati- num operations taking shape, which could be producing within five years, as well as the expansion and digitalisation of existing operations,” says Ian Bagshaw, terri- tory manager for Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions. “There will also be the rejuvenation of brownfield operations in surface and underground mines.” Strengthening its capacity to serve its mar- ket – which includes customers in Botswana and Mozambique – the company has upgraded the skills, tooling and equipment of its service centre and com- pleted a state-of-the-art technology centre. The service centre in Harare remanufactures all current models of Sandvik mobile equipment and also houses a repair and rebuild facility for all major components as well as a dedicated drifter repair and test centre. Its world class Technology Centre works with customers to fully utilise the range of Sandvik digital tools to increase safety and productivity in mining operations. “We are proud of our strong technical foundation,

with about 60% of our 420 plus workforce being engineers, artisans, auto-electri- cians and other technical specialists,” says Bagshaw. “Investing in training our own peo- ple is a priority, and we are proud to note the considerable interest from women in Zimbabwe in pursuing technical careers with some 30% of our apprentices being female at any time.” Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions’ Zimbabwean operation supports the full range of Sandvik equip- ment in the country ranging from underground trucks and loaders to surface drills and crushing and screening equipment. Bagshaw explains that ser- vice and support is tailored to suit each customer’s requirements and ranges from full maintenance contracts to field service callouts, both backed by a comprehensive parts stockholding, digital monitor- ing and ongoing training. He highlights the value of the company’s dedi- cated training department – delivering operator and technical training in-house and for customers. Gap analysis is also provided by the training team, help- ing mines to assess their skills base and provide

Ian Bagshaw, territory manager for Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions.

The Sandvik rebuild facility in Harare ensures support throughout equipment life cycles.

32  MODERN MINING  February 2022