Modern Mining June 2024

COVER STORY

engineering, which has also helped to reduce raw mate rial wastage. “As a case in point, we recently redesigned the tool ing process for our scraper blades which, aside from dramatically reducing the cost of production, has made the process more efficient and ensures that the moulds are leak-proof. Furthermore, the scraper blades require no cleaning and squar ing of blades – a saving of time, energy and material,” explains Rynders. Brelko’s green initia tives extend to its power

work seamlessly onsite. Where possible, we modify and even redesign our equipment to meet client’s specific needs. Our goal is to exceed customer expectations to enhance our trust-base with our clients.” According to Rynders, Brelko was one of the first companies to invest in an in-house 3D modelling capability. “For years, Brelko was ahead of our industry in terms of its 3D CADD offerings. We provided design houses with 3D CADD detail for integration into their design elements. Today, the technology is widely adopted across industry.” Brelko’s innovation and technology mindset underpins all facets of business, including its focus on a cleaner environment, which means the equip ment specialist is constantly evaluating options to lower its carbon footprint by reducing waste and embracing green opportunities. The rising cost of raw materials, which Rynders says has gone up dramatically over the past few years, has been the company’s push for precision

consumption with the company having recently incorporated solar and gas. Where previously its 550 kW diesel generator was its sole power source, it now supplements this with clean power. “The generator starts up with diesel, then migrates to gas. Prior to installing environmentally friendly power solutions, our diesel generator con sumed 102 litres of diesel per hour. Now, when there is no sunlight, we use roughly 22 litres of diesel per hour, which is a huge financial saving and it benefits the environment.” According to Rynders, R&D is an imperative, with out which a business will quickly become stagnant and antiquated. A competitive edge Padayachee believes that Brelko’s fully fledged warehouse sets the company apart as it holds sufficient stock to allow for same day product avail ability to mines. The 6000 m 2 warehouse has been expanded over the years and now has a stockhold ing of three months across all product lines. “Time is money and mines expect to have replacement parts readily available to ensure pro duction stoppages are minimised. “Aside from having field service teams onsite at mining operations where it has major contracts, Brelko keeps stock on-hand at the various sites to ensure workflow at mines continues seamlessly. “Very few companies in our field are able to offer service to the level that Brelko does.” The company has 47 field service teams oper ating in nine provinces and believes that its highly skilled teams, well stocked warehouse, superior quality product range, one-stop shop offering, and experience built over its 37-year history, stands it in good stead. “What separates us in this highly competitive industry, is our ability to produce world class prod ucts, in a Third World, African country.” 

Brelko’s warehouse with product being packed for delivery.

Brelko  Brelko designs and manufactures conveyor belt cleaning equipment for a trouble-free flow of materials at transfer and load points. This is backed up by an installation and maintenance package.  The company has over 36 years of experience as a supplier and advi sor on spillage control to the bulk materials handling industry and offers proactive and ongoing maintenance for preventative spillage control and optimum belt cleaning.  Brelko supplies and services its products throughout the world, with branches in the United Kingdom and the United States, and with master distributors in Australia, Chile, Europe and Greece, and agents located in Africa and more than 40 countries.  The company is accredited with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certification and is a member of the South African Institute of Materials Handling and Conveyor Manufacturers Association Limited of South Africa.

8  MODERN MINING  June 2024