Modern Mining May 2020

CRUSHING, SCREENING AND MILLING

Customisation drivers Kwatani’s Schoepflin singles out cost and performance as the under- lying factors driving the need for customisation. “In manufacturing, virtual design software tools and digital prototyping of the ore and processing flows tear down barriers such as time, money, distance and language to create a team-like ecosystem in which met- allurgists, engineers and end-users collaborate continuously from concept to production.” She says the company believes in a better-designed result which “costs less to manufacture, does the job, increases productivity and meets the end-user’s needs.” Basson agrees that cost is an underlying driver for the customisation requirement. He notes that the South African rand has depreciated by 83% and 142% against the euro and the US

dollar respectively over the last 10 years. “Current volatility in the financial markets will exacerbate this,” he says. “The significance lies in the fact that most replacement components to sus- tain the minerals processing equipment must be imported.” He believes this will create opportunities for local equipment manufacturers able to focus on in-house design and the development of minerals processing equipment. In addition, he says, more emphasis is needed on maximising the sourcing of spare parts locally. “The minerals processing equipment employed on site must be fit-for-purpose, meaning that it must

feasibility studies and in designing bespoke plants often means that only major players with consider- able resources and a life of mine covering decades can afford these types of product or plant.” This, however, is not a realistic option to the majority of operations and Pilot Crushtec’s “stan- dardised” modular plants mean quick, proven and cost-effective solutions are on offer. “This means the end-user can take advantage of favourable commodity prices in a shorter time frame and at a reliable rate. Should operating conditions change, the modular design allows for the plant to be relocated or the design to be changed with rela- tive ease.”

Pilot Crushtec’s Metso Lokotrack ST2.8 mobile scalping screen.

Sandvik ACS automation and connectivity.

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26  MODERN MINING  May 2020