Modern Mining November 2020

COMMODITY FOCUS – COAL

where Kwatani is fully responsible for equipment operations, replacements, refurbishments and maintenance. “These agreements are structured so that we share in the gains and losses of the mine. We get paid only when the mine is producing according to expectations. For this reason, we have a full team on site, daily to ensure that the screens are always in top shape and any issues are resolved imminently,” she says. Junior mining houses may not require such extensive service level agreements but do however need regular visits and quick turnaround times on service calls to ensure they remain operational for as much time as possible. Kwatani’s experi- enced service team serves this sector of the market and offers financially flexible options to suit clients’ budgets. Some customers are challenged by a lack of skilled personnel or stretched resources. Mine personnel are often

required to maintain entire processing plants, from building infrastructure to crushers and screens. Kwatani’s service offering assists with maintenance prediction, using the company’s latest condition monitoring technology. Out of this involvement in the lifecycle of the equipment, the company also gets to identify future design improvements to continu- ally drive lower total cost of ownership on its custom engineered equipment. Additionally, Kwatani’s in-house research and development enables the company to complete specific application test work and back its process simulations and engineering designs, to improve effi- ciency and increase throughput. Kwatani has over the past 44 years established a successful equipment reference base and track record across the country’s major coal mines. The company has also made a significant entry into the junior mining side of the coal sector, and has posi- tioned itself as a screen supplier of choice for this group of customers. “Our operating mantra – engineered for tonnage – ensures that each coal customer is provided with a customised, fit-for-purpose solution that is robust and durable, delivered to the required operating effi- ciency at the required tonnage, while reducing the overall cost of operation,” she says. In conclusion, Mabotja says the significance of new developments is continuously discussed and shared on the Southern African Coal Processing Society platforms, thus offering OEMs insights into the needs of coal miners. “The emphasis is not only to offer a piece of vibrating equipment, but also to stay abreast of market trends with a product offer- ing that is in line with the ever-changing market demands,” she concludes. 

250 tph, incorporating smaller screening equipment below 2,4 m in width. “We have a dedicated product range which is tailored to the budget and needs of these process- ing plants. Because junior miners often need to start generating revenue as quickly as possible, they operate not only on very tight budgets, but also short delivery times which we are able to accommodate with our dedicated floor space and jobbing system needed for this product range,” says Mabotja. Major benefits Major coal miners benefit from Kwatani’s customised service level agreements, which include: continu- ous audits at given time intervals to measure the performance and condition of the equipment; on- site training from artisans through to supervisors; on-going operating and maintenance training; on-site stockholding management; refurbishment programmes; as well as cost per ton agreements

Kwatani’s large 4,3 m wide banana screen manufactured for coal mining.

Key takeaways  The coal industry is currently enduring low coal prices with a recovery in the short term very unlikely  Additionally, the appetite for funding of new coal plants and expansions is low, leading to significant uncertainty in the sector  This has resulted in a strong drive for continuous cost reduction and increased productivity across majors, juniors and the industry at large  Apart from the initial capital expenditure, processing equipment at mines has an enormous influence on production efficiency, tonnage and operat- ing costs  With its holistic approach, through collective processes and mechanical expertise, Kwatani continues to successfully offer and implement tailored value adding models to coal mines in South Africa

22  MODERN MINING  November 2020