Modern Mining October 2023

SUPPLY CHAIN News

TOMRA Mining XRT technology exceeds expectations at Kunwarara deposit we could now process very high calcium content material that we could not do as effectively with the DMS or laser sorting equipment.”

QMAG, part of the Refratechnik group, owns the Kunwarara deposit of crypto crystalline magnesite – one of the world’s largest – located in Central Queensland, Australia. QMAG was an early adopter of sensor based ore sorting, having installed its first Ultrasort laser machine in 1994 and a sec ond one a few years later. After over 22 years in operation, the Ultrasort sorters were becoming antiquated and, in 2016, a TOMRA XRT sorter was installed as a stand alone plant on site. “It was a trial that, at the time, got management very excited: they could see this could be the future,” says Josh Dawson, Production Superintendent at the QMAG mine. “It was a success story: The strengthened presence of WEG in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through its strategic alliance with Panaco, its Value-Added Reseller (VAR), has proven to be highly successful. The company’s established operations in the key min ing centres of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi ensure efficient stockholding allowing easy access to WEG products. This significantly reduces lead times for complete motors and drives, as well as spare parts in case of breakdowns. Thierry Kakese, WEG’s Regional Manager – Central Africa, attributes this success to the alignment of business mod

In view of these results, in 2018 the XRT machine was moved into the sorting plant. The TOMRA XRT sorter has exceeded expectations, as Josh Dawson explains: “By collaborating with TOMRA to optimise the performance of the XRT unit, we can now turn agricultural products into much higher grades required by the Parkhurst process ing plant.” TOMRA’s XRT sorter has also extended the life of QMAG’s deposit: “We were at the point where we thought a lot of our ore body wasn’t going to achieve the grade els between the two companies. “As a major player, WEG has long been dedicated to establishing and nurtur ing a robust VAR partner network in the Central African region, ensuring sustainable growth and expanding our installed base of products and solu tions,” he says. Panaco, appointed as WEG’s VAR in the DRC four years ago, plays a vital role in the region. The company was one of the first electrical subcontrac tors operating in that country and today, with more than 40 years’ experience, Panaco possesses the experience and

TOMRA Mining XRT technology exceeds expectations. for some of our lower end products. The TOMRA XRT machine proved that we could now mine those deposits and turn them into useful product for the higher end applications.” 

WEG partnership with Panaco boosts growth in the DRC

WEG partnership with Panaco boosts growth in the DRC.

capability to meet the escalating demand for WEG motors, drives and other products in the country. 

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