Modern Mining October 2025

arises – be it around the site or from site to site. Technology and innovation In targeting a lower cost per tonne of material moved, the company innovates and develops new products and new features on its equipment. Currently, there are several product upgrades related to stacker and hopper feeders. “As it is,” explains Kruger, “our mobile and semi-mobile equipment eradicates the need for double handling. To this day, several competitors offload trucked material at the port before reloading it onto a feeder, stacker or ship loader and then onto a vessel. We have streamlined the process to discharge commodities directly from a truck, wagon or ship onto a stacker or a ship loader.” Given that the work area at ports often covers several kilometres, transporting goods across these distances is time-consuming and costly, which is where Astec’s semi mobile and mobile equipment is ideal as it can traverse the distance faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. According to Kruger, the production rate related to using traditional methods Kruger explains that while the initial capex associated with the purchase of technologically advanced equipment is slightly higher, the benefit is a significant return on investment and a short payback period of two to three years. The move to EVs With the global move towards electric vehicles (trucks and equipment), how well positioned is Astec Industries? According to Kruger, while the move to EVs is all the rage, not all clients are able to adopt electric powered equipment, particularly small-scale miners or those with equipment that still has a long product life. “The challenge associated with EVs is the payload capacity and the ability to travel extended distances. While the trend is towards EVs, if one considers the volumes and the tonnages ports handle, it is not yet feasible to adopt entire fleets of electric powered equipment.” to move bulk materials averages between 300 and 500 tons per hour, significantly lower than Astec’s technologies which track up to 3500 tons per hour.

Radial Ship loader with truck unloader.

Radial stacker.

Side Tip Hopper Feeder.

Kruger says that, as experts in the field, Astec is well placed to assist clients in determining the best product applications, including the ideal fuel source – be it electric, diesel powered or a combination of both. “It is important to remember, ” he adds, “that many countries in Africa face electricity supply constraints. Aside from our line-up of diesel powered and electric powered products, we also provide generators to the industry.” Industry competitiveness The company’s strong line-up of advanced and highly competitive products delivers significant value for money – they are durable, efficient and deliver high production rates. As such, the equipment supplier tracks strong demand for its products, particularly from ports and warehousing. “We develop, improve and customise our products to meet industry’s evolving needs. We are currently incorporating more features into our mobility equipment to ensure that the units are more versatile,” concludes Kruger. n

OCTOBER 2025 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  35