Kwatani, previously known as Joest Kwatani, and Derrick Corporation have partnered to drive best screening practice in the African mining sector.

This important development sees Kwatani represent Derrick Corporation’s range of engineered fine screening solutions in selected mining regions in Africa. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will share this responsibility with Derrick Solutions International (DSI) Africa, which has represented Derrick Equipment Company since 2014.

The collaboration, which was announced at this year’s Electra Mining Africa, positions Kwatani as a single source for state-of-the-art screening solutions for all commodities.

“Kwatani now has access to machines for coarse and fine screening and for arduous applications through to technologies with patented polyurethane panels for screening at 45 microns and finer particle sizes,” says Nic Barkhuysen, vice president: Africa of DSI.

Barkhuysen says this is a significant competitive edge for Kwatani considering the slump in commodity prices and the need for OEMs to have a wide variety of solutions for all minerals and base metals. There is no other screening company that is capable of such a comprehensive offering for the African mining industry.

Importantly, this collaboration brings together two research and development (R&D) driven OEMs who will be able to share and transfer knowledge and experience to their customers to assist them achieve the lowest total cost per ton.

Kim Schoepflin, managing director of Kwatani, says that this is one of the many synergies between the two companies that led to the start of informal discussions between Kwatani, Derrick Corporation and DSI Africa at EMA 2014.

“Kwatani is well known for its high level of ongoing product development that ensures customers access to new generation technology aimed at achieving the lowest cost per ton. Derrick Corporation has a similar R&D philosophy which has seen the introduction of latest technologies to the African mining industry,” Schoepflin says.

Both Kwatani and Derrick Corporation have established reputations for leveraging best practice engineering methodologies and this, coupled with in-depth experience and applications knowledge, means customers will benefit significantly in terms of ready access to technical input and the provision of fit-for-purpose quality vibrating equipment solutions.

Working closely with DSI Africa, Kwatani strengthens Derrick Corporation’s operations in Africa. As Schoepflin notes, Kwatani has established a strong and reputable presence in key mining regions on the continent.

Barkhuysen says that DSI Africa has trained Kwatani’s process engineering and service maintenance teams in Derrick Corporation’s technologies and applications. “The company is ready to market, service and maintain these machines in its territories. On-site support and screen refurbishment services are also available from Kwatani,” he says.

Schoepflin believes that the two companies have laid the foundations for a solid business partnership moving forward.

“The business relationship has matured since we started conceptualising the collaboration at the previous EMA, and we are very comfortable working together. EMA 2016 now marks the beginning of so much more to come,” she concludes.