Mining equipment manufacturer and service provider Kopex Group, which is headquartered in Poland, is increasing its presence on African soil, where it sees increased demand for more user- and environment-friendly mining equipment.
Through its subsidiary company, Hansen + Genwest, based in Benoni, South Africa, the group is targeting clients in other African countries, offering a full range of services, combined with the possibility of financing.
Kopex is focused on Southern Africa, but mining activity in Central and West Africa has also grabbed its attention. With its shaft-sinking and mine development experience, Kopex is seen as a reliable partner in even the most difficult projects. The group works on jobs around the globe and easily adapts to local working conditions. It has a policy that no project is more important than another.
“Anyone considering any involvement in a mining project should come and speak to us – see what we can do and how we can help. No task is too difficult, and no one will be left without the proper attention from our team of engineers and managers.”
Kopex believes its devoted workforce and its sophisticated manufacturing capabilities differentiates it from its competitors. The group has manufacturing plants in Poland, South Africa, China, Australia and Serbia. Research and development departments in those factories are capable of designing, implementing and supervising the manufacturing of machinery and equipment tailor-made to clients’ requirements.
Meanwhile, Kopex is in the midst of a restructuring process, which will see the group dispose of entities that are not directly linked to its core business of mining. The main reason for the restructuring is the need for a more manageable entity, which takes advantage of synergy and is capable of easily adapting to external and internal changes. At the same time, the restructuring seeks to make affiliate companies more aware of their role in the group structure and of the chain of responsibility. Simplifying the group structure should enable Kopex to better respond to the market and shorten the distance between a client and manufacturer, while lowering operating costs.
Kopex’s ability to weather up- and downturns in the mining industry is testimony to its dexterity. The mining supplier believes that demand for minerals, such as gold, iron-ore, copper, platinum-group metals and coal will continue to increase, driven by the world’s growing population and a need for more affordable energy. Considering the shortages of electric power in Africa, China, India and other parts of the world, mining is set to continue its growth. Although there will be a focus on more environment-friendly sources of energy, such as solar and wind, Kopex believes the high prices of those technologies are unlikely to pose a threat to coal and lignite without proper financing.