Mining solutions manufacturer Joy Global is positioning its business through a partnership with Chingola-based company Lusanga Technical Services to support and drive mining production in Zambia when the commodities price downturn comes to an end.

Joy Global business development manager for Africa Marc de Chalain says the Copperbelt has always been, and will remain, a growth prospect for the company.

“We look forward to an improvement in the [mining] environment, locally and globally, which will allow for increased production and growth on the Copperbelt again.”

Joy Global is working towards introducing its new Matador 18HD load-haul-dump vehicle and 2650XPC hybrid rope shovel to various mines in Zambia.

The Matador offers customers a fuel saving of up to 30% and up to 15% more production than its competitors, and is the leading development in underground rock mining, says Joy Global. It is designed to offer faster acceleration and lower heat rejection, compared with competitors, and best-in-class breakout and rimpull.

The 2650XPC hybrid rope shovel combines various technologies for improved mobility, flexibility and breakout force. This is achieved by using an on-board diesel-powered generator and integrating bucket hydraulics, while maintaining the production advantages demonstrated by electric rope shovels. The machine is capable of loading 200 t trucks in an environment where electricity supply security is a key consideration and is, thus, suited for use in Zambia, where there have been ongoing power supply challenges.

Although the company attended Zambia’s professional attendance technical supplies and equipment trade expo for the Copperbelt region, Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo and Conference, in May, Joy Global opted for a pragmatic approach in its decision not to exhibit at the event, owing to the current difficult economic environment in which the mining industry is operating.

Joy Global has been active in the Copperbelt region for more than 15 years and has a well-established partnership with Zambia’s largest integrated copper producer, Konkola Copper Mines, at its Nchanga openpit mine, in Chingola.