Africa’s changing mining landscape has necessitated a rethink of traditional methods and is guiding global mining technology group Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology to focus on smart solutions to improve overall mining efficiency.

These services and products will also form the basis of Sandvik’s presence at Electra Mining Africa 2016, when customers will be able to share in the array of systems available to raise productivity and contain overall costs.

“Similarly, we will look at issues such as extending the life of equipment through various interventions, as well as introducing smart solutions that will help our customers manage their operations more cost effectively,” says Sandvik strategic accounts manager for Southern Africa Andrew Main.

“Tough trading conditions exist at present and we are adapting our focus to support mines to survive and thrive during this period. Our offerings, therefore, have become more centred on aftermarket services that nurture and improve operations and find efficiencies within existing and planned infrastructure.”

Mechanisation Needed
Main explains that extraction of Africa’s mineral wealth is becoming ever-more challenging because of complexities within existing orebodies. Mechanisation is needed to maintain productivity levels for safe, cost- effective mining. Fewer people wanting to work underground is also exacerbating the problem, which will inevitably lead to a necessary focus on mechanisation further down the line.

“The new generation of miners are less willing to work underground, but are much more accepting of technology. To mechanise means that operators are able to sit in comfort above ground and simultaneously operate multiple pieces of equipment. Similarly, modern mine managers are able to ‘take the roof off their operations at any time’ to view what is happening underground and ensure smoother production, know the status and health of equipment, how much is being produced and if targets are being met,” Main says.

Mechanisation has evolved from a more fixed type of footprint to a more portable and flexible solution, which makes it viable for a far wider range of mine types. Although it does have an impact on the number of jobs underground, it removes people from dangerous areas and this, says Main, provides safety benefits that far outweigh underground staffing issues. Jobs are also made up again on the support side and in keeping the equipment and technologies running.

“Despite these and other challenges, Africa has special opportunities, with the potential for mechanisation being huge. For this reason, mechanised mining tonnages are expected to increase over the next five years with the use of smart technologies enhancing productivity. This is certainly the trend Sandvik is observing by working with our customers on new and future operations,” he adds.

Opportunities
Main notes that Sandvik will use Electra Mining Africa 2016 to showcase its abilities to control costs and boost mining clients’ production across Africa.

“We will introduce visitors to the advanced technology at our disposal and highlight some of the considerable knowledge that we have built up over the decades. This pertains to our advanced products in cemented carbide, titanium, ceramics and alloyed steel, as well as to our patents, drawings and expertise in metals and materials that are the root of our global success.

“As for the many other commodities within the [continent], we are of the opinion that the answer for successful mining in Africa is not just to look at the dollars and cents cost per unit, but rather to look at ways of reducing overall costs and increasing overall productivity. This requires the right product mix and associated aftermarket support systems and services to assist them.”

Main highlights that Sandvik sees gold and platinum remaining a key focus in Southern Africa for the foreseeable future and depending on trends in the manganese market, this will also be a focus area for miners.

“Whatever the circumstances and no matter what commodity, Sandvik has the right solutions to support the industry,” he concludes.

Hall 5 Stand B22