Placing a high premium on employing dynamic and knowledgeable engineers and scientists, Gauteng-based mining consultancy VBKom provides a professional technical service to Africa’s mining industry, with specific focus on geology and mining engineering.
Having established a Namibia-based branch in 2013, VBKom – a consultancy from Africa, for Africa – is currently exploring opportunities to establish an additional office in West Africa.
Over the last year, the company has been awarded three major 12-month contracts by local mining and construction majors, including a medium- and long-term planning contract for 20 operations owned by cement and concrete manufacturer AfriSam; a mining engineering support contract from iron-ore major Kumba Iron Ore; and a mine planning contract from Northern Cape-based manganese development Tshipi é Ntle manganese mine.
VBKom was also awarded a 24-month contract from South Africa’s fourth black-controlled manganese mining development Kudumane manganese mine, which involves resource and reserve estimations, long-term mine planning and monthly reconciliation. Further, VBKom was required to appoint geotechnical engineers for the mine.
VBKom’s complete services provision includes mine planning and project management from the exploration phase through to feasibility, implementation and operational support.
Further, the company consults on due diligence, mine optimisation, design and production scheduling. It is also qualified to sign off on Samrec, Jorc and N143-1-1 compliance, is able to provide Simio Process simulation, project management and administration, and can manage quality assurance, quality control, data and risk.
Established in 2008, VBKom is equally owned by its five founding partners. The company, located at 95 Lyttelton road, Centurion, boasts a staff complement of 35, of whom 25 are engineers.