African early adopters push world-class productivity
ACCESSIBLE DATA Sandvik Rock Processing’s SAM platform collects and analyses data from operating equipment, to drive plant optimisation
HIGHLY SERVICEABLE Service technicians can use reports and analysis on equipment performance to inform and improve their services
Southern African mining players remain committed to driving productivity and sustainability, embracing the latest advances that their technology partners can offer.
Screening solutions provider Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions Africa sales area VP Tarynn Yatras highlights that a Southern African customer is the second globally to be piloting the latest remote monitoring innovations in rock processing.
“We have seen mines in Southern Africa leading the way as early adopters of various recent technologies,” she says.
Yatras adds that it is exciting to see companies in the region leveraging on-mine connectivity, for instance, to take advantage of Sandvik’s state-of-the-art monitoring systems for cone crushers and screens.
With most clients now using the company’s connectivity-enabled equipment, their adoption of monitoring and automation systems is accelerating.
Sandvik Rock Processing’s SAM platform collects and analyses data from the operating equipment, to drive plant optimisation, extend service intervals and lower total cost of ownership.
The productivity potential for these advances is substantial, and comes not a moment too soon for a region that is gearing up for mining growth.
According to Sandvik Rock Processing screening solutions business line manager Frengelina Mabotja, the market is expected to be boosted by mining expansions to meet demand for critical minerals.
“We look forward to firmer underlying prices for many commodities, which will definitely impact the investment in equipment and encourage customers toward innovation and productivity upgrades in their crushing and screening facilities,” says Mabotja.
Additionally, clients are also looking for support in meeting their sustainability targets and environmental impact, and Sandvik’s crushing and screening solutions therefore prioritise decarbonisation aspects such as energy efficiency.
Given the company’s integrated solutions that include crushers, screens and screening media, there is particular attention paid to optimal equipment selection, facilitated by its digital design and simulation tool – PlantDesigner.
Sandvik Rock Processing crushing solutions business line manager PC Kruger highlights how this simulation enhances the ability of mines; consultants; and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms to analyse options from an early stage in any project.
“With tools like this, including our integrated flowsheet offering, customers can quickly generate and assess various crushing and screening alternatives at concept or early project stage,” says Kruger.
Underpinning the application of its continuous innovations is the company’s strong footprint in Southern Africa and a focus on in-country skills development.
Yatras emphasises the established Sandvik network which gives easy access to customer sites.
“We are continually building in-country competence to ensure rapid response times with the right level of specialised expertise,” she says, adding that Sandvik’s investment in upskilling people through dedicated training programmes has even attracted the attention of customers, who become partners in these schemes to employ selected graduates for their own operations.
There is strong synergy between the company’s support function and its advances in digital technology, Yatras points out.
Sandvik Rock Processing’s initiative in Africa to digitally enable and connect the installed base of crushers, for instance, generates valuable data not just for the user, but also for the original-equipment manufactures.
“Service technicians can use reports and analysis on equipment performance to inform and improve their services, proactively guiding the customer on maintenance decisions,” concludes Yatras.
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