From platinum and gold to coal and copper, SEW‑EURODRIVE asserts that its move into digital drive technologies has become integral to mining applications, positioning the company as a major force in Africa’s mining sector.

“Twenty years ago, we secured our first major power pack contract for a platinum mine in Limpopo,” recalls SEW‑EURODRIVE national sales and marketing manager Jonathan McKey. “That project marked the beginning of our deep involvement in mining and today our gearboxes, motors and coupling combinations are operating in almost every mining environment across the continent.”

“The traditional combination of motor, gearbox and fluid coupling for controlled startup is evolving,” he notes. “Now, customers want flexible drive systems with precise speed control and the ability to adjust production rates on demand - and our technology is delivering that.”

McKey outlines that the company’s mining journey began in the platinum sector, where it developed gearbox solutions specifically engineered for the prevailing conditions on site. “It was vital to understand the gear ratios, power requirements and velocities commonly used in platinum operations,” explains McKey. “As in every industry we serve, the success of our power packs lies in a systematic responsible approach that begins with a clear understanding of what the customer really needs.”

As the company expanded into new mineral commodities, McKey says it applied the same principle - understand the application first, then developing fit-for-purpose drive train systems. In chrome, this meant developing new stocking standardised gear ratios and power ratings for its power packs. McKey goes on to explain that when coal mining became a target segment, the unique characteristics of that environment called for yet another redesign, this time with lighter material and faster conveyor speeds requiring adapted solutions.

SEW‑EURODRIVE highlights that its local production and warehousing operations have expanded significantly since its first local assembly operation was introduced in 2006, noting that a Phase 2 expansion is now nearing completion at the company’s head office in Aeroton, Johannesburg.

The company says its service and technical support have always been central to its offering and that it has upskilled local service teams to deliver after-sales services to its mining customers.

In addition to its core gear motor offering, SEW‑EURODRIVE also provides full open gearing solutions for mills and other critical applications, including girth gears, main mill motors and gearboxes, pinions and related components.