Global refractory and industrial solutions provider Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) is observing ten years of activity in Zambia in 2024 – a period marked by the company’s strategic engagement in the country’s industrial and mining sectors.

Since establishing its presence in the country in 2013, DGC has expanded its operations and positioned itself in Zambia as a central hub for its activities across sub-Saharan Africa.

Reflecting on this decade, DGC Africa chairperson Trevor Dickinson emphasises Zambia’s significance in the company’s broader African strategy, noting that the country has been crucial to the company’s regional operations, as it provides a stable base and a platform for expansion.

“Over the years, we have sought to integrate deeply into the local economy, establishing partnerships that have been essential to our progress,” he says, highlighting that Zambia’s abundant natural resources and conducive business environment have also facilitated the company’s growth in the region.

DGC has, over the years, concentrated on delivering industrial services critical to Zambia’s mining and industrial sectors, including refractory, mechanical, catalyst handling, industrial cleaning and acid- proofing solutions.

However, while the company celebrates this milestone, Dickinson also acknowledges the challenges encountered along the way, including fluctuating commodity prices, evolving regulatory frameworks, changes in ownership of Mopani Copper Mines from diversified mining and marketing company Glencore to the Zambian government and new investors mining company International Resources Holding, as well as Zambia’s prolonged power outages.

Despite these hurdles, he says the company has remained adaptive, and that it consistently aligns its services with client requirements and the broader market.

Central to DGC’s operations in Zambia has been its commitment to local capacity building.

DGC has prioritised recruiting and training local professionals, as well as fostering a skilled workforce that contributes to sustainability and the wider economic development of the country.

“We view our success as intrinsically linked to the communities in which we operate. This perspective has driven our investment in local talent, ensuring that our workforce is equipped to support our long-term objectives,” adds Dickinson.

Regional Expansion

Zambia has been not only a location of significant operations for DGC, but also a key launchpad for the company’s expansion into other sub-Saharan African markets.

DGC Africa now operates in two regions, namely DGC South African Operations and African Operations outside of South Africa, which include Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

The Zambian base has been instrumental in establishing a presence in these neighbouring countries, Dickinson tells Mining Weekly.

“Zambia has played a pivotal role in our regional expansion, providing us with the experience and operational expertise necessary to navigate new markets. The lessons learned here have been invaluable, as we’ve extended our reach across the continent,” he states.

The company’s approach to expansion is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the African industrial landscape and a commitment to delivering context- specific solutions.

Its operational model, which prioritises building strong relationships with local stakeholders and adapting to the unique challenges of every market, has been instrumental in its regional growth, he adds.

As DGC continues to expand its footprint across sub-Saharan Africa, it remains committed to making ongoing investments in research and development, which Dickinson says, has enabled the company to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver solutions that address the evolving needs of clients.

The company has introduced the DGC AssetPro Solutions Localisation Partnership model – a new business model aimed at enhancing its operations in neighbouring countries, including the DRC, throughout South Africa and supporting ongoing expansion into other sub-Saharan African countries in the future.

The model is designed to deepen the company’s engagement with the local market by fostering closer collaboration with local businesses and communities.

The introduction of the model represents a strategic shift towards greater local integration across multiple regions, explains Dickinson, adding that by working alongside local partners, DGC aims to deliver asset management and maintenance solutions that are tailored to the specific requirements of each market, including Zambia, the DRC, South Africa and other sub-Saharan African countries.

The model also aims to improve service delivery while generating new opportunities for local enterprises.

It also reflects DGC’s broader strategy of aligning its operations with market demands, consequently ensuring that its activities contribute to sustainable economic growth.