The West African mining sector has developed significantly, particularly in gold production, over the past decade, with mining industry solutions provider FLS playing a key role in supporting this expansion by offering innovative equipment and customised solutions to global and local mining companies, says FLS West Africa site and service sales head Elvis Acheampong.

FLS provides an extensive portfolio of mining equipment and processing solutions, including comminution and separation technologies as well as automation solutions.

The company also has a range of high- efficiency sensors and vision systems, helping mining operations optimise performance while reducing operational costs.

FLS has an established and strong presence in key mining markets, such as Ghana, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, catering primarily to the gold and copper industries.

New mining developments are also emerging in these countries, and with the region’s mining expansion in full swing, the company is actively supporting these projects.

These countries are not only key mining hubs, but also strategic locations for regional growth.

“With the sustained rise in gold production, FLS has built strong relationships with global and local mining firms, allowing us to tailor our solutions to the unique challenges and opportunities in the region,” Acheampong adds.

He notes that FLS has successfully deployed combination circuits and grinding mills that improve throughput and operational efficiency.

FLS has also noted a strong uptake for the company’s solutions that were designed for environmental sustainability, such as emissions control and water management systems.

Sustainability, Digitalisation

As sustainability remains a key industry focus, FLS is aligning its solutions with environmental best practices, evidenced by the company’s advanced grinding technologies that have been designed to lower energy consumption – a critical factor in regions where energy costs are high.

“Our [high-pressure grinding roll or] HPGR Pro with no water or grinding media required, is one such technology, offering a significant reduction in energy consumption by up to 15%. “Additionally, we have introduced ARMOUR mill liners that deliver reliable wear protection for all mill types, maximising throughput and optimising wear life with a fully customisable design. We have also added a recycling service for mill liners to further reduce environmental impact,” Acheampong enthuses.

The company is also piloting a project at its Ghana service centre, which provides clients with carbon footprint reduction certification through repair and refurbishment operations.

“By integrating these technologies, we help mining companies meet their sustainability goals while addressing regulatory and cost challenges,” he adds.

In addition, water management remains a significant focus for FLS, particularly in regions where water scarcity can impact on mining operations.

FLS works closely with clients to implement technologies that allow for water conservation and recycling, consequently reducing overall consumption while maintaining efficiency in mineral processing.

Acheampong adds that, with increasing regulatory pressure and heightened awareness of environmental impact, “these solutions are becoming more critical than ever”.

FLS is also investing in digitalisation and automation to enhance operational efficiency through enhanced asset management and reduced reliance on manual interventions.

The company’s process optimisation tools enable operators to monitor and control operations in real time, which Acheampong notes leads to improved efficiency and cost savings.

Predictive maintenance and remote monitoring are two other key areas where digitalisation is making a difference.

“These technologies [enable] mining operators to detect potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. Given the logistical challenges in some remote mining areas, having access to real-time data is an invaluable asset,” he states.

Further, in recognising the importance of local expertise, FLS has developed a skilled regional team to provide direct service delivery, from project execution to after-sales support.

FLS teams in West Africa understand the technical and regulatory landscape, which Acheampong says, enables the company to provide on-site training, as well as troubleshooting and maintenance services.

FLS aims to strengthen its partnerships with mining companies in West Africa, delivering customised solutions that enhance production and profitability.

“Our long-term goal is to remain a trusted partner in the industry, ensuring that West Africa’s mining sector continues to grow in a sustainable and efficient manner,” Acheampong concludes.