The adoption of digital innovations, such as modern equipment or technologies for automation and cloud storage solutions, are becoming more prevalent in the quarrying and mining sector in Africa.

In this vein, weighing equipment solutions supplier Autotech Weighing Systems (Autotech) is accommodating local mining operations by providing solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity, says technical sales manager Kyle Fourie.

In addition to its focus being on loading systems, the company’s array of accredited weighing solutions, including multi-application scales and weighbridge scales, enhance quarrying and mining processes.

“Autotech is starting to bring more digitalisation into the quarrying and mining sector. We have noticed that, as time progresses, people are starting to rely more on technology and technical information, as well as cloud storage, when it comes to processing materials,” he notes.

One example of a solution provided by Autotech for mining and quarrying clients is the company’s recently launched excavator scale, which Fourie says, is equipped to produce precise weighing results for various loads. This feature ensures enhanced operational efficiency, ease-of-use, improved speed, time savings and a reduction of overloading and underusing occurrences.

Mining and quarrying operations, as well as local and export trade markets, can enhance their operations using Autotech’s wheel loader scales and One Power dumper truck scales, which are used during initial loading phases.

The One Power dumper truck scale enhances efficiency by accessing cloud storage for accurate information about transport quantities and transparent load times, which can be easily integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) system software.

The company’s equipment solutions are paired with digital innovations, such as cloud-based computing solutions and ERP systems, for streamlining mining operations and quarrying processes.

Internet connectivity and access to cloud services enables clients to benefit from remote support, real-time data and a faster return on machine investment, says Fourie.

Meanwhile, Autotech engineer Craig Loffell highlights that the company is the only approved “legal-for-trade” on-board weighing and in-motion rail weighbridge system supplier in South Africa in relation to the product’s use on front-end loaders, in-motion weighbridges and reach stackers.

The company also holds various verification and professional body accreditations, making it a preferred supplier for various industries.

Autotech, Fourie points out, is a South African National Accreditation System- (SANAS-) accredited verification and repair body for legal and trade approval of all types of mass measuring equipment, and a National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications-designated verification and repair body.

“In 2017, we received recognition from SANAS for maintaining our accreditation status for more than 20 years,” he says.

Autotech aims to maintain its position as a preferred supplier for various industries, including the mining and quarrying sectors in South Africa, with one of its current projects involving the installation and commissioning of an in-motion rail weighbridge for a load-out station, says Loffell.

Autotech specialises in materials handling and weighing systems, but also supply solutions to assist with environmental and land reformation, including stockpile management.