The demand for minerals such as gold, copper and lithium is driving African mines to adopt more efficient crushing, screening and milling systems that can meet production targets while also aligning with environmental standards, says crushing and aggregate processing solutions provider Gold Rock Projects marketing manager Chris Marsay.

He explains that the continent’s mining sector is moving into a new era that is not just about resource extraction, but also operational excellence, technological adaptability and the development of human capital.

Crushing and screening technology has not changed fundamentally for generations, notes Marsay, adding, however, that improvements in mobility, weight and energy consumption are reshaping how plants are deployed and operated across Africa.

He says many operators prefer simplicity over complexity when acquiring new equipment, with growth being observed in clients requiring wheeled crushing units instead of tracked machines, especially in Africa.

“Operators value the robustness, ease of maintenance and lower costs that come with wheeled equipment,” explains Marsay.

This preference for simplicity forms part of a wider move toward modular and mobile plant design, he says, adding that these systems can be deployed rapidly, require less infrastructure and adapt easily to changing ore bodies and site conditions.

This type of modularity is helping mines to scale production more efficiently and respond to shifts in market demand, whether in a two-stage aggregate plant or a high-throughput copper operation, adds Marsay.

People Remain Central

While technology plays a role in improving performance, Marsay stresses that people remain at the centre of successful operations.

Crushing plants and other heavy equipment demand skilled handling, proper maintenance and informed decision-making, he says, adding that the success of any crushing operation ultimately comes down to the skill of the operator.

“If equipment is not used correctly, it leads to downtime, inefficiency and higher costs.”

Marsay notes that this challenge is especially relevant as artisanal and subsistence miners move from hand tools toward fully mechanised operations, thereby creating an urgent need for training for operators.

Even small-scale operations can lose efficiency if inferior or inappropriate machines are used, he cautions.

Marsay explains that the company undertakes comprehensive training, technical onboarding and aftersales support across Africa, ensuring operators know how to operate equipment efficiently while also understanding equipment maintenance and optimisation.

This approach, he notes, helps mining companies avoid costly mismatches that can compromise output.

In addition, Marsay highlights that while cheap imported equipment may look appealing, its likely lack of long-term reliability and local support can make it an “expensive mistake”.

“Mines in Africa cannot afford extended downtime, and our focus is on ensuring customers are never left without help when they need it most,” he says, adding that this level of service is particularly important in remote mining regions.

In highlighting that the future of mining in Africa will be shaped as much by people as by technology, Marsay argues that crushing, screening and milling are no longer just mechanical processes, but strategic levers for sustainability, productivity and resilience.

By combining practical equipment design with a strong emphasis on skills development and ongoing support, Marsay says Gold Rock Projects is contributing to a mining sector that is more efficient and more sustainable.

He concludes that this combination will allow African mines to extract greater value from their resources while building capacity and resilience among their operators.