Sandvik Rock Processing is chasing the pole position in global screening solutions, and a key part of that strategy involves a major investment in South Africa. This move, according to Riaan Steinmann, EMEA Operations Director Screening Solutions at Sandvik Rock Processing, "signals our unwavering belief in the expertise of our African operations and our commitment to bringing our solutions even closer to the continent's thriving mining sector."

The company is pouring significant resources into bolstering its local screening media manufacturing capabilities. This translates into a critical boost for aftermarket support for their growing equipment portfolio. Steinmann elaborates, "This investment is not just about building machines, it's about building a world-class support system for our customers across Africa. By manufacturing screening media locally, we ensure prompt attention to their needs and minimize downtime."

But Sandvik Rock Processing isn't stopping there. Steinmann highlights the company's unwavering focus on innovation, "Our local and global R&D teams are working hand-in-hand to develop groundbreaking new product offerings specifically tailored to the unique challenges of African mining operations." This collaborative spirit extends to their material procurement strategy, "Our Crown Mines facility in Gauteng is strategically positioned to leverage our global network for raw materials, allowing us to develop screening media that is perfectly suited for the continent's diverse geological landscapes."

The focus on optimization extends beyond materials. Sandvik Rock Processing is renowned for its meticulous screening media panel design process, "We don't just create panels, we engineer them for peak performance. Our state-of-the-art design techniques, including the incorporation of the discrete element method (DEM) for material flow analysis, ensure that each panel is built to maximize wear life and efficiency for specific applications."

Steinmann emphasizes that this commitment to excellence permeates every aspect of their operations, "We understand that the ideal screening media solution considers not just the ore itself, but also the specific characteristics of the vibrating machinery it interacts with. Thankfully, our industry-leading portfolio in both vibrating screens and screening media allows us to provide our customers with thoroughly tested solutions that are guaranteed to perform."

Sandvik Rock Processing's dedication to continuous improvement is further underscored by their ongoing research and development efforts. Their R&D teams meticulously analyze data from on-site operations to glean insights into the efficiency and wear characteristics of their screening media products under various operating conditions. These valuable insights are then fed back into the design process, ensuring that future generations of screening media are even more effective.

The decision to manufacture screening media locally offers a multitude of benefits for African miners. Customers can expect significantly shorter lead times and reduced transportation costs. But the advantages extend far beyond the bottom line. "Local production bolsters the resilience of the entire mining supply chain in Africa," explains Steinmann. "It fosters a more responsive ecosystem for parts and servicing, keeping mines operational and productive. There's also a significant environmental benefit associated with shorter transportation routes, which aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals and those of our environmentally conscious mining clients.**"

Investing in local talent and expertise is another pillar of Sandvik Rock Processing's philosophy. Steinmann underscores this commitment, "We champion a balanced approach to sourcing, prioritizing both local and global procurement. We are firm believers in supporting the African economy, fostering skills development, and creating job opportunities for the continent's skilled workforce."

Of course, operating in Africa comes with its own set of challenges. Load shedding, cable faults, and cable theft are persistent hurdles. However, Sandvik Rock Processing has taken these obstacles head-on. Steinmann acknowledges the challenges, but assures customers, "We have invested heavily in robust backup power generation capabilities to ensure our production and supply remain undisrupted, regardless of external factors."

By prioritizing African mining, fostering innovation, and building a resilient local supply chain, Sandvik Rock Processing is poised to solidify its position as the premier partner for screening solutions across the continent.

Furthermore, this commitment to Africa goes beyond just bolstering the mining sector. Sandvik Rock Processing recognizes the ripple effect their investment creates. Local manufacturing translates to job creation, skills development, and a stronger economic ecosystem for the communities surrounding their operations. This focus on shared prosperity aligns perfectly with the company's social responsibility goals and resonates with the forward-thinking governments that play a vital role in Africa's mining future.