South Africa's mining sector gets a shot in the arm with WEG Africa's pioneering local manufacture of medium voltage (MV) softstarters. This first-of-its-kind initiative slashes lead times and brings cost-effective solutions to the doorstep of African miners.

"We've already supplied 11 locally-made units to a mining customer in Angola," says Pervin Gurie, Director of Digital & Systems at WEG Africa. This is a testament to the company's commitment to serving the continent's vital mining industry.

WEG Takes the Lead in Local MV Softstarter Production

WEG Africa is leading the charge in local MV softstarter production, setting up shop at their Robertsham facility south of Johannesburg. The move benefits not only South African miners but the broader African mining sector as well.

"The popular SSW7000 range is a game-changer for pump and fan applications in African mines," says Gurie. "Now, with local manufacturing, we can significantly reduce lead times – from 20-24 weeks down to just 10 weeks." This translates to faster project completion times and quicker operational benefits for mining companies.

Beyond Speed: Saving Costs and Protecting Equipment

But the advantages go beyond speed. Local production makes WEG's MV softstarters more cost-effective. "It eliminates the need for long-distance shipping from Brazil," explains Gurie.

Softstarters themselves are strategic assets for miners. They enable a smooth ramp-up of power for electric motors, reducing peak energy demand during startup. This translates to significant cost savings on electricity bills, a major concern for mining operations.

"Softstarters can reduce peak current draw by up to 70% compared to traditional methods," says Gurie. "This translates to real financial benefits for our mining customers."

But the benefits go even deeper. Softstarters also extend the operational life of expensive electric motors by protecting them from excessive strain during startup. "They prevent overheating and excessive current draw, ultimately preventing costly equipment breakdowns," explains Gurie.

WEG Africa: A Tailored Approach for African Needs

WEG Africa's local manufacturing goes beyond simply producing standard units. The company offers customization to meet specific needs within African mining applications.

"We can design units tailored to the unique requirements of each client," says Gurie. "This includes packaging them in containerised substations for easy transport and rapid on-site commissioning – a solution recently implemented for an Angolan mining customer."

WEG Africa understands the specific challenges faced by African miners. "We recognise that thicker, less flexible cables are commonly used here," says Gurie. "That's why we factor in additional space within our panels to accommodate these specific requirements."

Technology for Efficiency: Safeguarding Equipment and Streamlining Operations

The WEG SSW7000 range boasts an integrated monitoring feature that keeps a watchful eye on electric motors, ensuring they don't overheat or draw excessive current. "This allows for preventative shutdowns before any damage occurs," explains Gurie.

Further enhancing efficiency, WEG Africa leverages their expertise to streamline the entire process. "By incorporating our stringent quality systems and proven WEG designs, we ensure all locally manufactured units meet the same world-class standards our customers expect," concludes Gurie.

WEG Africa's commitment to local production is a boon for the continent's mining sector. Faster project completion times, cost savings, and better equipment protection are all vital ingredients for a successful and sustainable African mining industry. In addition, WEG Africa's focus on customization and understanding the unique needs of African miners positions them as a key partner for the continent's mining future.