Screening and vibrating equipment solutions and services provider Aury Africa will open an office in Tete, Mozambique, by the third quarter this year. Aury Africa director Sydney Parkhouse says all company registration requirements have been met.

The African mining and mineral resources sector is one of the most important international markets for the company and the Mozambique office will cater for the growing demands of the mining industry in the country and neighbouring regions, such as from developments of mining company Vale’s Moatize project, mining company Kenmare Resources’ Moma sands mine and graphite developer Syrah Resources’ Balama project.

The development of the deep-water port at Nacala is an added attraction for investors and could prove to be a regional advantage, he notes.

Parkhouse tells Mining Weekly that Mozambique has proven to be a country with great potential, from infrastructure development in recent years, through to various minerals which are commercially important, such as coking and thermal coal, graphite, iron-ore, titanium and gold. Aury Africa’s holding company, Chinese design and construction coal group Dadi Engineering Development Group, has many years of experience in design and operations and is ready to service future developments in Mozambique.

“Aury Africa envisages a growth period for Mozambique as more international companies view the country in a positive light as infrastructure is improved and developed. This is a conducive environment for investment and Aury Africa is keen on operating in such a space and to make a positive contribution to the country’s growth,” he highlights.

Further, he comments that any company operating in another country needs to have a local presence, and points out that the needs of the industry will require local expertise to be developed by those who have the necessary skills.

The Mozambique office will initially employ two to three people for the first few months and will supply a range of solutions, from basic screening to dry sorting technology.

Moreover, Aury Africa has a depth of industry experience in China, Australia and South Africa, which will be called upon to add value to the Mozambique workforce, Parkhouse mentions.

“We see Mozambique as a great opportunity from which we will piggyback our position in the region to include Zimbabwe and Zambia,” he concludes.