Mining equipment supplier Pilot Crushtec showcased its robust range of mobile and modular crushing solutions designed for the demanding conditions of coal mining at the ICPC Coal Africa 2025 conference, hosted in Sun City, in North West Province, in October. The company highlighted its locally built DoppiaTrac double rolls crusher alongside the Metso Lokotrack LT106 primary jaw crusher and LT1213 impact crusher, which together form a powerful, flexible crushing train for coal operations.

Pilot Crushtec sales manager for South Africa Charl Marais said the company’s approach is rooted in understanding each customer’s operational requirements, from throughput and skill levels to operating hours, to ensure that every solution is correctly specified.

“We position ourselves as long-term partners to our clients, offering 24/7, year-round service and support,” he explained. “Our Metso equipment also comes with extended five-year or 10 000-hour warranties, reflecting our confidence in the durability of our machines.”

To reduce downtime, Pilot Crushtec leverages Metso’s advanced Metso Metrics system, which allows remote monitoring of mobile crushers and screens. This gives customers real-time insight into machine performance and helps prevent unnecessary idling or underutilisation.

“Contractors operate in a tight-margin environment. By monitoring availability and productivity, they can make better decisions and maintain consistent output,” said Marais.

Energy efficiency is another key focus. Pilot Crushtec designs its machines to deliver high performance while reducing fuel consumption. “We look at both direct and indirect energy efficiency,” Marais explained. “Our double rolls crushers are fitted with smaller engines that still deliver the same output, and our impact crushers are available in bi-power configurations, allowing them to run on diesel or off-grid electric power.”

The company’s equipment has been instrumental in improving production for several coal clients. In one project, Pilot Crushtec replaced a contractor’s unreliable rental equipment, increasing throughput by 50% while assisting with financing to ease capital constraints. In another, the team helped a customer turn unsellable fines coal into a marketable product using a Metso ST2.8 scalper. A third project involved delivering a crushing train that ensured export coal met strict grading requirements, preventing costly shipment rejections.

Environmental compliance and sustainability are also built into the design of Pilot Crushtec’s equipment. Mobile plants have smaller footprints, reducing land disturbance and simplifying site rehabilitation. Machines are fitted with dust suppression systems, closed hydraulic circuits, and dual-side refuelling to minimise spillage and emissions.

“It’s about thinking beyond performance. Our goal is to deliver crushing solutions that are efficient, responsible and built for the future of mining,” he concluded.