Mining contractor TAU Mining understands the importance of continuously improving to adapt to emerging challenges and proactively refines its systems to anticipate and address potential issues, ensuring the delivery of exceptional results for its clients.

“In alignment with our strategic vision, we continually invest in innovative software and methodologies to drive productivity. We have not only integrated cutting-edge software and drone technologies into our planning processes but also across functional areas such as human resources and finance,” says TAU Mining CEO Mikhail Makhnach.

The advancements adopted by TAU Mining over the past year have enhanced the company’s ability to perform critical tasks with greater precision and speed, leading to faster project completion. These improvements have elevated the company’s performance metrics, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

The adoption of cutting-edge technology and a proactive approach to system enhancements ensure that TAU Mining can anticipate and address potential challenges, which reduces risks and maintains consistent quality, while ensuring environmental compliance, notes Makhnach.

TAU Mining is also committed to investing in its employees and actively supports their growth within the company by offering leadership opportunities and providing qualifying candidates with the chance to 

step into supervisory roles. 

“This approach not only strengthens and motivates our workforce but also contributes positively to all functions across our operations by driving continuous improvement and innovation to guarantee a more efficient and empowered team,” adds Makhnach.

Collectively, these advancements enhance the company’s reputation as a reliable and innovative mining contractor, he highlights.

Service Offering

TAU Mining offers its clients a range of exceptional services which comprise planning and production scheduling; surveying; equipment rental with maintenance; drilling and blasting; load, haul and dump functions; and PV plant construction. 

Ineffective planning and production scheduling impact on an operation’s over-all success. Through its commitment to innovation, TAU Mining continues to enable the most effective production scheduling, without which mines are subject to operational inefficiencies, quality issues, inventory problems and reduced employee morale.

Also critical to an optimal mining operation is the inclusion of proper design, planning and safety facilitated by mine surveyors, which accurately measure and record mine workings for incorporation into mining plans. 

“We equip our surveyors with the most advanced tools, such as a global navigation satellite system, to ensure precise positioning and navigation data. Another important piece of equipment deployed in our operations is drone technology that has been specifically designed for mining applications. Drones are used for tasks such as stockpile measurement, surveying, mapping and inspections, including ultrasonic testing for thickness measurements,” elaborates Makhnach.

Drilling and blasting begin after careful surveying and plan development takes place. To achieve optimal results through its drill and blast operations, TAU Mining has implemented specialised techniques. 

One such technique involves appointing a quality controller, who meticulously inspects the drilled holes throughout the process to ensure accuracy and adherence to required specifications before blasting.

“Additionally, all our drill rig operators receive recurrency training to maintain their proficiency and guarantee that they are up to date with the latest practices. This training is provided directly by Epiroc, TAU Mining’s original equipment manufacturer from which the equipment was bought. We have also extended training to our drill rig assistants to further enhance the quality of our operations and ensure the achievement of excellent outcomes,” explains Makhnach.

Following the drilling and blasting process, the company ensures reliable and safe loading and hauling of fragmented material that delivers improved productivity.

TAU Mining employs specific methods to optimise its operations. It ensures that its excavators (diggers) have adequate loading benches and determines cycle times to efficiently allocate enough trucks to support the excavators and face shovels. 

“Additionally, we monitor the availability of material to keep the diggers continuously productive. Finally, we closely oversee loading areas, haul roads and dumping sites to identify and mitigate any potential delays,” says Makhnach.

Dedicated to ensuring the best possible results, TAU Mining is focussed on cultivating a culture of cooperation that drives innovation and the use of world-class technology. But this requires a strategic approach that blends collaboration, leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

“We enhance collaboration by adhering to our core values of openness, honesty, passion, accountability, efficiency, encourag-ement of innovation and selflessness. These values create an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas, offer feedback and address challenges, fostering open communication and allowing innovative ideas to emerge and drive positive change,” states Makhnach.

To guarantee that technology is leveraged to its fullest potential, he highlights that ongoing education is essential. TAU Mining provides regular training and upskilling opportunities, ensuring that employees are proficient in the use of new tools and programmes.  

Additionally, the company ensures that adequate resources — time, budget and personnel — are dedicated to innovation and technology initiatives, recognising that without proper support, even the best ideas can struggle to come to fruition. 

Data-Driven Performance

TAU Mining consistently monitors and measures the outcomes of its collaborative and technological efforts, using data-driven insights to make informed decisions and refine its strategies as necessary.

“Operational efficiency is achieved through robust project management practices that ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. We use project management software to track progress, manage resources and mitigate risks,” explains Makhnach.

Additionally, TAU Mining prioritises the optimisation of its supply chain and focusses on building strong relationships with suppliers, employing just-in-time inventory practices and guaranteeing the consistent availability of critical spare parts and equipment.

“Data-driven decision-making is integral to our operations. Real-time monitoring systems provide valuable data on equip-ment performance and productivity. Data analytics is used to gain insights into this performance, identify inefficiencies and make informed choices. We also implement predictive maintenance strategies to reduce equipment downtime and extend the lifespan of our assets by using data to anticipate and prevent potential failures before they occur,” adds Makhnach.

Good Safety, Better Results 

To remain in top form and deliver the best possible results for its clients, TAU Mining prioritises safety above all else.

Makhnach believes this is essential, highlighting that TAU Mining has adopted a zero-harm approach by ensuring that all employees are thoroughly trained and committed to adhering to safety protocols. 

“Staying current with the latest mining regulations and industry standards is crucial, and we implement comprehensive compliance programmes to ensure that our operations not only meet but exceed legal and environmental requirements.

“Health and safety are highly important points of discussion at TAU Mining. Therefore, we also enable regular consultations with local clinics to assist with and discuss health risks, as well as create awareness about certain topics, while also facilitating free blood pressure testing and the screening of conditions such as tuberculosis, for example,” notes Makhnach.

Tackling Challenges

TAU Mining has adopted a comprehensive and integrated strategy that aligns its business objectives and social responsibility to address challenges faced by the mining industry relating to labour, community upliftment, logistics and other local issues.

To foster good labour relations, the company ensures compliance with relevant legislation, such as the Mine Health and Safety Act, No 29 of 1996, and the latest iteration of the Mining Charter, providing safe working conditions and engaging constructively with labour unions to ensure all parties are satisfied. 

TAU Mining also creates opportunities for local community residents to participate in skills development programmes, training students to become drill rig assistants and dump truck operators. 

With a strong foundation in comprehensive project management, TAU Mining ensures that every aspect of its operations is meticulously planned and executed, from initial exploration to final extraction. 

The company’s specialised technical expertise allows it to tackle complex challenges in mining, using cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to optimise efficiency and productivity. 

“TAU Mining’s unwavering commitment to safety and compliance is evident in its strict adherence to industry regulations and proactive measures to protect its workforce and the environment. As a leading player in the mining industry, TAU Mining continues to set the standard for excellent and responsible operations,” concludes Makhnach.

Phone: + 27 10 753 2018 

E-mail: mail@taumining.co.za 

Website: http://taumining.co.za/