In the demanding world of mining operations, where every minute of downtime translates to substantial financial losses, the reliability of power generation equipment extends far beyond the initial purchase. The true value of a generator investment lies in maintaining optimal performance throughout its operational life, safeguarding warranties and ensuring equipment runs at peak efficiency. This is where original equipment manufacturer (OEM) after-sales service and maintenance contracts prove their worth, says commercial generator and lighting supplier HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa.

Since becoming part of the Yanmar Group in 2015, HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa has established itself as the fastest- growing subsidiary in HIMOINSA’s global network. Its partnership with Yanmar Energy Systems brings unprecedented technical expertise and support to Southern and East African mining operations.

The significance of this relationship cannot be overstated. As a vertical manufacturer, HIMOINSA integrates the manufacture of all generator-set components into its production process, ensuring complete quality control from design to delivery. This comprehensive approach extends to after-sales service, where OEM-qualified technicians provide support that goes beyond basic maintenance.

“From our experience at Sibanye Driefontein, it is the ‘teamwork’ we received from HIMOINSA that stands out. The company worked in conjunction with Sibanye personnel as one unit. The enthusiasm shown and observed from the HIMOINSA field technicians is a rare commodity in South Africa; always on time, providing friendly and quality service, and dedicated to the cause,” shares Sibanye-Stillwater’s chief electrician.

Benefits of OEM Maintenance

Mining operations invest millions in power generation equipment, yet many underestimate the importance of proper maintenance in protecting these assets. OEM maintenance contracts offer several advantages that third-party services simply cannot match.

“Firstly, warranty protection remains intact only when servicing is performed according to manufacturer specifications using genuine OEM parts. HIMOINSA Southern Africa maintains three regional service centres in South Africa and one in East Africa, along with an extensive distributor network and bonded warehouse facilities. This infrastructure ensures that genuine parts and certified expertise are readily available when needed,” states HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa.

The company’s 24/7 technical support extends from project design to installation, commissioning, operation and ongoing service contracts. This comprehensive approach ensures that generators maintain optimal efficiency throughout their operational life, reducing fuel consumption and minimising unexpected breakdowns.

The value of OEM service excellence becomes apparent in real-world applications.

“From the shortlisting of the tender process, HIMOINSA Southern Africa has worked closely and innovatively to provide Delta Gold with our optimal power security solution as well as accommodating our stringent timelines leading up to plant commissioning. Operating in an environment where grid power can be unreliable, Delta Gold now has peace of mind that our plant’s production is safeguarded from power availability issues,” adds Delta Gold Zimbabwe MD James Beare.

This peace of mind stems from knowing that every service intervention follows factory specifications, using diagnostic equipment and procedures developed specifically for the equipment. OEM technicians undergo continuous training on the latest technologies and updates, ensuring they can identify and address potential issues before they become critical failures, explains HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa.

“While some operations view maintenance contracts as an additional expense, the economics tell a different story. Regular OEM maintenance significantly extends equipment lifespan, maintains fuel efficiency at optimal levels and prevents catastrophic failures that could halt production for days or weeks.”

Flexibility and Scalability

HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa recognises that different mining operations have varying requirements. The company offers flexible service solutions ranging from fully managed service support agreements to training programmes for clients’ technical teams. This adaptability ensures that mines can choose the level of support that best suits their operational structure and budget.

Looking Ahead

As mining operations become increasingly sophisticated, so too must the service support that keeps them running. HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa continues to invest in diagnostic technologies, remote monitoring capabilities and predictive maintenance tools that help prevent failures before they occur.

Professionals interested in learning more about these advanced service solutions can visit HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa’s technical team at Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place from September 7 to 11 at Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg.

“In an industry where reliability directly impacts profitability, the choice of service partner is as critical as the choice of equipment. OEM after-sales service and maintenance contracts represent not just warranty protection, but a strategic investment in operational continuity. Through genuine parts and comprehensive support infrastructure, HIMOINSA Southern & East Africa ensures that mining operations maintain the power they need to drive productivity,” advances the company.