Mine services supplier Hencon Vacuum Technologies states that it is increasing the safety and efficiency of its technologies, resulting in reduced operational expenditure, by engineering local client-specific solutions to tackle current mining industry cost challenges, states Hencon Handling GM Stef Sep.

Sep notes that labour unrest, which escalates operational and labour costs, was a major challenge faced by the mining industry in 2012. He points out that a possible solution to this challenge is the implementation of the Dutch polder model characterised by tripartite cooperation between unions, government and businesses.

“These parties need to consult each other to formulate a solution that will benefit all mining stakeholders in the long term. Violent strikes are not the answer to South Africa’s labour issues, but proper, simple legislation, decent wages and the absence of corruption could help solve this problem.”

He notes that the realisation of Africa’s mining potential will be remarkable for the continent but requires all parties (governments, unions and mining companies) to act in the best interests of all stakeholders and ensure everyone benefits from the continent’s resources.

“Mining is a major pillar of Africa’s future. There is an incredible amount of wealth buried in the continent and it is crucial to handle this wisely.”

Mining Indaba

Hencon will be exhibiting its latest solutions at the 2013 Investing in African Mining Indaba at the Cape Town Convention Centre, from February 4 to 7, to showcase its potential to the mining industry, specifically in controlling and dealing with material spillages.

“Metals, such as alumina, that fail to be loaded onto conveyor belts are not processed, resulting in lost profit. “Hencon has the knowledge and experience to turn spillages into profit through the use of its proven vacuum technology,” Sep explains.

Mining areas can be vacuumed to yield material, such as gold, which would not have been recovered, therefore, extending the life and output of the mine. Hundreds of vacuum units have successfully been used for the profitable recovery of valuable material at mines and processing plants globally, he stresses.

During the Mining Indaba Hencon aims to meet different mining industry stakeholders, learn about the challenges they face and evolve its products to tackle those challenges.

In addition, the company aims to promote specific products that have proved successful in the mining industry, such as its 140 kW diesel and 10 t trailer combo for plant cleaning.

Sep says Hencon’s aims for the Mining Indaba are to make mining companies aware of the new, yet simple, solutions it offers to assist in the improvement of mine safety and output.

Hencon is an international company with factories in the Netherlands, India, Russia, Mozambique and South Africa. The company engineers and manufactures solutions for various industries, such as aluminium smelters, forestry, industrial machinery and mining equipment and machinery.