Bühler recently showcased its advanced material handling solutions at the Mining & Technical Exhibitions’ (MTE’s) Rustenburg Mining & Industrial Exhibition, a strategic event located in the heart of South Africa’s platinum mining belt. With Rustenburg known as one of the world’s largest platinum-producing regions, the exhibition provided Bühler with the ideal platform to engage directly with key industry stakeholders and decision-makers in the platinum mining sector.
Francois Knoetze, head of Manufacturing at Bühler Southern Africa. Supplied by Bühler
The Rustenburg area is central to South Africa’s platinum group metals (PGMs) industry, hosting several major mining operations that supply a significant portion of global demand. The region’s intense mining activity creates a constant need for robust, efficient and sustainable material handling infrastructure – an area in which Bühler continues to lead with its fully integrated chain and conveyor solutions.
At the MTE Rustenburg Mining & Industrial Exhibition, Bühler presented its heavy-duty chain conveyors and high-performance forged chains, engineered specifically for demanding mining environments. Capable of transporting up to 1 200 metric tons per hour across spans of up to 100m, these systems are designed to handle the volume and intensity typical in platinum mining operations. Their high wear resistance and tensile strength result from the company’s proprietary forging and hardening processes, ensuring longevity and minimal downtime.
Francois Knoetze, head of Manufacturing at Bühler Southern Africa, commented, “Rustenburg’s mining operations are some of the most challenging in the world, and our solutions are tailored to meet those exact demands. Our company offers a one-stop shop for chain and conveyor systems that not only ensure performance and durability but also contribute to safer, cleaner operations.”
The company’s enclosed conveyor systems are another key advantage, offering not only operational safety and efficiency but also helping to reduce dust and spillage, an increasingly important consideration in environmentally sensitive mining zones.
Bühler has been active in southern Africa since 1972 and maintains a strong operational presence in Johannesburg. Its regional manufacturing facility builds and supplies precision-engineered components for both local and international markets, ensuring that customers benefit from quality, locally manufactured solutions backed by global expertise. As a trusted partner to the mining sector, the company continues to invest in innovation and sustainability. By providing end-to-end solutions for chain and conveyor needs, from design and production to installation and after-sales service, Bühler empowers platinum mining operations in Rustenburg and beyond to reduce costs, increase uptime and meet productivity targets with confidence.
Source: supplied by Bühler