CEN JUL
24
MINING
SAFETY
ACCORDING TO JOHANN SMIT
, Chief Sales Officer, Becker Mining South Africa (Pty) Ltd,
“The company’s commitment to providing a critical service to the mines and general industry,
encompasses the design and manufacture of products and systems, using the latest technology.
A specialised consulting, training and support facility ensures optimum efficiency of a wide range
of equipment and total safety for workers underground. Mine safety is significantly enhanced by
the implementation of one or a combination of Becker’s specialised multi-technological solutions.”
Becker steel arch support systems are designed for use in friable ground in tunnel applications,
including haulages, incline shaft portals and special shafts. These mine support systems are
critical for the safety of any mining or tunnelling project and Johann expects sales growth to
remain positive, “as long as mines expand and new operations are opened,” he adds.
“Becker Mining South Africa specialises in the manufacture of steel arch supports, but the
company’s German and Polish subsidiaries also manufacture long wall coal mining shield
support systems for European, Asian and North American coal mines. South Africa’s strata
conditions are not suitable for long wall mining, which is why the company only manufactures
steel arch supports,” he explains.
The Becker steel arch support system finds application in all types of mining owing to the
adaptability of the design which fits into any shape of excavation. This engineered structure
is timeless because of the characteristics of steel used and the mechanical properties derived
for the shape of elements of the roof support system.
“More and more applications for these well engineered and adaptable systems are being
developed for customers who require long term stand-up support solutions for friable ground
conditions,” Johann says.
Local applications for these steel arch support systems include gold and platinum mines, as well
as underground civil engineering projects like the Gautrain. Becker’s roof support systems have
also been exported recently into Australasian and African mines, with Zambia as a key user.
Becker Mining South Africa also provides specialised training to customers for the assembly
and installation of steel arch support sets.
The company’s specialist manufacturing operation at the Chamdor factory in Krugersdorp,
is committed to the most stringent quality control procedures during production. These
standards conform with the expectations and demands of the global mining industry, including
ISO 9001:2008 specifications. Rigorous tests, which include the chemical and mechanical
verification of materials, are performed throughout each production process.
The production line is capable of moving 250 tons of TH profile a month. The factory is
equipped with four bending presses, one of which is semi-automatic. All arch sets are pre-
assembled and inspected prior to delivery.
The local operation benefits from Becker’s ongoing research and development programme
locally and in Germany. Close international ties guarantee the edge on product design,
impeccable manufacturing standards, cost efficiency, safety and reliability of equipment.
Becker Mining SouthAfrica’s extensive product portfolio – which complies with government mining
regulations and mining house specifications – includes: shaft safety components; underground and
tunnel supports; transport systems and communication and collision avoidance systems. The range
also encompasses pumps, electrical and electronics systems, mechanical equipment, as well as
lifting and maintenance equipment.
Safe tunnelling with
Becker Mining
Becker Mining South
Africa plays a key role in
ensuring optimum quality,
performance and safety
standards in the local
mining sector.
Becker steel arch support systems are designed
for use in friable ground in tunnel applications,
including haulages, incline shaft portals and
special shafts.
