There is a new addition to the offering of drill rigs available to the mining and quarrying industry in South Africa. ZEGA Drill Rigs which have been manufactured since 2003 in Zhejiang, China and known for its advanced manufacturing processes and commitment to producing high-quality and innovative solutions tailored for the mining and quarrying industries, are now available in the Southern African market. ZEGA SA is represented locally by MAS Power Group which serves as an umbrella company for machinery brands in these industries. This company operates in the mining, quarrying and construction industries. Modern Quarrying’s Wilhelm du Plessis spoke to Mathew Henderson, Founder and CEO of MAS Power Group and Eric Xi, ZEGA SA’s Africa Regional Manager about this exciting new offering.
“ZEGA SA aims to provide innovative and reliable drilling solutions that enhance operational efficiency while meeting the unique demands of the local quarrying industry,” says Henderson. “ZEGA drill rigs offer a compelling choice for operators and provide a combination of performance, reliability, safety and support that enhance operational success.”
Aligning perfectly
The decision to add ZEGA SA to MAS Power Group’s offering was driven by a combination of market analysis and strategic opportunity. “We identified a significant increase in the demand for reliable, high quality drilling solutions in the Southern African mining and quarrying sectors,” Henderson elaborates. “We recognised a gap in the market for high-performance drilling rigs offered at competitive prices. Many local operators are looking for alternatives without compromising on quality and at the same time maintaining operational efficiency.”
Given ZEGA’s established 21-year reputation in China for producing innovative and robust drilling solutions, integrating this brand into MAS Power Group allowed the leveraging of ZEGA’s advanced technology and experience. “ZEGA’s commitment to quality aligns perfectly with our vision of providing superior products and services,” Henderson explains.
“We wanted to ensure that our clients not only receive top-notch equipment, but also benefited from comprehensive after-sales support,” says Henderson. ZEGA’s proven commitment to maintenance, training and parts availability is a good fit for MAS Power Group’s dedication to customer service. “This strategic alignment enables the company to provide a more diverse range of solutions tailored to the specific needs of our customers in the region,” he says.
“The South African region has a robust demand for efficient and reliable drilling solutions that are driven by ongoing mining projects and infrastructure development,” Henderson explains. “Our analysis indicated a gap for high-performance rigs at competitive pricing,” says Henderson. “We believe that ZEGA’s advanced technology and robust product lineup can provide local operators with better options, enhancing their operational efficiency.”
MAS Power Group, which now includes ZEGA South Africa, has established a significant footprint across multiple countries in Southern Africa. It operates in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia. In addition to its regional presence, ZEGA also has a global footprint with products and operations available in various markets that include Europe, Middle East, Asia, Russia, Australia and the Americas.
“This extensive footprint not only highlights ZEGA’s commitment to delivering reliable drilling solutions worldwide in diverse environments from the cold in Russia to the heat of Saudi Arabia, but also reinforces MAS Power Group’s position as a significant player in mining and quarrying industries across diverse geographical markets,” Henderson explains.
Robust and durable for the local market
ZEGA drill rigs are manufactured using premium-grade material designed to withstand extreme conditions,” says Xi. This ensures that they can endure the wear and tear associated with demanding mining and quarrying environments.
“The rigs feature robust engineering that incorporates structural reinforcement and smart design choices, making them resilient to shocks, vibrations and other mechanical stresses encountered during operations,” Xi further elaborates.
ZEGA drill rigs are designed to perform reliably in diverse weather conditions, from high temperatures, humid conditions and dust.
“The rigs include protective components such as ROPs (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) to enhance operator safety and to protect the machine itself in case of accidents,” Xi elaborates.
ZEGA offers customisable options, such as extreme cold kits, and high-altitude kits. These allow the rigs to be tailored to specific environmental challenges. The cooling systems for the rigs are designed to prevent overheating during prolonged operation. “This extends the lifespan of critical components,” says Xi.
“Features that facilitate easier operation and maintenance, such as the hydraulic tank and fuel tank filling pumps are integrated into the design. This reduces downtime and encourages proper upkeep, contributing to the rigs’ longevity,” Xi elaborates.
After-sales support
ZEGA South Africa places a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive after-sales service to ensure that customers get the most of their drill rigs. “This commitment to support is crucial for maintaining equipment performance and minimising downtime,” says Xi.
“ZEGA South Africa ensure that spare parts for its drill rigs are readily available,” says Henderson. “The company stocks a wide range of genuine parts, allowing customers quick access to essential components for maintenance and repairs. This availability is crucial for minimising downtime and ensuring that the drill rigs operate at peak performance,” he says.
In addition to the stocked parts, ZEGA can source components quickly. This comprehensive after-sales services is aimed at providing clients with a seamless experience and to keep their operations running smoothly.
“We provide on-site training and comprehensive support to ensure optimal performance,” adds Henderson This on-site training is for two personnel from the client’s team to ensure effective operators with the skill needed to maximise the equipment’s capabilities. “Continuous support is available to address any operational queries and ensure that customers are fully proficient in using their rigs,” he says.
Each ZEGA drill rig comes with a warranty covering 3 000 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes first. This warranty provides customers with peace of mind regarding the quality and reliability of their equipment.
ZEGA’s ROI
“Our discussions around the return on investment (ROI) for ZEGA drill rigs centres around the inherent nature of the machines as well as what ZEGA South Africa can provide,” says Henderson. “The drill rigs are designed for higher efficiency and faster cycles which can boost overall productivity. In addition, the drill rigs are competitively priced and offer low operating costs, are fuel efficient and offer reduced maintenance needs,” Henderson explains.
The durability and reliability of the machines enable them to withstand harsh conditions with less breakdowns and repairs, and therefore ensure maximum uptime.
“Our robust after-sales service reduces the risk of extended downtime,” Henderson adds. “ZEGA is engineered for long-term performance which means that they are not machines that frequently need to be replaced. In addition, its compliance to safety and the fact that the rigs can be customised for different environmental conditions, maximises its utility and the customer’s investment,” concludes Henderson.
In a nutshell
ZEGA drill rigs offer several advantages for the quarry industry.
High productivity
Designed for efficiency and increased overall productivity.
Precision and accuracy
Provides precise drilling capabilities – ensuring holes are exactly when they should be.
Versatility
ZEGA offers a range of models for various drilling requirements, including different hole diameters and depths.
Durability and reliability
Built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand harsh quarrying conditions.
Safety features
ROPS and FOPS approved cabs, guardrails and remote-control capabilities.
Cost effectiveness
Provides high-performance equipment at competitive prices and so assists operators to reduce operational costs while maintaining performance.
Compliance to industry standards
Engineered to adhere to industry regulations, including environmental standards.
Customisable solutions
Rigs can be customised with specific kits to meet various environmental conditions.
After-sales support
The after-sales service includes maintenance, training and readily available spare parts.
Product offering
ZEGA South Africa provides a variety of drill rigs tailored to meet market needs, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity:
Top Hammer Drill Rig T640J:
- Hole Diameter: 76 mm – 102 mm
- Drilling Depth: 20 metress
- Engine: Cummins 152 Kw/RPM 2100
- Drifter: 20 kW
- Working Pressure (max.): 8 bar
Top Hammer Drill Rig T640H:
- Hole Diameter: 76 mm – 115 mm
- Drilling Depth: 20 metres
- Engine: Cummins 179 kW/RPM 2 200
- Drifter: 20 kW
- Working Pressure (max.): 10 bar
DTH Drill Rig D460A:
- Hole Diameter: 115 mm – 152 mm
- Drilling Depth: 35 metres
- Engine: Cummins 264 kW/RPM 1 900
- Working Pressure (max.): 22m5 bar
DTH Drill Rig D470D:
- Hole Diameter: 138 mm – 165 mm
- Drilling Depth: 30 metres
- Engine: Cummins 306 kW/RPM 1 800
- Working Pressure (max.): 24 bar
Mathew Henderson (left), Founder and CEO of MAS Power Group and Eric Xi, ZEGA SA’s Africa Regional Manager.
