As mines and quarries seek to run data-driven operations, the demand for load weighing systems in Africa has over time, grown significantly, Sören Schramm, Regional Manager EMEA at Loadrite, tells Quarrying Africa. On the back of this uptake is the growing understanding that at the heart of the extractive industry’s efficiency and profitability is accurate weight measurements – a crucial factor that is often disregarded.
Having access to data, in real time, is key to ensuring efficient and productive loadout and crushing operations. The availability of data equips quarry and mine managers with insights that enable them to improve productivity and impact the bottom line.
“In the past few years, the demand for onboard weighing systems and conveyor belt scales has increased significantly, with enquiries from all over Africa. Our existing distributors in southern and West Africa have seen a lot of demand for all types of weighing systems,” says Schramm.
“To meet this increased demand, we are therefore looking to appoint capable dealers, especially in Central and East Africa. We also see opportunities to grow our footprint in several countries in North and West Africa. We seek to appoint either in-country dealers or partners who can service the whole region, depending on their capacity and potential,” he adds.
Growth prospects
Due to the extensive nature of mining activities in Africa, Schramm says the sector presents huge growth prospects for the Loadrite offering. Mining operations are intricate processes that require meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the area of materials handling. Loadrite weighing solutions play a pivotal role in optimising these operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and regulatory compliance.
“The need for process improvement and management of material flow in quarries and other material handling sites offers growth opportunities for our products in Africa,” he says. “Ports or container handling terminals on the continent also have to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations and that is an area where Loadrite products can really help.”
In addition, says Schramm, some countries and regions in Africa are just starting to monitor train or truck loading. Monitoring the material and weight loaded onto on-road trucks protects roads from unnecessary damage. When mines install weighing systems on the excavator in the pit, they can monitor payload and improve efficiency. With the price of diesel and maintenance costs rising, it has never been more important to monitor payload and efficiency. A reliable weighing system also helps monitor and reduce carbon emissions.
Potential partners
Commenting on the expected type of partners, Schramm says there is no discrimination between small and large entities. The selection of a capable representative depends on the workforce behind the sales and service of the products. Loadrite, he adds, already has successful dealers running small entities with few employees, often dedicated to the Loadrite brand. On the other hand, the company also has successful distributors running larger businesses, and Schramm stresses that the right attitude and commitment are certainly the most important in the success of a dealer.
“The quarrying and mining industries are changing. This makes it challenging, but quite interesting for a distributor. Installers need a diverse set of skills, ranging from hardware installation and electronics to understanding of software/IT systems, modems and cloud data. For an individual, this is a demanding but all-encompassing and rewarding skill to have,” he says. “For growing businesses, managing cash flow is often a common challenge.”
In the face of these challenges, Loadrite supports distributors in all aspects of their businesses. The company trains installers, helps sales staff with quotes, provides training on industry dynamics and customer needs. In addition, the principal can also help its distributors with business planning, marketing, advertisements, setting the right pricing and managing cash flow.
“It is essential that our distributors sell and support our entire product portfolio. This allows end customers to get the best experience with Loadrite products. Having access to weighing data from all parts of a site can be a big step forward. Therefore, selling only one product line is not an option,” says Schramm.
New era
With the recent launch of the L5000, Loadrite has ushered in a new era in load weighing. The L5000, says Schramm, has been well received in the global market.
“The move to the L5000 represents a big step forward for many customers in managing their loading processes. Key features include a loadout management system which can connect to the weighbridge software, extensive onboard metrics and loadout history. Customers can easily review and reprint their past load tickets. Easy connection to Loadrite InsightHQ with integrated 4G modem and WiFi substantially reduces the cost of connecting data to the office,” concludes Schramm.
