Sandvik Rock Processing will make a major impact at Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a strong outdoor presence that highlights not only its advanced crushing and screening technology, but also the local technical support, aftermarket strength and application and digital expertise that continue to differentiate the company across Africa.

As one of the continent’s leading suppliers of rock processing solutions, Sandvik Rock Processing has built a significant installed base across mining, quarrying and aggregate operations, supporting customers across a wide range of commodities and operating conditions. From large-scale mining operations to complex crushing circuits requiring specialised solutions, the company’s focus remains firmly on uptime, reliability and long-term performance.

This year, visitors will find Sandvik Rock Processing outdoors, where the scale, capability and engineering of its equipment can be fully appreciated. At the centre of the display will be the impressive Sandvik UJ443E, the company’s fully electric tracked jaw crusher with a Sandvik rock breaker. The Sandvik UJ443E continues to attract global attention for its combination of high-capacity performance, lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.

Designed to support the mining sector’s growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the Sandvik UJ443E offers the advantages of full electric drive technology while maintaining the high throughput and reliability required in demanding applications. Its presence at Electra Mining Africa reflects Sandvik’s commitment to helping mines improve productivity while reducing emissions and total cost of ownership.

Also on display will be a stationary vibrating screen paired with the recently launched Sandvik CH442 cone crusher, showcasing the company’s ability to provide complete, fit-for-purpose crushing and screening solutions. The CH442 is the upgraded version of the proven CH440 crusher, a tough performer in hard rock applications known for its robust design, consistent product shape and high reliability, now enhanced with a strengthened design, upgraded automation and productivity-driven improvements.

The screening solutions offering on display will demonstrate engineering excellence and customisation capabilities to optimise productivity even in the most challenging conditions and will include  a range of screening media for the most efficient screening outcomes.

What truly sets Sandvik Rock Processing apart, however, is the strength behind the equipment. Its African-based team provides customers with direct access to experienced technical specialists, field service teams, parts support and aftermarket expertise, backed by a broader African footprint and global engineering resources. This allows Sandvik to support customers far beyond commissioning, helping operations optimise performance, troubleshoot challenges quickly and extend equipment life through strategic maintenance and upgrades.

From process audits and wear part optimisation to digital condition monitoring and ongoing technical support, Sandvik Rock Processing works closely with customers to ensure equipment performs at its full potential throughout its lifecycle.

“Electra Mining Africa remains one of the most important platforms for engaging directly with the mining industry and demonstrating the technology that is shaping the future of crushing and screening,” Tarynn Yatras, Vice-President Sales Area Africa for Sandvik Rock Processing, says. 

“Our outdoor presence this year allows customers to experience these solutions in the right environment and to engage with the people behind the equipment. Our strong local presence across Africa, supported by global expertise, means customers gain far more than equipment – they gain a long-term technical partner focused on performance, uptime and operational success.”

Sandvik Rock Processing – Stand Number YE66

Signalling Africa’s growing appetite for state-of-the-art mining technology, Sandvik Rock Processing is delivering the first Sandvik CH662 cone crushers to a platinum mining project in South Africa’s Limpopo province.

The CH662 represents the latest evolution of Sandvik’s long-established CH660 platform, introducing several mechanical and digital upgrades that improve throughput, reliability and maintenance efficiency. PC Kruger, Business Line Manager Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing, says mining companies across the continent are increasingly embracing electrification, remote monitoring and automation technologies.

“This is creating an environment where advanced crushing systems such as the CH662 are becoming more attractive,” Kruger says. “This milestone order challenges longstanding perceptions that African mining operations are slow to adopt new technologies.”

These two Sandvik CH662 units will be deployed in a secondary crushing application as part of an underground mining expansion project. Factory acceptance testing was completed in Sweden during the second quarter of 2026 before the units were shipped to South Africa. The order for the two CH662 crushers was placed through a major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, with one crusher designated as the duty unit and the second as a standby machine – underscoring the critical role crushing equipment plays in modern mineral processing plants.

Yashik Anand, Capital Sales Engineer for Sandvik Rock Processing’s static crushing business, explains that the project demonstrates how customers are now prioritising operational efficiency, reliability and digital integration when selecting crushing equipment. Anand highlights that the redesigned top shell and main shaft contribute substantially to the crusher’s durability and operational stability.

“The upgraded top shell provides improved material distribution and greater structural strength, while the new main shaft enhances reliability under high-capacity conditions,” he says. “The spider bushing has also been re-engineered to improve wear resistance and extend service life.”

Another important design improvement is the elimination of backing compound which saves time during liner changes. Traditional cone crusher linings often require extended curing periods before the machine can return to operation, but the CH662’s steel-to-steel design removes this delay.

“By removing the backing compound from the design, we can save customers up to 24 hours of waiting time during liner replacement procedures,” he says.

Automation and digital integration form another key advance in the Sandvik CH662 upgrade package. The crusher incorporates Sandvik’s new ACS-c 5 ASRi control system, which combines the functionality of previous crusher control platforms into a more advanced and user-friendly automation package. Users benefit from automated setting regulation, enhanced monitoring functionality and integration with digital services platforms for real-time performance analysis and remote diagnostics. 

“Especially for mining operations that are located far from major service centres, these capabilities can deliver substantial operational advantages,” Anand says. “Proactive monitoring of the crusher allows operators to identify issues earlier and prevent unplanned stoppages.”

Kruger points out that remote monitoring capabilities also support the efficiency of Sandvik Rock Processing’s field service technicians who often travel several hours to customers’ sites.

“We can remotely support the machine and start fault-finding immediately when there is an issue,” he explains. “By the time a technician reaches site, we already have a good understanding of what needs to be repaired or replaced.”

This order also highlights the growing importance of technical collaboration between OEMs and EPC contractors during plant design and equipment selection, Anand says. Sandvik’s PlantDesigner simulation software allowed multiple process simulations and flowsheet iterations to optimise the crushing circuit for the customer’s metallurgical requirements.

Looking ahead, Kruger says the Sandvik CH662 is well positioned for broader adoption across Africa’s mining and aggregates sectors, particularly within the continent’s mid-range processing operations.

“Mining operations in Africa generally do not require the ultra-large crushing systems that are more common in regions like South America,” he notes. “The CH662 fits well into the African market’s production range of 400 to 1000 t/h.”

Sandvik’s upgrade strategy includes retrofit, rebuild and fully integrated smart crusher options, all supported by its three-year standard warranty. 

Integrating complex equipment into the critical crushing and screening stages of comminution is rarely straightforward which is why Sandvik Rock Processing strongly supports an engineered-to-order (ETO) approach.

According to Tarynn Yatras, Vice-President Sales Area Africa for Sandvik Rock Processing, the ETO model enables the company to design plant configurations around the specific operating conditions and requirements of each mine, rather than an “off-the-shelf” solution. 

Yatras notes that mines are increasingly recognising the value of ETO solutions which allow custom-designed systems for crushing plants that are developed to meet the specific operational, material and site requirements of individual customers – particularly for complex mining and large quarry applications. Sandvik Rock Processing is well positioned to provide and deliver fully integrated ETO solutions.

“Our ETO offering allows us to deeply integrate our engineering expertise using site-specific knowledge,” she explains. In a typical installation, equipment such as jaw crushers, cone crushers, screens and rock breakers can be seamlessly combined from Sandvik Rock Processing’s extensive product range.

Site-specific challenges can also be addressed early in the design phase. Factors such as ore abrasiveness, required throughput, plant layout and operational constraints all influence equipment selection and circuit configuration.

“Particular challenges like space restrictions or unusual elevations – common in brownfield operations – may also need to be accommodated,” she says. “Complex multi-stage crushing arrangements may be required, with careful fine-tuning of flowsheets.”

Digital simulation tools play a key role in identifying the optimal configuration. By modelling different plant layouts, engineers can test alternative flowsheets and predict circuit performance before implementation.

“We help customers make the most of the planning stages to identify the optimal design,” Yatras explains. “In some cases, it may be necessary to evaluate 15 or 20 different flowsheets before arriving at the most effective solution.”

Yatras is quick to point out that Sandvik Rock Processing is not an EPCM house and the company remains focused on delivering crushing and screening product solutions. 

Another advantage of the ETO model is improved accountability. When multiple OEMs supply individual components, identifying the root cause of performance issues can be challenging. An integrated ETO solution reduces this risk by providing the customer with a single point of responsibility.

“Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the plant delivers consistent performance throughout its lifecycle, in line with design expectations,” Yatras says. “While simulations and design expertise provide a strong starting point, ongoing monitoring and optimisation remain essential.”

By controlling the quality of the design, equipment and installation within the ETO solution, Sandvik Rock Processing can also provide process guarantees to customers – an important element in de-risking projects and supporting long-term plant uptime.

Keeping screens productive and reliable is vital to mineral processing. To support this, Sandvik Rock Processing operates a dedicated Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility that ensures the highest standards are applied to maximise screen uptime and performance.

According to Sydney Baloyi, Aftermarket Manager for Screening Solutions (Africa) at Sandvik Rock Processing, the facility plays a strategic role in supporting customers throughout the operational life of their screening equipment. Its specialist capability is designed to restore key vibratory components to OEM specifications, while reducing downtime and total cost of ownership.

“By repairing and refurbishing customers’ exciters locally, we can give customers rapid turnaround times without compromising our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards,” Baloyi says. “This aligns directly with our lifecycle focus on extending equipment life, improving reliability and reducing ownership costs.”

He highlights that the condition of the exciters – including exciter motors and gearboxes – is fundamental to the efficient operation of vibrating screens and feeders. Their ability to generate the intended controlled vibration is central to effective material separation and throughput efficiency.

“Exciters are essentially the driving force of the screen; without that vibration, the screen simply cannot perform its function,” Baloyi explains. “At the same time, exciters experience significant wear due to continuous dynamic loading.”

The refurbishment process begins with comprehensive stripping and inspection of the exciters and associated vibratory components, including motors, gearboxes and related assemblies.

“Our repairs follow strict OEM processes, designed to restore equipment to original specifications rather than applying temporary fixes,” he emphasises. “Any worn or damaged components are replaced so the unit is returned to its original condition and performance standard.”

Refurbished units then undergo the same assembly and testing procedures as new equipment, ensuring consistent performance and reliability once returned to service.

“Meeting the same performance expectations as new equipment means that refurbished exciters can fully support customers’ need for operational continuity,” Baloyi says.

This emphasis on OEM standards protects customers from premature failures often associated with non-standard repairs. However, he notes that reliability depends on more than just the right parts.

“The workmanship and the repair process are equally critical to ensuring long service life,” he says. “We rely on proven repair processes backed by skilled technicians who understand the equipment in detail. This combination of quality parts, correct processes and experienced workmanship is what protects reliability.”

Beyond productivity, correct and regular maintenance of exciters is also a safety consideration, he continues, as poorly performing vibrating equipment can affect plant stability and process control.

“The safe and consistent performance of screening equipment is dependent on reliable exciters,” Baloyi says.

He adds that the value of the Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility is reflected in customer feedback, with tangible operational benefits reported.

“We see reduced downtime, longer component life and greater confidence in repair quality from customers who use the facility,” he concludes. “In the end, customers want equipment that keeps their operations productive – and this facility helps us deliver exactly that.”

At its well-equipped technical workshop in Kumasi, Sandvik Rock Processing recently completed a full refurbishment of critical rock breaking equipment for a major gold mining customer in Ghana.

The large range Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker, mounted on the Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom, is positioned at the mine’s run-of-mine (ROM) grizzly, where it breaks large boulders after blasting to prevent blockages and streamline the crushing process.

“This project restored a vital asset that plays a central role in the mine’s primary crushing circuit,” Amos Fordjour, Senior Service Technician at Sandvik Rock Processing, says. “Our extensive rebuild has returned the machine to OEM performance standards, significantly improving the mine’s reliability and production continuity.”

The rock breaker had been operating for more than five years and was due for its scheduled refurbishment. Fordjour explains that the work began on site, where Sandvik Rock Processing dismantled the 11 tonne boom assembly using the mine’s cranes. The components were then transported to Sandvik Rock Processing’s Kumasi facilities, a journey of over three hours.

“Once in the workshop, our technicians stripped the units completely – checking for critical components such as pins, bushings, cylinder seals and mounting brackets that required replacement,” he says. “The boom was sandblasted and inspected for cracks, the hydraulic cylinders were rebuilt and pressure-tested and the hammer was fully refurbished.”

According to Haqq Abdul Rahman, Graduate Technician at Sandvik Rock Processing, maintaining a strong inventory of components and spares is key to speeding up refurbishment projects. He notes that many mines struggle with oversized material arriving at the ROM grizzly and temporary mobile breakers typically take far longer to process these rocks.

“It was important that we controlled the turnaround time on this project so the mine could put the equipment back to work as soon as possible,” Rahman says. “This particular unit breaks oversized rocks much faster than the smaller mobile units that the mine had to rely on while this one was being refurbished.”

The Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom, with an input power of 55 kW, offers a maximum reach of 12.7 m, a nominal horizontal reach of 9.8 m, a nominal vertical reach of 9 m and a 360° swing. The 2.3 tonne Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker is built on an innovative operating principle that optimises stroke length, blow energy and Sandvik’s idle blow protector. This allows the breaker to be adjusted for different applications while improving hydraulic efficiency and safety.

Fordjour emphasises that quality assurance underpins every stage of the rebuild process at Kumasi.

“We follow strict operating procedures and standards in everything we do,” he says. “This includes using only genuine Sandvik parts which allows us to guarantee the quality of both the components and the workmanship.”

After the rebuild was completed, Sandvik Rock Processing returned to site to install and commission the breaker. The three week process required close coordination between Sandvik Rock Processing and the mine to manage crane access, electrical connections, equipment positioning and safety protocols.

“We work very closely with customers during removal, installation and commissioning,” Fordjour notes. “In this case, the mine provided the cranes and support equipment and we handled all the technical work; that collaboration is critical.”

Rahman explains that the refurbished boom and hydraulic breaker now deliver several operational benefits. Restored OEM clearances and structural integrity ensure smoother swing and boom movement, more efficient energy transfer and high twist capacity, all of which contribute to improved durability under high-impact conditions.

“For the mine, the biggest impact is uptime and production,” he says. “Without this breaker, their crushing circuit slows down considerably; now that it is back to full performance and production is consistent again.”

Fordjour adds that Sandvik Rock Processing’s support continues long after commissioning. The company conducts quarterly inspections to check pins, seals and overall structural condition and the service team remains available for call-outs whenever required.

West Africa has long established itself as one of the continent’s most exciting regions for exploration and mining, and Sandvik Rock Processing continues to build on its strong footprint of technical support for its crushing and screening solutions. Notably the company’s product offering includes stationary crushers, screen and feeders, mobile crushers and screens and rockbreakers. 

From on-site engineering services to parts warehousing, training and condition monitoring, the company has built a responsive multi-tiered support system designed to ensure smooth reliable operations for its customers.

“We understand the pressure in the mining sector for increased operational uptime, safety and productivity,” says Michael Okunola, Service Manager for Sandvik Rock Processing West Africa. “As supply partners to the industry, this can only be achieved through our continued investment in human and material resources on the ground – close to customers for rapid response.”

On-site support

As part of the company’s suite of support services, Okunola highlights the various levels of its on-site engineering support programme. Customers can select from a range of offerings, including having Sandvik Rock Processing engineers on the mine for 365 days a year. Depending on how remote the mine’s location is, the management may prefer an engineer to visit the site on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annual basis. 

“Our services are completely tailored to customers’ needs,” he emphasises, “but the primary focus is generally the same: to closely monitor the condition and operation of equipment on site and to ensure proactive maintenance and to optimise its performance.”

He explains that the company’s local service technicians are the first responders to customers’ needs providing on-site diagnostics and trouble-shooting, along with emergency work and routine maintenance. Sandvik Rock Processing also has after-market engineers who can commission equipment, and conduct visits in line with customer preferences. 

Parts availability

Effective maintenance means having the necessary parts available when they are required, he points out. Sandvik Rock Processing therefore offers its support in helping mines with customised inventory management. Under a parts management agreement, the company’s team even visit mines to assess which inventory items have been used and which need replenishment. 

“Under our vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system, for instance, we monitor stock levels on behalf of the customer and ensure timely replenishment,” he explains. “We try as far as possible to help the customer to avoid running out of parts, which can lead to delays and downtime.”

This may require moving critical spares onto customer sites as consignment stock, so they can be stored for immediate access. Okunola highlights that Sandvik’s SAM digital service plays a valuable role in facilitating operational excellence in the region’s crushing and screening plants. 

“Our SAM platform helps our technical personnel – and even the customer – to monitor the consumption of parts and facilitate procurement,” he explains. “Our technical team use SAM to track the daily operation of our equipment, analysing data to diagnose issues before they become critical; we can then advise the customer what actions are required to ensure that machines are always running efficiently and at the lowest lifecycle costs.”

Regional presence

Underpinning its commitment to parts availability is Sandvik Rock Processing’s strategically located regional facilities, with a West African hub in Kumasi, Ghana. This includes a warehouse and workshop facility from which the company supports customers throughout the region.

“We also have a facility with a warehouse in Bamako in Mali, and in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso,” he says. “A recent addition to our footprint in the region is our warehouse in Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire. Each of these sites has their own team to provide technical support and logistical coordination to customers.”

The workshop facilities provide refurbishment services for key equipment as well as component rebuilds and routine preventative maintenance. He highlights that the company’s presence in these locations enables rapid response times, reduces lead time on deliveries and generally enhances customers’ operational uptime.

Building local capacity

Recognising the importance of skilled operators and technicians in West Africa, Sandvik Rock Processing invests heavily in skills development and training initiatives. These can be conducted on site or remotely and include tailored modules based on specific types of equipment as well as technical refresher training to keep customers up to date with the latest technologies and best practices. 

Among the most important capacity building offerings is operator maintenance training which is most useful when conducted in a real-life practical environment. When customised for specific mines, this training can focus on the actual equipment installed on the site.

“We also run ‘train-the-trainer’ programmes which empowers supervisors to share knowledge internally,” he says. “Trainees receive certificates of competence, strengthening their career development and enhancing local skills in the process.”

Sandvik Rock Processing also supports apprenticeships as part of its local talent development initiatives. This includes internships and partnerships with technical schools. The company’s e-learning platform further expands its reach, allowing customers to access training on topics such as equipment operation, preventative maintenance and safety procedures.

“Our local technicians are well-trained, and benefit from continuous upskilling through regular visits to the company’s facilities,” says Okunola.  

He concludes that the company’s growth plans in West Africa are a clear signal of its commitment to the market in the region, ensuring that its technical support is close at hand and fully resourced.

Production at a gold mine in Ghana was recently ramped up with the help of the advanced Sandvik CH865i cone crusher, following close collaboration with the Sandvik Rock Processing team in Ghana to identify the optimal solution for the site’s specific conditions.

The need to raise throughput levels at the mine had become pressing, with the mine’s stockpile quickly depleting due to the strategic demand for more ore. According to Michael Okunola, Service Manager for Sandvik Rock Processing West Africa, the solution also had to account for space limitations within the plant.

“The mine was considering adding another cone crusher to the existing lineup of three crushers in the plant but with limited space available, we began exploring other options,” says Okunola. “Ultimately, the team was guided by the fact that the second of the three tertiary crushers was handling the bulk of the throughput, and we realised we could make a significant impact by addressing the capacity opportunities at that point in the circuit.”

The mine was already operating three Sandvik CH660 cone crushers in the tertiary circuit and turned to Sandvik Rock Processing for a solution that would deliver the same exceptional performance and reliability, he says. 

“Under the mine’s previous production regime, the Sandvik CH660s comfortably met the required capacity,” he explains. “However, with the new production targets, a crusher with higher throughput capacity was needed.”

In this application, the Sandvik CH865i is capable of delivering up to 400 tph – nearly double the previous throughput – significantly boosting the mine’s overall production.

“The optimal solution was achieved by replacing the second – or middle – CH660 cone crusher in the mine’s tertiary circuit with a Sandvik CH865i model,” says Okunola. Once the new unit’s components arrived on site, Sandvik Rock Processing’s technical team collaborated closely with the mine’s team to implement the necessary adjustments within the plant.

These modifications included installing a new locally manufactured hopper to accommodate the taller dimensions of the Sandvik CH865i crusher. The installation had to be carried out while the plant remained operational, requiring special measures to manage dust and maintain a safe working environment.

“We worked with the mine to decommission the existing unit and implement the necessary concrete, steelwork and other critical infrastructure for the new crusher,” he explains. “The Sandvik Rock Processing team then assembled the Sandvik CH865i on site using the delivered components – including the sub-frame assembly, top shell, bottom shell and main shaft assembly – all in line with our strict OEM standards.”

“Following successful commissioning, the increase in output delivered a rapid return on investment for the customer confirming that the decision was the correct one,” says Okunola. To further support ongoing performance, the mine also entered into a service level agreement with Sandvik Rock Processing, ensuring that a dedicated engineer is based on site to maintain and optimise equipment efficiency. 

“Our team is on hand to closely monitor the condition and operation of our crushers, and to ensure that maintenance such as liner replacement and lubrication are regularly performed,” he says. “Our OEM procedures and attention to detail give the customer peace of mind that the new crusher is delivering as expected, with no unplanned downtime to disrupt production.” 

Among the benefits that the Sandvik CH865i cone crusher brings is its ease of operation and maintenance, he adds. For instance, it does not need the application of casting compound when replacing liners which also represents a significant cost saving. 

Equipped with the hydraulic Hydroset™ system for safety and setting-adjustment functions, the unit is also intelligent – ready to be connected to Sandvik’s Automation & Connectivity System (ACS). This automatically adapts the crusher to varying feed conditions ensuring the best performance constantly.

“The value of ACS lies in its ability to monitor key aspects of the crushing process including the electric motor’s power draw, hydrostatic pressure, closed-side setting and oil temperature,” says Okunola. “It also tracks the performance of individual components such as the lubrication pump and the Hydroset™ pump as well as rotation speeds and feed rates. All of this enhances operational transparency by flagging any deviations from normal performance.”

He highlights that, after the commissioning of the new Sandvik CH865i unit, Sandvik Rock Processing conducted on-site training for the mine’s team, on both operation and maintenance.

“Our training also emphasises the safety aspects of working with our equipment, as our strong safety focus supports the mining sector’s drive towards zero harm,” Okunola concludes.

The African mining and aggregate industries are marking a major milestone with the arrival of the first fully electric Sandvik mobile crushing plant on the continent. Sold through Sandvik Rock Processing distributor, S&R Enterprises, the Sandvik UJ443E heavy jaw crushing plant has already been sold into the market, with significant interest building as the sector accelerates its move towards lower carbon, more cost effective operations.

“This is the first time Africa will see a Sandvik mobile plant built from the ground up on a fully electric track platform,” Jaco Benade, Distributor Manager at Sandvik Rock Processing, says. “It is a gamechanging development that helps customers cut operating costs while advancing their sustainability goals.”

Benade says the introduction of the fully electric mobile crushing plant is a step change in efficiency and sustainability. “A key differentiator of the Sandvik UJ443E is its energy flexibility,” he explains. “The unit can operate directly from the electrical grid, bringing customers considerable savings through reduced fuel costs, lower emissions and quieter operation. Where grid power is not available, it can switch to diesel or renewable biofuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).”

By offering multiple energy pathways, the Sandvik UJ443E allows customers to adapt to site-specific conditions while preparing for the broader shift towards electrification in mining, quarrying and construction. Benade notes that where reliable grid electricity is available, operators can also benefit from extended drivetrain service intervals, leading to reduced downtime and lower lifecycle costs.

Proven Technology, New Platform

Built on a fully electric track platform, the Sandvik UJ443E is fitted with the proven CJ412 jaw crusher. This latest generation unit features smart technology for real-time performance monitoring and adjustment as well as an unblock facility that improves safety and reduces downtime. Other innovations include three-speed electric tracks for precise movement, a redesigned feed station with hydraulic tilt access for easier maintenance and a downstream 125 amp connection for integrating other electric equipment such as screening plants.

“This machine consumes about 90% less hydraulic fluid than its predecessors which means lower maintenance costs and a lighter environmental footprint,” Benade explains. “It also offers flexible configurations – from a vibrating grizzly feeder for clean rock to an under-screen option for fines removal.”

Market Preparation and Support

The first Sandvik UJ443E unit in Africa is already in preparation for delivery. To ensure seamless commissioning, Sandvik Rock Processing and S&R Enterprises have invested in advanced training for local service teams. A Sandvik factory technician will also be on site for the installation, guiding both distributor and customer teams through the process.

“Comprehensive lifecycle support underpins this introduction,” Benade says. “We have ensured that our distribution network is ready with spares, technical expertise and tailored aftermarket packages. The Sandvik My Fleet telematics will further enhance support by enabling remote diagnostics and performance monitoring.”

The arrival of the Sandvik UJ443E in Africa signals a turning point in mobile crushing technology on the continent. Customers can now access a solution that not only delivers on productivity but also drives progress toward decarbonisation and reduced operating costs.

“This first Sandvik UJ443E mobile crushing plant is just the beginning,” Benade concludes. “With the level of market interest we are seeing, we expect more units to be placed soon – helping reshape the future of mobile crushing in Africa.”

Sandvik Rock Processing, in partnership with its southern African distributor, S&R Enterprises, has launched its first dual-powered mobile machine in southern Africa, a tracked Sandvik QA452e triple deck sizing screen with Doublescreen technology. 

Upon its arrival, the machine was immediately dispatched by S&R Enterprises to its owner, a contractor operating on a major dam project in Lesotho, where the machine has already been deployed to produce G2 and G5 material.  

PC Kruger, Business Line Manager Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing, says the launch of the first Sandvik electric unit in southern Africa is in direct response to the apparent growing appetite for electric mobile crushing and screening solutions in the region. While the technology provides both cost and sustainability benefits, Kruger believes that the major driver in southern Africa to date is largely the need to reduce total cost of ownership. 

“Customers in southern Africa are increasingly pursuing energy efficiency due to the significant financial benefits of reducing energy consumption, which is generally a major operational cost. Hybrid solutions, which can be powered by either diesel or grid electricity, offer significant fuel savings and more versatile operation, with the added benefit of reduced carbon emissions,” says Kruger. 

According to Stephen Smith, MD of S&R Enterprises, the major talking point on the Sandvik QA452e screen is its hybrid “e” drive option, which provides the flexibility to operate in diesel or electric mode for lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions. Powering the machine using an external electric source can bring several advantages, including lower running costs, extended drivetrain service intervals, reduced onsite emissions and noise levels.

“One of the major benefits of this technology is reduced maintenance costs,” says Smith. “The electric motor drive reduces the need for diesel engine servicing and hydraulic oil, increasing machine availability and reducing costs. In fact, the machine consumes up to 50% less hydraulic oil over 10 000 hours of usage. Consequently, hydraulic service intervals have been increased from 2 000 to 4 000 hours, subject to oil sampling.”

In addition, the standard Sandvik mobile equipment warranty has gone up from the traditional 12 months/1 000 hours to 24 months/3 000 hours, with extended warranty options up to six years, providing the much-needed peace of mind for customers. 

The QA452e features Sandvik’s patented Doublescreen technology for high throughput and efficiency. It is a revolutionary design that utilises two high velocity screen boxes that work independently of each other; the primary screen works as a fines extractor, while the secondary screen operates as a grader. 

“Doublescreen advantages over competing products include greater material control, greater adjustability, increased accuracy and higher screening efficiencies, making this unit ideal for producing massive volumes of high specification products, without compromising on productivity,” says Smith. 

The patented Doublescreen design features three independent 20’ x 5’ (6 m x 1,5 m) screens, each providing a screening area of 9 m³/9,3 m², with the bottom deck being 11% longer for more screen area and fines extraction. Compared to conventional 20’ x 5’ screen boxes, the Doublescreen technology typically outperforms traditional screens by up to 30%. It also allows up to 42 screen angle options due to the two screen boxes. 

“The arrival of the first Sandvik dual-powered machine marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the local mobile crushing and screening industry,” concludes Kruger. 

Sandvik Rock Processing is accelerating its growth across Africa by combining an expanded product portfolio with a sharper customer focus – delivering integrated solutions from a single point of contact.

“By bringing together stationary and mobile crushing, vibrating screens, screen media and attachment tools like rock breakers, we can address diverse operational requirements while streamlining customer engagement,” Tarynn Yatras, Vice President Sales Area Africa for Sandvik Rock Processing, says.

A key growth area has been mobile crushing and screening equipment, with demand rising from both mining operations and infrastructure projects. The appointment by Sandvik Rock Processing of South African distributors in 2024 has strengthened service coverage and ensured faster local support. 

“We have focused on bundling recommended spares with each unit and ensuring service capability is available from day one,” Yatras explains. The versatility of mobile units makes them ideal for giving flexible crushing and screening options based on customer needs and enabling rapid on-site crushing solutions for contractors.

Innovation is further driving interest, with the first electric-powered Sandvik mobile crusher scheduled for delivery into Africa later this year. “Electric and hybrid (electric and diesel) units are attractive to operations investing in cleaner electric powered solutions” she says. “They help reduce emissions, reduce total cost of ownership and offer simpler, more efficient maintenance than diesel engines.”

The company has also elevated its approach to attachment tools in mining, making rock breakers a strategic component of its solutions portfolio rather than an ad hoc add-on. These tools are now applied across a range of scenarios – from fixed booms at crusher feeds to mobile in-pit use after blasting.

Supporting this broader offering is a strong technical capability embedded across the lifecycle of the equipment. Dedicated resources focus on training, competence development, process optimisation and customer audits – positioning technical expertise closer to operations. 

“This enables deeper application analysis and more precise solution specification, reducing total cost of ownership,” Yatras says. In one project, for example, Sandvik Rock Processing developed 25 different flow sheets – ultimately meeting the customer’s objectives with four fewer crushers than a competitor proposed, cutting both capital and operating costs.

Engagement with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partners on greenfield and brownfield projects is another area of growth, alongside sustained demand in the infrastructure sector. Graduate training initiatives, such as the programme in West Africa, are building a future pipeline of skilled engineers and technicians.

“Across all our territories, we are bringing expertise and infrastructure closer to customers, with service at the heart of our strategy,” Yatras concludes.