Bühler recently showcased its advanced material handling solutions at the Mining & Technical Exhibitions (MTE) Rustenburg, a strategic event located at 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.
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 where Bühler continues to lead with its fully integrated chain and conveyor solutions.
At MTE Rustenburg, Bühler presented its heavy-duty chain conveyors and high-performance forged chains, engineered specifically for demanding mining environments. Capable of transporting up to 1200 metric tons per hour across spans of up to 100 m, these systems are designed to handle the volume and intensity typical of platinum mining operations. Their high wear resistance and tensile strength result from Bühler’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. Bühler offers a one-stop shop for chain and conveyor systems that not only ensure performance and durability but also contribute to safer, cleaner operations.”
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.
Bühler’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.
As a trusted partner to the mining sector, Bühler 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 their productivity targets with confidence.