Mining

Guinea, Uganda and Egypt outline plans to expand mineral processing

Guinea-Conakry is targeting five operational alumina refineries by 2030, with three already under construction, according to Daouda Diakité, senior adviser to Guinea’s minister of mines and geology

He announced the target during a ministerial panel at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The plan is a key component of Guinea’s Simandou 2040 strategy, which aims to move the country beyond raw mineral exports towards domestic processing and industrial development. Guinea intends to achieve annual alumina production capacity of seven to eight million tons by 2030, supported by investment in steel manufacturing, electricity generation and downstream infrastructure.

“Simandou 2040 is a strategy to shift from being a raw material exporter to developing a strong processing base that can sustain the country’s downstream sector. To achieve this, we are encouraging investment in domestic aluminum and steel production, as well as power projects that can support downstream development.,” he stated.

By building on its substantial bauxite and iron ore reserves, Guinea aims to develop domestic processing capabilities and attract investment in refining facilities, industrial infrastructure and power supply. These developments are intended to strengthen the country’s downstream industries and increase the value generated from its mineral resources.

Diakité also outlined progress towards domestic steel production associated with the Simandou iron ore project, confirming that feasibility work is nearing completion.

“The steel from Simandou has to be processed in Guinea, and we are finishing the feasibility study for that,” he added.

Guinea’s downstream development programme also extends to gold, with work progressing towards establishing a domestic gold refinery.

Uganda is pursuing a similar approach, using mineral processing to support industrialisation and regional trade. Monica Musenero Masanza, minister of energy and mineral development, said the country operates ten gold refineries that serve neighbouring East African markets.

“Rather than every nation enduring the high cost of building refineries, Uganda offers a regional solution. We allow our East African neighbors to bring gold in tax-free for toll processing, and because our operations run on excess renewable energy, the final product is truly green gold,” she stated.

In addition to gold refining, Uganda is developing its capacity to process tin to 99.9% purity and is advancing beneficiation initiatives for iron ore and phosphate. These activities are intended to supply materials for infrastructure projects and agricultural production.

“Uganda’s rapid development requires massive amounts of steel and fertilizer. With 14 companies lined up to produce steel billets from local iron ore and active plans to process our phosphate reserves, we are adding value to our minerals directly to build our infrastructure and fuel our agricultural needs,” Masanza added.

Egypt, meanwhile, is seeking to support Africa’s mineral-producing countries through logistics and infrastructure development. Its plans focus on improving links between mining sites, processing facilities and international markets.

Mohamed Zada, deputy minister for strategic industries, identified potential for cross-border investment in electricity generation, seaports and mineral transportation networks to facilitate the growth of Africa’s downstream industries.

“Egypt’s strategic location makes it a natural logistics hub. By partnering across the continent to build power plants and seaport infrastructure, we can optimize supply chains and bring Africa's finished mineral products to global markets,” he stated.

The developments discussed at AMW 2026 reflect a wider push to expand mineral refining, manufacturing and logistics capabilities across Africa. By investing in these areas, countries aim to retain more value from their mineral resources and create opportunities throughout the continent’s mining value chain.

Integrated Pump Technology delivers Grindex and Godwin dewatering solutions for demanding mining applications. (Image source: Integrated Pump Technology)

Unpredictable rainfall and increasingly demanding water management requirements are putting additional pressure on mining operations across Central Africa

Integrated Pump Technology, distributor of Grindex submersible pumps and Godwin surface pumps, is addressing these challenges through application-specific pumping solutions, regional partnerships and technical support designed around the needs of local mines.

The company’s presence in Central Africa has grown alongside the expansion of the region’s mining industry, particularly in copper and gold production. Larger mining operations have increased the need for comprehensive pumping equipment, reliable aftersales services and technical expertise.

JD Nel, Godwin product manager, explained, “We have had a presence in the regions for a while now. Over the years, it expanded because of growing commodity demand, such as copper. Also, mines in Central Africa are often up to five times bigger than what we are used to in Africa. That is why we need to have a comprehensive equipment offering along with aftersales and technical support.”

Addressing changing dewatering demands

Managing water has become increasingly challenging as mining operations contend with changing rainfall patterns. According to Nel, heavier and less predictable storms can overwhelm mine water management systems, disrupting production and placing greater demands on dewatering equipment.

“The biggest challenge for the mining operations is rain and climate change. The rain is coming down on a more frequent basis, and it’s double the amount it previously was. Unforeseen rains have a huge impact on any mining operation, which can bring production to a halt.”

To address these requirements, Integrated Pump Technology provides different pumping solutions for underground and open-pit mining environments, taking into account the operating conditions and water volumes involved.

For underground applications, the company supplies Grindex electrical submersible pumps, which are used for routine dewatering in demanding mining environments. Introduced in the 1960s, the pumps have established a presence in heavy-duty applications worldwide. Their design supports operation in harsh, abrasive conditions, including continuous dewatering duties without constant operator supervision.

Open-pit mines often require a different approach, particularly when heavy rainfall results in large volumes of accumulated water. Integrated Pump Technology combines Grindex electrical pumps with Godwin self-priming diesel and electric units to address these requirements.

Pump selection depends on the conditions at each site, including the availability of power and the volume of water that needs to be removed. As Nel explained, “The selection of a suitable pump depends on a few factors that need to be kept in mind such as power availability and volumes of water.”

Local partnerships support operational continuity

Access to equipment, spare parts and technical assistance is particularly important for mines operating in remote locations. Integrated Pump Technology works with local distributors to provide support closer to customers and help maintain the availability of essential dewatering equipment.

In Zambia, Integrated Engineering Services maintains pump and spare-parts stocks and operates a fully equipped workshop. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the company is represented by Congo Pump Solutions. Both partners provide daily on-site assistance to mining operations.

Nel highlights the importance of this local expertise: “Our local partners understand a mining operation and our product offering. This ensures that we can change the pump out or select the correct pump for a specific application, which adds value towards the mining operations,”

Beyond equipment supply and replacement, the company also investigates pump failures to determine whether the equipment is appropriate for the conditions in which it operates. Examining the application helps identify potential causes of failure and supports more suitable equipment selection.

“There should be a reason why a pump fails. So, we’ll go and have a look at the application to ensure that the pump is the correct pump for that specific application.”

Expanding regional support

Integrated Pump Technology plans to increase its personnel and extend its presence across Central Africa as mining activity and dewatering requirements continue to evolve.

By combining Grindex and Godwin pumping equipment with local distributor networks and application-focused technical support, the company aims to help mining operators manage water more effectively. Its approach places emphasis not only on supplying pumps, but also on understanding site-specific conditions, responding to operational problems and selecting equipment suited to the demands of each application.

Zoomlion Mining machinery business grows 57.2% in first half of 2026. (Image source: Zoomlion)

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (Zoomlion) is accelerating the development of its mining equipment portfolio as it expands its international presence

During the first half of 2026, revenue from its mining machinery business increased by more than 57.20% year on year. Meanwhile, international revenue across the company rose 12.45% to RMB 15.535 billion, representing 57.25% of total revenue.

The company is advancing its construction, agricultural and mining equipment operations across three major global machinery markets. Its mining machinery range includes equipment for excavation, loading, transportation, crushing and screening.

Among its key products are the ZE4000G, a mining excavator with a 400-tonne capacity, and the ZTE520 hybrid electric-drive mining truck, which has a rated payload of 300 tonnes.

Zoomlion's experience in mining engineering dates back several decades. In 1987, its predecessor, the Changsha Construction Machinery Research Institute, received a State Council award for developing an integrated open-pit mining system with an annual handling capacity of 10 million tonnes.

The company links the recent expansion of its mining machinery business to efforts to reduce equipment operating costs through product development, practical testing and technological innovation.

Zoomlion designs and refines its machinery around the requirements of operational mining sites. During a previously reported six-month period, its research teams visited approximately 150 mines worldwide, identifying and resolving more than 50 technical challenges. Insights gathered during these visits were subsequently incorporated into product development.

"We calculate operating costs across the full equipment lifecycle so customers can see the economic benefit," said Wu Yuanfeng, deputy general manager of Zoomlion Mining Machinery. "Our pure-electric products can cut costs by more than 50%, and hybrid models can improve profitability by 15% or more, helping mines move toward more efficient, higher-quality operations."

Electrification is another priority within Zoomlion's mining equipment strategy. Its hybrid mining trucks can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%, while its battery-electric trucks in the 100-tonne class have accumulated more than 8,000 hours of stable operation. The ZT160HEV hybrid mining truck can also support up to 18 hours of continuous autonomous operation.

Alongside electrification, Zoomlion is deploying automation and digital systems to improve operational efficiency. Its technologies include autonomous haulage trucks, remotely operated excavators and fleet coordination systems. According to the company, implementing its system at a major open-pit metal mine in northern China increased the average number of daily trips per truck by more than 10%.

The company's international mining business has expanded into several markets. Electrified machinery has been supplied to coal mines in Indonesia, open-pit mining operations in Argentina, and projects in Ecuador and various African countries.

Zoomlion's broader international operations also recorded growth in the first half of 2026, generating RMB 15.535 billion in revenue, a 12.45% year-on-year increase. Overseas business contributed 57.25% of total revenue, up 1.67 percentage points compared with the same period a year earlier. Growth across South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and East Asia exceeded the company's overall international growth rate.

To strengthen its overseas presence, Zoomlion is investing in localized manufacturing, distribution and after-sales service. By June 30, 2026, the company had established more than 30 primary business hubs, over 530 secondary and tertiary outlets, and more than 300 spare parts warehouses worldwide. Its aerial work platform factory in Hungary had commenced production, while its German facility had undergone expansion and upgrades to become a multipurpose hub.

"Our overseas front-line operations and back-office teams are now digitally connected, enabling seamless 24-hour coordination," said Liu Jianqiang, Zoomlion's marketing director and deputy general manager of its overseas business.

The combination of mining machinery growth and international expansion is diversifying Zoomlion's revenue base. With mining machinery business growth exceeding 57.20% in the first half of 2026, the company is continuing to develop its equipment portfolio while strengthening its manufacturing, sales and service infrastructure across international markets.

Sibanye-Stillwater advances mechanisation at Siphumelele platinum mine in Rustenburg with Epiroc low-profile equipment. (Image source: Epiroc)

Sibanye-Stillwater is advancing mechanisation at the Siphumelele shaft within its Rustenburg operations, using a fleet of low-profile underground equipment from Epiroc to support platinum mining in narrow-vein conditions

The equipment order includes Epiroc’s LHD 5.5 LP low-profile loader, UV42 utility vehicles and a large range of UV42 cassettes. The fleet is intended to support the ongoing mechanisation project at Siphumelele, with the aim of improving safety and productivity.

The low-profile equipment is designed for mining applications where narrow veins and restricted underground working conditions require compact machinery. The LHD 5.5 LP loader is designed for low-profile loading and hauling, while the UV42 utility vehicles support general underground operations, maintenance and logistics.

“We are proud to support the Siphumelele operation as it starts to use mechanized equipment,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “It will strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater’s continuous efforts to be as safe and productive as possible.”

The UV42 vehicles can be fitted with interchangeable cassettes that provide different work decks for a range of underground transportation requirements. These include the movement of personnel, tools and explosives, allowing the same utility vehicle platform to support multiple operational functions.

Richard Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa operations at Sibanye-Stillwater, says: “The investment in Siphumelele is an important example of our strategic focus on extending mine life and unlocking additional value from our existing ore reserves. Epiroc's low-profile fleet is well suited to the mining conditions at Siphumelele and will support the safe and efficient execution of this strategically important project.”

The low-profile underground equipment is derived from Epiroc’s acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment in 2023. The acquisition expanded Epiroc’s offering in underground mining, including equipment for critical support and service applications.

For Siphumelele, the equipment forms part of the operation’s broader move towards mechanised mining. Its low-profile design is particularly relevant to underground environments where equipment dimensions need to accommodate narrow-vein mining conditions while supporting loading, logistics, maintenance and other activities.

Delivery of the equipment will begin in the fourth quarter 2026.