HARNESSING HISTORICAL HERITAGE
As the South African leader of turnkey mining solutions, SPH Kundalila has become an influential titan of this vast industry. We speak to Graeme Campbell, Managing Director, about the company’s exceptional staff, fleet, and range of game-changing services
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
HARNESSING HISTORICAL HERITAGE
The industry of medium-sized open cast mining, primary crushing, and materials handling in South Africa (SA) continues to shine as an exciting and dynamic sector to be involved in.
Across the vast African continent, there are several trends and developments that make it an immensely promising field.
Firstly, the demand for efficient and cost-effective mining solutions is driving innovation and
technological advancement.
Companies such as SPH Kundalila (SPH) are at the forefront of this trend, utilising advanced equipment and technologies to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
For example, SPH employs medium-capacity equipment, proven and robust options in excavators, and articulated dump trucks and mobile crushers, which ensure efficient and reliable operations.
Another significant development
sweeping the industry is a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. In this way, mining companies are increasingly adopting practices that minimise environmental impact and promote site rehabilitation.
As such, SPH is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations, a factor which is becoming more important as regulations tighten across the entire mining industry.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on safety and workforce development, as many companies are investing in training and upskilling their employees to ensure high safety standards and greater operational excellence.
SPH’s commitment to safety is evident in its comprehensive health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies, which aim to ensure that workers return home safely and in good health after each shift.
Moreover, the industry is seeing increased collaboration and partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to access the latest machinery and technology, enhancing operational efficiency and the capacity to manage large-scale projects.
In summary, the medium-sized open cast mining, primary crushing, and materials handling industry in SA is
vibrant and full of opportunities.
The focus on technological advancement, sustainability, safety, and strategic partnerships makes it an exciting place to work, meaning companies like SPH remain wellpositioned to capitalise on these trends and drive the industry forwards.
FROM LOADER TO LEADER
SPH has been a cornerstone of the South African mining sector since its inception in 1969 and became a subsidiary of Raubex Group in 2007.
Over the past 55 years, the company has grown from modest beginnings with just one front-end loader to becoming a respected industry leader with a comprehensive range of services at its disposal.
“Our journey has been marked by our continuous innovation, dedication to quality, and resolute commitment to safety and sustainability,” reflects
Graeme Campbell, Managing Director.
“The company was founded in Saldanha Bay, a port city in the Western Cape, and has since expanded its operations in provinces across SA, including the Northern Cape, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo,” he sets out.
The success of SPH is rooted in the experience of its team, which adds up to an incredible 258 years of service amongst the executive committee alone, a wealth of experience that has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and ensuring its continued prosperity in such a competitive industry.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH TRAINING
At SPH, empowering staff and recognising their valuable contributions is central to the company’s organisational culture.
In this way, SPH places a strong emphasis on continuous skills development and training.
“We have implemented a comprehensive training programme that ensures our employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles,” Campbell explains.
This includes courses for office staff to improve administrative expertise, communication techniques, and computer skills, as well as specialised training programmes for floor staff focused on machinery operation, safety training and protocols, and first aid certification.
“We also operate an apprenticeship course at our workshops, aiming to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge essential for success in the modern workforce.
“This programme integrates
SPH’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
• EXPANDING FOOTPRINT ACROSS AFRICA – SPH is committed to broadening its presence across the African continent. This expansion involves entering new markets such as Ivory Coast and Namibia, where the company aims to establish a strong operational base and secure new revenue streams.
• ENHANCING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY THROUGH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS – The company is focused on leveraging the latest technological innovations to enhance operational efficiency.
• MAINTAINING HIGH SAFETY STANDARDS – Safety remains a top priority for SPH as the company is dedicated to achieving zero fatalities and reducing high potential incidents (HPIs) and medical treatment cases (MTCs). This involves the continuous upskilling of HSE personnel, enforcing critical controls, and promoting leading indicator reporting.
• COMMITTING TO SUSTAINABILITY iNITIATIVES – SPH is deeply committed to minimising its environmental impact through various sustainability initiatives. This includes site rehabilitation projects and exploring innovative technologies to reduce carbon emissions. These efforts align with the company’s broader strategy to transition to lower carbon technologies whilst maintaining high performance levels.
• EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES THROUGH CONTINUOUS UPSKILLING – The company places a strong emphasis on the continuous development and empowerment of its employees. Comprehensive training programmes and apprenticeship courses ensure that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
• GUARANTEED UPTIME – Ensuring high levels of operational uptime is crucial for maintaining client satisfaction and achieving business objectives.
“MY GOAL IS TO BUILD ON THIS LEGACY OF SUCCESS WITH MY TEAM, DRIVING THE COMPANY FORWARDS AND CONTINUING ITS GROWTH TRAJECTORY”
–
GRAEME CAMPBELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SPH KUNDALILA
theoretical learning with practical hands-on experience, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field,” he expands.
By continuously investing in its employees’ development, SPH creates a motivated and skilled workforce that is better equipped to meet its customers’ evolving needs, ultimately leading to higher levels of satisfaction and success.
Recognition of employee contributions, meanwhile, is undoubtedly another important aspect of SPH’s culture.
The company regularly awards long-service certificates to those who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the company, acknowledging their hard work and a sense of pride and belonging within the organisation.
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY
The company’s 55-year anniversary is
a testament to SPH’s ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic industry.
“This proud milestone highlights the company’s resilience and its capacity to evolve alongside changing market demands and technological advancements. It is not just a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of SPH’s commitment to future growth and excellence,” Campbell shares.
Building an impressive and wellrespected legacy over five decades has instilled a deep sense of pride amongst the company’s employees and stakeholders, whilst its longstanding reputation for reliability, efficiency, and high standards has earned SPH the trust of major mining houses and clients across SA.
This trust is built on a foundation of consistent performance, ethical conduct, and a strong safety culture.
“The 55-year anniversary also underscores our role in shaping the mining industry’s landscape. By continuously investing in
advanced technology, fostering a culture of safety, and prioritising environmental sustainability, SPH has set benchmarks for others to follow,” he adds.
Moreover, the company’s legacy is not just about its achievements but the positive impact it has had on the communities and environments in which it operates.
“My goal is to build on this legacy of success with my team, driving the company forwards and continuing its growth trajectory. Together, we aim to take SPH from strength to strength, ensuring that we remain a leader in our industry,” Campbell concludes proudly.
Tel: +27 22 714 1281
matthew.p@sphgroup.co.za www.sphkundalila.co.za
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