With a history marked by innovative breakthroughs, South Africa-based Bell Equipment is intensifying its focus on the development of underground mining equipment.
Known primarily as a manufacturer of low-profile underground mining trucks and rock scalers, Bell is strategically expanding its product line to include a new range of underground load, haul, dump (LHD) machines. The first LHD machine has already been designed and is slated for production in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
“In a significant step forward, we’ve initiated the steel-cutting process and have begun constructing a test unit,” Bell CEO Leon Goosen told Mining Weekly in a Zoom interview.
“This unit will undergo rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of reliability and fulfill customer needs. We anticipate launching some of these innovative products in the first quarter of next year.”
Building on its reputation, Bell is also introducing Bell Heavy Industries, a venture that will focus on steel-related shaft work, along with mining skips and cages needed by the domestic mining sector.
The company, which is 51% black-owned, already boasts a global reputation for producing some of the world’s most reliable, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced articulated dump trucks.
“This expertise is now being channeled into meeting local demands for underground LHDs,” Goosen said. “We’re renowned for setting the global standard in above-ground articulated dump trucks, particularly in terms of safety and cost-efficiency. Our goal is to apply that same industry-leading technology and know-how to our new line of underground mining equipment.”
Goosen emphasised the company’s commitment to customer feedback and tailoring products accordingly. “As we expand globally and develop larger products, we’ll continue to set the bar high, ensuring our underground mining equipment is just as top-tier as our above-ground offerings,” he said.
The objective is to provide the most cost-efficient per-ton units. While most driveline components will be imported, a substantial portion of the manufacturing will occur in South Africa, using local raw materials.
This comes after Bell recently reported a 42% revenue increase to R6 billion for the six months ending June 30, compared to the same period last year. Operating profits also surged, showing a 74% increase at R536 million.
