Are there highlights or milestones that TAKRAF achieved over 2023 and 2024?

We have seen an increase in aftermarket support, primarily for inspections, spare parts, and smaller engineering projects. We have been involved with certain clients providing feasibility support, pricing, and have completed a couple of paid studies for projects in the Western US. Additionally, we continue to work with some of our client base for engineering support on smaller items. 

The large mining projects seem to be pushed out to 2025. Some reasons for that are mostly due to geopolitical environments and budgeting reasons. There are a lot of projects being planned, but we have not seen those come to fruition yet. So, 2023 and 2024 have been somewhat slow, but we expect business to increase in 2025 and 2026.

Can you highlight a few projects TAKRAF has worked on, with a focus on the Western USA?

We have worked on many projects for clients requiring the movement of material from underground to the surface. Currently, we are working with a company for a 6.6 km conveyor going from underground to the surface using hanging conveyor modules. These modules provide maintenance access underneath the conveyor and also reduce the footprint and emissions compared to other haulage systems. This project is in Mexico, but we received the order from a company in Arizona. 

How will TAKRAF and ABB’s partnership deliver a sustainable and resource-efficient future?

We are one of only two companies globally with active references on the gearless conveyor drive technology in operation. We have collaborated with ABB on various high-capacity and technical gearless drive projects in the past. 

Notably, we delivered the world's most powerful belt conveyor system for Codelco’s Chuquicamata in Chile. This mega project features an 11,000 t/h conveying system moving copper ore from underground to an above-ground processing plant using gearless conveyor drive technology. The system includes two large underground conveyors, each consisting of four 5 MW gearless synchronous motors, transporting crushed ore from an underground storage bin to the surface through a 7 km tunnel with a 1 km vertical elevation. There is a 6 km overland conveyor on the surface with three 5 MW gearless synchronous motors. Total drive power for the entire system including smaller feeder conveyors and such totals 58 MW. This system reduces the need for gearboxes, increasing efficiency, reliability, and reducing maintenance. Further advantages include a reduction in the drive system footprint and emissions. A study showed that CO2 emissions compared to diesel truck engines for the same copper production volume were reduced by 66% when using gearless drive technology.  

What sustainability initiatives does TAKRAF have?

We adopt dry stack tailings (DST) to enhance safety and environmental practices, being one of only two firms globally providing the entire DST value chain. We support resource conservation through advanced maintenance and recycling practices, such as our tungsten carbide overlays for sizers. Our gearless drive technology and intelligent maintenance solutions reduce energy consumption and wear. This year, we will publish our first sustainability report, underscoring our commitment to these goals.

How has the atmosphere surrounding technological advancement changed in recent years?

The mining industry is conservative, and most processes are based on deterministic rules rather than model-based approaches. However, there is a shift towards using artificial intelligence (AI) due to the increasing amount of data available. We are partnering with outside companies to provide digital twins for better system predictions and detections. We also offer 3D models of stockpiles and chutes for fully automated systems and inventory tracking.
The trend is also towards fully automated systems, especially in material handling for stockpiles.

What objectives does TAKRAF have for 2025?

We expect many projects we have been involved in at the feasibility or budget level to move forward in 2025. The demand for copper is not going away, with significant contributions from Chile, Arizona, and Nevada.

On the process side, we are already seeing movement, with a number of requests for quotes for our DELKOR thickeners, especially in Arizona and Nevada. We will continue to focus on providing customers with our X-TREME class sizers for hard rock applications, such as those earmarked for a large iron ore project in Guinea. Additionally, we see potential growth in our aftermarket services.