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.
Media contacts:
Taryn Browne, Head of Marketing, Southern Africa
Bühler (Pty) Ltd.
Bühler Southern Africa
Phone: +27 11 801 3500
Mobile: +27 66 307 4618
E-mail: taryn.browne@buhlergroup.com
Burkhard Böndel, Head of Corporate Communications
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 71 955 33 99
Mobile: +41 79 515 91 57
E-mail: burkhard.boendel@buhlergroup.com
Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 71 955 37 57
Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88
E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com
Katja Hartmann, Media Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Schweiz
Mobile: +41 79 483 68 07
E-mail: katja.hartmann@buhlergroup.com
About Bühler
Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business.
As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline).
Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, some 12,500 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 164 years, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 25 locations.
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Bühler chain conveyor for various applications
Bühler chain conveyor for various applications
Francois Knoetze, Head of Manufacturing at Bühler Southern Africa
The Bühler Portalink is an efficient ship unloader designed for grain, oilseed, and derivatives.
The Bühler Portalink is an efficient ship unloader designed for grain, oilseed, and derivatives. - Comprehensive mining solutions from Bühler at MTE Rustenburg_approved
Comprehensive mining solutions from Bühler at MTE Rustenburg_approved
