Hose and coupling distributor Jachris – Hose & Couplings will exhibit at mining tradeshow Electra Mining Botswana for the first time this year.

Jachris CEO Warwick Bouwer states that the company is using the platform to launch its business in Botswana and that it aims to open a branch on the back of interest generated at the show.

“We have identified significant opportunities and an ideal business partner in Botswana and we think that the show will provide further opportunities to gauge market interest and establish our presence going forward,” he says.

Bouwer adds that Electra Mining Botswana is important to help establish a supply base in the respective areas, so that mining and industry can become self- sufficient, therefore, developing businesses and uplifting the communities surrounding mines.

“We will showcase our Gates hydraulic hose and fittings range, complete with our Sentry-ID hose management system, and our Victaulic mechanical pipe joining technology,” he notes.

Bouwer explains that hose failures are the third-biggest cause of plant and mine downtime, resulting in lost revenue. “The failures often go undetected and are seldom quantified or fixed.”

Jachris suggests using the Sentry-ID hose management system to deal with and prevent hose failures.

“Sentry-ID consists of a rugged electronic tagging system, an intrinsically safe handheld scanner and reading device, as well as a user-friendly Web application. Together, these tools facilitate the capture and storage of key data sets relating to specific hose assem- blies in operation, and the integration of this information with a customer’s specific key performance indicators,” he says.

The result of this integrated approach is improved equipment integrity, increased production revenue and reduced costs for noncompliance and unscheduled maintenance, as well as reduced property damage and employee injury.

“Other benefits include reduced environmental cleanup and improved top and bottom lines,” Bouwer notes.

He points out that, by linking a unique hose assembly code with a specific bill of materials and the respective tools and machines, Sentry-ID enables the user to quantify and manage hose expenditure for each machine by identifying problem areas and conducting meaningful hose use analysis.

Bouwer explains that the company is using event-planning company Jawbone Exhibitions to design a custom-built stand for the tradeshow and has set aside a few key product displays to complement the graphics.

“We would like to see a solid attendance from visitors, encompassing all sectors of industry and mining in Botswana,” he says.

Meanwhile, Bouwer notes that the problems associated with the lack of infrastructure and opportunities are one of the key challenges the mining industry faces in Africa.

When opportunities do arise, companies need to be in a position to respond. “By developing solid stocking, service and supply channels throughout the conti- nent, companies will build a competitive advantage while improving their own competitiveness and driving down the total installed costs for mines,” he says.

Bouwer notes that Jachris is actively pursuing partnerships in key African countries on which to build efficient and competitive local stocking, assembly and supply operations to service its customers in mining and industry in the most efficient manner possible, avoiding as much value leakage as possible.

“We strive to establish an African supply network that hosts the most complete range of fluid transfer products on the continent,” he states.

He points out that the mining industry has a tough period ahead in the short term and, as resource prices remain under pressure, it will continue to face increased competition from abroad.

“The industry will need to refine its processes and become more efficient as Africa starts to keep pace with the rest of the world,” he notes.