Emerging mining technology company Nerospec SK could be in for a breakout year in 2023 after recently completing two mine loader automation projects and expanding deployments of its vehicle intervention control (VIC) product. “2023 is going to be a significant growth year for Nerospec SK,” CEO Dr Eric Pohlmann says.
Pohlmann, a former Sandvik and GHH Fahrzeuge executive who joined Nerospec SK in 2020 when it was formed from a combination of South Africa’s Nerospec and the German Schmidt Kranz Group, says the company has “a very full order book as we transition into 2023”.
“Our customers … are pushing safety and productivity enhancements through digitalisation,” Pohlmann says.
“We can now fully autonomously run a loader work cycle, delivering an average of 77% of the nominal loading capacity of the loader and adding more than 20% overall equipment effectiveness [OEE] improvement – an amazing productivity gain.
“Further, after installing VIC on Tembo electric vehicles we now also have VIC installations ongoing in Mongolia and the USA on vehicles from Epiroc, Normet, Sandvik, Getman and more.”
Pohlmann said the company was in the process of launching its flexible nanoHUB, a low-cost vehicle data logger capturing Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, digital and serial input, and forwarding data via WiFi, LTE and other means.
Pohlmann recently told InvestMETS Nerospec SK was actively seeking to expand its circa-50-strong workforce to support its growth ambitions.
“We expect to double revenue every year,” he said.
“We have about 3000 installations – mainly collision avoidance systems – in the field in South Africa, which has been leading the technology adoption.
“We are installing 75 vehicles in Mongolia and trials are running in the USA as well.
“Collision avoidance technology is saving lives. No-one can question this; no-one cannot like this.
“South Africa’s mining charter section 21 … has ordered collision avoidance technology to be on every mining vehicle by the end of 2023. We are experiencing a storm of inquiries in South Africa and beyond.
“2023 will be an enormous growth year for Nerospec SK as we have a series of tenders ongoing with major mining houses.”
