Drilling and blasting specialist Blasting and Excavating (B&E), a part of the Basil Read Group and a sister company to Basil Read Mining, has set its sights on increasing its territory market share across the African continent. The more immediate focus is mineral-rich territories such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the company believes it has significant technical expertise to offer the country’s mining industry.
B&E is a household name in South Africa, its reputation precedes its capabilities in both drilling and blasting, within the mining and civil infrastructure sectors. “Our ability to deliver these quality services in remote areas is unparalleled and we are looking to share this critical service value with the mining industry across the greater African continent,” starts Nathan Williams, executive officer and MD at B&E and Basil Read Mining.
The DRC mining sector in particular stands to benefit significantly from B&E’s entrance into the country. “While we bring technical expertise into a region, our strategy is to partner with local firms, enter into joint ventures with these firms and train local residents who can then help drive our business objectives in-country,” Williams continues. This approach is not only the right approach, but is necessary considering the DRC has legislation requirements that fall in line with B&E’s strategy for foreign expatriate companies looking to do business in-country.
“Mining firms in the DRC can rest assured that our commitment to the country’s development extends to every aspect of our business. We also focus heavily on community development which includes training programmes, wellness facilities, education, and business development,” adds Nqobile Khumalo, contracts director at B&E and Basil Read Mining. This is another dynamic approach which the DRC mining sector stands to benefit from significantly.
