The global resources market may be experiencing a downturn but local company, JIC Mining Services, says it sees this as an opportunity for growth. Deputy CEO, Louis Lourens, says despite several challenges, he is confident that mining will continue to be a key factor within the South African economy – at present mining still contributes at least 20% to South Africa’s GDP.  This is why JIC says it has now embarked on an aggressive growth strategy targeting at least 15 new ventures.

“We currently provide outsourced services to four mines, mainly in the platinum belt in Rustenburg, but want to maximise the opportunities. We think it is possible, especially given our track record and good relationships with the mining rights owners, as well as having a skilled workforce and the very best in mining technology that we have developed over the years,” says Lourens. He says the company, which currently has a workforce of 3,000, is bidding for contracts in the platinum, gold and coal sectors. “In an industry rapidly shedding jobs we want to use that skills force and create a minimum of 10,000 jobs which we believe is very achievable.”

Lourens says this is why the company is also investing heavily in its MQA-accredited mining academy in Rustenburg. “It is designed to increase our skills base while also caters for clients and other mining houses.” In addition, he says, JIC subsidiary, JIC Engineering Services situated at VR Laser, continues to develop, in collaboration with its partners, state-of-the-art mining equipment. “We developed the Mantis twin-boom drill rig as well as the Warthog track-bound non-throw development end loader. In addition, JIC Engineering is able to provide not just solutions but an extensive range of engineering services. We have the infrastructure, technology, machinery and staff to do it all.”