Since its inception in 1982, engineering project house TWP Projects has developed extensive operational knowledge of working on the African continent, mainly as a result of the company’s involvement in projects in the SADC countries including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Following its intentions to establish itself as a serious player in Africa, TWP says it has embarked on an aggressive campaign to extend its geographical footprint into Africa beyond the SADC region to include sub Saharan countries such as Mali, Guinea and others, as far north as Sudan. The company’s aim is to have more than 50% of its income generated from sources outside of South African borders, with Africa being the main contributor, through organic growth and acquisition.

“We are very excited about the mining and infrastructure business in Africa,” says Serge Ngandu, TWP’s Operations Manager – Africa portfolio. “Africa has a backlog of construction and a need for development. Although there are challenges such as logistical constraints, difficult tax regimes and company laws, and language barriers, the continent also offers excellent opportunities. Our large Africa projects are managed from South Africa, but we will have a local presence where it will be beneficial to both our clients and TWP,” says Ngandu, who joined TWP’s African portfolio team in November 2012. Ngandu has more than 30 years’ experience in the mining industry across a range of commodities and has been in technical and executive management positions in various countries including the DRC, South Africa, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone and France.

TWP and its associated companies are currently actively involved in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, the DRC, Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana, covering most commodities, including gold copper, diamonds, platinum, coal, nickel, manganese, chrome and iron ore. Some of the projects across the African continent include: Botswana (BCL Ltd – copper/nickel mine expansion project studies, Norilsk – copper/nickel mine expansion project studies, and the Selkirk underground mine feasibility study); DRC (Gecamines – technical audits of partnerships, Shituru 50,000 t/y hydromet replacement plant pre-feasibility study, Randgold Kibali shaft execution phase,  AngloGold Ashanti Kilo-Mongbwalu gold plant execution phase); Namibia (Langer Heinrich uranium project studies); Tanzania (AngloGold Ashanti gold open-pit mine); Zambia (KCM 4 shaft design, engineering services, Chambisi SX plant, Teal Mining ARM/Vale joint venture mine planning);  Zimbabwe (Metallon – gold mine rehabilitation and strategy compilation, Mimosa Mining PGE feasibility studies on Phase 5.5 Mtshingwe and Phase 6 North Hill, Mimosa process plant optimisation); Mozambique (various coal and gold mine studies); Mali (backfill plant).

“By providing a comprehensive one-stop EPCM service; a large pool of commodity-specific skills in iron ore, copper, coal, gold, diamonds and platinum and others; proven skills to successfully manage the scope of work to conclusion as with projects already done in Africa; availability of an extensive infrastructure team; and first-hand experience and knowledge of Africa, TWP is well equipped to increase its reach into Africa,” says Ngandu.