Aker Solutions has signed a strategic partnership agreement with South African project house, TWP Projects. The alliance will see the two companies collaborating on large minerals processing and hydro-metallurgical projects in Africa. “Aker Solutions houses a wealth of global engineering, procurement and construction expertise in the mining & metals sector, whilst TWP brings significant local knowledge and on-the-ground infrastructure to the equation,” says Johan Cnossen, SVP – Europe, Middle East and Africa, Aker Solutions’ Process & Construction business.

TWP Projects MD, Digby Glover, says the two companies offer a complementary skills set which will allow the partnership to rapidly mobilise significant resources and expertise on large projects in Africa. TWP has serviced the needs of the mining and resources market since 1982, and has developed a strong foothold in the southern African arena. “In terms of the overarching agreement, Aker Solutions and TWP will work together to execute large minerals processing and hydro-metallurgical projects in Africa. With Aker Solutions’ global presence we may review opportunities further afield where required.”

“This alliance offers clients a full service, from geological services, including resource definition, through to mining, processing and final product, for most minerals,” adds Johan Cnossen.

Discussions on opportunities for collaboration on project work began in November 2009 when both companies were working for the same client in Namibia. “We realised there was the potential to grow a substantial project portfolio by entering into a partnership with one another. We are in discussions with several mining groups for project work, and will structure the partnership arrangement on a project-specific basis,” says Glover.

The Aker Solutions contract party is Aker Solutions E&C International Ltd South African Branch.