Forte Demolition Solutions, a subsidiary of surface materials handling expert SPH Kundalila, has started demolishing a chrome pelletising plant in Rustenburg, South Africa, following a recent turnkey contract award.

Forte says it is tackling the project with its specialised range of mechanical dismantling and demolition equipment.

Graeme Campbell, Group Commercial Operations Manager at SPH Kundalila, said: “Our investment in this equipment is substantial, making us the ideal partner for mines and other operations who need to address closure in a safe and sustainable manner.”

The plant to be demolished includes several multi-storey structures, conveyors, steel frames and concrete work, as well as large, heavy componentry, according to the company.

Campbell emphasised that Forte Demolition is one of few companies in South Africa with the necessary assortment of fit-for-purpose machinery and attachments. These ensure the cutting and breaking process is safe and efficient, allowing many components to be carefully dismantled for resale purposes.

“Among the factors behind our cost effectiveness is that we can shorten customers’ timeframes,” he said. “For example, our precision cutting is done by a shear attachment on an excavator. The power of hydraulics – combined with our specialised technology – means that everything is much quicker and safer.”

Equipment that is being employed on the pelletiser site includes a pulveriser for concrete demolition. It breaks concrete into small pieces that can be used as backfill on site, alleviating the need for transporting large concrete chunks to special dumping sites. Other specialised demolition attachments include grapples, hammers and buckets.

High levels of safety are ensured by an integrated safety, health, environment and quality management system, according to Brad van Niekerk, Project Manager at Forte Demolition Solutions.

“Safety is our key priority, which is enhanced by the closely supervised use of our mechanical equipment,” van Niekerk says. “This ensures that workers are not placed at risk by being too close to dangerous working environments.”

He notes that each project is planned and monitored by a skilled professional team, which takes the safest demolition approach. This is also aligned with customer standards to ensure full compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements. A 51% black-owned business and Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, Forte Demolition Solutions operates in South Africa through its offices in Fochville, Rustenburg, Stilfontein and Carletonville.