Tag Archives: Holger Riemensperger

AECI lays the ground work for explosives, chemicals expansion in Peru

Explosives and blasting, Mining consumables, Mining services, , , , ,

As part of its strategy to further internationalise its Mining Service business, AECI has acquired a significant development project in Peru.

This acquisition not only marks a fundamental step in AECI’s global expansion strategy, but also, it says, positions the manufacturer of explosives and chemicals solutions for mineral processing at the forefront of innovation in the Latin American mining industry.

Since its expansion into Brazil and Chile in 2020, AECI’s entry into Peru establishes the company as a dominant player in one of the world’s most dynamic mining regions, the company says, offering an opportunity for AECI to deliver its products and services to a market ready for growth.

Holger Riemensperger, Chief Executive Officer of AECI, says: “Peru represents a strategic addition to our growing footprint in Latin America. This acquisition not only strengthens our position in a key market but also underscores our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global mining industry. We are not just expanding geographically; we are setting new standards in how mining solutions are delivered.”

The newly acquired project encompasses nearly 200 ha of strategically located land, complete with permits to build state-of-the-art explosive manufacturing plants. Situated in the heart of Peru’s most productive mining region, this land will serve as a launchpad for AECI’s direct operations, enabling the company to supply safely and efficiently to the local mining industry.

Thinus Bierman, Acting Executive Vice President of AECI Mining, said: “Our investment in Peru is a testament to our confidence in the country’s mining sector and our strategic vision for the future. We are not merely entering a new market; we are making a commitment to drive growth through innovation, local partnerships and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. This is about creating value for our stakeholders and setting the stage for the next chapter of growth.”

The development project will empower AECI to deliver a comprehensive suite of products and services, ranging from high-performance explosives, as well as the introduction of its electronic detonators and initiating systems. It also includes the offering of its specialised mining chemicals.

The company said: “With significant planned investments in infrastructure and technology, AECI is poised to maximise the potential of this project, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply to its customers, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mining.”

AECI aims for top three integrated mining explosives and chemicals solutions provider status by 2030

Automation, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , ,

Ahead of AECI’s 100th anniversary, the South Africa-based company has announced that it aims to double the profitability of its core mining and chemicals business by 2026 and to become a global top three integrated mining explosives and chemicals solutions provider by 2030.

These ambitions were laid out at a recent Capital Market Day, where AECI Chief Executive, Holger Riemensperger, announced the company’s revised strategy, which aims to extract value from its underlying operations.

Riemensperger said: “AECI is more than a business. It is a South African institution. At our core, we enable safe mining operations. While some synergies exist across our diversified industrial group, other business units within the portfolio have no synergies. Those underperforming units will be better served under different ownership. The changes we are making take into consideration several factors, including the external environment. They are aimed at ensuring that as AECI reaches its centennial anniversary in 2024, it is better positioned to navigate the changing environment and positioned for strong growth in the future.”

AECI’s strategic update follows a comprehensive review of the business’ operations in which the board and management identified the business units that are central to the sustainable and profitable growth of AECI, the company said. The strategy is premised on building on the group’s solid foundation and ensuring that it is structured in a manner that enables it to unlock value in the near term.

A core driving force of the strategy is to deliver operational and executional excellence through focusing on AECI’s core businesses and existing strengths while ensuring a disciplined approach to capital allocation and execution.

The AECI of the future, the company says, will see the group focus on its core mining and chemicals capability and divest out of non-core businesses.

AECI Mining will remain the group’s main growth focus. The business will look towards growth in Asia-Pacific, South America and North America as it drives its ambition to be top three on a global scale by 2030. AECI Chemicals will be re-organised and repositioned to enhance its cash generation capabilities through prioritising high-margin products and services and ultimately support the growth of AECI’s Mining division. The remaining businesses – Much Asphalt, Animal Health, Schrim, Sans Fibers and Beverage – which are not core to the identified growth levers will be exited out of in an orderly manner and over a period of time, the company said.

The group management structure has also been adjusted to reflect the changes in the business and to drive empowerment, accountability and quick decision making.

Riemensperger concluded: “At AECI, we stand together with a shared vision of a better world. We recognise that to secure our place for the next 100 years, we must embrace change, progress our strategy to seize new opportunities, and navigate market shifts with agility and profitability. I believe that the changes that we are making will be net positive for the business and the unwavering focus on operational and functional excellence will act as a catalyst for further innovation and profitable growth, and will unlock value for all of AECI’s stakeholders.”

AECI Mining expands Latin America explosives reach with Dinaser acquisition

Explosives and blasting, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , , , ,

AECI Mining says it has concluded the ZAR45 million ($2.4 million) acquisition of Dinaser Industria, an explosives business in Brazil.

The acquisition, executed through local entity AECI Mining Produtos Quimicos Ltda, includes 100% ownership of Dinaser’s explosives distribution and storage facilities as well as operating licences in the mining states of Minas Gerais and Bahia.

Holger Riemensperger, AECI Group Chief Executive, said: “This acquisition is in line with AECI’s strategy to continue expanding its already extensive footprint in the global mining sector. It builds on our existing reach in Brazil where we already own and operate a bulk emulsion and packaged explosives manufacturing plant, in the state of São Paulo, and have also seen good growth in the South American metallurgical extraction chemicals market.”

Mark Kathan, AECI Mining CEO, added: “Dinaser currently serves mainly the Brazilian construction and civil blasting industry. With our world-class products and know-how in both underground and surface mining, as well as our longstanding relationships with global customers, the opportunities to grow the business are significant.”