Tag Archives: Sika

Master Builders Solutions reinforces decline work at Hillgrove’s Kanmantoo

Master Builders Solutions has helped the team at the Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia speed up the excavation of its new decline portal by supplying fast-reacting, instantly thickening anchoring resin.

Kanmantoo, owned by Hillgrove Resources, is currently going through the initial stages of developing an underground operation at the former operating open-pit mine. It has employed a Komatsu MC51 to excavate a circa-500 m decline, with the continuous cutting trial focused on demonstrating the commercial viability of the machine and trial new materials handling and ground support processes.

One of these new processes includes the use of Master Building Solutions’ MasterRoc RBA 380 anchoring resin, which, according to the company, reacts in just three minutes.

This resin has been injected into 10, 9 m self-drilling anchors (SDAs) at the decline portal of Kanmantoo since mechanised cutting operations recently started up.

Master Builders Solutions explained: “Traditionally, cementitious grouts are used to encapsulate the SDAs, which can pose hazards such as dust inhalation and burns to contractors. In waiting for these grouts to cure, mining teams also lose critical heading for approximately 12 hours.”

In choosing the MasterRoc RBA 380, Hillgrove Resources was able to continue the safe excavation with the Komatsu MC51 after just five minutes, according to Master Builders Solutions.

Also involved in this project are Strata Consolidation and PYBAR Mining Services (now part of Metarock Group Limited).

Master Builders Solutions recently announced a planned transaction with Sika that would see the Switzerland-based shotcrete major acquire the company, formerly referred to as BASF Construction Chemicals.

Sika looks to acquire shotcrete major MBCC Group

Sika has signed a definitive agreement to acquire MBCC Group, the former BASF Construction Chemicals, from an affiliate of Lone Star Funds, a global private equity firm, for a consideration of CHF5.5 billion ($6 billion).

MBCC Group is a leading supplier in construction chemicals worldwide. The acquisition will, Sika says, complement and broaden its product and solution offerings in four of five core technologies and seven of eight Sika Target Markets, in addition to further strengthening its geographic footprint.

Both MBCC Group and Sika have large shotcrete offerings for the mining sector.

“The combined business will be a key accelerator in enabling both Sika’s and MBCC Group’s customers and the construction industry to drive the sustainable transformation further and faster,” it added.

MBCC Group, headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, is active in the field of construction systems and admixture systems. It has operations in over 60 countries and more than 130 production facilities.

“With its broad and balanced product offering, MBCC Group participates in all phases of the construction life cycle and is a key contributor to the decarbonisation of the construction industry,” Sika said.

Thomas Hasler, CEO of Sika, said: “Two sustainability champions will join forces. Sika is first in class for sustainable solutions across the entire construction industry, and similarly, sustainability stands at the core of MBCC Group’s business. Together we will reinforce our complementary range of products and services across the entire construction life cycle. With our combined portfolio, we will enable and accelerate the future of sustainable construction for the benefit of customers, employees, shareholders, and coming generations.”

Jochen Fabritius, CEO of MBCC Group, added: “We have found a perfect partner who shares our core beliefs. Sika is well known for its entrepreneurial spirit and its profitable growth strategy, including a strong acquisition track record. Our products and competencies will again be at the core of the business. Together with Sika, we are looking forward to exploring new and exciting business opportunities.”

The transaction will see Sika expand its product and service offering in construction chemicals and industrial adhesives by adding the highly complementary portfolio of MBCC Group, and is set to reach sales in excess of CHF13 billion in 2023.

Customers will benefit from an enhanced and more efficient distribution network across all construction markets, it said, while sustainability stands at the core of both companies.

Today, 70% of Sika’s sales is generated by products that have a positive effect on sustainability, whereas more than 35% of MBCC Group products are sustainably advanced, according to the company.

“Through the combination, Sika is committed to generating 80% of its sales from products that positively impact sustainability.”

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. Sika is confident it will obtain all clearances and will actively engage with the authorities. The closing of the acquisition is targeted for the second half of 2022.

Sika boosts shotcrete offering for mining industry

Sika says it has further expanded additive production for shotcrete at Spånga, near Stockholm, Sweden, and upscaled to the latest-generation technology.

The new process makes it possible to deliver tailored solutions in demanding projects for customers, with the primary customer of the set accelerator, marketed under the Sigunit® brand, being the mining industry. Sika says a high level of early strength development and maximum safety in shotcrete applications is key for the mining sector.

Ivo Schädler, Regional Manager EMEA, said: “The new technology allows us to offer reliable shotcrete solutions that are tailored to customer requirements in the best possible way. Our customers include leading mining companies that sign long-term supply agreements with us. The potential for growth is not limited to Sweden alone, with mining projects in Finland and tunnel construction projects in Norway and Iceland.”