TAKRAF technologies optimise mining costs

Led by the emerging markets of Asia, the global mining industry is forecast to grow 7 per cent yearly, reaching US$1.8 trillion by 2017. Mining equipment specialist Tenova TAKRAF is well poised to tap into this development with its advanced mining technologies that increase productivity while optimising costs.

Leveraging the global network of the Tenova Group, which operates in 26 countries on five continents, TAKRAF counts the world's top four mining companies - BHP Billiton, Vale, Rio Tinto and Anglo American - among its customers.

Founded in 1725, TAKRAF specialises in the engineering and supply of open-pit mining and bulk materials handling equipment. The company offers complete systems and individual machines, including excavators, crushers and conveyors.

"Together with our customers, we develop the best technological concepts for the machines," says sales director Thomas Eckel. "We supply technologies that are extremely competitive in terms of long-term operational costs."

TAKRAF's SRs 8000 bucket wheel excavator, for example, is among the world's largest terrestrial crawlers ever constructed.

Stretching 502 metres and weighing 14,200 tonnes, the machine can continuously move 16,000 cubic metres of mineral deposit per hour.