Mining and large capital-intensive projects are continually faced with risky and complex decisions every day.
These decisions touch on matters relating to investment options, risk management, asset optimisation and process integration through to working capital efficiency and inventory management. We can support you with:
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VBKOM follows a standardised approach with all of its simulations and tailors the detail and intensity according to the customers’/project specific requirements.
Should the simulation engagement roll over into implementation, we are well equipped with other competencies to assist clients by managing the project implementation and measuring performance against the study projected results.
VBKOM is geared to serve both projects in study phase (front-end loading project phases FEL 0-3) and productive operations on either a strategic or low level operational detail.
The most common simulation application areas are:
VBKOM boasts an array of specialist competencies, technologies and tools sets; all operated by a team of professional industrial and mining engineers who are ready to assist clients in seeking the ideal solution to their mining and capital problems.
Project and operational situations typically present multiple potential outcomes, but not all with equal probability of occurrence, nor with equal risk and reward.
By employing expected value simulation techniques, our scenario and option analysis capabilities enable clients to visually map out their unique decision options, thereby facilitating informed decision making.
Going the extra mile in understanding mining fleet configuration, ramp-up and ramp-down is possible with our simulation packages.
We have developed an extensive tool to model the flow of materials through a series of conveyor belts, stockpiles, screens and materials handling equipment - all in three-dimensional format.
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Simulation & Decision Support Brochure
Simulation & Decision Support (French)
Strauss was born in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal but grew up in Polokwane, Limpopo. His childhood dreams have always been to become an engineer, or if all else failed, a doctor.
Engineering is such a diverse field of study and when Strauss had to make decisions on his career path, he relied on what comes naturally to him, and shares, “my passion is to instill structure and optimize any environment in which I may find myself.” This led him to study Industrial Engineering at the University of Pretoria, where improvement of processes is key.
Strauss has a ‘never quit' attitude to any problem he is faced with, and one of the lessons he learned at a young age was that with tenacity and determination, anything can be achieved by breaking it down into achievable steps.
Strauss is a family man, and he says, “I believe that balance is the fuel that drives my engine, and I, therefore, place my family as my first priority.” Strauss enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful children as often as he can.
He is very passionate about sport, and he appreciates watching a game of rugby. When taking some time out, he also likes to play a bit of tennis and golf and has taken part in a few of the VBKOM 4-ball golf games that he has been invited to.
Margariet was born in Pretoria, but her family moved around quite often to various mining towns, and she lived in Kathu, Durnacol, Rosh Pinah, and Thabazimbi.
Before venturing into Industrial Engineering, Margariet dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. She lives out her passion for fashion design at home, where she creates beautiful dance costumes for her daughter. Margariet jokingly shares, “I can really create art with fabric and a sewing machine.”
So when it came to deciding on her career path, Margariet says that her parents raised her to be brave, to pay attention, and to question the world around her. She really enjoyed High School Maths and Science, and she wanted to challenge herself by applying her mind to solving problems.
Within the VBKOM setting, Margariet gets to transform something strong into something superb alongside a team of individuals who collectively strive for excellence.
Margariet shares that the most satisfying part of her career is “being able to create something original of great quality and value which really makes a difference in a client’s world.”
Margariet is the proud mother of two boys and one girl, and she and her husband like taking the family rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking where they can appreciate the beauty of nature.
Suzaan is one VBKOM’s more reserved team members, and she feels quite strongly about keeping her private life private. That said, she still makes time for a good laugh every now and again, and she is an excellent conversationalist.
The Tzaneen-raised Suzaan did not have a clear career path cut out for her until she visited the University of Pretoria’s EBIT (Engineering, Built Environment & IT) Week for high school students. She shares that Industrial Engineering stood out the most and that they saw some interesting projects relating to the different engineering disciplines.
Suzaan enjoys working with numbers and data, especially translating it into useful information for her clients. She has created many customised dashboards and database solutions and especially welcomes working with software tools that enable such work.
She would also like to travel the world, and her bucket list of countries she really would like to visit include Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Suzaan is a very loyal person, and once you have made a friend in her, you will have a friend for life. She likes spending time with friends, family, and her three baby cats as much as she can.
Pretoria born and bred Jako has always known that he wants to venture into the engineering field. His brother has been the most influential when it came to making the decision on Industrial Engineering.
He is a big believer in measuring twice, and only cutting once, and he shares, “Never take short cuts, because that just leads to problems later on. Rather do something right the first time.”
In the near future, Jako looks forward to starting his Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and growing his knowledge and skills even further within this space.
Jako has a great drive to ensure client satisfaction, and to add value to each project he takes on.
Outside of the office, Jako is the proud father of an 18-month old son with his beautiful wife Sune. They share their home with two golden retrievers, which form an integral part of his immediate family.
He has a great passion for woodworking, gardening, fishing, and hiking, and will challenge anyone who is willing to a Ping Pong match or Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Monday, July 5, 2021 | Tiaan Ackermann
The long-standing professional relationship between VBKOM and Kudumane Manganese Resources (KMR) dates back to 2010. Since then, VBKOM has been involved with numerous assignments for KMR and its parent entity, Asia Minerals Limited (AML).
Thursday, May 27, 2021 | Chantelle van der Walt
A geological model forms the foundation of the mining value chain, upon which all resultant assumptions are based – from initial target delineation to Mineral Resource estimation to final reserving and metallurgical processing.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 | Eduan Pieterse
All of us entered into 2021 with the hope that the new year will magically be different from the historical, COVID-plagued, locked-down 2020. 2021 calls for hope, work, application, perseverance and patience.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | Gideon van Zyl
We at Sehlare Sa Meetlwa partner locally with mining houses in the Northern Cape and offer our clients full EPCM services for their capital management requirements.
Monday, February 22, 2021 | Gideon van Zyl
Sehlare Sa Meetlwa firmly understands the dynamics of the relationship between construction and mining. We focus on mentorship in which we assist in growing organisational competency.
Friday, December 18, 2020 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM’s leadership has been thinking about implementing alternative energy resources to power the VBKOM head office for some time.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 | Chantelle van der Walt
The mining industry is one of South Africa’s most vital contributors when it comes to economic growth, but at what environmental cost?
Monday, December 14, 2020 | Chantelle van der Walt
We would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and joyous holiday season, and a prosperous 2021.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | George Olivier
The VBKOM team of experts can help you identify, understand, and manage your ESG risks into investment analysis that offer long-term advantages in the mining sector.
Monday, November 9, 2020 | George Olivier
VBKOM was commissioned by one of South Africa’s leading mining and minerals companies to give Mine Planning and Design training to a group of their senior members.