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.
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.
Thursday, October 6, 2022 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM recognizes the need to grow and support talent in the mining industry as one of the greatest opportunities to grow our brand. Our skills are sought after globally. We are investing in a strong talent pipeline, to serve our needs but not to be selfish, to also share this investment into extraordinary talent with our industry. We are relentless in setting the bar very high.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | George Olivier
VBKOM was successfully showcased at the 16th West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX), which was hosted at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana from 1 to 3 June 2022.
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 | Manie Kriel
Group CEO, Manie Kriel, attended the eighth annual Junior Indaba, which took place on 1 and 2 June 2022 at the Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park. This year the organisers created a hybrid event that allowed people to attend both in-person and online.
Friday, May 27, 2022 | Chantelle van der Walt
It is with great pleasure that the VBKOM Management team and shareholders announce the promotion of two members of the executive leadership team to directors: Lalieu Marais and Strauss Oosthuizen.
Thursday, May 26, 2022 | Tiaan Ackermann
Attending the first in-person Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town since the world-wide pandemic was well-attended by industry leaders, investors, and global mining industry government representatives and Heads of State.
Thursday, April 7, 2022 | George Olivier
The global pandemic influenced the world’s economy by disrupting supply-chains through shortages and price inflations.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted global supply chains even further. The multitude of sanctions and boycotts imposed on Russia by multiple Western countries has led to worldwide fears of energy shortages, possible famine, and inflation.
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 | Chantelle van der Walt
On 12 November 2021, the VBKOM team came together to celebrate a wonderfully blessed year. After the tremendous effort the team has put in during the entire 2021, it was time to reflect and have some serious fun.
Monday, November 29, 2021 | George Olivier
In an effort to contribute to the overall growth of the global market, Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) together with experts from the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP) successfully presented the Open-Pit Mine Planning and Design course to delegates from various mining houses in South Africa.
Thursday, November 11, 2021 | Chantelle van der Walt
The annual Golf Day hosted by the Department of Mining Engineering (DOME), University of Pretoria, is one of those key events the VBKOM-team looks forward to.
This year was no different, and on the 5th of November 2021, eight VBKOM golfers set out to play a round of golf in celebration of DOME’s 60th anniversary.
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).