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.
Friday, April 11, 2025 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM's attendance at the PGMs Industry Day highlighted market uncertainties alongside future potential in hybrid vehicle tech.
Monday, February 17, 2025 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM's Executive Team attended Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town. Key discussions focused on critical minerals, energy transition, and sustainable mining practices.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM delivers another successful Open Pit Mine Planning and Design course in partnership with Enterprises UP. This course equips individuals with the essential skills to excel in the mining industry.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM is committed to nurturing young talent in the mining industry. Our bursary program provides financial support and mentorship to promising South African students.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | Chantelle van der Walt
On 20 and 21 November 2023, final-year Mining Engineering students at the University of Pretoria presented their PSC 411 project dissertations. The module involved industry-assigned projects, with Mr. Wilhelm Warschkuhl and Mr. Brandon Okhuis from VBKOM assisting in evaluating and moderating the presentations.
Thursday, November 23, 2023 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM, in partnership with Enterprises University of Pretoria, created a training solution that focused on the different aspects of the mining value chain.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | Chantelle van der Walt
One of the most highly-anticipated events for the VBKOM team is the annual MASUP Year-end Function, and this year attendees were not disappointed. MASUP arranged for the attendees to board the Rovos Rail, where they were transported to a time portrayed in old British and Hollywood movies like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile”.
Friday, September 8, 2023 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM prides itself on giving back to the community and on helping others to achieve success. We acknowledge the importance of fostering and nurturing talent within the mining sector, viewing it as a prime opportunity for advancing our brand.
Thursday, March 23, 2023 | Chantelle van der Walt
By unearthing opportunities, our solutions have the power to improve lives. This is not only true for our technical solutions but also for how we view our participation in creating a better world, particularly the communities in which we work and live. The #BackToSchool initiative is the second engagement VBKOM and SSM since December 2022.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 | Paul Obermeyer
The University of Pretoria invited VBKOM to participate as guest lecturers for the 2023 final-year undergraduate Mining Engineering students.