Discover how TAU Mining is promoting sustainable mining practices and empowering communities
Alongside its extensive experience in operating in remote and challenging locations, TAU Mining (TAU) boasts a vast array of human and equipment resources to deliver world-class open-cast mining services. With over 30 years of experience in both hard and soft rock environments, the company provides complete open-cast mining solutions, as well as mine planning, surveying, production scheduling, and in-pit services. A significant player in surface mining in Africa, TAU has and continues to mine a variety of commodities for reputable clients. Mikhail Makhnach, CEO, retraces the organization’s inspiring journey and evolution.
“Back in the 1990s, TAU was established as a private consulting firm that offered mining services. Following the success of its consultations, the business grew exponentially and started its mining operations in the early 2000s, partnering with major industry players such as BHP Billiton and Anglo American. Over time, it acquired more equipment and expanded its portfolio, enabling it to undertake larger and more complex projects. In 2009, TAU began providing a full range of mining operations and implementing large-scale projects.
“Since its inception, the company has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to ever-evolving market conditions, as evidenced by its evolutionary trajectory. This adaptability can be attributed to several factors, including its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its mining operations, strong financial support from stakeholders, strategic partnerships, and a highly talented team. TAU’s evolution is a testament to its strategic flexibility and agility in responding to market dynamics while embracing technological advancements. Together, these factors have positioned TAU as a forward-thinking and resilient entity within the mining sector,” he adds.
Sustainable practices
Mikhail delves deeper into the comprehensive opencut mining contracting services provided by the company. In addition to the key services mentioned earlier, “we have extensive expertise in everything from short-term waste mining to comprehensive, long-term mining solutions, including drill, blast, load, haul and dump functions, pit services, theoretical and practical training for operators, as well as specialized advanced training. With robust financial backing from our shareholders, we are agile enough to swiftly mobilize and deploy the necessary resources for each project. As a result, we can ensure effective contributions to greenfield projects and established mines, thereby facilitating the achievement of our strategic objectives,” he affirms.
Although mining plays a fundamental role in today’s society, its effects on the environment can be harmful. Mikhail details the ways in which TAU embraces
sustainable practices in its operations. “At TAU, we believe that it is essential for the mining industry to take a holistic approach to environmental and social responsibility. Most sustainable mining companies recognize that optimizing environmental performance and social impact is not only a matter of ethics or regulatory compliance, but it is also a sound business strategy. One of the biggest challenges currently facing our industry is balancing the need for minerals and metals with safety, productivity, and the responsible use of land, energy, and water. This challenge is exacerbated by the continuously growing global population, which means that the demand for these resources will only increase, making it imperative for the mining sector to find sustainable solutions.
“Being more eco-friendly does not merely entail the products we create or the impact we have on the environment. As an organization, we are also part of people’s lives, and they expect us to make a positive contribution to socio-economic development in a sustainable way. To do so, we must reduce our environmental footprint and support biodiversity while also promoting economic growth and social progress. We are also dedicated to creating value for our shareholders, employees, and the communities in which we operate. As such, we have a deliberate, conscious strategy based on prioritizing respect for the environment and sustainability. In line with that, we are committed to South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and localization schemes, which foster collaboration between businesses and local communities, thereby providing employment opportunities, skills transfer, and personal growth all within a safe environment,” he enlightens.
Full-scope services
Over the course of its existence, the company has significantly evolved alongside its customer base. Mikhail reveals TAU’s secret recipe for forging and maintaining successful and longstanding partnerships with clients. “Throughout our history as a mining contractor, we have encountered tremendous success by effectively completing a variety of projects for respectable clients. Among our long list of clients are standout companies such as Anglo American, BHP Billiton, South32, Vedanta, Seriti, and many more. Our ability to build long-term relationships with these clients is a testament to our reliability and professionalism. For over 18 years, we have proved our mastery in loading and hauling in challenging conditions through our work with Anglo American. Meanwhile, the successful execution of the greenfield project with South32 highlighted our proficiency in delivering full-scope mining services.
“By trusting us to deliver a turnkey solution through our comprehensive range of services, mines can benefit from multiple advantages, such as the streamlining of their operations, and a higher level of coordination and efficiency in project execution. Having different facets of mining interconnected and seamlessly managed by a single entity, our clients can avoid the cost and hassle of coordination between multiple contractors. Our partnerships with OEMs ensure access to reliable equipment, technical support, and guaranteed availability of critical spare parts. Last but not least, our clients also benefit from consistent quality and adherence to standards,” he concludes.