05 Jun 2022

K&M Mining, a 100 per cent citizen-owned company, which prides itself in steel fabrication, is determined to position itself as a product developer of mining equipment globally.

Established in 2001, the company remains resolute to introducing new, but internationally recognised technology, in principle and products.

With operations in Letlhakane and Jwaneng, K&M is a diversified company primarily focused in steel fabrication, but also engages in steel structural repairs, earth-moving and plant maintenance, roofing and cladding, labour and plant hire, and it works with Debswana in Jwaneng and Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines, Kanu equipment, Komatsu and Barloworld, among others.

The company was recently sub contracted by Barloworld to do a complete refurbishment of a bowl for Caterpillar 793 haul truck belonging to Debswana and used among other things, for loading ore into crushers. 

It measures 11 by 7.5 by three metre.

The company co-owner and former Debswana employee, Mr Kitso Robert told BOPA that they sourced material locally and from South Africa, but consumables were mostly obtained in Letlhakane.

Mr Robert said because the type of steel and length they needed was not available locally, therefore, they relied on suppliers in South Africa.

With a staff complement of 40, Mr Robert said the company was determined to empower Batswana and invest in skills transfer.

We engage trainers from South Africa, who also do testing, Mr Robert stated. 

K&M takes pride in that some of its trainees have formed their own companies while others have joined Debswana.

Mr Robert specialises in repair and maintenance of earth-moving equipment while his partner, Mr Andy Marogwe has extensive knowledge in repair and maintenance of buckets and bowls.

The company director, Mr Ketshepileone Ramatsia, who deals with welding and fabrication, joined the company in 2006 and acquired all the skills on the job.

Mr Robert said they were affected by COVID-19 since the mine was under care and maintenance during the period 2019/20. 

He said they were planning to introduce their services to government departments, parastatals and other private companies.

With Debswana’s introduction of Citizen Economic Empowerment Progamme, K&M is hoping for an opportunity to service the mine.

Through Citizen Economic Empowerment Progamme, Original Equipment Manufacturers’ contracts with Debswana would come to an end to give citizen-owned companies opportunity to service the mine. ends