SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS
Leadership changes at Babcock Equipment supplier, Babcock, has announced the appointment of Tim Ward as the new managing director of the Equipment
business, while Hendrik du Toit has taken the reins as managing director of Plant Services. After several years of dedicated service, David Vaughan has retired from his position as managing director of Babcock’s Equipment business, a role he assumed on 1 November 2016. Vaughan assumes a new role as executive chairman of the Equipment business. Ward, who has previously served as financial director at Babcock’s Equipment business brings a wealth of institutional knowledge. “Tim Ward brings not only strong commercial insight but also a deep understanding of our business, and he looks forward to building on the strong foundation already in place as he takes responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Equipment business,” says Roger O’Callaghan, CEO at Babcock International Group Africa. At Babcock Plant Services, Deon Verreyne has retired from his role as managing director, with Du Toit – who has been with Babcock for nearly 30 years – taking the reins. “Having been with Babcock for nearly three decades, Hendrik du Toit brings extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of our people, customers and markets. His leadership will ensure continuity at Plant Services, while positioning the business for future growth,” says O’Callaghan. n
Tim Ward as the new managing director of the Equipment business.
Rocla pre-cast solution reduces downtime on mine Rocla Polokwane was recently contracted by a mining operation in Limpopo to manufacture a precast solution for a surface stockpile tunnel that was no longer structurally stable without temporary additional supports. This led to the loss of full operational functionality of the stockpile impacting on the mine’s daily operations. The surface stockpile area continuously faced downtime due the tunnel being damaged from machinery and vehicles. According to Rocla Technical Executive, Muhammad Bodhania, the client required the structural integrity of the tunnel to be restored to allow full operational functionality of the stockpile and the conveyor. “The repairs had to be done during the limited period of the shutdown which did not allow traditional in-situ construction.” The preferred solution was segmented steel-clad precast concrete sections assembled on site during the short time period available. In total over 750 tonnes of precast concrete segments were assembled safely one week ahead of schedule creating a tunnel of over 40m long, ensuring that the stockpile area operations returned to be functional at maximum capacity. “This project has showcased the team’s ability to meet all challenges through innovative design, expertise and capability while keeping to a tight schedule. This reflects our commitment to our customers’ requirements,” said Bodhania. n
Rocla precast solution reduces downtime.
58 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026
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