simply unacceptable. While some companies may investigate alternative materials or technologies, nothing currently matches tungsten carbide in terms of overall abrasion resistance and performance in these operating conditions. That said, future innovation could eventually change the landscape. The real challenge is determining whether such innovation would be commercially viable. By the time an alternative solution is fully developed, market conditions may well have stabilised, raising the question of whether the investment required to develop a replacement material would ultimately be justified,” concludes Pillay. Jay Pillay – growing with Brelko Like tungsten carbide, Pillay is an integral component in the Brelko business. Having joined the company straight out of school, Pillay, has been working at Brelko for 26 years and has climbed the ranks from internal sales to business development and projects manager. “I have been fortunate to grow with the business, which has evolved from employing around 30 people to a workforce of more than 200 today.” Apart from his current position as GM, Pillay, serves as the Chairman of the Conveyor Manufacturers Association of South Africa (CMA). The CMA is the leading body for the bulk materials handling industry in the country. n
prices that include the critical material.
The conundrum associated with developing an alternative to tungsten carbide Looking ahead, Pillay expects the price of tungsten carbide to remain elevated for another two to three years, explaining that even if the conflict involving Iran were to end soon, countries are likely to continue to aggressively purchase the material out of concern and uncertainty. “The countries directly involved in the conflict will also need to rebuild and replenish their military stockpiles. Moreover, governments and industries are likely to increase reserves and place larger orders as a precautionary measure, driven more by fear and risk management than by immediate demand alone,” explains Pillay. This begs the question, is there an alternative material to tungsten carbide? “In business, it is essential to think ahead and always have contingency plans in place. As a company that invests heavily in research and development, we continuously explore alternative materials. At present, however, there is no viable substitute for tungsten carbide in applications where abrasion resistance is critical. Ceramics, for example, can in some cases provide even greater abrasion resistance, but they are far more susceptible to chipping and cracking. In belt cleaner applications — where durability and reliability are non-negotiable — that level of risk is
BRELKO
CONVEYOR PRODUCTS ®
FEATURES • Easy installation. • Low maintenance. • Simple design. • Operates in all conditions.
• Manufactured according to SABS, CEMA, Australian and PROK mounting standards. • Unique adjustable guard maintains a constant gap between the conveyor belt and guard, even when the conveyor belt is tensioned. • Robust construction for longer life. • Can be installed on bi-directional conveyor belts.
BRELKO NIP GUARD SAFETY DEVICE PATENTED - USA: 11,724,889
APPLICATIONS • Nip Guards improve worker safety around head, tail, and drive pulleys and prevents worker exposure to conveyor pulley nip points and pinch point hazards.
I 38 OVER YEARS
Tel : +27 11 013 4000
E-Mail : sales@brelko.com
Website : www.brelko.com
JULY 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 11
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