MechChem Africa May-June 2026

⎪ Minerals processing and materials handling ⎪

Safer, faster and smarter process solutions Bongela Mining & Industrial Services is redefining maintenance, safety, and efficiency in SA’s platinum, gold and industrial sectors.

E stablished in 2009 as a silo cleaning operation, today, Bongela partners with leading mining houses as well as clients in the cement and indus- trial processing sectors to deliver high-risk cleaning, inspection, and rehabilitation services that reduce downtime and improve operational performance. “At its core, Bongela is about solving real operational challenges on-site,” says CEO Raymond Graham. By developing safer, faster cleaning meth- ods, we have been able to reduce turnaround times while improving safety outcomes signifi - cantly,” he says. Bongela’s origins lie in safe and efficient cleaning of silos and processing infrastructure. Traditional methods were labour-intensive, slow and often hazardous, exposing workers to risks such as engulfment and structural col- lapse. By introducing specialised techniques and systems, Bongela reduced cleaning times from a week to as little as one to two days, while minimising risk. This ability to accelerate main- tenance cycles without compromising safety has become a defining feature of the company’s

value proposition. Bongela’s now provides integrated process cleaning and maintenance solutions, with ca- pabilities that extend across both dry and wet sections on mines and a wide range of process- ing environments. The company has also developed strong capabilities in hydro-mining and material recovery, using high-pressure and ultra-high- pressure water-jetting systems to reprocess accumulated material in process control dams, for example, returning valuable resources to production. This approach enhances efficiency and aligns with more resource-conscious and sustainable operating practices. Complementing these services is a growing focus on structural integrity and long-term asset performance. Bongela conducts detailed struc- tural inspection & maintenance management (SIMM) inspections, produces defect reports and undertakes concrete rehabilitation work, including high-strength linings, helping clients extend asset life and improve maintenance planning. Operating in high-risk environments,

Bongela employs a highly specialised workforce, including rope-access technicians and process- cleaning specialists. Bongela places safety and compliance at the centre of its offering. “Our approach is always safety-first,” says Graham. “We design our methods to eliminate unnecessary exposure, reduce manpower in confined spaces, and en - sure that every job is executed with the highest level of control.” Bongela’s expansion into industrial, ce- ment and petrochemical sectors reflects a deliberate strategy to diversify its client base while applying its specialised expertise in new environments. “As we look to grow the busi- ness in a sustainable and controlled way, we are investing in robotics and advanced technologies that can further enhance safety and efficiency, particularly in hazardous environments,” con- cludes Graham. https://bongela.co.za/

May-June 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 17

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