In 2023, Weba Chutes, specialists in transfer chute technology, enjoyed another successful year, and indications suggest that 2024 will surpass it.
Despite the inherent volatility in demand from the mining industry, the company has managed to secure a robust pipeline of projects, not only in southern Africa but also internationally. Mark Baller, the CEO of Weba Chute Systems, anticipates a busier year in 2024 and foresees this upward trend continuing into 2025.
Baller remarks, “As customers increasingly appreciate the value of tailored transfer points in their mining operations, we’ve witnessed growing demand across various regions.” He cites promising prospects in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where copper and cobalt mining are thriving, as well as in platinum ventures in Zimbabwe.
Highlighting the company’s longstanding presence in foreign markets, Baller expresses eagerness to undertake significant overseas projects. Weba Chute Systems is poised to supply approximately 50 chutes for a project in the US and provide custom-engineered chutes for a gold mine expansion in Turkey, amounting to eight units.
“We’re consistently attracting new clients seeking our specialized solutions to address specific challenges,” Baller notes. “Recent engagements with firms in Jordan and Saudi Arabia hold promise for expanding our footprint beyond conventional markets.”
On the domestic front, Weba Chute Systems continues to execute substantial projects for Southern African clients. Notably, the company recently fabricated and installed 32 bespoke chutes for a steel plant in South Africa and supplied ten large chutes to a platinum mine in Zimbabwe through a leading EPCM company.
Baller mentions ongoing projects, including the engineering design and fabrication of chutes for a local manganese producer’s expansion initiative and the provision of multiple chutes for three diamond mines in Botswana.
Despite challenges like load-shedding by the national utility in South Africa, Weba Chute Systems remains resilient. Operating its design and manufacturing facility in Wadeville, the company has invested in renewable energy and backup power, ensuring uninterrupted operations to meet customer deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a carefully managed work environment, we deliver cost-effective solutions tailored to each transfer point,” Baller emphasizes. “Our ability to conduct design and manufacturing locally also provides a cost advantage for foreign contracts, while our high-quality, engineered chutes significantly enhance our customers’ production uptime.”
