Case Study
Scaling Together: From R800k to R6m Monthly Partnership
How a true partnership approach, on-site presence, and data-driven optimisation enabled a leading South African mine to scale drilling operations by over 650%.
The Challenge
A leading South African mining operation faced a familiar challenge: as production targets increased, their drilling consumables supply needed to scale—but without compromising quality, availability, or cost control.
Supply Chain Pressure
Growing production volumes required consistent, reliable supply across multiple shafts. Stock-outs could halt drilling and cost hundreds of thousands in lost production.
Cost Optimisation
With R6m monthly spend on drilling consumables, even small improvements in bit life or usage patterns would deliver significant savings.
Performance Tracking
Without visibility into usage by shaft, level, and team, it was difficult to identify opportunities for improvement or address performance issues.
Administrative Burden
Managing procurement, inventory, and distribution across multiple shafts consumed significant management time and resources.
The Conbrako Solution
Rather than a traditional supplier relationship, we proposed a true partnership model—one where our success was directly tied to theirs. This meant taking on responsibilities beyond simply manufacturing and delivering products.
Consignment Stock Model
Stock held on-site at the mine—draw what you need, pay when you use it. No capital tied up in inventory, no risk of stock-outs.
On-Site Storage & Personnel
Dedicated storage facilities at the mine with a Conbrako-managed storeman. Professional inventory management without adding to mine headcount.
Advanced Analytics
Detailed tracking of usage by shaft, level, and team. Monthly reports identifying opportunities for performance improvement and cost reduction.
Multi-Shaft Deployment
Coordinated supply across all operational shafts with centralised management, ensuring consistent quality and pricing throughout the operation.
More Than Supplier and Customer
The key to this relationship's success has been a genuine partnership mindset. We're not just fulfilling orders—we're invested in their drilling performance and actively working to improve it.
Shared Objectives
Our success metrics are tied to their drilling performance—not just sales volume.
Continuous Improvement
Regular performance reviews identify opportunities for better bit selection and usage practices.
Long-Term Thinking
Decisions made for sustainable performance, not short-term gains.
The Results
Over five years, this partnership has grown from a trial at a single shaft to a comprehensive supply agreement covering the entire operation.
Monthly supply value growth over the partnership
Monthly bit volume increase
Continuous availability through consignment model
Ongoing partnership and growing
"What sets Conbrako apart is their commitment to our success, not just their sales. The on-site presence and analytics have transformed how we manage drilling consumables. They're a true partner—invested in our performance."
Procurement Manager
Leading South African Mining Operation
Built to Scale Together
The key to handling 650% growth wasn't just manufacturing capacity—it was the partnership model that grew alongside the mine's operations.
- Consignment stock levels adjusted automatically as volumes increased
- Additional shafts integrated seamlessly into the supply agreement
- Analytics expanded to cover the full operation with comparative insights
- Manufacturing capacity prioritised to support the growing partnership
Ready for a Different Kind of Supplier Relationship?
If you're looking for more than just a drill tool supplier—a partner invested in your drilling performance—let's talk about what a Conbrako partnership could look like for your operation.