Case Study
Scaling Together: >2m Tonnes Per Annum
How a true partnership approach, on-site presence, and dependable drilling consumable supply supported a leading South African mine as annual tonnage doubled over the course of the relationship.
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
At >2m tonnes per annum, even small improvements in drilling consumable availability and usage patterns can have a meaningful operational impact.
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 supplying 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 relationship supporting >2m tonnes per annum.
Current annual production tonnage supported
Annual tonnage doubled over the course of the relationship.
Continuous availability through consignment model
Ongoing partnership and growing
"SMS Mining has been using Conbrako-supplied drilling consumables at Eland Platinum Mine since September 2021, including drill bits, couplings, adaptors, drill rods, shanks and spinning adaptors. We have been extremely satisfied with the quality of the goods supplied and the service provided, and are happy to recommend Conbrako products for drilling operations."
Site Manager, SMS Mining
Built to Scale Together
The key to supporting >2m tonnes per annum wasn't just manufacturing capacity—it was the partnership model that grew alongside the mine's operations.
- Consignment stock levels adjusted automatically as annual tonnage 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 mining consumable supplier—a partner invested in your drilling performance—let's talk about what a Conbrako partnership could look like for your operation.