Land and Sea Shipping has significantly enhanced its logistics capabilities within the mining sector by forging strategic partnerships with f leet owners and establishing key relationships with warehouses and ports along Africa's east and south coasts.According to sales director Dirushen Pillay, it’s a sector that requires its logistics service providers to guarantee seamless and efficient delivery, not only to ensure timeous delivery of essential materials but also to optimise production schedules, minimise downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency.“We have seen volumes increase in the mining sector, especially in light of the rising demand for critical minerals fuelled by renewable energy and technology advancements. Recognising this trend, our company has made strategic partnerships with key players to bolster our capacity and ensure we can effectively meet the increasing demand.”Pillay said the sector was not seeing a slowdown in demand for critical minerals, driven by the global shift towards green energy, with all indications pointing towards significant growth.“The transition to renewable energy opens up vast opportunities, especially in the extraction of critical minerals. With Africa's abundant but largely untapped resources and the ongoing improvements in infrastructure, the continent is poised for substantial growth in this sector,” he told Freight News.Infrastructure and the logistical complexities remain two of the biggest challenges for the mining sector. Frequent bottlenecks in specific regions of Africa can disrupt the supply chain, leading to delays and inefficiencies in critical mineral extraction and distribution processes.Pillay noted that addressing these challenges was part and parcel of doing business on the continent. "The mining sector is increasingly embracing sustainable practices and leveraging digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency," he added. "In this context, forging strategic logistics partnerships has emerged as a critical component for optimising the supply chain."The company is optimistic about 2024, particularly highlighting the promising prospects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, and South Africa. “These regions are experiencing a surge in mining investments and infrastructure enhancements. With the growing demand for critical minerals and the transition towards renewable energy, we anticipate a rise in sector investment. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainable and efficient logistics is expected to persist as a key focus area,” said Pillay.
