RGN advances sustainable chrome mining with electric-powered Sandvik UJ443E

Established in 1959, RGN is one of South Africa’s most prominent mining and resources groups, with a strong focus on responsible and sustainable mining practices. The company supplies chrome ore and concentrates across a range of grades – including chemical (40–46% purity), metallurgical (48–52%), and refractory (54–62%) – supporting global industries such as stainless steel production, alloy manufacturing, catalytic converters and heat exchangers.

Driving performance in demanding mining conditions

Operating shallow chromium-bearing deposits near Rustenburg, on the border of the North-West and Limpopo provinces, RGN requires efficient, reliable and flexible equipment to meet production demands.

To support these requirements, RGN selected the Sandvik UJ443E mobile jaw crusher, a fully electric solution designed to deliver high performance with reduced environmental impact. The machine is used to process run-of-mine material, crushing +400mm / +300mm feed down to -140mm / 160mm for efficient secondary crushing on site.

Advanced technology for efficient, low-impact operation

The Sandvik UJ443E combines powerful crushing capability with innovative electric technology, making it ideally suited for high-demand mining applications. Its proven jaw crusher design ensures reliable performance when handling large, hard rock, while the electric drive system significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered units.

Since implementation, the equipment has delivered measurable operational benefits, including:

• Improved productivity through efficient processing of chrome ore across varying grades
• Reduced environmental impact enabled by electric operation and lower emissions
• High reliability and uptime, supporting continuous mining operations
• Operational flexibility to adapt to changing material and production demands
• Consistent product quality, meeting market specifications

Justin Viljoen, General Manager Mining at RGN Ore Pty Ltd, commented:

The UJ443E has enabled us to efficiently process large run-of-mine material, reducing it to a consistent size for secondary crushing. Its performance, combined with the environmental benefits of electric operation, makes it a strong fit for our operations and long-term sustainability goals.

Supporting responsible and sustainable mining

Sustainability remains a central focus for RGN’s operations. The company follows responsible mining practices, including the removal and stockpiling of topsoil for later rehabilitation. By reintroducing plant nutrients and reseeding the land post-mining, RGN ensures that mined areas are restored efficiently and returned to their natural state.

The integration of efficient and modern processing equipment plays a key role in supporting these sustainable practices, helping to minimise environmental impact while maintaining productivity.

Comprehensive support through partnership and Hypercare

The Sandvik UJ443E was supplied by S&R Enterprises, Sandvik’s authorized distributor in the region, whose local expertise and hands-on support have been instrumental throughout the project. Stephen Smith, Managing Director of S&R Enterprises, highlighted the impact of the solution,

The introduction of the UJ443E has been an absolute game changer. It is exactly what you would expect from Sandvik. It delivers higher production, more reliability at a lower cost per tonne. With the unit being fully electrical, with the option of running if off-grid, or with this onboard diesel genset, we’re already seeing savings of up to 30% on diesel.

In addition to local dealer support, RGN benefits from the Sandvik Hypercare programme, which provides comprehensive aftermarket support to ensure optimal machine performance from day one. This includes structured onboarding, proactive maintenance planning, and ongoing technical support to maximize uptime and productivity.Together, the combined support from Sandvik and S&R Enterprises ensures that RGN can operate with confidence, backed by expert service and a strong commitment to long-term performance.

Enhancing productivity through innovation

Chrome remains a critical raw material in global industry, valued for its role in enhancing corrosion resistance, durability and performance in a wide range of applications. By investing in advanced solutions from Sandvik, RGN is well positioned to meet growing demand while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

For further information, please contact:

S&R Enterprises
www.s-r.co.za Email: info@s-r.co.za

Melissa Baker, Marketing Communications
Sandvik Rock Processing, Mobile Crushers and Screens
Email: melissa.baker@sandvik.com