The mining sector is grappling with a silent, yet potentially catastrophic threat: the proliferation of fake or counterfeit parts in essential mining equipment. This issue, while not new, has gained traction in recent years, with some procurement departments believing they can achieve short-term savings without risk. However, industry experts are sounding the alarm, warning that this perception could lead to dire consequences.
Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Metso distributor Pilot Crushtec, is unequivocal in his stance. “Fake parts will compromise worker safety,” he asserts, highlighting the numerous individuals often in close proximity to this equipment. “A business that buys and fits pirate parts runs the risk of sending a negative message to its operators – that saving money is more important than the safety of crews on site.” This is a stark reminder that the mining industry’s relentless pursuit of efficiency and cost-effectiveness should never come at the expense of safety.
Marais argues that genuine parts are an essential component of the promise that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) make to the market. “OEMs like Metso spend decades developing and supporting technologies that provide customers with reliable and high-performance solutions for crushing and screening,” he explains. However, this work is quickly undone when non-OEM parts are installed, supposedly to save a few rand in maintenance costs.
The use of counterfeit parts not only undermines performance and reliability but also erodes the value of the relationship that OEMs work hard to build with customers. Merja Tyyni, vice president aftermarket distribution management at Metso, emphasizes the importance of this relationship. “Our customer relationships focus on the whole process of delivering value to their operations,” she says. “We pay attention to the end-product value, where we can supply not only the appropriate capital equipment, but also the follow-up trouble-shooting, repairs and overall technical advice.”
The quality of these solutions and services is based on years of research, development, and testing, as well as continuous investment in the necessary technical infrastructure and capability to respond quickly to customer needs. However, these efforts are compromised when customers place non-OEM parts into their machines. Karima Dargaud, head of aftermarket Europe, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia at Metso, notes that “the quality chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
The use of non-OEM spares puts the reputation of mining companies at risk. “Customers build their reputations on this consistent performance, by producing the right results safely, on time and within budget,” Dargaud says. “Using non-OEM spares only puts this reputation at risk, as machines then become unreliable.”
This news should serve as a wake-up call for the mining industry. The short-term savings achieved by using counterfeit parts are a false economy. The potential costs – in terms of safety, reliability, and reputation – are far too high. The industry must prioritize quality and safety over cost, and OEMs must continue to educate customers about the risks of using non-OEM parts. The future of the mining industry depends on it.
