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New division strengthens integrated service offering, combining internal silo expertise with advanced structural repair and corrosion protection capabilities
Specialist process cleaning and industrial services company Bongela Mining & Industrial Services is expanding its value offering to clients with the introduction of a dedicated civil structure rehabilitation and corrosion protection division, an initiative that reinforces the company’s position as a comprehensive, end-to-end partner to the mining and industrial sectors.
The new division, led by Project and Construction Manager Johan Erasmus, who has 13 years’ experience in civil construction, builds on Bongela’s established expertise in silo cleaning and maintenance.
It extends its capabilities further into specialised concrete rehabilitation, protective coatings and long-term structural integrity solutions. This strategic move enables the company to deliver a fully integrated service, addressing both the internal and external requirements of critical infrastructure.
“This is a new division to broaden the spectrum of what Bongela can do,” explains Erasmus. “We would like to hit two birds with one stone, where we continue to offer our cleaning and repair services within the silo, but can simultaneously offer the external repair work as well. That will save clients a lot of time and cost.”
Addressing ageing infrastructure in mining and industry
The expansion comes at a critical time for the mining sector, where much of the existing concrete infrastructure has reached an advanced stage of its lifecycle. Ageing silos, thickeners, cooling towers and other structural assets increasingly require rehabilitation to ensure operational continuity and safety compliance.
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“The main issue is longevity,” notes Erasmus. “The process is about keeping up operations and not having unnecessary stoppages due to breakdowns or structures failing.” Bongela’s approach begins with detailed on-site assessments by PR registered engineers, combining visual inspections with advanced diagnostic techniques such as core drilling, laboratory testing, and 3D structural scanning. This enables the team to identify underlying structural issues and develop targeted rehabilitation strategies and repairs.
“I go out to site and do analysis on the state of the concrete,” explains Erasmus. “If further investigation is needed, we do core drilling into the concrete and send samples for testing. Thereafter a detailed report is compiled for the client on the status of their structures and a repair proposal is provided.”
From there, the company delivers a full turnkey solution, which encompasses surface preparation, specialised repairs, crack injection, waterproofing systems and protective coatings. These services align closely with Bongela’s broader offering inclusive of concrete rehabilitation and civil repairs; corrosion protection and industrial linings across multiple sectors.
One contractor, multiple capabilities
A key differentiator is Bongela’s ability to integrate these services into a single contract, reducing complexity for clients while improving efficiency. “We can offer so much to one client where they don’t have to sit with five or six contractors on site,” notes Erasmus. “They can just have one contractor who can assess exactly what needs to be done.”
The division also leverages advanced materials and partnerships with leading global suppliers to ensure long-term performance. Bongela is an approved applicator of Sika specialised repair systems, enabling it to deliver durable, high-quality outcomes backed by technical support and warranties. “In this specialised repair and civil rehabilitation space, we use products that give our clients the most longevity out of the repair,” adds Erasmus.
Beyond technical capability, the company is investing in skills development to build internal expertise and support sustainable growth. Younger team members are being trained in specialised repair techniques, ensuring knowledge transfer and continuity within the business.
“It is not something you can learn overnight. It takes time and practice,” says Erasmus. “I take the younger personnel under my wing and teach them the different products and materials, how to apply them correctly and where to start the process of mixing.”
Positioned for growth in a niche market
Looking ahead, Bongela sees significant opportunity in this niche but high-value segment of the market, particularly as clients prioritise asset longevity, compliance and cost efficiency. “Bongela is well-positioned in specialised repairs and rehabilitation,” comments Erasmus. “It is a niche sector, but once you have reached it, there are numerous opportunities.”
By combining its established operational footprint with specialised civil expertise, Bongela is positioning itself as a trusted partner capable of protecting and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure, while delivering measurable value to clients across the mining and industrial landscape.
