At Aranzu, direct engagement with the industries we serve is at the heart of what we do. From understanding site-specific challenges to delivering tailored equipment, proximity to our clients makes all the difference. Recently, our Managing Director, Fritz van Stittert, wrapped up a focused roadshow trip to Madagascar, a key region for major mining operations like the Ambatovy Nickel Mine and Process Plant near Toamasina, as well as Rio Tinto’s mineral sands operations in Fort Dauphin.
Here is a look inside the journey, the insights gathered on the ground, and how Aranzu is helping streamline supply chains in challenging environments.
The Journey: Tana & Toamasina
The week-long trip was designed around high-impact roadshow events targeting major mining centres across the island. Flying into Antananarivo ("Tana") before heading east to Toamasina, the team’s objective was simple: connect directly with mine personnel, plant engineers, and operational teams off-site to discuss real-world process bottlenecks and equipment requirements.
Navigating Madagascar comes with its own set of logistical quirks. While travel between main hubs involves short regional flights, ground transportation through cities requires patience. Heavy congestion on the roads means even short distances take time, a reminder of how crucial reliable local planning is when operating in the region.
Fun Fact from the Road: It wasn’t all trade shows and travel logistics. A brief stop at the local Lemur Park offered a first-hand look at Madagascar’s unique endemic wildlife, proving that even busy business trips have room for a bit of local flavour.
Key Operational Takeaways: Customisation & Lead Times
While off-site roadshows provided a platform to engage operational personnel from facilities like Ambatovy, the conversations quickly turned to technical needs. Across discussions regarding electrical panels, castings, and filter cloth supply, a common theme emerged: the need for bespoke engineering and reliable availability.
Mining environments rarely benefit from "one-size-fits-all" off-the-shelf components. Plant variations require tailored configurations. To address this, Aranzu’s approach centres on two key pillars:
1.) Custom Engineering: Manufacturing products precisely suited to the unique operational parameters of each mine site.
2.) Local Stockholding Solutions: Once a design is approved, holding stock locally to dramatically reduce turnaround times compared to ordering fresh units internationally every time.
By bridging the gap between custom design and rapid local fulfilment, we help operations minimise downtime and keep process circuits running smoothly.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the trip, the resilience and warmth of the local communities left a strong impression, alongside the clear potential for deeper technical engagement.
"Direct, on-site interactions always yield the greatest value," notes Fritz. "Visiting the plants directly allows us to see the exact operational hurdles engineers face on the floor. Moving forward, getting onto the mine sites themselves will be a priority to build on the momentum from this roadshow."
Up next on the calendar? The Aranzu team is preparing for its upcoming roadshow in Zambia - stay tuned for more updates as we continue connecting with operators across the continent.
Plant upgrades will always present challenges — particularly in remote mining operations where downtime, logistics, and installation risks carry significant operational consequences.
Aranzu has developed its approach through years of hands-on experience across mining and mineral processing projects throughout Africa. We understand where projects typically fail, where compromises can safely be made, and where they cannot.
By combining engineering understanding, fabrication knowledge, operational experience, and practical supply chain coordination, Aranzu delivers packaged solutions that bring confidence to complex upgrade projects.
Engineered to work on your projects.