Gold Coast mining firm expanding operations to Brazil

With more than 20 years experience in total dust control and soil erosion solutions, RST has been operating across mines in Australia and overseas for several years, designing innovative and holistic dust suppression solutions.
As part of its South American business development strategy, RST is setting up a Brazilian manufacturing arm to meet the strong demand from mining giants in one of the biggest mining markets in the world.
RST’s technical and development director, David Handel, said in terms of market value, Brazil also represents one of the strongest markets in the world.
“Brazil’s dust suppressant market demand would equal Australia’s,” said Handel.
“The Brazilian dust suppressant market is valued at over $100 million. If RST can get in there and maximise the opportunities, we expect huge growth for us.”
Handel said RST have been building relationships in Brazil over the last two years and have received a multitude of positive outcomes.
“We have been introducing our technology and solutions to this market for the past two years, with initial trials proving very successful,” he said.
“We’ve had a very good response from large mining companies in Brazil. They have dust control problems they need solutions for, and we have tailored those solutions for them.”
The launch of the Brazilian manufacturing arm for the company also comes with logistical and environmental benefits for RST and their clients.
While RST have been importing their dust suppressant products to the South American country for the last two years, by establishing a manufacturing centre in Brazil, RST are also reducing their carbon footprint by reducing exports, thereby minimising carbon emissions.
“We have been importing our products to a third party factory in Brazil up until now, but that will no longer be necessary,” said Handel.
“It’s also a logistic improvement. Importing and custom clearing the product can currently take up to 90 days. If we can make it available locally, the mining companies can have our products and solutions straight away.
“This is an excellent kick into the marketplace for us.”
Coinciding with the Trade Queensland Mining Mission to Latin America, Handel last month joined Queensland Government representatives travelling South America to take part in Expomin, Chile’s key industry trade show, and then on to Brazil for the opening of RST’s Brazilian company’s operations.
RST has the opportunity to showcase their range of innovative dust suppressant products at Expomin and Handel said the expo was another excellent opportunity to network with some of the biggest names in the mining world, providing RST with even more exposure as a leading Queensland company making headway in Brazil.
High profile representatives that attended Expomin included Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan, former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, as well as representatives from mining giants Xstrata, BHP, Barrick and Anglo.
The trade mission saw participants and key representatives attend Queensland Government networking functions, industry briefings, workshops, site visits and group business meetings.

For more information visit: www.dustearthwater.com.au