Ghana's first Hitachi EX2000-7 sets the standard in mining

In a ground-breaking move for the mining industry in Ghana, SMT, a leading distributor of heavy machinery, has supplied the country’s first Hitachi EX2000-7 excavator to customer Engineers & Planners.

Maximum productivity

Currently deployed at the Cardinal Namdini mine in Bolgatanga, the EX2000-7 plays a pivotal role in loading a fleet of rigid trucks and ADTs. Engineers & Planners were so impressed by its performance that it acquired a second EX2000-7 some months later.

The decision to opt for the Hitachi EX2000-7 was rooted in Engineers & Planners’ positive experience with its existing Hitachi machinery fleet, particularly four EX1900-6 excavators. The capabilities and reliability of Hitachi machines, coupled with their fuel efficiency and durability, made the EX2000-7 an obvious choice for enhancing operational efficiency and maximising productivity.

Engineers & Planners expressed its satisfaction with the Hitachi EX2000-7, emphasising its positive impact on operations. “The digging power has been good, the excavator loads dump trucks in less than two minutes and we have less than five loads of a bucket into the truck before it moves to dump, which has greatly improved our productivity,” says Andrew Ofori, Project Manager at Engineers & Planners. The camera is also a welcome addition, helping to prevent undercarriage damage, protecting both the machine and the operator.

Enhanced comfort and safety

The Hitachi EX2000-7 offers operator comfort, enhanced visibility with a 360-degree camera system, and substantial fuel savings. Ofori continues: “When you enter the cab, it is spacious and the air conditioning provides a comfortable working environment.”

The strong partnership between Engineers & Planners and SMT Ghana has been key to facilitating operations and prompt resolution of any issues. SMT's robust after-sales support, including dedicated on-site technicians and ongoing technical support has further solidified the trust and collaboration between them.

Overall, the introduction of the new EX2000-7 machines is indicative of Ghana’s position as a thriving mining market. This is in part due to the implementation of the local content law leading to the growth of local mining support companies. SMT Ghana anticipates further expansion and opportunities in the Ghanaian market, leveraging its success in other countries across Africa, including Mali, Mauritania, and Morocco.