How MYSOL is driving growth in South African chrome mining with Volvo
Volvo excavators and articulated haulers are the perfect partners in mass excavation projects.
Solly Madibela, owner of MYSOL, is crafting a success story built on vision, determination, and the robust power of Volvo excavators, wheel loaders, and articulated haulers. Recognising the opportunity in South Africa’s chrome mining sector, he set out to build a thriving mining contracting business, extracting 200,000 tonnes per month of this key component in stainless steel production with his own fleet by 2025.
The foundation of trust in Volvo machines
Madibela’s journey began with firsthand experience of operating machines from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE). “The performance of the Volvo machines was excellent, and I noted that the technology was updated on every new model,” he recalls, referencing his time working as a contractor using Volvo crawler excavators. This early exposure to Volvo equipment in mining sparked a lasting trust of the brand’s innovation and durability.
Taking the leap into chrome mining
Establishing MYSOL in 2018, Madibela initially relied on hired machinery. However, his vision was always to build his own fleet of mining excavators. That dream became a reality in 2021 with the purchase of a Volvo EC550E crawler excavator, along with a Volvo wheel loader, marking the start of a pivotal partnership.
He quickly expanded his fleet with a second EC550E, followed by three EC950E and three EC750D excavators. Of them all, the EC750D became his favourite, striking the perfect balance between power, productivity, and speed in his opencast chrome mining operations.
“The EC750D is so fast and reliable. You should see that machine working!” he says.
Madibela's favourite excavator: the Volvo EC750D
Expanding the mining equipment fleet
In 2024, Madibela further developed his fleet of mining equipment by adding Volvo articulated haulers, the perfect partners for Volvo excavators in mass excavation projects. A significant delivery in September 2024 included 18 Volvo A40 articulated haulers, a further four EC750D excavators, and two more EC950E excavators.
“In this industry performance is everything. Every cube that we move from the mine counts, so I need machines that are reliable and efficient. Thanks to the performance of the Volvo machines, and the support that I have received, MYSOL has been able to considerably expand over the last few years,” Madibela states.
He has placed orders for a further 27 articulated haulers and nine excavators for new contracts starting in 2025.
A Volvo A40G articulated hauler in MYSOL livery.
Comprehensive support for mining operations
Beyond the machines themselves, another factor in MYSOL’s success has been the exceptional service support from South African Volvo dealer Babcock.
“Babcock have supported our growth from the start, from structuring finance deals to safeguard our cashflow, to ensuring quick turnaround times of machines and parts, and providing fast responses and solutions to any queries we may have,” Madibela says.
Highlighting the importance of machine availability, he continues: “They understand that our business is based on production, and that if we don’t produce, we don’t make money. Availability of our machines is critical, so Babcock have provided us with four on-site mechanics to service our machines as part of our maintenance contracts. Their parts availability is excellent, and if a specific part isn’t available, they will make a plan for you.”
Several of MYSOL's Volvo articulated haulers outside the Babcock depot.
An enduring partnership in South African mining
For Madibela, it’s more than a customer-supplier relationship with Volvo and Babcock; it’s a genuine business partnership.
“Babcock don’t only care about selling me machines – they really care about my business,” he says. “Their team is very hands-on and they find the best solutions and prices. Babcock have helped me to perform better, and thanks to them, I’m getting more business.”
As MYSOL continues its growth in chrome mining in South Africa, Madibela's commitment to mining equipment from Volvo CE and Babcock remains steadfast. “As my business grows, I intend to continue using Volvo Construction Equipment exclusively, as these powerful machines add leverage and value to my tender applications, affirming that MYSOL can deliver for our clients,” he concludes.
