Bruce Mhlanga (42), co-founder and operations manager of South African mining company BM Coal Holdings is living proof that hard work, determination and a desire to succeed on whatever you set out to achieve will yield a positive outcome.
From growing up in Zimbabwe’s second largest city of Bulawayo to working briefly in that country’s Ministry of Roads and Construction as assistant draughtsman, Bruce’s entrepreneurial journey then took him across the Limpopo River and into South Africa where he chased his dream of establishing a business until it eventually became a reality.
Seeking greener pastures
Attaining impressive Advanced Level grades at Mpopoma High School played a huge role in helping Bruce to secure employment within the Zimbabwean government as assistant draughtsman.
“In 2000, I decided to go to South Africa to seek for better opportunities after my grandmother had passed away. I managed to find permanent employment as an insurance salesman. From 2003 to 2006 I excelled at my job and was promoted to branch manager at the company I was working for,” explains Bruce.
Amidst the buying and selling aspect of his work, Bruce was drawn into the lucrative mining industry. He joined it by becoming a part time commodity trader between 2010 and 2011.
“It was a case of survival and always thinking about doing something to make money. I would look for buyers of gold, diamonds and other minerals and managed to make some extra money as a commodity trader.”
The birth of BM Coal Holdings
As his experience in the South African mining industry grew, more opportunities in that sector also started opening up for Bruce. A decision to leave his sales job and focus more on the mining industry saw Bruce securing employment at Witbank Coal Holdings.
“The work that I did at that company also involved coal blending. I learnt a lot because of the hands on experience I was getting there. I was determined to start my own company because this was always the dream I was chasing all along.”
Bruce and his wife Zanele Mbuyane, who is co-owner and director of BM Coal Holdings, set up the company in 2012. The mine has grown from strength to strength since its inception and is now well on the way to becoming a major player in the coal mining sector.
A rising giant
BM Coal Holdings’ vision to become a self sustained development facilitator and leading institution both in Mpumalanga and South Africa as a whole has and continues to gain remarkable momentum.
Humble beginnings saw the company kicking off their business by supplying coal for household use in Soweto, Johannesburg. From this humble business venture, the rising giant in the “black gold” business found its way to a more suitable site at Ronderbult Colliery in Witbank.
This decision to move meant that business had to be done on a larger scale as the new premises permitted this thereby making it possible for the company to give a life line to many community members living in Witbank through employment opportunities.
The core activities at BM Coal Holdings include buying and selling, blending as well as washing of coal. These processes all require both knowledge and expertise to execute and this is where Bruce, with all the experience he has gathered in the industry, demonstrates his capabilities by showing the way.
A team player all the way, Bruce also relies on his wife Zanele for sound leadership and level headed decisions. The company has also employed qualified mining engineers, metallurgists, lab technicians, geologists and other professionals who are necessary for the business to not only operate but to thrive.
Big ambitions
All projects undertaken by the company are self funded and while this can present many challenges, Bruce and his team have set their sights on overcoming their setbacks and building the company into a major force in the industry.
A lot of the equipment used by the company is hired and while this can present some financial challenges, plans are well underway for the acquisition of the company’s own equipment and subsequent purchase of a mine.
“This will definitely be achieved in the not so distant future through a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment, which is abundant at BM Coal Holdings.”
As part of their pledge of quality service delivery to clients, the company intends to open as many blending sites as possible in Mpumalanga and the rest of South Africa.
“In terms of giving back to the community, the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy of the company is aimed at infrastructure development in Mpumalanga for starters. In a sign of true solidarity with other upcoming businesses, BM Coal Holdings will be there to offer all the necessary assistance it can for the growth and development of the community we are operating within.”
Overcoming challenges, looking to the future
With issues to do with the high levels of air pollution associated with coal production at the global fore, Bruce is well aware that most of the world is now encouraging lowered production of the mineral as part of wider efforts of creating a better environment.
In this regard, the most important aspect for Bruce it to ensure that BM Coal Holdings does not become a stumbling block to the quest for a cleaner environment.
“Measures to deal with and minimize environmental effects created by coal production are a top priority at BM Coal Holdings. Comprehensive conservation strategies are also being put in place to ensure that the company does not become an enemy of the green movement. These strategies are seeing safe environmental practices being integrated into the business practices that we have at our company.”
Another challenge that BM Coal Holdings has been facing revolves around not being able to access funding from the South African government to enhance and expand their operations.
“The growth has been slow because there is no financial support from the government. The requirements for us to get support from the government are very stiff so the approvals are very difficult to get. But slowly we have found our feet and I am happy that we are now well known in the industry.”
Judging from what Bruce and Zanele have achieved so far, there is no doubt that sooner rather than later, it is going to be impossible to mention coal mining in South Africa while leaving out the name BM Coal Holdings.