New Metso plant for Algerian quarry operator
Betonex increase capacity, preserve the environment and raise employee safety to new level
BY investing in a complete Metso-designed crushing and screening plant with a modern dust-suppression system, Betonex are aiming to produce high-quality aggregates while protecting both the environment and their employees.
Metso and Betonex recently signed a contract for the design, delivery and installation of a complete crushing and screening plant for a new quarry in El Hamra-Mansourah, in the Bordj Bou Arreridj region of Algeria.
The plant will introduce state-of-the-art Metso equipment and technology never before installed in the country.
It is Betonex’s aim to change the face of crushing and screening in Algeria with investment in cutting-edge dust-suppression equipment to produce the same levels of quality seen in Europe, to comply with new Algerian legislation standards, and to protect both the environment and the health of their employees.
The three-stage plant, which will have a capacity of 500 tonnes/h (0/15mm), consists of feeders, conveyors, crushers and screens, a dust-suppression system, and a complete automation system. For the primary stage, Metso will install a Nordberg C120 jaw crusher and a Premier ES horizontal screen – the first of their kind in Algeria.
Having previously invested in Metso technology in 2008 for the company’s other operation, El Mehir Agrégats, Karim Benseba, associate manager of Betonex, says Metso are trusted partners. ‘We chose Metso again for a number of reasons, the first being that we were very happy with the production and controlled maintenance costs of our first plant,’ he said.
‘Secondly, based on our six years of experience with the first plant, we worked closely with Metso’s design and engineering team at each phase of the project. The design team brought forward many improvements and ideas for the new installation; but they also really listened to our feedback, so we will have an installation designed and engineered exactly to our requirements.’
Mr Benseba continued: ‘Aggregates production is the epicentre of our business, and a large proportion of the aggregates we produce will be used by the sister companies of Benseba Group. This is our main reason for investing in a new Metso installation, but it’s also because we want to become a major supplier to the burgeoning construction industry in the region.
‘Housing construction programmes, the Hauts Plateaux highway, and the new expressway between Anhif and Bejaia reflect the will of the Government to make this a priority. However, production is still insufficient compared with market demand. This demand will continue to be high, hence our need to invest in this second complete plant.’
Established in 2001and located in the area of Taharacht, Akbou, in the Bejaia region, Betonex are the ready-mixed concrete production unit of the Benseba Group. They employ 123 people and operate three modern concrete plants that produce concrete blocks and slabs, and feed the ready-mix market. Today, Betonex serve individuals as well as major public and private construction companies.
