By:Miningweekly

Industrial gas and services supplier Erium is set to significantly contribute to Africa’s mining sector acceleration with industrial gas solutions and services that bring sustainability and efficiency. Following the divestiture of Air Liquide’s operations in West Africa, Central Africa and Madagascar to Adenia Partners, Erium has launched its new identity, marking a strategic shift to meet the growing demands of Africa’s industrial sectors, starting with the mining industry.

Erium’s leap into the market comes at a crucial time for Africa’s mining sector, which is undergoing rapid restructuring to meet global standards in production, environmental responsibility and worker safety. With a market value of about $77-billion yearly, the African mining industry is a vital part of the continent’s economic landscape. Erium, operating in 12 African countries, is well-positioned to provide essential industrial gas solutions to accelerate the sector’s growth and help it be sustainable.

Erium is focused on providing specialised industrial gas solutions for key sectors such as mining, energy and infrastructure. According to Erium Executive Chairperson of the Board Georges Decrop,  “This is a unique opportunity to tailor our operations to meet the specific needs of African industries, with the mining sector playing a pivotal role in this evolution. Our solutions are designed to enhance productivity and sustainability across the board.”

Erium is planning a significant acceleration in investment, with a commitment to triple or even quadruple its investments over the next five years. This investment plan is aimed at enhancing its industrial independence, developing local infrastructure and exploring new territories.

Key gas products like oxygen, nitrogen and argon are critical for a range of mining operations, including ore processing, metal refining and maintaining safety in underground mining environments. Oxygen, in particular, is essential for metal extraction through oxidative processes, while nitrogen is widely used to create inert atmospheres that prevent explosions and ensure safety in mining shafts.

By leveraging its local infrastructure and expertise, Erium is positioning itself as a key enabler, not just a supplier, to improve overall mining efficiency across the continent.

A responsible approach to industrial development

One of Erium’s distinguishing features is its commitment to responsible industrial practices. As Africa’s mining sector pushes for greener solutions, Erium is responding with gas technologies that reduce chemical uses and emissions and improve safety of operations.

Through strategic partnerships with local and world class mining companies, Erium is able to implement custom gas solutions that not only enhance productivity but also significantly improve reliability of mining operations.

Transforming mining with innovation

For more than 15 years, the group has been supplying oxygen for gold ore refining.

With financial backing from Adenia Partners, Erium has the flexibility and independence to innovate in key areas, such as oxygen injection and diffusion for an optimum dissolved oxygen rate. The company’s research and development allows it to continuously improve its gas offerings, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of the African market. This localised approach is critical in a continent as diverse as Africa, where mining operations vary greatly depending on geographic and mineralogical conditions.

A long term partner for Africa’s mining sector

With almost a century’s experience and presence in 12 African countries (and counting), combined with its robust technical expertise, Erium is the natural partner for mining companies across the continent.

 “Our goal is to be more than just an industrial gas supplier — our aim is to catalyze industrial transformation across Africa. In the mining sector, our solutions not only drive efficiency but also align with the global push for sustainability, enabling African industries to compete on the international stage,” Stated Erium CEO Alexandre Dufour.

As Africa’s mining industry continues to expand, Erium is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future. With innovative gas solutions, strategic investments and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Erium is paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally responsible mining industry across the continent. For more information on Erium’s contributions to the mining sector and its sustainable industrial solutions.