Could you introduce Rock Tech and the company’s evolution to date?
I started Rock Tech in 2008. We are a Zambian-owned supply company serving the African mining and process industries. We are proud to be the leading African distributor for JIMWAY products, which has helped us establish a reputation as an innovative leader in conveyor belt solutions. Our product range includes idlers, which support and guide conveyor belts; cleaners, which remove excess material and prevent spillage; and pulleys, which drive and redirect the belts. We also supply wear liners to protect equipment from abrasion, and advanced dust suppression systems like PLC-controlled fog systems and ESP units, which help reduce airborne dust and improve safety in mining operations. Along with these, we offer a variety of other conveyor and material-handling solutions to meet the needs of the industry.
How have you leveraged free trials as a tool to drive growth and establish the JIMWAY brand in the market?
One thing that has helped us stand out in a competitive market is offering free trials to mines. It’s a simple principle, but, through the power of demonstration, and through building trust, Rock Tech is the preferred conveyor belt solutions provider for most mines in Zambia. Now we are replicating this success to Angola, Rwanda, and the DRC. Being an indigenous Zambian company gives us an edge in Africa.
JIMWAY products are now well-known in the market. At first, we bought their products and did all the marketing ourselves, at our own expense. But now, JIMWAY has grown confident in the African market, and we work together as a team, which makes a big difference.
Our very first client was Lubambe Copper Mine. Together with two South African companies, we had the chance to show the mine what our products could do. The products worked extremely well, and we were awarded our initial contract which served as a launchpad into other work. That initial success gave us the confidence to approach other major mining companies like Mopani Copper Mines, First Quantum Minerals, and Barrick.
Could you tell us more about your expansion plans in Africa?
Our long-term goal is to become the largest conveyor solutions provider in Africa. It hasn’t been easy, but we are determined, and we keep pushing toward this vision. Our team of about 60 people is committed to providing the best possible service and after-sales support to our clients.
Our main office is in Kitwe, but we will soon open a new head office in the North-Western Province to be closer to the Lobito Corridor and our customers in Angola and the DRC. We also plan to open an office in Lusaka in the future.
We are also looking to expand into Saudi Arabia. It has been challenging because most products there are sourced from China, but we’ve conducted trials with potential clients who were very happy with the performance of our products. We plan to continue site visits and offer free trials as a way to build trust and demonstrate quality.
How does Zambia’s new mining law encourage local content development?
Zambia has a well-developed and performing mining industry. Because mining has a long history here, there is a strong presence of local service companies and an experienced workforce. But across Africa, it’s important to implement local content regulations. These rules help local companies win contracts, grow their businesses, and ultimately contribute to the country’s development.
Zambia recently introduced a new local content policy, which will take effect in 2026. The policy creates a clear platform for collaboration between local businesses and international mining companies. If it’s implemented properly, it will increase local participation in the mining value chain, create employment opportunities for Zambian nationals, and retain more value within the country.
Transparency is essential for building investor confidence, and the Zambian government has done well to clearly communicate its objectives. The new mining law creates a more structured environment, which will help the industry grow in a sustainable way.
Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, you have a final message for the African mining community?
Starting a business in Africa is not easy. Challenges will come from all directions, but an unyielding focus and stubborn determination in what you want to do will make all the difference. We have grown into the company we are today because of our focus and planning and being clear about what it is that we want to achieve. We stayed on that path, and seen Rock Tech become a preferred supplier for leading miners in Zambia. As Zambians, we need to do our part, as no one is going to develop this country apart from ourselves.
Could you introduce Rock Tech and the company’s evolution to date?
I started Rock Tech in 2008. We are a Zambian-owned supply company serving the African mining and process industries. We are proud to be the leading African distributor for JIMWAY products, which has helped us establish a reputation as an innovative leader in conveyor belt solutions. Our product range includes idlers, which support and guide conveyor belts; cleaners, which remove excess material and prevent spillage; and pulleys, which drive and redirect the belts. We also supply wear liners to protect equipment from abrasion, and advanced dust suppression systems like PLC-controlled fog systems and ESP units, which help reduce airborne dust and improve safety in mining operations. Along with these, we offer a variety of other conveyor and material-handling solutions to meet the needs of the industry.
How have you leveraged free trials as a tool to drive growth and establish the JIMWAY brand in the market?
One thing that has helped us stand out in a competitive market is offering free trials to mines. It’s a simple principle, but, through the power of demonstration, and through building trust, Rock Tech is the preferred conveyor belt solutions provider for most mines in Zambia. Now we are replicating this success to Angola, Rwanda, and the DRC. Being an indigenous Zambian company gives us an edge in Africa.
JIMWAY products are now well-known in the market. At first, we bought their products and did all the marketing ourselves, at our own expense. But now, JIMWAY has grown confident in the African market, and we work together as a team, which makes a big difference.
Our very first client was Lubambe Copper Mine. Together with two South African companies, we had the chance to show the mine what our products could do. The products worked extremely well, and we were awarded our initial contract which served as a launchpad into other work. That initial success gave us the confidence to approach other major mining companies like Mopani Copper Mines, First Quantum Minerals, and Barrick.
Could you tell us more about your expansion plans in Africa?
Our long-term goal is to become the largest conveyor solutions provider in Africa. It hasn’t been easy, but we are determined, and we keep pushing toward this vision. Our team of about 60 people is committed to providing the best possible service and after-sales support to our clients.
Our main office is in Kitwe, but we will soon open a new head office in the North-Western Province to be closer to the Lobito Corridor and our customers in Angola and the DRC. We also plan to open an office in Lusaka in the future.
We are also looking to expand into Saudi Arabia. It has been challenging because most products there are sourced from China, but we’ve conducted trials with potential clients who were very happy with the performance of our products. We plan to continue site visits and offer free trials as a way to build trust and demonstrate quality.
How does Zambia’s new mining law encourage local content development?
Zambia has a well-developed and performing mining industry. Because mining has a long history here, there is a strong presence of local service companies and an experienced workforce. But across Africa, it’s important to implement local content regulations. These rules help local companies win contracts, grow their businesses, and ultimately contribute to the country’s development.
Zambia recently introduced a new local content policy, which will take effect in 2026. The policy creates a clear platform for collaboration between local businesses and international mining companies. If it’s implemented properly, it will increase local participation in the mining value chain, create employment opportunities for Zambian nationals, and retain more value within the country.
Transparency is essential for building investor confidence, and the Zambian government has done well to clearly communicate its objectives. The new mining law creates a more structured environment, which will help the industry grow in a sustainable way.
Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, you have a final message for the African mining community?
Starting a business in Africa is not easy. Challenges will come from all directions, but an unyielding focus and stubborn determination in what you want to do will make all the difference. We have grown into the company we are today because of our focus and planning and being clear about what it is that we want to achieve. We stayed on that path, and seen Rock Tech become a preferred supplier for leading miners in Zambia. As Zambians, we need to do our part, as no one is going to develop this country apart from ourselves.
