The JSE-listed AST Group has announced that an agreement has been confirmed with Kumba Resources, previously the mining arm of Iscor, in which the relationship AST has with Iscor will continue with Kumba Resources.
Kumba Resources will honour in full the outsourcing agreement made two years ago between AST and Iscor Limited.
"Through our special relationship with AST, we believe that AST will continue to add significant value to Kumba Resources," says Dr Con Fauconnier, CEO of Kumba Resources. "Their functional knowledge of the mining value chain makes them unique in their service offerings."
"Within the vertical mining space, AST delivers a far wider range of IT services than are traditionally expected from large IT companies. AST`s proven track record and depth of expertise in large-scale outsourcing contracts offer maximum value to our clients in the mining industry," explains Jan van Zyl, CEO of AST.
"Within the outsourcing context, AST is able to address the unique requirements of the mining group, in addition to providing the infrastructure required for the mining operations," adds Van Zyl.
By introducing and implementing new technologies to the core value chain of Kumba`s mining operations and by applying strategic thinking and consulting for the improvement of its mining business processes, AST enables Kumba to develop effective and efficient planning functions within their operations.
AST Mining, provider of IT mining solutions from the AST Group, has a proven track record in the industry through the successful implementation of numerous projects that assisted clients in realising the value in their IT investments. Currently AST has projects with most of the large mining companies in Southern Africa, including AngloGold, Anglo Platinum, Gold Fields, Impala Platinum and Iscor.
"As Kumba looks to differentiate itself between its core and non-core business activities, in the continuing effort to streamline their business, more opportunities will be created for AST solutions," concludes Van Zyl.
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In just three years the AST Group has established itself as one of the leading information and communication technology companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Its consistent creation of value for shareholders, clients and employees has resulted in a steady increase in monthly revenue to the R100 million-plus mark.
AST is now the fourth largest South African IT company by market capitalisation, and is one of the top three in terms of physical infrastructure (mainframes, servers, desktops, and networks under management) and geographical footprint with over 62 physical locations.
Counting almost 90% of the top 100 JSE-listed companies among its clients, the AST Group services mostly large corporate and government clients, but is increasingly offering services to rapidly evolving small and medium enterprises.
Kumba
On 1 March 2001 the Iscor Directors announced the restructuring of Iscor. In terms where of Iscor will sell its mining companies and businesses which hold its iron ore, coal, base metals, heavy minerals and related assets, to a new company, called Kumba Resources. Until Iscor has been unbundled, Kumba is operating as the mining division of Iscor.
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