HJS Emission Technology SA (Pty) Ltd, a branch of HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG – a global leader in advanced on-road, off-road, mining and maritime emission control solutions – has expanded its international mining footprint through the acquisition of Emission and Exhaust System Solutions divisions of John Ratcliffe (Pty) Ltd – a respected name in the southern African filtration industry with over 52 years of operational excellence. HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG has acquired the majority shares in HJS Emission Technology South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class German engineering and emission control technologies to one of the world’s most dynamic mining regions.
The leaders behind HJS Emission Technology in SA, from left to right: Dirk Maiworm, sales director of HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG; André Robberts, MD of HJS Emission Technology SA (Pty) Ltd and Robin Trompetter, CEO of HJS Emission
Technology GmbH & Co. KG. Supplied by HJS Emission Technology SA (Pty) Ltd
“This transaction marks a milestone in the company’s international growth strategy,” said Robin Trompetter, CEO of HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG. “With South Africa becoming a central hub for mining operations in the region, this acquisition provides us with a strategic base to start serving the global mining market more effectively.”
German engineering for global mining challenges
HJS Emission Technology SA, in its new role as the OEM and comprehensive service provider, will serve as the mining hub for the entire HJS Group, driving innovation and compliance in emission technologies from a strong South African base. This move brings best-in-class German emission technology directly to the challenging mining conditions across Africa and beyond, ensuring that clients benefit from cutting-edge solutions with its unique patents and deep-rooted local expertise.
Compliance, safety, social upliftment
The acquisition is timely, as South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) enforces new Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for emissions in mining operations, effective 26 June 2025. HJS SA’s product offerings are designed to address these limits head-on, providing mining companies with proven, high-performance solutions that both ensure compliance and enhance worker safety.
“We welcome the legislation introduced by the department,” said André Robberts, MD
of HJS Emission Technology SA (Pty) Ltd. “It reflects years of research by the DMPR into
the dangers of emissions in mining and the work we have been doing over the last 11 years to address this life-threatening issue. With HJS technology and John Ratcliffe’s legacy in emission filtration, we are positioned to help mining companies transition smoothly into compliance while protecting the lives of their workers. We are ready to assist mines by answering to these regulations and saving lives in the process.”
Local impact, global reach
Beyond compliance and innovation, this acquisition is a testament to the importance of foreign investment in South Africa, echoing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent call made
to international investors during his visit to the USA. HJS is answering that call, not only by investing capital but by committing to job creation, community-based manufacturing, field servicing, and the upskilling of local workforces near mining operations.
“We believe that sustainable business starts with people,” said Dirk Maiworm, sales director of HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG. “Through our on-the-ground operations in mining regions, we aim to uplift communities by providing technical training, job opportunities, and long-term career paths for members of local communities.”
Strategic vision for the future
With this acquisition, HJS Emission Technology SA affirms its long-term commitment to innovation, regulatory compliance, and local empowerment. The integration of John Ratcliffe’s experience with HJS’s global capabilities establishes a powerhouse poised to lead the mining sector into a cleaner, safer future.
Source: supplied by HJS Emission Technology SA (Pty) Ltd