The partnership, announced February 7, will also provide contractors with advice and support after equipment acquisition.

Mxolisi Mgojo, CEO of Exxaro Resources, said the miner acknowledges there are constraints on the contractors it retains to aid in their success. The company chose to invest in the agreement to overcome those challenges.

Bell, which has more than 65 years of experience in material handling equipment design, manufacture and sales, has grown its presence in southern Africa and has distribution deals set up with other major groups to expand its offering. In fact, it added, Bell supports over 900 suppliers throughout South Africa.

"Partnering with Bell, therefore, better positions Exxaro to deliver on their goal of contributing to the country's economy while addressing the needs of their communities," the miner said. "Creating more and better-quality jobs, after all, is key to reducing poverty and increasing social unity."

Duncan Mashika, managing director at BESSA, added that, with the ESD partnership, contractors will be able to better themselves and have a greater understanding of the workforce.

"We believe we are ideally positioned in terms of our premium product range and proven support network to continue to provide Exxaro and its contractors with a win-win solution," Mashika said.

"As a local company we understand the challenges facing contractors and are eager to assist them in accessing quality equipment that best meets their needs and helping them to achieve the most from their Bell ownership experience."

Exxaro has confirmed it plans to enter other similar agreements with equipment providers, though more information was not outlined.