The Positive Impact of Fabric on Costs, Productivity

Q: How has the mining sector changed for Sefar over the past three years? 

A: One of the main changes within the mining industry has been the shortage of certain suppliers. This has proven to be advantageous for us because we are a provider that offers comprehensive services. Consequently, we can promptly respond to our clients' needs. This competitive advantage has been evident throughout our almost 15 years in the mining industry, greatly fortifying our position in the market.

In recent years, we have faced significant events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which have led to disruptions in the supply of certain raw materials. Despite these challenges, one of our main strengths lies in our close interaction with clients, which enables us to understand their needs better. This allows us to be proactive in developing plans to avoid emergencies. Our consistent focus on analyzing clients' requirements is the basis for guaranteeing timely supply.

The mining sector is important for us as it represents over 45% of our income. We are focused on maintaining and optimizing our service and evolving with our clients; we need to be proactive in this, rather than remaining static.

Q: Does your experience in different sectors allow for cross-industry innovation? 

A: While industries may be different, comparing mining to pharmaceuticals, for instance, there are notably similar processes. Our main activity is filtration. This process can be the same in mining and pharmaceuticals, maybe not the production but the separation process within it. For example, a filter press used in mining is similar to that used in the pharmaceutical or food industries. Our experience in the mining industry gives us valuable insights into problem-solving for other industries. 

Q: From Sefar’s perspective, what are the mining industry’s main challenges? 

A: One of today's main challenges is environmental sustainability, which we address by optimizing our clients' processes, especially in the mining sector. In tailings recovery, we focus on water conservation through recirculation. While our fabrics aid in this process and have added benefits, some clients find them costly. However, we continue to demonstrate their value in enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Q: How do you present the benefits and advantages of your products and services to clients, convincing them that the price is worthwhile?

A: Part of our strategy is to conduct validation tests with clients to demonstrate the additional benefits for their production. This leads to reduced equipment maintenance and lower water consumption, among other outcomes. These factors contribute to the overall value of our product, beyond just its cost. 

One of our flagship projects was in Guerrero, at one of Mexico's most important mines. About three years ago, we initiated a testing process with on-site samples and validations to meet the client's specific needs. Today, we have secured a guaranteed contract, supplying 100% of the required filter press fabrics for the company’s operations. These successful outcomes are now being replicated in various mines nationwide.

The main advantage of our fabrics is their performance and extended lifespan. Our products have been proven to last up to 30% to 35% longer than those from our competitors. As a Swiss company, we uphold high-quality standards in fabric manufacturing, resulting in a uniform and efficient performance. In mining and filtration, fabric permeability is crucial and our fabrics demonstrate excellent uniformity in retaining or allowing the passage of liquids and solids. Clients benefit from increased productivity with reduced downtime and improved recovery rates for both solids and liquids. This optimization contributes to environmental resource efficiency.

Q: How is the ban on new mining concessions impacting Sefar’s business? 

A: We consider it a barrier for our business. The more mining exploration in Mexico, the greater the potential for us to grow. However, we must be cautious and take care of the clients we already have. We strive to maintain the same level of attention and service for all our existing clients, while also exploring other opportunities. Many established companies want to optimize their operations and we can help them achieve greater results.

Q: Can your products add value to the nascent national lithium industry?
A: At a global level, Sefar has already developed specific fabrics for this mineral. Once the type of fabric required for this mineral is defined, Sefar can provide certain treatments, starting from the yarn, to ensure an adequate performance for lithium processes. The problem with lithium in Mexico is that reserves are present in clay deposits. However, we do not consider this a barrier, since we are a manufacturer and can quickly adapt fabrics to these characteristics. 

Q: What is the company’s vision and objective in the Mexican market? 

A: Our vision is to become a leader in the industry and to be recognized as the primary supplier to the mining sector. This recognition will be driven by the high performance of our products and the support we provide to the industry in optimizing its resources. Our main short-term goal for the mining industry is resource optimization.

Since the beginning of 2023, we doubled our installed capacity at our manufacturing plant. It has been an interesting challenge that we have been addressing since last year, involving significant investments in space, machinery and personnel to nearly double our production capacity. Currently, we have close to 8,000m² for manufacturing, which significantly enhances our capabilities to better serve the industries we are involved in. 

Another major challenge for this year is the implementation of ISO-9000. We are already in the process of adhering to accreditation protocols and our main goal is to obtain the ISO-14000 certification this year. 

Part of our recent investment was directed toward providing filter presses and wet filtration solutions specifically for the mining sector. Through these efforts, we aim to maintain our presence in Mexico and Central America.

Q: What are the company’s objectives in terms of expansion? 

A: Our long-term vision is to be a leading manufacturing center for products tailored to the mining industry. We aim to become a distribution hub for North America, serving Canada and the US, Mexico and Central America. 
Currently, Sefar is present in Canada, the US and Brazil. However, each branch serves various markets. As we expand our capabilities, we want each country’s branch to focus on a single industry or a specific product.
One of our main strengths is being a trustworthy company that provides a complete supply chain, from fabric and yarn manufacturing to the final product, all locally produced in Mexico. Our wide material availability allows us to guarantee timely supply for the mining industry, which currently faces challenges.

Sefar produces precision fabrics, filter components, filtration and separation products, innovative fabrics for screen printing and creative architectural fabrics for lighting, acoustic and design effects. Sefar serves a wide range of industries, including health, aerospace and mining.

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