The Supply Chain Squeeze in Global Mining — and How Smart Procurement Can Win

The Challenge:
In 2024, mining companies across Latin America and Australia reported a sharp rise in procurement lead times, particularly for OEM automation components, control panels, and specialized bearings. Global shipping constraints, combined with geopolitical instability and raw material shortages, have created a supply chain bottleneck the industry hasn’t seen in over a decade.

What's Changing:
Traditionally, mining operators maintained long-term relationships with a few strategic suppliers. Today, flexibility has become just as important as reliability. A growing number of operators are embracing agile procurement models, where speed and availability are prioritized over centralized bulk purchasing.

How Remiex Responds:
At Remiex, we’ve developed a real-time inventory intelligence system that enables our team to identify global surplus stock of hard-to-find parts — whether that’s an obsolete Siemens PLC module or a pressure transmitter for a Chilean copper plant. Our clients in Brisbane and Antofagasta benefit from average RFQ response times under 14 hours, and emergency deliveries within 3–5 days, well below the market average of 11+ days.

Conclusion:
The winners in 2025’s mining economy will be those who view procurement as a competitive function, not a cost center. Partnering with a sourcing specialist like Remiex helps ensure operations don’t just survive the squeeze — they outperform.