Compressed air is one of those resources that can easily be overlooked on a mine or in a plant – until it is no longer available. From pneumatic tools and material handling to ventilation, water treatment and production processes, a reliable air supply often forms an indispensable part of the larger operation.

This is the world in which KAESER Compressors S.A. has been operating for more than a century.

ProAgri visited KAESER’s impressive stand at Electra Mining Africa 2026, where a variety of technologies demonstrated that the company is far more than simply a compressor manufacturer today.

From a small workshop to a global specialist

KAESER’s history began in 1919 when Carl Kaeser Sr. established a machine workshop in Coburg, Germany. The company initially manufactured parts for vehicles and engines before producing its first reciprocating compressor in 1948. A significant breakthrough came in 1973, when KAESER developed its first rotary screw compressor featuring the company’s own SIGMA PROFILE.

Today, KAESER offers complete solutions for compressed air, vacuum and low-pressure air. Its portfolio includes industrial and portable rotary screw compressors, oil-free compressors, reciprocating compressors, blowers, vacuum pumps, air treatment equipment, control systems and related equipment.

The principle, however, remains the same: to provide the required air as reliably and energy-efficiently as possible.

The heart of the machine

One of the most interesting pieces of equipment displayed by KAESER was a transparent model that gave visitors a glimpse into the inner workings of a rotary screw compressor.

At the heart of KAESER’s rotary screw compressors is the SIGMA PROFILE compressor airend. Two precisely shaped rotors work together to compress the air, and according to KAESER, its rotor profile can provide energy savings of up to 15% compared with conventional rotor profiles.

This is important because the purchase price of a compressor represents only one part of the bigger picture. A compressor operating for thousands of hours consumes significant amounts of electricity over its service life. Efficiency therefore plays a direct role in the total operating cost.

Big enough for the mine, compact enough for the workshop

The scope of KAESER’s range was also clearly demonstrated at Electra Mining.

For mobile applications, the MOBILAIR range offers portable rotary screw compressors developed for rugged use. In mining, portable compressed air can be used to power pneumatic equipment, while KAESER technology is also used in applications such as material conveying, ventilation, flotation, dewatering and water treatment.

At the other end of the scale are compact solutions such as the i.Comp 9, with the TOWER T version displayed at the show. This oil-free reciprocating compressor combines the compressor, air receiver and refrigeration dryer in a single compact system. The i.Comp 8 and 9 range can deliver pressures of up to 11 bar, while variable-speed control adjusts output according to actual demand.

This makes the technology suitable for applications where clean, oil-free compressed air is required, but where space and efficiency are equally important.

A complete air station in one package

KAESER’s SM 10 AIRCENTER was also on display at Electra Mining.

The AIRCENTER concept combines a rotary screw compressor, air receiver and refrigeration dryer in one ready-to-use package. This reduces the amount of separate equipment that needs to be installed and provides a compact solution for businesses requiring a complete compressed-air station.

Intelligent control also plays an increasingly important role. KAESER’s SIGMA CONTROL 2 automatically monitors and controls the compressor and provides networking and communication capabilities that allow operating data to be used to manage the system more effectively.

This development reflects a broader shift in the industry: a modern compressor should not only supply air; users also want to know how efficiently the system is operating, how much energy it is consuming and when it requires attention.

A look inside the KAESER SM 10, where the components of the rotary screw compressor system are neatly and accessibly arranged for reliable operation and easy maintenance.

When every hour of production counts

Reliability is particularly important in the mining sector. KAESER’s compressed-air and blower systems are used worldwide in mining processes, ranging from pneumatic tools and material conveying to flotation, smelting, refining, dewatering and filter backwashing.

However, the same technology extends far beyond mining. Compressed air is also used in manufacturing, workshops, food processing, water treatment and numerous other industrial processes.

KAESER’s stand at Electra Mining Africa therefore provided a clear indication of just how broad the world of compressed air really is – from a mobile compressor that travels to the job site to an intelligent air station forming part of a much larger production process.

After more than 100 years, the technology has changed considerably, but the requirement remains the same: reliable air, at the right place, at the right pressure and with as little waste as possible.

Put the right air solution to work for you

Whether your application requires a mobile compressor for challenging terrain, a compact workshop solution or a complete industrial compressed-air system, KAESER offers equipment and system expertise for a wide range of operational requirements.

Visit KAESER South Africa to explore the complete range or speak to the local team about your compressed-air requirements.

A cutaway model demonstrates KAESER’s SIGMA PROFILE® rotary screw compressor technology – the heart of the company’s efficient compressed-air systems.