Protecting standards in Mozambique’s value chains

Mozambique

Guilherme Luiz Drehmer, Country Chief Executive of the Bureau Veritas Group in Mozambique, talks to The Energy Year about preparing for the country's next wave of energy sector projects and the company’s role in guaranteeing the safety and reliability of critical extraction equipment. Bureau Veritas is an international testing, inspection and certification Group.

What have been some of Bureau Veritas’s key engagements in Mozambique?
We have been established in Mozambique for a decade now, and during that time we have provided services across several sectors. Our expertise spans mines, electricity generation and construction.
One recent highlight was working with Eni on their Coral Sul FLNG Project. We were proud to be involved in the fire safety recertification, which was a first for a Mozambican company. Another recent example is our involvement in Sasol’s gas generation project, where we provided non-destructive testing inspections and a two-year training programme for staff and the local community.

How is Bureau Veritas involved in the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower Project?
Our experience positions us well to contribute to this major project from the very beginning. We can offer various services, including support for the review and procurement processes, product certification for construction materials and on-site equipment inspections.
As a large international group, Bureau Veritas brings a wealth of experience from similar projects worldwide. This particular project is a top priority for us over the next few years and we’re committed to developing local talent during the duration of our participation. Our team here is about 95% Mozambican, which is a key factor for the project developers and something we view as an advantage.

How do you navigate differences between domestic and international standards?
Product certifications and quality evaluations can be a challenge when there are inconsistencies between local and international standards. Sometimes local standards are not up to date. However, Mozambican companies are generally familiar with international standards, particularly those set by South Africa, in addition to broader global benchmarks. At Bureau Veritas we promote the application of international standards, which are the most rigorous.
Ideally, there would be a unified approach nationwide, but our technicians are equipped to handle a range of situations as many have studied or gained experience in other African countries and they have a broad understanding of different regulatory frameworks. We are also continuously adapting and improving, and we invest heavily in training for our teams.

What has been your involvement with the Mozambican mining sector?
We’ve had a strong presence in the mining sector since 2010, providing services for coal, graphite, iron ore, heavy sands and other mineral extraction operations. We provide on-site laboratories for production quality control and product quality certification for export, as well as technical inspection and training programs specifically adapted to the mining sector.
In Mozambique, we had a particular focus on the deep exploration of coal and other minerals, which is an expanding area. We were the first to provide analysis and certification services for products from exploration activities to major players such as Twigg Exploration & Mining, Vale, ICVL, Jindal Africa and Vulcan International.
We also participate in important management system certification projects and provide air and water quality monitoring services. We also certify 100% of the coal produced by Vulcan that is destined for export. In fact, Bureau Veritas certifies the quality of 100% of the coal produced in Mozambique that is destined for export to international markets.

How does Bureau Veritas incorporate technology into its inspection and certification activities?
Bureau Veritas prides itself on being a forward-thinking company, and we are continuously looking for technologies that can benefit our clients. For example, we have solutions to identify and monitor electricity leakage that have been applied successfully by energy companies in Brazil, and they could prove beneficial here as well for companies such as EDM [Electricidade de Moçambique]. Bureau Veritas can offer a wealth of options.

How do you assess the future of Bureau Veritas in Mozambique?
The future offers attractive opportunities for Bureau Veritas, as there are several major projects or project extensions on the horizon. Our current engagements in the mining sector will last another four or five years, and we intend to remain active in this sector.
The power generation sector will be an area of ​​focus during that time, as several international companies, such as TotalEnergies, EDF and ExxonMobil are preparing to step up their operations. We are preparing our team of engineers with training updates and new service certifications to give them the skills to thrive in this dynamic market.

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