Maximize the Life Span of Mining Equipment and Their Components

Mining Process

The mining process involves selecting, surveying and evaluating the site, digging and drilling into the earth, and extracting materials or minerals. To efficiently and safely complete these operations, mining companies use a variety of heavy-duty mining equipment such as traditional excavators and bulldozers to remove overburden or top layers of soil; drills to create tunnels;  specialized shearers to release deposits; haulage equipment for removal of material; loading machines for transferring materials from longer haul trucks, and scrapers for cleaning up areas. Environmental concerns associated with mining also require advanced monitoring devices such as water sampling systems to prevent pollution. Whether it's metal ore or coal, the mining process is complex with many interrelated steps requiring specialized heavy equipment operating in abrasive environments.

Mining Equipment and Components

Mining equipment is an integral part of the mining process and includes a variety of items such as trucks, excavators, conveyors, drills and pumps. These machines are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions due to their use in hazardous locations. Let’s look at some of the most common mining equipment and components:

Excavators

These powerful machines provide the essential service of removing and transporting large amounts of earth, materials, and debris. Highly engineered modern excavators provide remarkable strength and accuracy throughout every mining operation, allowing for quick and efficient results with minimal effort. The combination of power and precision that these machines bring to any project make them an indispensable tool in the industry.

Conveyor belts

Conveyor belts are an essential piece of equipment used in mining processes to help move material from one area to another quickly and efficiently. They feature pulleys, drivers and rollers that rotate the belt smoothly over two or more pulleys to transfer materials. To ensure these belts are running safely, effectively and continuously for extended periods of time it’s important to regularly maintain their parts like drive and belt scrapers, roller bearings and the belt itself. Doing so can lead to better productivity, fewer interruptions and improved safety on mining sites.

Drills

Drills are an essential part of the mining process, as large amounts of rock must be removed in order to reach ore deposits. These pieces of equipment use bursts of energy to quickly break up the hard earth and rocks in order to collect them. Air drills, electric drills, hydraulic drills, and rotary shearers are all used depending on the type of mine and material being mined. To keep these tools running efficiently, it is important to maintain their various parts: air compressors, motors, chains and sprockets, carburetors, fuel systems, gears, hoses and clamps. With proper maintenance and upkeep on these components you can help ensure that your drilling operation runs smoothly.

Wear Protection Benefits for Mining Equipment and Components

The extreme operating conditions associated with mining can cause rapid wear on the equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacement. To extend their life expectancy and reduce repair costs, many mining operations are now utilizing laser clad overlays. The process creates a thick protective barrier that will last much longer than painted or brazed on coatings and provide additional benefits including increased durability, improved corrosion resistance, and better lubricity. Laser cladding helps reduce downtime on mining sites and extend the life of the equipment, ultimately resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective mining operation.

Mining is a complex process that requires specialized equipment to help ensure safety and accuracy. From excavators and conveyor belts to drills, these components provide the critical support needed to extract valuable materials. Laser clad overlays, in particular, help extend the life of mining equipment and components while providing additional benefits such as improved corrosion resistance. With the right tools and processes in place, mining operations can be more efficient and cost-effective.

Hayden Corp Thermal Spray Coaters is a leader in the laser cladding industry, providing services to companies across a variety of industries. With decades of experience and skilled technicians, Hayden Corp provides quality coatings that meet the performance requirements of each individual customer. Our laser clad overlays are trusted by top mining companies around the world for their durability and reliability in even the harshest conditions. Contact us today to learn more about our thermal spray coating services and how we can help you improve the performance of your mining equipment.