ADVANCING FIRE SUPPRESSION FOR MEGA-CLASS MINING VEHICLES

Innovative, single-agent fire safety solutions can simplify installation, activation and clean up when protecting heavy-duty industrial mobile equipment from fire risk.  By Kristin Ryczek Since the 1950s, fire suppression solutions have become more sophisticated to match the ever-growing complexity of ultra- and mega-class mining vehicles. Capable of moving hundreds of tons of material, these industrial vehicles have bigger parts, contain…

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SILENT KILLERS IN THE MINING INDUSTRYSILENT KILLERS

It’s often a challenge no one wants to discuss: mental health in the mining industry.  But to acknowledge it and open lines of discussion can help treat those afflicted as well as to help prevent others from following the same dark paths. By Joe McGuire, PhD and Lucas Simpson, M Ed The March 8, 2023, edition of the University of…

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RETHINKING MINE WATER MANAGEMENT FOR STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE

Mine operators are looking to technology to solve a rising demand for water resulting from changing regulations or in areas of water scarcity. Xylem director of sales and services Ken Albaugh details the quandaries and solutions.  As the global economy grows hungry for the raw materials that help power electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels and other technologies, the mining…

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WHAT NEXT FOR RAISE BORING?

North American Mining spoke to two raise borer OEMs and three drilling contractors about the current state and future direction of the raise boring sector.  by Jonathan Rowland When you think of raise boring in underground mining, you probably think about the construction of ventilation and access shafts. But they are not the only application. With more advanced and increasingly…

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INTO A BIO-BASED FUTURE FOR DUST CONTROL?

From its headquarters near Munich, Germany, Bind-X is a company focused on disrupting the world of dust control through sustainable biotechnology. North American Mining spoke with the CEO to find out more.  by Jonathan Rowland Think sustainable mining and what comes to mind? Chances are it is not dust control. The generation of dust is, however, an inevitable consequence of…

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CREATING AN EFFECTIVE DUST MANAGEMENT PLAN

When it comes to DMPs, what works for one mine or quarry might not apply to another  – but there are ways for any operation to ensure success.  By Michael Kelley, president, BossTek A dust management plan (DMP) is very specific to the industry and application. For example, one site’s needs may look vastly different from that of a port.…

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TIPS FOR WATER TANK SAFETY, EFFICIENCY

Water may be crucial to dust control, but it is also heavy and unwieldy to transport – giving it the distinction of being hazardous when not carried correctly. According to Philippi-Hagenbuch’s Josh Swank, there are ways to handle it that are smarter, safer and more efficient. Site safety and efficiency are two of the main reasons why spraying haul roads…

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A returning beauty

Former Rio Tinto mining site in Utah opens to the public as a stunning multi-use regional park. NAM finds out more about this reclamation triumph. By Donna Schmidt The E and S in ESG (environmental, social and governance) is not limited just to mining efforts while in production. That commitment extends long after the last shovel swipe and unloading of…

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Zooming in on the problem: A look at acoustic inspections

Teledyne FLIR global business development director Rob Milner talks to NAM about detecting compressed air leaks and how that can result in significant productivity gains and cost savings. Mining sites present a dizzying complex of industrial machinery, tools and varying operations for the many different processes that can require massive amounts of manpower, energy, along with precision and timing to…

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Sustainable mining in North America:  Confronting 3 major environmental challenges

This trio of hurdles may surprise you, according to Vaisala’s Frank DeFina in this NAM exclusive. Mining faces an era of reinvention, with decision-makers no longer depending on traditional portfolios and practices to create value. Almost 40% of mining CEOs believe their companies will not be economically viable in the next decade if they continue their current trajectories.  Given the…

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