Can your scale take the weight?

You may not have considered your scales much – but you should. A roundtable of experts told North American Mining why these essential tools should not be taken for granted. by Jonathan Rowland Mining scales are indispensable tools in the mining industry. Designed to weigh large quantities of mined materials and built to withstand the intense vibrations, extreme temperature fluctuations…

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It’s electrifying!

As the mining industry moves toward net-zero operations, electrification will play a crucial role in shaping the future of underground mining. North American Mining spoke to several companies whose pioneering electric load and haul solutions are driving the industry toward a cleaner, safer tomorrow. by Jonathan Rowland The shift from diesel-powered to battery-electric LHDs promises significant environmental, social and economic…

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Achieving the best in mine ventilation

Ventilation is often an underground mine’s most significant operating expense. It’s also essential to the health and safety of personnel and equipment. Important, then, yet many take a curiously offhand approach to their ventilation systems. Experts from Chart Industries, Epiroc, Paul’s Fan, and Stantec explain how to get the most from mine ventilation. by Jonathan Rowland The mining process is,…

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Good vibrations

North American Mining dives into the world of vibratory screens with the help of experts from Haver & Boecker Niagara, General Kinematics, McLanahan, Polydeck, and TerraSource Global. by Jonathan Rowland Vibrating screens “should be used when large volumes of material need to be efficiently screened, dewatered, or classified,” Todd Furrow, director of mineral sales at TerraSource Global, told North American…

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Sustainable slurry pumps

As the mining industry seeks long-term economic and environmental sustainability, energy use, water consumption, and material efficiency are top concerns. How do these topics relate to slurry pumps? North American Mining asked a group of experts from leading pump manufacturers for their views. by Jonathan Rowland The mining industry is at a pivotal juncture. Amid rising demand for mineral products,…

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Issues in collision avoidance

North American Mining discusses collision avoidance in surface load and haul operations with experts from Hexagon, Matrix Design Group, and Wabtec. by Jonathan Rowland Load-and-haul operations present “significant challenges” for collision avoidance, as Mitch Tanzer, Wabtec Digital Mine’s global commercial director, told North American Mining. This is due to a mine’s “complex and dynamic nature” with a high volume of…

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Getting the most from your conveyor: load zones and transfer points

In demanding mining environments, the design and maintenance of load zones and transfer points are crucial for ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient material handling. By Jonathan Rowland Load zones and transfer points are critical areas in any belt conveyor system. Properly designed, they help stabilize the belt and prevent bottlenecks, ensuring smooth and continuous material movement. They also help minimize…

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From oil to eco: biodegradable lubricants in mining

North American Mining examines the world of biodegradable lubricants and their role in reducing the environmental impact of mining. by Jonathan Rowland In a “fast-changing world where environmental issues have become central, mining companies need to assess all pollution sources that may come from their operations,” began Guillaume Bonnetot, general manager of Systems at Liebherr Mining. “Among these, contamination of…

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Opportunities and challenges in dry comminution

High-pressure grinding rolls and vertical roller mills offer several potential benefits to mineral processing operations. by Jonathan Rowland Comminution circuit design has traditionally focused on reliability, ease of operation, CAPEX, and OPEX, with AG/SAG and ball mills the longstanding workhorses in mineral grinding applications. “AG/SAG mills played a crucial role in the evolution of mineral processing, as a single mill…

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Notes on underground mine safety

North American Mining takes a short walk through some recent topics in underground mine safety. By Jonathan Rowland Recent mining fatalities in the U.S. mining industry have involved vehicle collisions, electrocutions, falls, equipment rollovers, and drowning. Although fewer in number thus far this year compared to the same time last year, “fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are preventable, and one fatality…

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