Author: Jonathan Rowland

Considerations and innovations in ground control

Jonathan Rowland

Equipment and technology innovations offer the potential for faster, safer, and more accurate ground control; however, this should not come at the expense of a proper geotechnical understanding. by Jonathan Rowland As underground operations move deeper and face increasingly complex conditions, equipment development is focused on delivering faster, safer, and more consistent ground control. Meanwhile, advances in computer processing capabilities…

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Solving the spare parts riddle

Jonathan Rowland

Spare parts management can be challenging for mining operations. North American Mining spoke to Dr. Frits de Vroet, an expert in inventory optimization, about the issues involved. by Jonathan Rowland Maintaining operational efficiency and productivity at mining sites is a game of overlapping (sometimes competing) strategies, played on a dynamic board with ever-changing pieces. A critical element is the mine’s…

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Can your scale take the weight?

Jonathan Rowland

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!

Jonathan Rowland

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

Jonathan Rowland

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

Jonathan Rowland

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

Jonathan Rowland

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

Jonathan Rowland

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

Jonathan Rowland

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

Jonathan Rowland

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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