The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported in August that, on July 17, a miner at Holcim’s Swampscott Quarry, Essex County, Mass., died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner. This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023,…
Read MoreAuthor: NAM Staff
First silica hearing held
Louisville Public Media reported in August details of the first Mine Safety and Health Administration hearing to gather comments on the recently proposed silica standards. The regulation would affect every mine, cement plant, and rock quarry in the country regardless of the material produced there. It would add protections for non-coal workers like requiring companies to offer free medical exams…
Read MoreMSHA impact inspections yield 242 violations
The U.S. Department of Labor said in August that impact inspections completed at 18 mines in 12 states in June by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) resulted in 242 violations. To date, MSHA’s impact inspections in 2023 have identified 1,435 violations, including 411 significant and substantial (S&S) and 22 unwarrantable failure findings. An S&S violation is reasonably likely…
Read MoreMetso, Rio Tinto move to next phase of BioIron
Metso said it has been awarded a detailed design and engineering contract for Rio Tinto’s continuous pilot plant (CPP) for the BioIron process – a low-carbon, iron-making process that the companies have been working together to progress. “We are very excited to continue the close working relationship with Rio Tinto and to provide engineering and design support as we move…
Read MoreSika adds mining-minded shotcrete, grout specialist Thiessen Team
The parent company of New Jersey-based Sika has closed on Elko, Nev.-based shotcrete and grouting agent Thiessen Team USA and its related plant and delivery equipment for mining. The deal confirmed in July includes western operations focused on minerals essential to electric vehicle batteries. The acquisition opens cross-selling potential for Sika mix accelerator and structural fiber offerings, while extending the…
Read MoreKomatsu’s OGM can increase safety, savings
Komatsu’s Operator Guidance Monitor (OGM) is a tool designed to optimize the efficiency of your fleet of rigid dump trucks in mining and at quarry job sites, and to reduce unit production costs. Its easy-to-use, clear program allows a user to set Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets and adjust operating parameters, to let a site’s Komatsu trucks operate in the…
Read MoreIME renews safety alliance with MSHA to promote safe, healthy mining operations
At the 2023 annual meeting of the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME), IME President Clark Mica and the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) Administrator for Mine Safety and Health Enforcement Brian Goepfert announced the renewal of a collaborative relationship to continue fostering safe and healthy working conditions at the nation’s mining operations. The announcement, under the authority of…
Read MoreProof Engineers advance road maintenance with new GPM system
New technology developed by haul road specialists Proof Engineers is advancing road maintenance practices and improving road conditions for both mining and civil construction companies. The Grader Performance Monitor (GPM) system is an advanced asset management system designed by the company in response to these companies’ pursuit for innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency and lower costs. Proof Engineers, which…
Read MorePioneer Pump introduces portable VFD
Franklin Electric brand Pioneer Pump has unveiled a new portable variable frequency drive for temporary applications, the EletricPAK VFD. The solution has been designed to withstand the demands of mobile dewatering applications, and engineered to deliver a more intuitive operation experience via a new touchscreen interface, SmartPrime. The VFD uses Franklin Electric’s proven experience with electronics as the foundation of…
Read MoreSandvik boosts intelligent rotary blasthole range with DR413i
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced the Sandvik DR413i, the fourth drill rig in its intelligent rotary blasthole range, purpose-built for high-altitude hard rock mines. The Sandvik DR413i represents the natural evolution of Sandvik D90, known across the globe for its consistency and durability. Ideal for iron ore and copper applications at altitudes up to approximately 15,000 feet (4,500…
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