Copper and The Road to Net Zero

When it comes to decarbonization, there are few elements more critical to the transition than copper. But copper miners are also working hard to decarbonize their own operations. North American Mining spoke to Nicole Witoslawski of the International Copper Association about the sector’s journey to net zero.  By Jonathan Rowland There is an implied narrative in many discussions about mining…

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ISSUES IN SLURRY PUMP MAINTENANCE  

Slurry pumps face very challenging operating conditions. An effective maintenance regime is thus critical for keeping them – and with them, the rest of the mine – performing as well as possible. We asked experts from Weir Minerals and KSB SupremeServ-GIW for their insight into some of the key issues.  By Jonathan Rowland Slurry pumps face several challenges related both…

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L&H COMES OUT ON TOP WITH UNDERCARRIAGE PROJECT

Mines will never turn down a chance to achieve greater efficiency, and when it comes to equipment, the ways to go about that goal can be daunting – thus the impact and importance of a good supplier relationship. L&H Industrial recently proved that with a U.S. customer and its electric rope shovel undercarriages, leaving the operation with an efficiency boost…

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NORTH AMERICA HOME (AGAIN) TO THE BIGGEST BUCKET

Weir ESCO meets milestone with new ProFill design At one point in industry history, the now long-retired Bucyrus-Erie 4250-W was the world’s largest ever dragline excavator and bucket, at 220 cubic yards and 240 tons, respectively. Weir ESCO has come very close to topping that with a North American customer, delivering the largest active dragline bucket in the world. Shawn…

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Women in Mining: WIM USA, MSHA sign alliance agreement

Women in Mining National (WIM USA) inked a historic agreement with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration that both believe will change the face of mining by boosting mining safety and diversity. The pact, confirmed March 31, will provide WIM USA members, as well as the Education Foundation of WIM USA (WIMEF), with access to information, technical assistance, guidance…

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Understanding idler trough angle in transition zone belt loading

Load and haul efficiency does not stop with haul truck cycle times and tonnage yields; transitioning can also make or break an operation’s momentum. Todd Swinderman of Martin Engineering talks more about new concepts to execute effective trough transitions in a short distance. When observing the conveyor transition points throughout an operation’s bulk handling system, the issue of dust and…

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Blasting Achievement Unlocked: Dyno Does ItBlasting Achievement Unlocked:

Dyno Nobel’s DynoConsult team was tasked with designing a blast that would allow access to more than 3 million tons of ore – a blast with minimum vibration and little flyrock that would leave the mine’s nearby assets intact. Did the company succeed? Read on. A blast is a blast, right? Not necessarily, especially for those at the controls. Recently,…

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Ventilation conversation is in the air

The North American Mine Ventilation Symposium is back in the Black Hills for its 19th annual gathering – with delegates getting to return to in-person networking and learning. By Donna Schmidt The North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, better known as NAVMS or Mine Vent, is returning to the South Dakota School of Mines from June 17-23, with hundreds headed to…

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Ripple effect: How vibrations testing can save millions

When looking at pit-to-port successes at mines, particularly from a cost perspective, the seemingly small changes can make the biggest impact. NAM recently talked to Dialight CEO Fariyal Khanbabi about how vibrations – or lack thereof – can impact other systems, specifically safety through proper lighting. NAM: Why is vibration such an important consideration when looking at upgrading lighting in…

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Mining Occupational Hazards and How to Mitigate Them

With safety always at the top of the priority list for operations, a refresher on the topic to reinforce its importance can never hurt. Here is a top five list of the most prevalent hazards and five more methods for prevention. By Steven John Cumper In the United States, roughly 230,000 people work in the country’s 11,500 metal and nonmetal…

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