Ventilation-on-demand systems can deliver energy savings exceeding 20% in underground mines, but success demands more than simply bolting on a VFD. by Jonathan Rowland Out of sight, and out of mind: at many mines, fans run at maximum capacity around the clock, regardless of actual demand. The consequences of this approach are costly: excessive energy consumption, equipment wear, and dust…
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Wire rope engineering balances competing demands for performance, durability, and cost while revealing broader issues affecting machine health. by Jonathan Rowland Lift. Lower. Lift. Lower. The life of the wire ropes that give electric rope shovels their name might seem an exercise in simplicity. In reality, these are highly engineered components that do far more than meets the casual eye:…
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The technology is no longer a future concept for global miner BHP, as it finds practical ways to apply it along the mining value chain. Edited by Josephine Patterson BHP recently announced that artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing its operations, as the global miner seeks practical ways to enhance safety, reliability and performance while addressing the growing demand for critical…
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If your work involves a longwall panel, chances are you have worked alongside the American-owned, family-operated Longwall Associates. In May, the company marks three decades in business and is looking back on its history as well as forward to its future. Edited by Donna Schmidt On May 14, 2026, Virginia-headquartered Longwall Associates will mark its 30th anniversary. While many know…
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Several from across the coal mining industry now have new seats on the reinstated National Coal Council. by Donna Schmidt After disappearing from the industry radar for four years, the National Coal Council has returned under the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement was made last summer to officially reconvene the board, and in January, a handful of…
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Greg Baiden argues the answer will determine who controls the 21st century. For over a decade, we’ve been told we’re entering the Fifth Industrial Revolution. The progression seemed logical. Steam engines gave way to electricity, microchips to automation, and now to AI. History marches to a predictable, familiar drumbeat. Or does it? Let’s consider for a moment that this comfortable…
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Tailings water management is a critical challenge for mining operations, though the precise nature of that challenge varies dramatically from one operation to the next. by Jonathan Rowland Tailings dams account for the most water losses at most mining operations. Recovering that water can significantly reduce both environmental impacts and freshwater costs. Yet the feasibility of tailings water recovery depends…
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Rethinking chute design, bolstering safety with Martin Engineering, and putting boots on the ground for one of the company’s port customers. The wearliner on a belt conveyor transfer point is essentially considered a sacrificial layer. Removal and replacement is a grueling job that could require multiple workers and days of scheduled downtime. Conventional wearliners have historically been installed inside the…
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ASGCO spoke to NAM on the outlines of an optimized preventive maintenance schedule for conveyor systems at a bulk material handling facility. This preventive maintenance schedule is designed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of belt conveyor systems used for bulk material handling. It applies to all conveyors, including feed conveyors, transfer conveyors, stacking conveyors, and reclaim systems. The…
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Advanced materials, smarter monitoring, and tighter supplier partnerships are transforming wear management in modern crushing operations. by Jonathan Rowland Wear is an unavoidable reality. As WearKraft’s Troy Hartman puts it, “by the simple nature of what we do in our industry, wear is inevitable.” It is not, however, unmanageable. Indeed, rising production targets and tightening maintenance resources make effective wear…
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