How smart sealing technology is advancing U.S. mining efficiency and sustainability, and sealing the future of mineral processing. by Warren Smith Mining operations worldwide face some of the most punishing environments on Earth. From blistering desert heat to freezing winters and from abrasive, high-solids slurries to corrosive chemicals, equipment is constantly tested. For rotating machinery like slurry pumps, seals are…
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Slurry transportation: looking beyond the pump
Slurry transportation systems rely on pumps to impart kinetic energy to the slurry. Without them, the slurry would not move; however, pumps do not exist in isolation. North American Mining examines two other critical elements in slurry transportation – valves and pipelines – with the help of experts from Emerson, The Lubrizol Corporation, Valmet and Weir. by Jonathan Rowland Efficient…
Read MoreTackling myths: collision avoidance edition
When it comes to the technologies of proximity and collision avoidance, some myths still remain about how the systems impact miners and the mining process. NAM recently spoke to Mile Walling, president of Americas, Strata Worldwide, to set the record straight. Mine safety systems are designed to protect the life of the miner, but is that at the expense of…
Read MoreMaximizing safety, from legacy to lifeline
IWT talks to North American Mining magazine about how to apply communications and tracking underground to maximize its inherent life-saving potential. In underground mining environments, every decision made before, during, and after an incident can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Wireless mesh networks offer a significant leap forward in safety by enabling voice communication and…
Read MoreRamaco’s Brook mine promises a revolution
The economic and national security footprint of the Brook mine is world-changing. by David Jones Celebrating the opening of one of America’s most important minesJust north of Sheridan, Wyo., at Ramaco’s Brook mine, July 11 started gray, cool, and drizzling with rain. Undeterred by the weather, a crowd that filled the meadow was in high spirits. By the time the…
Read MoreDemystifying water management strategies
North American Mining speaks to experts from Ausenco, Black & Veatch, SRK, and Stantec about the complex yet essential task of developing an effective water management plan. by Jonathan Rowland There is tension at the heart of any discussion about mine water management; rising demand for commodities is driving ever-larger mining projects. These projects carry greater impacts and risks related…
Read MoreBluefield Coal and Mining Show returning in September
Biennial event’s theme in 2025 will be ‘Connecting Buyers and Sellers’ The Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias has announced the return of the Bluefield Coal and Mining Show, scheduled for September 10-12 at the Brushfork Armory Civic Center in Bluefield, W.Va. The show, today held both inside and outside of the armory facility, has been in existence for…
Read MoreExecutive Q&A: Marvin Woodie
In this issue’s executive Q&A, NAM talked to Conn-Weld President Marvin Woodie, who is helping the company celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 – as he personally marks his upcoming 45th anniversary of involvement with the processing supply manufacturer. He has certainly watched it grow right before his eyes, from 152 workers in 1986 when he arrived at Conn-Weld headquarters…
Read MoreKeeping track
Optimizing material tracking and monitoring across the mining value chain. by Rudy Moctezuma The mining industry is known for its variability and the challenges this creates for mine operations attempting to keep mining production as close to the mining plan as possible. Ore bodies are rarely uniform in mineralogy, grades and physical characteristics, presenting issues that extend throughout the mining…
Read MoreMining maintenance in the modern era
A case for maintenance plans that allow smarter, not harder, work through the use of artificial intelligence and robotics. by Ben Lawrence Remember the early days of the COVID lockdown? Amidst the uncertainty, one commodity became inexplicably precious: toilet paper. The paper industry, a typically steady behemoth, suddenly found itself grappling with a demand surge of unprecedented proportions. For paper…
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