Posted by Paul Moore on thirty first Might 2024
Massive electrical mining shovels symbolize main multi-year investments for mining operations and as such their upkeep planning, notably in relation to main overhauls, performs an important function over the lifetime of those machines. Three main mining operations have lately given updates in relation to repairs and repair of those prime loading instruments – particularly Glencore’s Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile, its Bulga coal mine in NSW, Australia and Debswana’s Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana. This work comes with main challenges given the dimensions of the machines, such because the lifting experience concerned in accessing the most important parts safely.
Beginning with Lomas Bayas, in a report time of 38 days, the mine upkeep division at Glencore’s Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile lately accomplished main repairs of Shovel 202, a P&H (Komatsu) 4100XPB, aligning with strategic planning, technological innovation, effectivity and steady enchancment. This important asset has 23 years of operation and greater than 140,000 hours of exercise. Because of the synergy between areas, teamwork and operational excellence, this overhaul was carried out in a minimal of time, sustaining the best requirements of security and operation.
Wilson Melgarejo Gálvez, Mine Upkeep Planner and venture chief, highlighted that “there was a exceptional deployment of our personal technical workers and that of 4 exterior firms. We used state-of-the-art know-how in synchronous lifting, lifting and machining, which considerably diminished human publicity to dangers.” The mining firm stated the success is a testomony to its dedication and talent to beat challenges and keep forward within the trade.
Barloworld Gear Botswana’s operation at Debswana’s Jwaneng diamond mine is at present present process a 50,000-hour Midlife Deliberate Element Substitute (PCR) for the Bucyrus (Caterpillar) 495HR electrical rope shovel, which is quantity 212. This entails changing the swing equipment and middle pintle in line with OEM specs. The machine will probably be utterly stripped and de-decked for entry. That is the second venture of its variety in Africa, with the primary performed on electrical rope shovel 210 in 2022. The venture is anticipated to run from Might to September 2024.
Lastly, a significant overhaul of a Komatsu 4100XPC AC P&H electrical rope shovel was lately carried out at Glencore’s Bulga coal operation. With 60,000 hours within the books, throughout its 10-year life, the tactic of overhauling the 1,536 t machine is exclusive as the complete machine is pulled away from the automotive physique. The workforce put in a rail system, lifted the machine, and moved the higher construction (hose and revolving body) away from the automotive physique and undercarriage. This methodology makes it simpler to disassemble and assemble the undercarriage and reduces delays on the higher construction work. About 30,000 working hours went into the shutdown with the rebuild giving the machine one other 10 years of working life.
