Investigating the various equipment options in the mining industry isn’t all about efficiency and power. Each piece of equipment must show its worth by earning greater value than it cost. It’s the reason ROI is crucial.
Mining businesses operate with strict margins, and even more restrictive time frames. Equipment that wears down, consumes excessive fuel, or reduces productivity is a real cost.
Mining industry equipment that provides most ROI typically are more durable, perform better and allow you to transport more products within a shorter period of time. We’ll look at the gear that is pulling its load, job after job.
Electric And Hybrid Haul Trucks
Fuel is quickly burned, and diesel costs add up. Many mining companies have switched to hybrid or electric haulers. They reduce the use of fuel while carrying huge hauls. They operate more quietly and smoothly as well.
Many of them even employ regenerative breaking that feeds energy back into the system. The less fuel used also results in lower emissions. This keeps regulators content. Yes, the initial expense could be costly, however the savings from maintenance and fuel increase over the course of time.
For some mines that are large, the operators claim to be able to pay back within 3 years. That’s fast. If you’re working with long transport cycles, or steep hills Electric trucks may benefit you.
Drill Rigs That Are Automated
Drilling rigs that are automated have revolutionized the way mines work. They can perform drills with amazing precision and can work for longer periods of time without having to rest. An operator may operate multiple drills from a remote location.
This alone reduces labor costs. Additionally, a higher level of drilling precision results in cleaner blasts, and more effective crushing in the future. Each step downstream is smoother with the right drilling technique. Certain mines have seen 15% improvement in drilling efficiency after switching to automatic systems.
A lower number of errors also means less work, and less usage of consumables. As time passes, this better control will lead to higher returns. There is no need for a complete fleet to be able to observe the effect, but the rigs you have can alter the cost curve.
High-Capacity Conveyor Systems
Mining equipment industry is often the center of attention; However, conveyor systems typically are the ones that carry the actual weight. If you’re moving material over vast distances or in uneven terrain, high-capacity conveyors reduce transport expenses dramatically.
They are continuously running, require the least number of operators, and can manage huge volumes of material easily. They save money due to lesser fuel usage and less time in the down.
When properly maintained, they can last for years. When it comes to operations that are hard rock there are sites that have replaced whole truck fleets using conveyor systems and saw the operating cost drop by more than 30 percent.
Smart Condition Monitoring Tools
The equipment doesn’t break overnight; it gives the signals to go off. Monitoring tools for condition detect those warning signs in the early stages. Sensors measure temperature, vibration as well as pressure, in real-time. They notify crews when there is a problem. It means less downtime and more time for uptime.
The use of predictive maintenance can prevent unexpected repairs as well as costly delays. The sensor on one crusher can stop the possibility of a failure costing $200,000. It’s a huge benefit from an investment of just.
The systems can also produce records of long-term performance that detail how each machine is performing. By analyzing this data, you can tweak your equipment, extend service intervals and even remove machines prior to them becoming burdensome.
Final Thoughts
The ability to earn high yields from mining equipment isn’t all about trying to catch every new technology trend. It’s about understanding where the cash goes and where it is leaking out.
Haul trucks that use less fuel and drills that are successful every occasion, portable conveyors that will never cease to function, sensors that scream when disaster is about to strike – all earn their money.
No machine runs forever, but smart investments do pay back. Select the equipment that will save time for your employees, eliminate waste and ensure your team operates in a safe manner.
