This year, Chevron Lubricants and Kumtor Gold are celebrating an outstanding 24 years of collaboration at the mine in Kyrgyzstan. The relationship which began as the plant was opened in 1993 has continued unbroken for more than two decades thanks to Chevron’s continuing supply chain reliability, advanced Group II base oil technology and service excellence.

• Chevron provides a comprehensive service supporting sales and technical requirements at the Kyrgyzstan plant
• Further program to provide training in oil analysis and results interpretation underway
• Remote location and altitude requires complex logistical support in bringing products directly from Chevron’s Belgian facility.

The Kumtor site is located in a remote region high in the Tien Shan mountain range and lies at an altitude of 4,000 m, 400 km east of the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, which is in turn 60 km northwest of the Chinese border. With an output of around 500,000 oz/y of gold Kumtor is one of the largest gold mines currently in operation and requires total reliability and support from its primary suppliers.

Speaking of the long standing relationship, Mine Maintenance Manager Gerry Wigglesworth said: “There are a handful of essential requirements at the site, without which we would have to stop production and our lubricant supply is one of them. It is critical to our operations that we can rely upon both the performance of the product and the logistical support.”

He continued: “Our relationship with Chevron Lubricants over many years has been one of complete teamwork. Their expertise in the sector, alongside their product technology, best practice support, and willingness to engage in on-site training of our personnel, has enabled us to seek greater efficiency in our operations and actually to reduce the quantity of lubricant we use while maintaining very high reliability and performance levels from our machines.”

Nick Watson, the Chevron Lubricants Sales Manager responsible for the Kumtor facility commented: “Our supply to the Kumtor site comprises many different products from the range, tailored to the needs of the heavy duty trucks and mining equipment on site. With the introduction of our Group II base oil technology and through targeted application of our products we have assisted in reducing component wear to a minimum and in optimising equipment utilisation levels in an environment where extremes of temperature and altitude pose real challenges to reliable equipment operation.”

The relationship between Chevron Lubricants and Kumtor also includes training and knowledge sharing. The Chevron team has recently worked on a program which trains on-site technicians in analysing oils and interpreting results. The ongoing training program shares best practice between sites as well as performing lubrication audits to promote further cost savings and best practice.