A Terex RT100 rough terrain crane is currently working at the new Anglo American-owned Minas-Rio iron ore mine in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The operation is one of the largest iron ore mines in the world producing some of the highest quality pellet feed ore in the market with low alumina and silica and high (about 69%) iron content. About 26.5 Mt of ore from the mine will be exported in 2013 primarily through a 525 km long slurry pipeline to the port of Acu in the state of Rio de Janeiro. However, the mine has the potential of producing up to 80 Mt/y and has certified reserves of 4.6 billion tonnes. Purchased in 2008, work at the mine started at the end of 2010 when owner Anglo American was given the go-ahead by the Brazilian government.
Production at the mine started in 2012 and there is currently a very large infrastructure expansion plan underway that involves new office, general storage and processing buildings. To assist in the construction of these, São Paulo-based Montcalm Montagens Industriais, brought in a Terex RT100 Rough Terrain crane to help erect the structural steelwork around the mine for the new site buildings. “We were looking for a Rough Terrain crane because of the mobility needed within the huge jobsite but it also must have the ability to work in confined spaces,” said Paulo Simonsen, Montcalm operations director.
He adds: “The RT 100 fitted the bill perfectly because its load charts and reach was better than any of its direct competitors. When erecting the structural steel, the RT100 is often lifting 12 t at a 12 m radius using a 22.5 m main boom. Its ability to work very smoothly without jerky movements, its all-wheel steer and excellent manoeuverability, all help ensure the success of each lift. Quick travel is essential as all the lifting locations are distant from each other – about 40 minutes – and all have difficult access. The crane had to travel 1,300 km in three days to get to site and only needed one additional truck. Overall we have been very pleased with its performance.” Montcalm brought the Terex RT100 Rough Terrain crane on site at the end of 2012, and is expected to work on site until end 2013.
