Tag Archives: mining equipment

FLSmidth seals the deal with Krebs Technequip TGW knife gate slurry valves

Coal technology, Environmental, Industrial minerals, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Water management, , , , , , , ,

FLSmidth says its Krebs® Technequip™ TGW series of wafer-style knife gate slurry valves have proven themselves across the globe.

The valves are designed specifically for the harsh and abrasive slurries encountered in the mineral processing and power industries, with applications ranging from cement, sand and gravel to coal, phosphate, ash and alumina.

They are designed as a space saving option for heavy-duty applications, according to the company. The long-lasting replaceable elastomer sleeves offer a sealing solution that uses the latest technology, with the valve’s operation based on its full port design, FLSmidth said. This allows the gate to be fully isolated by the sleeves from the process in the open position.

“As the gate closes, it pushes between the two sleeves, discharging a small amount of material out of the bottom of the valve,” FLSmidth said. “This prevents material build-up in the seat area ensuring full gate closure, as well as preventing damage to the gate. When the gate is in the open or closed position, there is a 100% bi-directional bubbletight seal and zero downstream leakage.”

To ensure long life, all valves are supplied with dust boots – or ‘bellows’ – as a standard feature, protecting valve stems and actuators. Hardware such as nuts, bolts, and washers, meanwhile, are zinc-plated to protect against corrosion. Each component is also individually epoxy-painted before assembly.

Several actuation options are available, including pneumatic, hydraulic, electric and bevel-gear actuators, as well as manual hand-wheel operators, the company said.

The choice of materials is vital to the valves’ performance, reliability and lifespan, according to FLSmidth. “Sleeves are constructed of dense moulded elastomer, complete with an integral stiffener ring moulded into the sleeve. They are also available in a range of different materials to suit the application,” the company said. The valve housing is ASTM A536 cast ductile coated for corrosion resistance, while the upper cavity is pre-lubricated with a silicone-based grease, to improve actuation and decrease wear.

Founded in Toronto, Canada, in 1957, Technequip was acquired by FLSmidth in 1993 and integrated into the company in 2007. With installations across the globe, the slurry valves have proven themselves worldwide with features like the fluorocarbon gate coating for reduced friction during actuation, the high strength stainless steel gate clevis and two-coat epoxy paint. The valves also contain no packing gland, as this can jam the gate, and have machined gate guides so no spacer bars are required. Various accessories are available, including solenoids, limit switches and junction boxes.

Mining equipment demand boosts Metso’s Q4 order numbers

Automation, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining software, Water management, , , , ,

Metso capped off a strong 2018 with a December quarter that saw a more than 50% year-on-year increase in operating profit.

The mining and mineral processing-focused company said market activity continued to be healthy during the quarter, backed up by a 38% rise in orders received (in constant currencies), to €904 million ($1.03 billion). Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA) came in at €98 million, or 10.4% of sales, while operating profit was €93 million, compared with €60 million a year earlier.

During the quarter, Metso completed two acquisitions – one in its valves business in India and another in the UK related to pyro processing solutions in mining.

The company said demand for mining equipment remained high during the December quarter, with orders growing 35% in the Minerals segment and 19% in the Flow Control segment. “[The] majority of projects (in mining) were related to replacements and brownfield projects,” Metso said, adding: “The demand for services was healthy both from mining and aggregates customers. This was supported by high production rates at mines and the customers’ appetite for productivity improvements.”

In 2018, Metso’s adjusted EBITA came in at €369 million, 51% up from 2017’s €244 million, while sales were 18% higher at €3.17 billion.

In terms of market outlook, Metso said it expected activity in its Minerals business to continue to grow in both equipment and services business. It had the same outlook for its Flow Control business area.

Metso’s President and CEO, Pekka Vauramo, who joined the company in November, said: “We had a strong fourth quarter. Orders received increased in both Minerals and Flow Control year-on-year and sequentially. Our top-line growth was also solid and resulted from improved delivery capability in all businesses.”

He added: “The sales mix continued to tilt towards higher share of equipment than services, which had an effect on our profitability. Most importantly, both our segments grew and improved their profitability year-on-year.”

Vauramo concluded: “Going forward, Metso has a solid position to further improve its performance. We are in a strong position to create value for customers, shareholders and other stakeholders. People, technological knowhow and global presence are our most important assets and we will continue to leverage them.”

Epiroc M&A likely to continue, Per Lindberg says

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining maintenance, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , ,

The President and CEO of Epiroc, Per Lindberg, says the mining equipment maker is likely to continue making acquisitions as it strives for long-term growth over the latest business cycle.

In the company’s first full year of operation, Epiroc has, among other transactions, acquired a minority stake in mining autonomy major ASI Mining, agreed to buy rock tools manufacturer Fordia, and purchased Sautec.

Lindberg said in the company’s December quarter results that Epiroc is targeting to grow at least 8% per year on average over a business cycle.

“While we grew well beyond that in Q4 and in 2018, we believe we continuously need to make acquisitions to secure long-term growth as well as access to new technologies, markets and geographies,” he said.

On the recent Fordia, New Concept Mining and Sautec buys, Lindberg said Epiroc expected strengthened positions in exploration, rock reinforcement and service, and an additional SEK 1.2 billion ($132 million) in annual revenues.

In the December quarter, Epiroc said its orders received increased 17% to SEK9.47 billion, revenue jumped up 25% to SEK10.56 billion and its operating profit went from SEK1.53 billion to SEK2.16 billion, including costs related to the split from Atlas Copco and change in provision for long-term incentive programmes of net SEK8 million.

Lindberg reflected on this quarterly performance, saying: “We have been able to ramp up our capacity in manufacturing and service to support our customers, and revenues reached a record SEK10.56 billion, up 19% organically.”

He added: “In our first year as Epiroc we achieved strong growth in both top and bottom line, in parallel to a successful split and introduction of the new company. Reported orders and revenues increased 16% and 22%, respectively. Our operating profit increased by 25% and the operating margin, adjusted for split costs and provision for long-term incentive programmes, increased from 19.4% to 20.3%.”

Lindberg said customer demand for Epiroc’s equipment, services and tools remained at a good level during the quarter. “In mining we continue to see that the majority of the equipment orders are for expansion, including also some orders for greenfield projects,” he said, while aftermarket business was supported by high activity among its customers, leading to strong growth.

During the most recent quarter, Epiroc launched the second generation of its battery-operated equipment at an event in Örebro, Sweden.

Lindberg said the event created strong interest from Epiroc’s customers and orders have already started to come in.

In terms of the future technology transition in mining, in general, Lindberg said: “Our customers are ready for a major technology shift towards more automation, digitalisation and battery power.

“While the complete transition will take time, it is exciting to already now see the positive customer reactions.”

Looking into 2019, Lindberg said: “We will continue to focus on improving our customer offerings, our efficiency, agility and resilience. These are, and will continue to be, the strengths of Epiroc.”

Outotec to help convert spodumene into lithium hydroxide in Australia

Energy minerals, High tech minerals, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Outotec says it has been awarded a contract for the delivery of filtration technology and services for a lithium processing plant in Australia.

The order, expected to total around €12 million ($13.7 million), has been booked in Outotec’s 2019 March quarter order intake.

The mineral processing equipment company’s scope in this order includes design and delivery of proprietary Outotec© Larox pressure filters as well as installation and commissioning advisory services and spare parts, it said.

When complete, the plant will convert spodumene concentrate into lithium hydroxide.

Kimmo Kontola, Head of Outotec’s Minerals Processing Business, said: “At Outotec, we have expertise to offer sustainable solutions for extracting lithium from brines and spodumene ores up to battery-grade lithium salts. We are well positioned in this growing market for lithium processing technologies.”

Cat hits record profit per share metric in 2018

Automation, Coal technology, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , , , ,

Caterpillar has delivered the best full-year profit per share in its history, while registering higher sales volume and improved demand across all regions and three primary market segments in the December quarter.

At $10.26/share, its profit for 2018 was way up on the $1.26/share it posted for 2017. On top of that, the company is predicting this number will increase again in 2019, with an outlook range of $11.75-$12.75/share.

Cat’s 2018 sales and revenue came in at $54.7 billion, compared with $45.5 billion in 2017, while adjusted profit was up at $11.22/share (2017: $6.88/share).

Caterpillar Chairman and CEO, Jim Umpleby, said: “In 2018, Caterpillar achieved record profit per share and returned significant levels of capital to shareholders. Our global team remained focused on serving our customers, executing our strategy and investing for future profitable growth.”

Total sales and revenue was $14.342 billion in the December quarter of 2018, a $1.446 billion year-on-year increase, with higher sales volume driven by improved demand across all regions and in the company’s three primary segments, Cat said.

In the company’s resource industries segment, total sales were $2.797 billion in the December quarter, up $489 million on higher demand for both mining and heavy construction equipment, including quarry and aggregate, the company said.

“Mining activities were robust as commodity market fundamentals remained positive, and increased non-residential construction activities drove higher sales,” Caterpillar said.

Resource industries’ profit was $400 million in the most recent quarter of 2018, compared with $210 million a year earlier. The improvement was mostly due to higher sales volume and favourable price realisation, partially offset by higher material and freight costs, the company explained.

Despite the company predicting another record profit per share in 2019, Umpleby said its outlook assumed only a “modest sales increase” based on the fundamentals of its end markets as well as “the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment”.

“We will continue to focus on operational excellence, including cost discipline, while investing in expanded offerings and services to drive long-term profitable growth,” he added.

Artisan Vehicles reflects on its mission to ‘make vehicles that change the world’

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

California-based Artisan Vehicles has confirmed a statement from Sandvik that it is to be taken over by the Finland-based company and has now explained why it feels the partnership will set a new course for the mining industry.

“In Artisan’s main conference room, there is a simple, but powerful message displayed prominently in the centre of the main presentation wall. Cut through a half inch thick aluminium plate are the words “Our Mission: To Make Vehicles That Change The World”, Artisan said.

“When we started in 2010, we were focused on commercial trucks. But in that same year, Artisan was approached by an innovative mining company that needed help with a big business problem. That problem was getting to a deeper and very rich orebody using an existing underground mine site. Their plan was to access this orebody without spending the huge sums spent by everyone else (more than $100 million) in customary ventilation infrastructure.

“Our solution was to eliminate diesel fumes with zero emission battery-powered loaders and haul trucks.”

Mike Kasaba, Artisan CEO, reflected: “The business case was so compelling that I quickly realised that this was the way for Artisan to achieve its mission.

“Not only did this mean a cleaner environment for underground workers, but also lower costs and a better return on investment for our customers. It was truly a rare opportunity to transform an industry with a cleaner, more powerful alternative to diesel while also saving money by lowering overall costs.”

Fast forward eight years, Artisan has installed its technology in underground mining vehicles that are now deployed in several countries around the world. Some fleets have been in operation for more than five years, making Artisan the most experienced mining OEM using battery-electric technology, Artisan said.

“Now Artisan is taking a giant leap forward in its mission to change the world.”

Kasaba said: “In picking a partner, our criteria is simple.

“We want a partner that has set the standard of today so that together we can set the standard for tomorrow. I am absolutely certain that we have selected the right partner.”

Brian Huff, Artisan’s Chief Technology Officer, added: “With our technology and Sandvik’s experience and worldwide reach, I know we are going to change the world. Sandvik’s expertise in machine design, coupled with our expertise in electric powertrains and battery technology, will set a new course for the global mining industry.”

Artisan calls itself an original equipment manufacturer of zero-emission, battery-powered mining vehicles.

“Artisan’s underground mining loaders and haul trucks are designed from the ground up to include the best thinking in vehicle engineering and to maximise the performance of its high-powered, highly-reliable, field-proven battery-electric powertrains.”

NORCAT and Glencore launch technology innovation programme

Automation, Base metals, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mine operation news, Mine shafts and equipment, Mine surveying, Mine ventilation, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , ,

NORCAT and Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations have launched a technology and innovation programme to facilitate and enhance the mining company’s capabilities to bring new, state-of-the-art technologies into its operations and accelerate the rate of technology adoption across the industry, NORCAT has reported.

NORCAT, which calls itself a global leader in the development and provision of skilled labour training and innovation services, is the only innovation centre in the world that owns and operates an underground mine designed to “enable start-ups, small/medium enterprises, and international companies to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative technologies in an operating mine environment”, it says.

This facility has seen NORCAT become a global destination for mining companies to “see and touch” emerging technologies poised to transform the industry, it said.

Kevin McAuley, Director Sustainability, Technical Services and Innovation at Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, said: “We are excited to partner with NORCAT to implement this technology and innovation programme. This partnership not only provides us a unique opportunity to access a wide range of emerging technologies that will help us deliver on our broader business strategy, but also it continues to support the vibrant mining technology ecosystem at the NORCAT Underground Centre.”

Don Duval, NORCAT’s CEO, said the company was working hard to continue its leading role in “all that is the future of mining”.

“NORCAT’s portfolio of mining technology companies using our state-of-the-art operating mine as an ‘active laboratory’ has created an ecosystem like no other in the world,” he added. “We are excited to partner with Glencore and continue to build and support Canada’s global reputation as a market leader in the mining industry.”

NORCAT says it will continue to identify and engage with mining technology companies from around the world to support the implementation and demonstration of their products at the Underground Centre. “By doing so, NORCAT helps to connect and broker relationships between mining technology companies (the ‘builders of innovation’) and global mining companies (the ‘buyers’ of innovation), creating a vibrant tech ecosystem unique on the global stage.”

NORCAT’s Don Duval will be presenting a paper titled, The NORCAT Underground Centre – the world’s one-stop shop for the future of mining technology, at The Electric Mine conference in Toronto, on April 4-5, 2019. For more information on the event, please click here.

Weba Chute Systems transfers Canada distribution rights to FWS Bulk Material Handling

Bulk handling, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Weba Chute Systems’ global expansion is continuing with the appointment of FWS Bulk Material Handling as the official distributor of its technology in Canada.

The signing of this latest licence agreement comes only a few months after the chute system specialist signed up Somex as a licensee in Russia.

Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, says the synergy between the two companies bodes well for a successful long-term partnership.

“FWS Bulk Material Handling has an equitable track record with its teams spread across western Canada, and the extensive design-build experience within the company as well the knowledge of project execution across a broad range of industries played a major role in our decision to enter into a formal agreement,” Baller says.

Weba has previously supplied its custom engineered chute systems to the North American market where these have been used in the power generation and mining sectors. Baller says, while the company has a sound understanding of the needs of this region, it is also looking forward to working closely with FWS Bulk Material Handling in servicing other sectors including agriculture, bulk storage and export terminals, food processing and railways.

He says: “Our transfer points are definitely not off-the-shelf products and, while anyone can do the basics when it come to the technical side of designing a transfer chute, it is not an exact science and there is simply no single solution for materials transfer.”

Weba Chute Systems has more than 4,500 transfer point systems successfully operating in countries across the world. The company has a comprehensively equipped manufacturing facility at its South African based head office, and this is underpinned by its team of skilled and competent engineers, it says.

Epiroc eyes Baltic expansion with purchase of Estonia-based mining equipment distributor

Automation, Base metals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral exploration, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

Epiroc has made another acquisition, this time taking over Sautec AS, an Estonian distributor of mining and construction equipment.

Sautec is based in Tallinn, Estonia, and is active also in Latvia and Lithuania. The company, which has six employees, distributes underground mining equipment and construction demolition tools with related parts, services and consumables.

This is Epiroc’s third acquisition in as many weeks, after buying exploration rock tools manufacturer Fordia and 34% of mining autonomy major ASI.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s Senior Executive Vice President Mining and Infrastructure, said the deal was focused on expanding the company’s presence in the Baltic region.

Epiroc said the purchase price was not material relative to its market capitalisation and, therefore, had not been disclosed.

Sautec will become part of Epiroc’s Mining and Rock Excavation Service division.

SFA Main Image (Ansul Cat)

FEATURED ARTICLE – Safety

Spotlight Feature Article, , , , ,

This month’s Spotlight Feature Article homes in on safety products and innovations in the mining industry. Partnerships between equipment OEMs and safety equipment specialists are becoming more important. At the beginning of the year, Johnson Controls International, makers of leading global brand ANSUL®, announced the launch of its factory-installed fire suppression system program with Caterpillar. The program provides factory-installed fire suppression systems on several models of Cat® mining equipment, with the ultimate aim of enhancing vehicle integrity and longevity as well as expediting machine delivery