Codelco has achieved exceptional results through the implementation of Vesconite Hilube wear-resistant bushings on underground LHDs, according to Vesconite.

Departing from traditional bronze bushings, the mining company’s adoption of Vesconite Hilube on Sandvik and Caterpillar LHD booms has led to an unprecedented increase in bushing lifespan, exceeding their initial expectations, it says.

Previously, the company relied on bronze bushings and with 1.5 months of operational life. Vesconite Hilube bushings were introduced in December 2022, with an initial goal of extending bushing life to three months. The reality, however, has far surpassed this objective, as the Vesconite Hilube bushings have endured for nine months and counting.

This transformation has been particularly significant, with the Vesconite Hilube bushings fitted to 30 LHD booms in 2023, with only one instance of a boom fitted with Vesconite Hilube bushings requiring repairs. Notably, the company’s repairer has reported that the bronze bushings occasionally suffered from cracking, making it clear this is not a recurring issue with Vesconite Hilube bushings.

The copper producer has expressed its satisfaction with the results obtained and is actively exploring the expansion of Vesconite Hilube bushings for other applications, Vesconite says. These include trials on mining jumbos and larger LHDs, as well as applications for bushings associated with rear shaft oscillating movement.

Vesconite Bearings’ Argentine distributor, Vesarg, plays a pivotal role in supplying the mine with Vesconite Hilube bushing stock. During a visit to the Chile site, close to Santiago, where booms were being fitted with Vesconite Hilube, Leandro Panzini of Vesarg was briefed on the outcomes of the Vesconite Hilube bushing testing.

Panzini says: “As the world’s leading copper producer explores broader applications for Vesconite Hilube, the mining industry, where Vesconite first proved itself, is showing itself to be an important market for Vesconite products.

“Vesconite Hilube lasts much more than three times the length of bronze in this application.”