Mining operations use some of the largest and most powerful machines. You need to take good care of these rugged machinery to ensure their longevity. Otherwise, it will not be possible to reap all benefits that they offer to your mining site.

That’s the same reason why you should select right lubricants to protect their valuable parts. Then you can expect these machines to stand up to harsh operating conditions and ensure mining productivity.

Understanding how the right lubricant improves uptime and avoids costs associated with downtime makes choosing wisely an easy decision.

This guide explores common causes of downtime on mining sites, the role of lubricants, and what to look for when selecting lubricants to maximize uptime.

Causes of Downtime at Mining Sites

Because the mining industry operates such massive, complex equipment nonstop under brutal conditions, downtime is to be expected. But excessive or avoidable downtime drains profits. Common causes of extensive downtime on mining sites include:

• Extreme operating environments prone to high heat, cold, dust, and debris
• Component wear and tear over time
• Improper lubricant selection
• Contamination from dirt, dust, moisture, or other fluids
• Inadequate lubricant application/reapplication procedures
• Delayed maintenance

All these factors can lead to increased friction, corrosion, or operating stress that forces equipment components to fail sooner. Robust mining lubricants are formulated to combat these causes of wear, fatigue, and breakdowns.

The Role of Lubricants in Reducing Downtime

Lubricants minimize downtime in several impactful ways. Lubricating oils and greases:

1. Prevent Friction – Lubricants keep parts with frictional contact separated. This protects components like bearings and gears from generating heat and wear from friction during operation. Well-lubricated parts last significantly longer before requiring repair or replacement.
2. Absorb Shock Loads – Heavy mining equipment endures constant shock loads from vibrations, pressure changes, debris, temperature shifts, and more. Lubricants cushion internal components from these forces.
3. Remove Heat – Friction naturally produces heat. Lubricants dissipate dangerous heat away from parts to prevent surface damage, warpage, leaks, carbon buildup, and failures.
4. Prevent Rust and Corrosion – Lubricant additives make oils and greases repel water naturally. By displacing moisture, they shield metal parts from rust and oxidation leading to leaks, contaminants reaching friction zones, and damaged, unsafe equipment. Special extreme pressure (EP), anti-wear (AW), and tackiness additives offer enhanced corrosion and moisture protection.
5. Clean Contaminants – Detergent additives give lubricants cleaning abilities to continually suspend debris, dirt, metal shavings, dust, and water to remove damaging contaminants during circulation or replenishment. This keeps critical parts like hydraulic seals, pumps, and bearings from eroding prematurely.

Considerations for Choosing Reliable Mining Lubricants

Not all lubricants are engineered equal when it comes to handling mining’s grueling demands. Consider these factors when selecting lubricants to minimize downtime:

• Temperature Range – Choose lubricants designed to perform through a wide service temperature span matching mining equipment normal operating temps as well as potential brief spikes.
• Load-Carrying Abilities – Opt for oils and greases with ample load-carrying capacity and anti-wear protection to prevent premature fatigue on gears, joints, bushings and more under heavy loads.
• Environmental Tolerances – Ensure lubricants resist oxidation and viscosity breakdown in mining’s wet, dirty settings. Rapid shear stability maintains lubrication despite contamination.
• Effective Seals & Filters – Compatible seal materials and well-maintained filters keep harmful debris out of lube circulation paths to prevent excess particle contamination leading to poor performance.
• Industrial Grades – Exceed standard quality levels by selecting top-grade industrial or even military-spec oils and greases where possible to better withstand mining’s extreme pressures and temperatures compared to ordinary lubricants.

Following OEM fluid recommendations in equipment manuals is advisable. Consult directly with mining lubrication experts to address special working circumstances or any historical lubrication issues onsite. Consider advanced synthetic or blended oils and greases to tackle mining’s uniquely punishing environment. Avoid lubricants with harmful chlorine compounds. Prioritize re-greasing intervals for enhanced component longevity. Training maintenance teams on proper re-lubrication procedures bolsters lubricant effectiveness and equipment reliability.

Case Study: Lubrication Mitigates Downtime Across Africa Mine Sites

Leading mining corporation Rio Tinto operates rich iron ore mines in remote corners across Africa meeting Asia’s mineral demands since the 1970s. Processing up to 90 million tonnes per annum, their Pilbara sites in Western Australia already emphasized specialized lubricants for uptime given the region’s extremes. Dusty or muddy conditions readily contaminated older oils.

After integrating more African mines, Rio Tinto reevaluated lubricants used there to align with their PILBARA standards despite Africa’s wet season threats. Cross-functional teams assessed:

• Application requirements from -5°C to 45°C ambients
• Red dust fouling air filters and components
• Sandy mud plugging housing vents during monsoons
• Parts enduring sustained vibrations from railroads

Rio Tinto ultimately chose advanced synthetic lubricants meeting necessary ISO cleanliness codes and viscosity indexes. These helped curb failures across truck fleets, draglines, car dumpers, stackers, railway programs, and processing plants. Annually, optimized lube change-outs coupled with staff training precipitated a:

• 72% reduction in plant breakdowns
• 65% cut in hydraulic failures
• 58% drop in diesel locomotive repairs
• 49% lower wear metals circulating

Lubricant grades hardy enough for Australia’s extreme climate proved even more vital mitigating Africa’s volatility given financial constraints hindering fast failure response across isolated sites. This case highlights how proper lubrication understanding applied globally rescues millions lost from avoidable downtime.

Select Premium Lubricants for Maximizing Mining Uptime

Well-formulated lubricants might carry higher upfront unit costs—but significantly lower long term ownership costs by curbing downtime substantially over time. Avoid false bargains on cheap oils or greases unable to withstand mining demands. The resulting breakdowns incur exorbitant maintenance expenses from extensive repairs, replacements, and productivity losses.

Research lubricants designed specifically to protect priceless mining assets operating nonstop around the clock across remote regions. Top lubricant products make use of innovative high performance base oils, fortified with specialized additives to provide:

• Extended equipment lifetime
• Enhanced efficiency
• Reduced overhaul frequency
• Lower maintenance expenses
• Improved safety
• Higher production capacity
• Bigger bottom line profitability

In mining, equipment uptime equals revenue. Follow industry leaders diligently employing high purity lubricants to increase operational availability across their mines. The right lubricant protects your productivity—and profitability. Choose yours wisely.