The mining sector is known to be one of the most challenging and tough in the industrial world. The machines must be able to withstand the most extreme conditions, such as moving large amounts of earth, rocks, and debris, in addition to vibrations and mechanical stresses. It’s a very vast market, it includes the extraction of metals, fossil fuels, minerals, and rocks. Extraction and processing take place either on the surface or underground and the machines used are the most diverse. The main global markets for mining are Australia, South America, and Africa.
Common Mining Equipment
Excavators
Excavators are essential for earthmoving and drilling operations. They are versatile and come in different sizes, often equipped with steel bushings. These machines are used for digging raw materials and are particularly useful in surface mining. They can perform tasks with minimal errors, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing profitability. Some of the largest mining excavators include the Liebherr R9800, Hitachi EX8000-6, and Komatsu PC8000-6.
Dozers
Bulldozers are powerful and imposing machines used for moving large quantities of rocks and minerals. They are equipped with a heavy blade for pushing and excavating earth and debris. Dozers are also used for ripping, a method to loosen soil when blasting is not an option. This is particularly important in areas where local authorities have restrictions on blasting operations.
Dump truck
Mining trucks, also known as haul trucks or tipper trucks, are special vehicles designed to transport large quantities of material. They are usually large in size and can transport hundreds of tons of material. These trucks are built to work in harsh conditions with large tires that can support heavy loads over uneven terrains. Popular models include the Caterpillar 793, Liebherr T 284, and Komatsu 960 E-1
Drilling Machines
Drilling machines are used to create holes in the ground for the insertion of explosives or for drilling wells for the extraction of oil or natural gas. They are crucial for both surface and underground mining operations. Drilling machines come in various types and sizes.
Rope Shovels
Rope shovels are large, electrically powered machines used for digging and loading earth and rock. They are particularly effective in surface mining operations and are known for their high productivity and reliability. Examples include the Bucyrus 495HR2 and the P&H 4100XPC.
Railway Systems
Railway systems are essential for transporting extracted materials from mines to processing plants or ports. They are especially important in large mining operations where the volume of material is too great for trucks alone. Railways provide an efficient and cost-effective means of moving large quantities of ore and other materials over long distances.
Mining Expo
The mining industry hosts numerous trade shows and exhibitions worldwide, focusing on various aspects of the sector, from materials and research to machinery and equipment. These events provide a platform for professionals to network, learn about the latest innovations, and explore new business opportunities. The most famous ones include MINExpo in Las Vegas and IMARC in Sydney. Here, you can find an updated list of the best trade shows for mining equipment and machinery.
Sibo Bushings in Mining
The bushings used in mining equipment must be resistant and withstand a heavy load and work in an extremely harsh working environment. In addition, regular lubrication is essential to ensure a safe and efficient operation.
The most used Sibo bushings in the sector are:
- The standard ones mounted on the earthmoving machines, excavators, loaders, etc.
- The cushion bushings mounted inside the hydraulic cylinders, essential for the operation of lifters, cranes, and mechanical arms.
- The Evo Series, both for underground and surface equipment, and customizable on request.
- The Jolly series, recommended for those who care about prevention and caution: the Jolly bushings are repair bushings, that allow a quick replacement without the need to bring the machine back to the yard or repair shop.
