5 benefits of equipment and parts durability for mining companies

Durability is becoming increasingly important in the mining industry. Reliable equipment and parts reduce the number of downtimes in mining production.

A quarry that processes rock continuously and with a high-quality final product represents greater profitability for the company. There are fewer risks for operators and a significant reduction in costs.

For this reason, the Máquinas Furlan team has prepared a special material on the subject. There will be two posts here on the blog, covering durability and productivity in the quarry. We will also show how the process also involves a supplier of machines and parts that is known for reliability and quality.

Check it out.

Productivity at the deposit grows 18%

Durability in mining and company profits are closely related topics. A study by Manusis, a global asset management company, shows that productivity grows by an average of 18% in industries that invest in maintenance process solutions.

According to the study, published by the Brazilian Machinery Industry Association (Abimaq), this growth generally occurs over a period of 5 years. Therefore, eight out of every nine industries in the world set aside resources to seek solutions, according to Manusis.

A survey by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), in 2021, indicated that 82% of Brazilian industries intend to invest in machinery and adopt new technologies.

But what are the main benefits that durability brings to a mining company? The Furlan team presents 5 points that weigh in on the answer.

1. Cost reduction

Durable machines reduce maintenance and repair costs, as there is less need for replacement parts and components. Downtime is also reduced, which means production is not interrupted and the company can more easily achieve its goals.

2. Increased productivity

Durable equipment works for longer hours without interruption. This increases the company's productivity and production capacity.

3. Improved security

Durable machines are less prone to failure, which means there is less chance of workplace accidents. Safety is a top priority, especially for companies operating in high-risk industries like mining.

4. Higher return on investment

Durable equipment provides significant returns in the medium to long term. A machine that lasts longer means that the initial investment is amortized over a longer period, which can result in a higher return on investment.

5. Environmental sustainability

Durable equipment is also more environmentally sustainable. Fewer machines need to be manufactured and disposed of. This reduces the company’s carbon footprint and helps minimize the environmental impacts of mining.

The National Confederation of Industry points out that the themes are interconnected, in a trend reinforced by ESG - the acronym in English for best environmental, social and governance practices.

Reducing carbon emissions, for example, accelerates a company's competitiveness and productivity. There is a reduction in energy consumption and a drop in operating costs.

How much does the industry lose without having durable equipment?

It is not possible to establish an average percentage of productivity loss in mining due to unscheduled breakdowns. According to the Furlan team, this rate varies according to the type of ore extracted, the working conditions, the size and age of the equipment and the quality of preventive maintenance, among others.

Breakages often interrupt extraction, causing delays and disruptions in production.

Unscheduled downtime also increases maintenance costs, as emergency repairs are required. This scenario was discussed in a post we made on the durability of hammers used in mining equipment.

Preventative maintenance plans and operator training help reduce the effects of unscheduled breakdowns in quarries.

How does Furlan raw material increase durability?

The Furlan team also has another warning: the quality of the raw material used in the manufacture of parts and equipment can directly influence durability. Without quality, the mechanical and chemical properties of the materials used in their manufacture are at risk.

The resistance, hardness, ductility, tenacity and corrosion of the equipment's parts and components begin to raise doubts.

Minimum loads and working conditions are at risk. In these cases, problems such as premature failures, cracks, splits, premature wear and corrosion occur.

High-quality raw materials provide superior performance to the equipment, increasing its durability and reliability.

Compromised raw materials also threaten the quality of manufacturing processes, such as welding, machining and heat treatment. These processes are essential to ensure the integrity and strength of equipment.

Therefore, it is essential that companies choose reliable suppliers, such as Furlan. With 61 years in the market, the company is one of the leaders in the supply of mining equipment and parts. Its industrial park brings together operations in a single space that generate a complete solution for the customer.