Technology has changed the way every business in every industry works, although certain tried and true solutions remain constants. Nowhere is this better seen throughout the United States than in the mining industry. Although modern tools have made operations easier, the core necessities for successful mining projects haven’t wavered. Here, we’ll look at three of the most important tools needed to get your own mining operation off the ground.
1. Hand tools are crucial for every crew member.
Sure, drillers and excavators are necessary to get deep into a mine’s core, but every member of your crew is going to need to be properly equipped with durable, sturdy hand tools. After a mine has been blasted open and the heavy machines have cleared the way, your team is going to have to roll up their sleeves and refine the mine in more subtle ways, to ensure both the safety and security of everyone heading inside. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers numerous safety tips for blasting tools, of which your team should be well-aware. With tools in-hand, your miners can shore up the cavity by making the needed spaces to use boards and rocks to keep the entryway stable for as long as your operation takes. Think pick-axes, hammers, lights, and torches.
Before looking at the larger, industrial machinery needed for a successful mining operation, it can’t be stated enough how important a good mine generator is for your project. Since your work will always be done as an on-site excavation, an industrial generator is a necessity as a stable, safe, and consistent power-source for nearly every other tool being used. Your miners will need plenty of light, the portable conveyors will need power, and each remote machine will be dependent upon a high-end generator. To put it into perspective, over half your site’s power will come from the generator, including the power drills, industrial shovels, and large-scale excavators.
2. Earthmovers and truck fleets save on work.
Your crew is going to have a lot of earth to move once the mine has been blasted open. Before the team can head inside safely, huge chunks of rock and debris will have to be moved safely to another area, creating a proper excavation cavity. For this, numerous trucks will be needed. Although it may seem cost-efficient to rent, keep in mind that your fleet is going to be taking a beating, and not every rental company can suit your mining needs. If possible, trucks are one of the large-scale tools you may want to invest in owning. Additionally, keeping common spare parts on-site may help you in the long run, as you may not have a technician in an emergency.
As part of your truck fleet, you’ll want at least two earthmovers: vehicles capable of hauling away the blasted rock, dirt, and debris that’s going to add up quickly. In the United States, the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also insists on those crucial safety precautions. For both safety reasons and productivity, the more efficient you move the earth mounts away, the faster you can get into the mine.
3. Conveyors keep the mining moving.
In order to keep the rocks, dirt, and debris in a constant state of clearing, you’ll want to invest in an industrial conveyor. This machine is crucial, as it functions as a huge rolling belt which your miners can toss earth onto in order to clear the needed path into the mine itself. Modern conveyors even employ digital capabilities to run off of controlled algorithms for remote operation. The deeper the conveyor, the faster your team will be able to load upchucks of rock to be carted away by both the earthmovers and trucks. In addition, some conveyors are specifically designed to bring the debris only a section of the way up through the mine, allowing the cavity to be shored up for continued mining and your crew’s safety.
