Lubrication and Operational Efficiency in Mining

With equipment health crucial to the smooth running of mining operations, effective lubrication programs have a significant impact on the reliability and cost of site operations. By understanding the benefits of high-quality lubricants combined with digital services and expert technical advice mining facilities can build maintenance programs that improve their operational efficiency and support their sustainability goals. This means focusing on operational efficiency and TCO, areas in which equipment maintenance has a critical role to play. Many sites are struggling to make the case for smarter investment in their lubrication programs whilst struggling with inefficient processes increasing the risk of costly breakdowns and unplanned downtime. “One of the best arguments is highlighting how cheaper lubricants can end up costing you a lot of money,” said Michael Longbottom, Global LubeExpert Coach, Shell Lubricant Solutions. “Quality lubricants might cost you more up front but, if you know they’re being applied properly with the right processes in place, then the lubricant spend is going to be incredibly small compared to the wider maintenance budget.”

Lubricants selection is important, but not the only step miners must take if they want to drive operational efficiency through greater equipment health. They must manage their lubrication systems as effectively as possible to make the most of the high-quality products they use. It is an aspect of maintenance where digitalization presents new opportunities for greater operational efficiency. “We are moving towards technology that allows operators to see a single lubrication point operating in the field and know if it performs as expected,” says Longbottom. “We are also trying to move a lot of our inspection reports to digital so, when we get off the machine, we can press a button and send that report directly to the operators.”  This can make a significant difference to mining operations when past process would typically see miners receiving an inspection report two or three days after the inspection was completed. Now, they can simply open an app to see information needed to make informed maintenance decisions.