Month: December 2021

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What Equipment Do You Need for Gold Mining?

panoramic view of a gold mine

Hard rock mining produces most of the world’s gold, and the US (the fourth-largest gold-producing nation after China, Australia and Russia), produced 200 tonnes of gold in 2019. Mines that produce gold are situated all over the US, with most of the nation’s gold being produced in the state of Nevada. This means that there is a lot of equipment in circulation used for gold mining, from safety equipment to communication solutions to heavy vehicles.

Gold mining equipment

So, what equipment do you need for gold mining? Mines require hoists and conveyor belts (as well as other transport/removal equipment), solutions for ground support (such as bolts), ventilation systems to clear and control hazardous gases and dust, cap lights and visibility solutions, communication networks (such as fixed phones or portable radios), PPE equipment (such as personal gas detectors), and collision avoidance systems for both vehicles/equipment and personnel.

Where to buy gold mining equipment

With such diversity in equipment, having onsite expertise in all areas at all times can be tricky. Finding a trusted distributor who has searched the market for the best solutions for each application is the best way to ensure optimal safety, productivity and profitability.

Carroll Technologies offers safety, communication, motor controls, monitoring, collision avoidance and other gold mining equipment (along with installation and repair services) to mines across the US. With more than 40 years of experience, Carroll only supplies gold mining equipment from the best and most trusted manufacturers on the market.

Gold mining equipment manufacturers

Northern Light Technologies (NLT) has paved the way with cap lamp innovation, incorporating proximity and tracking tags into its world-leading and fully customizable cap light solutions, including NLT Polaris, Rebel and Genesis cap lights.

PBE’s PAS-ZR is a ruggedized version of its standard collision avoidance system, specifically designed for the mining industry. This tag-based detection system can be used for both mobile and fixed assets, including workers, and uses multiple detection technologies simultaneously to provide reliable results. PBE’s MineBoss 2.0 is a centralized control system for atmospheric monitoring, fire and dust suppression systems, power supplies/battery back-up, fans and airflow systems.

Harrington Hoists offers a broad range of hoists used for gold mining, including overhead cranes, crane accessories, chain hoists and trolleys, electric wire rope hoists and trolleys, lever hoists, manual hand chain hoists, push and geared trolleys, and a full line of replacement parts.

MSA safety solutions are used at gold mining sites across the globe. Its safety equipment includes the Altair 4X Detector, a portable multi-gas detector that can alert the user to the presence of combustibles, toxins, and anaerobic environments in 15 seconds, as well as the W65 Self-Rescuer Respirator, a one-time-use device that provides emergency respiratory protection against carbon monoxide.

Page Boss phones provide clear and undistorted communication for an entire gold mining network, the company’s portfolio of phones can be mixed and matched to build a complete communication system above or below ground.

The best way for Carroll Technologies to provide gold mining equipment for your mine is through a consultation to meet your site’s specific needs. Book a free safety consultation here or call 606-573-1000 to find out more.

 

Further Reading:

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Underground Mine Dewatering Techniques

a miner inspecting flood water levels in an underground mine

The presence of water in underground mines can halt operations, damage vehicles and equipment, and even risk contamination and becoming an environmental issue. Each mining site is different, so the nature and the extent of the flooding risk differs, but the demand for effective underground mine dewatering techniques is growing as mining operations are increasingly digging deeper.

Mine dewatering pumps

Submersible pumps or sump pumps for dewatering are essential tools for controlling water at mining sites and preventing flooding. Underground mine dewatering pumps are often submersible as they are better designed to handle debris without clogging, but there is a great deal of selection available for redirecting water underground.

The underground mine dewatering pump system that is chosen can depend on the specific layout of a mine, including the choice between using a single large pump to remove water or several smaller pumps in a multi-stage approach.

Mine dewatering pump selection

There are a lot of rugged, reliable underground mining dewatering pumps on the market, so mines will have no problem finding efficient equipment. The problem often lies with choosing the most suitable solution and weighing up the options between higher investment in larger pumps and the cost of excavation for space when using multiple smaller pumps.

This problem is solved by putting trust in mining safety experts who can find the best underground mine dewatering solution for a mine’s specific requirements. Along with an extensive stock of dewatering equipment, Carroll Technologies partners with Equipment Pro to custom-design pumping dewatering solutions for any situation. Equipment Pro’s pump vertical turbines and dewatering pumps can handle any type of pumping situation and have been by a range of industries across the US.

According to Carroll Technologies president, Allen Haywood: “Carroll provides Equipment Pro pump-turbine systems and different model pumps for different situations around mining facilities. We can arrange for there to be an automatic pumping solution so that there’s not a lot of maintenance required, and those pumps can turn on and turn off according to the volume of water that they need or that they want to keep a level down to.

“For any type of pumping requirements that a customer may have, large or small, a custom pumping solution can be designed. Large requirements may be a very complex situation with pumps, so we can build floating systems, pontoon systems, where these pumps are stationed.”

Additionally, Stancor Pumps has an extensive portfolio of MSHA-approved mine dewatering pumps designed to redirect water in confined spaces. The company’s portfolio includes the explosion-proof  P/S Series of heavy-duty, dewatering pumps that offer excellent wear resistance, as well as the SL Solids Seriesvortex trash pumps, SEW solids handling wastewater pumps, and SB Series of clean water dewatering pumps.

Other mining equipment experts include Mefcor, which offers simple clog-resistant pumping solutions for difficult dewatering applications. Mefcor underground dewatering pumps do not require a power source or maintenance.

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MSHA Powered Haulage Equipment Safety Guidance

mobile equipment at a mining site

Powered haulage equipment poses unique challenges, from limited visibility to complex traffic management. To address these risks, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) provides detailed guidance aimed at preventing accidents and fostering safer working environments.

Powered haulage accidents continue to be a leading cause of fatalities in the mining industry, with recent data highlighting their significant impact on miner safety. As powered haulage incidents account for a large proportion of mining-related deaths, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) emphasizes the importance of adopting proactive safety measures to mitigate these risks. Ensuring compliance with MSHA’s powered haulage regulations and leveraging advanced technologies is critical to protecting lives and maintaining safe operations.

Understanding Powered Haulage Safety Risks

Powered haulage equipment encompasses haul trucks, service vehicles, belt conveyors, and other machinery used in surface and underground mines. These machines pose various risks, including limited visibility, poor communication, traffic hazards, and equipment malfunctions. According to MSHA, powered haulage incidents have historically accounted for a significant portion of mining fatalities and injuries.

MSHA’s Key Safety Recommendations

MSHA’s safety guidance provides actionable steps to mitigate risks across different areas of mining operations:

Improving Visibility

  • Blind spots are a common issue in large haulage trucks and other heavy equipment.
  • Best practices include:
    • Using strobe lights, high-visibility flags, or flexible whip antennas on smaller vehicles.
    • Installing cameras and proximity detection systems to alert operators of nearby hazards.
    • Training miners to recognize and avoid blind areas.

Enhancing Communication

  • Establish protocols for clear and consistent communication between operators and workers.
  • Use radios, hand signals, or visual cues to confirm movements and positions.
  • Ensure high-visibility clothing is worn at all times.

Traffic Management

  • Develop and maintain well-designed haul roads with proper signage, berms, and guardrails.
  • Implement traffic control plans, including designated routes and speed limits based on road conditions.
  • Train workers to stay within safe zones and avoid reversing equipment when possible.

Seat Belt Use

  • Mandate the use of seat belts to protect operators during rollovers or collisions.
  • Regularly inspect seat belts and replace worn components.

Conveyor Safety

  • Install guards to protect against contact with moving conveyor parts.
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance.
  • Provide safe access points and maintain clean walkways around conveyor systems.

Learn more: Robust and Reliable Conveyor Belt Systems for Mines and Tunnels

Pre-Operational Inspections

  • Conduct thorough inspections of equipment before each shift to identify and address potential hazards.
  • Ensure only trained personnel perform these checks.

New Regulatory Requirements: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment

In January 2024, MSHA introduced a rule requiring mine operators with six or more miners to develop a written safety program for surface mobile equipment. The program must:

  • Identify hazards and outline risk mitigation strategies.
  • Be updated regularly based on site conditions and feedback.
  • Engage miners and their representatives in its development.

Compliance with this rule is mandatory by July 2024, emphasizing the importance of tailored, site-specific safety measures.

How Carroll Technologies Can Help

Carroll Technologies is a trusted partner in mining safety, providing cutting-edge solutions to meet MSHA’s safety standards and enhance overall mine safety. Key offerings include:

Practical Steps to Ensure Compliance

To align with MSHA’s safety guidance and new regulations, mine operators should:

  • Develop Comprehensive Safety Programs: Include hazard assessments, proximity detection systems, and communication protocols.
  • Invest in Technology: Adopt advanced solutions like collision avoidance systems and real-time tracking tools.
  • Regularly Train Workers: Conduct ongoing training to reinforce safety practices and operational knowledge.
  • Collaborate with Experts: Partner with Carroll Technologies to tailor safety solutions to your site’s needs.

Get in Touch

Powered haulage safety is critical to protecting lives and ensuring operational efficiency in mining. Carroll Technologies is here to support your compliance with MSHA’s guidance while enhancing the safety of your operations. Contact us for expert advice, tailored solutions, and same-day equipment shipping.

Contact us via Live Chat, Email, or Call: 606-573-1000.