In mining, where operational delays can cost millions, the ability to access the right tools at the right time is more than a convenience – it’s a necessity.
Increasingly, mine operators and maintenance contractors are turning to on-site tool stores to reduce downtime, improve safety and streamline shutdowns and maintenance projects.
A tool store is a dedicated, on-site facility that houses tools, equipment and consumables. Managed by trained personnel, it provides controlled access to essential gear, ensuring that workers can quickly and safely retrieve what they need.
In remote or high-risk environments, tool stores act as a critical link in the supply chain – reducing reliance on off-site logistics and improving operational continuity.
Coates has long been a key player in this space. The company first introduced on-site tool stores in the 1960s, helping to halve shutdown times at major mine sites and industrial plants.
Today, its industrial solutions team supports hundreds of shutdowns annually, offering fully managed tool stores equipped with hired and/or customer-owned tools, equipment and consumables, which are managed in real time via its proprietary SiteIQ asset management system.
“Tool stores are no longer just about tools and equipment – they’re about control, compliance and efficiency,” Coates acting group manager for industrial solutions Chris Wright said.
“We’ve seen how a well-managed tool store can transform site performance, especially during high-pressure shutdowns.”
While Coates is known for its fully managed tool stores, the company also supports customers who operate their own.
For example, Coates helped Monadelphous optimise its large fleet of tools, equipment and consumables at various mine sites across the Pilbara region in Western Australia by introducing SiteIQ and a team of Coates tool store controllers to manage tool store operations.
“We were able to help Monadelphous improve visibility and control over their own tool store operations, optimise processes and find efficiencies through data and best practice principles,” Wright said.
“It’s not just about supplying equipment – it’s about helping customers get the most out of what they already have.”
Here are 10 reasons to consider hiring a tool store for your next shutdown, maintenance or construction project.
- Optimise tool fleet size: Knowing what you need, where, and when is key to avoiding over- or under-supply. Coates uses historical data, smart tech and industry insights to help you right-size your fleet, reducing hire costs and improving tool time.
- Minimise unplanned downtime: Missing, damaged or uncertified tools or equipment can bring work to a halt. A managed tool store ensures the right equipment is available, maintained, certified and ready to use.
- Centralise tool access: With multiple contractors on site, a centralised tool store improves visibility and control over tool usage, helping teams avoid duplication, streamline returns and make better use of shared resources.
- Reduce tool loss and damage: With tracking systems like Coates’ SiteIQ, every asset is logged, assigned and traceable to a mine employee or contractor – minimising loss and improving asset utilisation.
- Improve safety and compliance: “Our experienced tool store controllers manage inspections and maintenance, reducing risk for operators and supporting compliance,” Wright said.
- Support remote operations: In remote locations, equipment delays can have a big impact. “An on-site tool store acts like a mini-Coates branch, strategically stocked using data-driven forecasting to ensure your team has the right gear,” Wright said.
- Enable faster shutdowns and turnarounds: Shutdowns are high-pressure events where every minute counts. On-site tool stores reduce tool-related delays by streamlining access, improving coordination and ensuring vital equipment is always on hand and ready for use.
- Reduce procurement complexity: Managing tool, equipment and consumables supply can be time-consuming for operators. “Coates simplifies this by handling both hired and customer-owned assets, consolidating logistics and reducing the administrative burden on your team,” Wright said.
- Improve workforce productivity: When workers don’t have to search for tools or wait for replacements, they can stay focused on the job – improving tool time efficiency and boosting productivity.
- Gain data-driven insights: With detailed reporting from systems like SiteIQ, you can make smarter decisions about current and future events. “Detailed reporting to help you understand costs, timings and utilisation to find efficiencies and savings,” Wright said.
Whether you’re planning a shutdown, managing a remote site or simply looking to improve processes, a managed tool store could help your mine site work smarter, safer and more efficiently.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
