Tradesales is a go-to partner for mine shutdowns, with a large in-house engineering team capable of tailoring equipment to each project.
Mine shutdowns can be high-pressure situations, with the speed at which essential equipment is deployed and set up key to the success of the operation.
Tradesales, a company with deep roots in the mining industry, understands these unique demands and has tailored its offerings to meet them.
With a focus on efficient material movement, safety, and versatility, Tradesales plays a crucial role in ensuring mine shutdowns are completed smoothly and on-time.
At the core of Tradesales’ service offering is its ability to support the entire ecosystem of a mining shutdown.
Tradesales national sales manager Jay McEwen said the company provides a comprehensive range of products designed to facilitate the transport, storage, and dispensing of the parts, tools, and supplies necessary to carry out shutdowns.
“From a storage cage or skid right up to a 40-foot shutdown container or lubricant dispensing unit, we have offerings that are built specifically for mining, which have been tried and tested in the field by major miners, original equipment manufacturers and contractors alike,” McEwen told Australian Mining.
“Many of these offerings are in stock and ready for delivery and others are manufactured in Australia at our 12,000-square-metre factories.”
One of the key advantages of partnering with Tradesales is the company offers engineer certification on all its products.
With a large in-house engineering team, Tradesales ensures all items meet Australian standards and the more stringent mining standards set by individual major miners.
Image: Tradesales
This level of compliance provides mine operators with the confidence that Tradesales’ equipment will perform under the fast-paced, demanding conditions of a shutdown.
Minimising downtime is critical during a mine shutdown, and Tradesales plays a pivotal role in streamlining material movement to keep operations running smoothly.
“During shutdowns it is common for expensive parts and tools to go missing or get damaged because they haven’t been stored correctly,” McEwen said.
“Our range of maintenance shutdown boxes allows for the safe transport and secure storage of your critical equipment.”
Tradesales has developed innovative products like hydration stations to address specific challenges faced during shutdowns.
Dehydration is a significant risk during these busy periods, and Tradesales has taken proactive steps to mitigate this issue.
Research conducted by Newcrest at a remote gold mine in WA found a considerable percentage of shutdown staff were dehydrated before their shift started, leading to the need for medical attention and, in some cases, standing workers down from duty.
To combat this, Tradesales’ hydration stations provide a cool, insulated space where workers can rehydrate and rest before returning to work.
“A hydration station is a relocatable site solution built out of a fresh shipping container that’s fully insulated and comes standard with a high-powered air conditioner to keep the room cool,” McEwen said.
“It can be fitted with up to four Aquapax 1000-litre water pods, giving operators and contractors the flexibility to position it anywhere.
“The hydration station can also be connected to the mains water supply.”
Shutdown containers are another key offering from Tradesales, specifically designed to manage the unique demands of mine shutdowns.
These containers are not just about storage; they also support efficient material movement by serving as centralised hubs where equipment can be quickly accessed and deployed.
The company is also working on off-grid site offices, crib rooms, and toilet blocks that require no connection to mains power, water, or sewerage. This is ideal for temporary increases in the workforce size during shutdowns.
McEwen said conducting a post-shutdown evaluation and analysis is crucial in identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance the efficiency of future shutdowns.
“By reviewing the entire shutdown process, mining companies can pinpoint any issues or inefficiencies during the downtime, allowing them to make necessary adjustments for future shutdowns,” McEwen said.
“This evaluation process should involve gathering feedback from all stakeholders involved in the shutdown, including maintenance teams, equipment operators, and management personnel.”
Analysing data collected during a shutdown, such as maintenance logs and equipment performance reports, Tradesales said it can provide valuable insights into potential areas for improvement.
“By identifying trends or recurring issues that arose during the shutdown, mining companies can develop strategies to address these concerns proactively in future shutdowns,” McEwen said.
“Utilising this information to create updated maintenance schedules or implement new technologies for predictive maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and minimise disruptions to operations during future shutdowns.”
With a focus on quick deployment, safety, versatility, and comprehensive support, Tradesales ensures that shutdowns are executed safely and efficiently.
This feature appeared in the October 2024 issue of Australian Mining.
