In the mining industry, the working conditions put the equipment to an extremely severe test. The high performance and reliability of Millog’s and Patria’s products in extreme conditions is guaranteed: Millog is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, and Senop’s and Patria’s products are designed specifically for the defence sector and other demanding customers. This is important to customers such as the multi-metal company Terrafame Oy.
The total offering of Millog, its subsidiaries and Patria, the principal owner of Millog, serves the needs of the mining industry, among others. Senop and Patria, for example, help Terrafame to ensure that working on the company’s industrial site is safe and efficient. At the same time, the carbon footprint of operations is reduced.
“We wanted high-quality, technically reliable technology designed for extremely harsh conditions. When the equipment is made for the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces, the requirement level is high indeed.”
Pekka Vornanen, Department Manager
“We wanted high-quality, technically reliable technology designed for extremely harsh conditions. When the equipment is made for the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces, the requirement level is high indeed. Furthermore, we preferably engage in business with a Finnish partner. Whenever we have needed it, we have been flexibly provided with consultation on-site”, says Pekka Vornanen, Terrafame’s Department Manager, who is responsible for the reclaiming of leaching heaps.
Terrafame’s operations are planned for decades ahead. The common, broad shoulders of Millog, its subsidiaries and Patria give assurance that long-term cooperation will continue. Comprehensive service and versatile expertise will be at the customer’s disposal whenever needed.
Senop’s cameras make working possible
Terrafame has purchased camera systems from Senop for its surface miners, bulldozers, excavators and wheel loaders. Currently, 18 vehicles are provided with a total of 36 thermal imagers.
“Thermal imagers have yielded a major difference in production figures, as there are no more interruptions due to fog.”
Pekka Vornanen, Department Manager
Terrafame’s metal recovery process is based on bioleaching. After having been crushed into small particles, the ore is first stacked onto so-called primary heaps, from where it is transferred in a continuous cycle to what are referred to as secondary heaps. On the heaps, 100-tonne wheel loaders and other large vehicles work in a cramped area, so it is very important for drivers to see both the terrain and the adjacent machines. However, a very thick fog often prevents seeing with the unaided eye. Tens of millions of tonnes of crushed ore go thought the leaching process, and during the frost season in particular, hot material steams up so that machine operators cannot see out of their windows at all.
“We do the work safely or not at all. For this reason, we previously had to repeatedly interrupt the reclaiming work, and it was virtually impossible for us to achieve our production targets. Thermal imagers have yielded a major difference in production figures, as there are no more interruptions due to fog”, Pekka Vornanen explains.
Engine refurbishment saves natural resources
Patria services Terrafame’s heavy machinery and repairs engine faults and mechanical failures. In an open pit, engines are pushed to their limits: the pit is now 150 metres deep, and the vehicles have to climb several kilometres of steep uphill to get out of the pit. The largest mining trucks weigh in excess of 300 tonnes when fully loaded, and their engines run for over 7,000 hours per year. There is rock dust everywhere, which forms a hard crust on the surface of the engines over time.
“Our own engine know-how has grown enormously, which has allowed us to adopt a more systematic approach.”
Juha Kilpeläinen, Maintenance Manager
Terrafame has not previously been in the habit of refurbishing engines at the end of their useful lives but has instead retired and replaced them. This changed when the partnership between Patria and Terrafame began.
“Terrafame wants to refurbish whatever components can still be reused, as it allows us to save natural resources and employ Finnish labour”, says Maintenance Manager Juha Kilpeläinen.
Engine reliability is critical for Terrafame. Regular servicing helps to prevent, for example, uncontrolled fuel and oil spills; fire is a major safety risk. Preventing spills is also good for the environment, as a single engine can contain between 250 and 300 litres of oil. The lead time on new mining trucks can be as long as two years, and broken machinery therefore also damages productivity.
Know-how enables a more systematic approach
Millog and Patria have a comprehensive network of service providers, which makes it easier for customers to find experts nearby. Correspondence is constant, and customers can also visit the service providers’ premises, such as repair shops, in person.
“Patria gives us very detailed reports on what engineers have observed in connection with servicing our equipment or how they have fixed any faults that were found. This adds considerable value”, Juha Kilpeläinen says.
“Our own engine know-how has grown enormously, which has allowed us to adopt a more systematic approach. Our own mechanics are not engine specialists, but it is of paramount importance that they know enough to make situational assessments in the mine. Our workshop operates 24/7, and our mechanics need to be able to determine whether or not a vehicle is safe to drive.”