FUELS AND OILS
Paul Moore spoke to Simon Ward, Key Account Manager, Exports at Chevron Lubricants about its role and position in the mining market
Q The oils and lubricants market in mining is a competitive one, with several global and numerous regional players. As a company how does Chevron make its products stand out from others in terms of capability and customer service?
A Chevron products and services are distinctive in a variety of ways. We run extremely rigorous research, development and field testing on all our products, which enables OEMs and customers to have the confidence in our products so necessary in demanding environments. We have industry leading Group II base oil and ISOSYN technology and production in-house, are pioneers in the coolants industry, and offer customers outstanding global logistics supply, oil analysis programmes and direct access to technical account managers. Taken with our premium quality products, it’ s the total package that makes Chevron Lubricants a valuable partner in the mining sector.
Q Are there any particular Chevron oils and lubricants brands or grades that have seen particular success in mining?
A The Chevron Delo heavy duty motor oils, Delo ELC, Rando hydraulic oils and TorqForce transmission, final drive and hydraulic system oils are a few of the leading products in this space, all of which are marketed under our Texaco brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Chevron product range is such that we are able to offer customers a completely holistic approach, ensuring that they benefit from the specific lubricants and coolants that match their individual needs and applications, no matter what challenges they face in daily operations.
Q To what extent as a company have you produced customised oils and lubricants to stand up to the unique conditions experienced by machines in mining?
A As an example, our TorqForce products are geared to meet and in fact exceed CAT’ s TO-4 spec. We also have heavy duty motor oil products that allow our mining customers to extend drains safely and effectively. And we are also able to help customers extend the rebuild life of critical components.
Q To what extent do you offer oil analysis and monitoring to mining customers?
A At Chevron we have been proponents of oil analysis for many years, particularly in sectors such as mining where equipment reliability is so key. Our LubeWatch oil analysis programme allows customers to easily monitor their equipment performance in a way that is suitable for their business. We offer five basic testing packages as well as a wide range of more specialised testing procedures. All our results are available to customers within 48 hours of receiving samples and sent out via email or downloadable through online portals. The results come with recommendations for action where necessary and we also offer training and in-field advice and support for component failure or wear particle analysis. Feedback from customers shows us that not only does oil analysis reduce downtime and help with the scheduling of maintenance work, but it also gives the added assurance of oil and system integrity when running on an extended oil drain programme.
Q Russia and Africa have been important and growing markets for Chevron oils and lubricants in the mining sector. What factors have made you successful there?
A The factors that have helped our success in those specific markets are the same as those we adhere to all across the world. Chevron Lubricants prides itself on the quality of its products and services. We offer customers consistency, not only in our products, but also security of supply. Our logistical capability in remote regions is imperative to customers and that is managed either directly or via world class distribution partners. In addition, we offer customers the peace of mind of technical support both locally and globally via our key account managers. Our products are tested through complex and long running field tests, ensuring that they perform even under the very tough and diverse conditions experienced by our customers, which can range from the dust and heat in West Africa to the hard terrain and extreme temperatures in Russia.
Q Can you give any examples of major mines that have opted to use Chevron products as their principal source of oils and lubricants and have they given feedback as to why?
A This year will see Chevron celebrate 25 years of strategic partnership with Kumtor Gold at their Kyrgyzstan operation, in the Tien Shan mountain range, 400 km east of the capital Bishkek. The relationship has been maintained over such a long period thanks to Chevron’ s ability to not only provide reliability in the products which support the facility, but also in the logistical support necessary for supplying a plant in such a remote location and altitude. This relationship is based on one of absolute trust, Chevron has worked with the team at Kumtor since the mine opened in 1993, and understands that our lubricant supply, which covers everything from heavy duty trucks to mining equipment, is so critical it’ s one of the few elements that could stop production. We’ ve provided the engineering team at Kumtor with on-site training to help increase operational efficiency and shared best practise with them every step of the way. This customerfocused approach is critical to the way Chevron operates and we believe of great benefit to those in the mining sector looking to optimise reliability, durability and operational excellence.
42 International Mining | JULY 2018