NORDIC SUPPLIERS
to alleviate diesel particulate matter ( DPM ), our filters offer protection against so much more ,” he told IM . “ Whether it is ammonia , quartz-based or lead-based gases from blasting and so on , our filters provide effective protection .”
The reason for adopting these filters over other aftermarket or OEM products available are obvious from a health and safety perspective – better working environment for operators , reduced sick leave , improved mining company image , etc – but there is also a productivity advantage to using the filters .
“ If you want to ‘ make money ’ using our filters , there is an opportunity ,” Sydlén said . “ By offering improved protection against blasting gases , operators are able to re-enter a development or production area underground quicker than they would have been able to return when using no filter or a less effective solution .”
The company can offer such protection with its PRO filter product , which has the most filtration layers out of its entire range .
These factors – along with the two-in-one protection from multiple gases – is enabling mining companies to look past the increased cost of acquiring and replacing Racoon filters when stacked against the standard OEM offering .
And , while the Nordic region is the current area of interest for the company , it also has plans to share this message across Australia , Canada and Latin America .
Sydlén said : “ If we can solve every problem for you with our filters , the question is : what is that worth ?”
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is acknowledging this value proposition , given that it offers Racoon air filters as an after-market addition to its mobile equipment in Sweden . Other mining-focused OEMs also stock the filters as an option on their cabs .
And , with regulations in the Nordic region and across the globe getting stricter when it comes to DPM and gas exposure for operators , Sydlén is confident the company ’ s offering – comprised of the entry-level BASE ( for mainly open-pit mines ), MEDIUM ( the most popular ) and PRO – can match ever-stricter requirements .
“ Regulations across the globe are being updated from time to time as more progress is made in terms of knowledge , technology and monitoring of gases and DPMs ,” he said . “ Our neighbouring countries – Norway and Finland – are expecting some stricter regulations in multiple industries and we have received many enquiries in line with these changes .
“ They were asking if our filters can live up to these regulations and the answer is : yes . They offer protection that goes way beyond the incoming legislation .
“ In this regard , we are a proactive company built for the future .”
Making the green transition
Finland-based technology group Wärtsilä is also helping decarbonise the mining space , preparing for its engines to work on a variety of low- and no-carbon based fuels .
Earlier this year , it announced it will supply a natural gas fuelled 22 MW engine power plant to Argonaut Gold at its Magino project in Canada . The power plant will provide a reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity to the Magino Gold Mine in Ontario . The order includes four Wärtsilä 34SG gas engines , electrical equipment , auxiliaries and plant commissioning , with the power plant slated for operation in 2023 .
Jon Rodriguez , Director , Engine Power Plants , North America , Wärtsilä Energy , said : “ The excellent reliability and heat rate efficiency of the Wärtsilä engines selected for this project are important factors for mining operations where power availability is absolutely essential and fuel costs are very significant .
“ In 2021 alone , we received four engine power plant orders in Canada and three of those were from mining companies . This is a clear indication of our recognised capabilities and strength in this market .”
To date , Wärtsilä has supplied power generating capacity totalling 620 MW to mining operations in North America .
And , while natural gas-powered plants might not help mining companies achieve all their sustainability goals , they are part of the transition , according to Wärtsilä .
“ Flexible Wärtsilä power plants like this one utilise natural gas , the cleanest fuel widely available today ,” the company said . “ It is considered an important transitional fuel as the
development of zero-carbon future alternatives continues .
“ Wärtsilä engines are a future-proof investment that can already combust 100 %
Earlier this year , Wärtsilä received an order for four 34SG gas engines , electrical equipment and auxiliaries for a natural gas fuelled 22 MW engine power plant at Argonaut Gold ’ s Magino project in Canada
synthetic carbon-neutral methane and methanol and have the ability to operate on blends of natural gas and hydrogen as well .”
Making an industry-wide impact
IMA Engineering ’ s relationship with the Sotkamo Silver operation in central Finland goes all the way back to 2014 when it was involved in the feasibility study to start the mine . Back then , it was early analysis of Sotkamo Silver drill core , using the OSSCORE solution , that outlined a potential increase in ore reserves and reduction in operating costs with the use of ore sorting in the process flowsheet .
Now , in 2022 , the two companies are working on an ore sorting study to solidify the future of Sotkamo ’ s operation beyond the existing reserve base .
Sotkamo Silver previously tested out the potential of TOMRA ’ s X-ray Transmission ( XRT ) technology on its orebody , with initial test work proving positive . Sorting of marginal ore was to be carried out after primary crushing and was expected to reduce around 50 % of ‘ waste ’ material going into the grinding and flotation process .
While the aim of the work it is carrying out with IMA Engineering is similar , the scale of sorting potential and technology is very different .
IMA , in March , installed a Fast Conveyor Analyzer ( FCA ) above the conveyor after primary crushing at the operation . The FCA , which leverages X-ray Fluorescence ( XRF ) sensor technology , has been analysing this primary crushed material ( some of which comes from a small open-pit mine and the majority from
26 International Mining | MAY 2022