MINING HOISTS
This is where Winder Controls says it is well positioned to assist by means of high-level technical analysis, along with the implementation of its Sentinel Analysis And Monitoring System( SAMS). SAMS leverages real-time strain measurements from critical locations on the hoist drum. The data gathered is processed through an advanced algorithm that simplifies complex information, making it actionable for stakeholders. By analysing deviations from standard patterns, SAMS provides targeted alerts about potential issues, ensuring that only pertinent information is highlighted for timely attention. This approach allows for informed decision-making, enhancing the safety and reliability of hoists in service.
“ Integrating SAMS offers a proactive solution to managing the health and performance of aging hoist systems. Ensuring timely interventions and maintaining operational integrity is not just a necessity but a commitment to safety and efficiency.”
Qualter Hall winders for South Crofty
In June 2025, UK company Qualter Hall announced that it has been awarded the contract to design, manufacture, assemble, test, install and commission two new winders for the South Crofty tin mine near Redruth in Cornwall, UK.
Both winders have been designed by Qualter Hall’ s in-house team and are scheduled for fabrication, assembly and testing in its Barnsley workshop.“ Our own in-house controls specialists will develop a full electrical scheme for the winders inclusive of control and safety systems, and all associated software. Our dedicated Site Services team will oversee installation and commissioning on-site in Cornwall, with works expected to complete within 60 weeks.”
A single drum winder built on the south side of the New Cook’ s Kitchen Shaft will transport people and materials underground at a maximum speed of 7.3 m per second. Delivering capacity to transport a maximum of 8,500 kg per wind, it is designed to complete around 20,000 winds per annum.
A new single clutch, double drum production winder will be supplied to hoist ore using counter balanced self-tipping skips at the north side of the New Cook’ s Kitchen Shaft. This larger winder works at a maximum speed of 7.9 m per second with an envisaged service duty of 80,000 winds per annum.
Qualter Hall has been supporting activities at South Crofty for over 50 years.“ We are therefore immensely proud to maintain this relationship with Cornish Metals by taking a key role in this important project. The full turnkey scope of work incorporates
32 complete in-house capability, from initial design and manufacturing right through to final installation and commissioning, all delivered by our dedicated team here in Barnsley. This collaboration underscores Qualter Hall’ s continued expertise and leadership in the design and delivery of critical mining and hoisting infrastructure and we look forward to working with the South Crofty team again.”
Don Turvey, CEO and Director at Cornish Metals said:“ Qualter Hall was selected following a competitive process for the procurement of the winders to be used at South Crofty’ s NCK shaft. Placing these orders is a vital step to maintaining the momentum on-site, actioning one of the project’ s critical path projects which will allow for the planned commencement of pre-production underground development.”
EcoHoist’ s 30 % Scale Demonstrator
EcoHoist is a growing company that is advancing vertical bucket elevator technology that can operate inside two small diameter mine shafts, dramatically reducing the cost of vertical material transport. BHP’ s Think and Act Differently group has commissioned an impartial consultant to perform a commercial analysis of the EcoHoist at a BHP Copper SA proxy mine. EcoHoist is also working closely with ABB, with whom it has signed a joint development agreement around R & D activities for mine hoist systems.
EcoHoist MD Matthew Forrest told IM it is now working on a 30 % Scale Demonstrator of the EcoHoist mechanical bucket elevator, including involvement from ABB. This will be a full system test of the mechanical equipment at a reduced scale, prior to the first mine site deployment. The 30 % refers to the size of the bucket elevator buckets- this test will have buckets with a diameter of approximately 30 % of that of the eventual full size buckets.
The project aims to demonstrate the performance of the equipment, with key metrics being the reliability, availability, utilisation and maintenance cost of the bucket elevator.
The 30 % Demonstrator will transport a representative particle size crushed ore around in a closed circuit at approximately 50 t / h. Full scale EcoHoist systems will be capable of transporting up to 800 t / h and have a maximum particle size of 150 mm.
The 30 % Demonstrator will be built and operated in a tall warehouse. While it will only lift material up about 6 m before unloading, it will be mechanically pretensioned to represent an equivalent hoisting elevation of 300 m. Eventual full scale EcoHoist systems will be able to lift material through distances of up to 1,500 m in a single lift.
Becker- optimising rope attachment design
Rope attachments are the critical connection between a mine’ s hoisting system and the safety of every person and asset that is conveyed underground in a shaft. Becker Mining Systems told IM that too often, rope attachments are overlooked or seen as simple hardware. But when it comes to mine winding, every component matters, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the attachment that secures the steel wire ropes to the winder system.
With over 80 years of proven experience, Becker Mining Systems says it has perfected the art and science of rope attachment design
With over 80 years of proven experience, Becker Mining Systems says it has perfected the art and science of rope attachment design, delivering solutions trusted in some of the harshest mining environments on earth.“ Our in-house design expertise, world-class production facilities, and relentless focus on safety have resulted in a flawless 100 % safety record across all rope attachments supplied globally. By designing the correct rope attachment, we can also greatly enhance the longevity of associated winding equipment such as ropes, sheaves, winding inserts, and the components themselves.”
Becker adds that it understands that rope attachments operate under extreme conditions- from deep-level gold mines in South Africa to remote coal operations in Australia and copper mines in South America.“ Despite these challenges, our designs have consistently performed to the highest safety standards. Every Becker rope attachment is proof-loaded to 2.5 times the normal safe working load, ensuring that in normal operations, the attachment maintains its integrity.”
This dedication to safety it says extends beyond just manufacturing.“ Our designs comply with, and often exceed, both local and international regulations applicable in the majority of mining countries worldwide.”
International Mining | AUGUST 2025