REBUILDS & REPAIRS
Recently rebuilt Sandvik LH621 outside QME ' s Navan , Ireland facilities contracting capability includes full underground drill and blast , shotcrete and construction services , plus it still has some major contracts ongoing including at Somincor ’ s Neves Corvo zinc mine in Portugal .
Moving on to rebuilds , John Rooney , QME ’ s Mining and Tunnelling Equipment Manager told IM : “ The rebuild workshop has been really busy in the last few years . The main challenge we have had like everyone else post pandemic has been the global supply chain , mainly getting components , plus the cost of the components going up . But overall we are continually investing , both in our people and in adding new yard space - we are extending the workshop again in 2024 to keep up with demand . And getting not just qualified but also experienced people is really key , and we have those .”
On standout points for QME versus other rebuilders in the mining market , Rooney added : “ The distinctive thing about us is that as mining contractors we are also end users . There are other rebuilders out there but we are different as we also use these types of machines in our contracting business - when Tara was operating our total contracting fleet including that site and others was in the region of 150 machines operating . Operating this equipment day in day out we understand what the challenges and pain points are and the right way to troubleshoot and therefore we know what needs to be done in the rebuild business . Added to that is our almost 40 years of experience since 1985 . Mines sometimes try and do rebuilds themselves but in an operational mine it is challenging for them to devote people to that so they tend to be more focused on just scheduled and unscheduled maintenance work .”
From initially being Ireland focused , QME went on to supply rebuilt equipment and provide contract mining services globally . It has supplied rebuilds to all continents . Have long lead times for new equipment and increasing costs of new equipment led to increased rebuild demand ? Rooney comments : “ We see a twin track market . There are the big miners and contractors that can afford new machines and look at all the new battery electric and hybrid technologies as well as digital solutions and automation . But the vast majority of the market is still mines using conventional diesel machines , and many of these need updating , especially they need to get Tier 2 and Tier 3 engines . They also want equipment that is easy to maintain without all the latest technologies added as even if they bought the latest new machines they wouldn ' t have the local expertise needed to service them .”
QME both rebuilds machines to go back to the same mine , but also buys machines for rebuilding and sells them on the open market . In both cases the rebuilt units will come with new warranties . Rooney adds : “ We buy equipment that we know is a popular brand and size and rebuild them on spec then advertise them for sale globally . We also have long term repeat mining clients who send machines to us .”
Rooney continued : “ We are one of only a few high quality underground rebuild service providers - which is a long way from the online auction and brokerage sites that operate purely on commission . Some miners are tempted to buy these used machines but don ' t have the capabilities to upgrade or support them . Our rebuilds have a 6 month or 1,000 hour warranty . We can only offer that as we know everything that has been done to the machine - we don ' t just repaint it . Plus we use only genuine OEM parts - you can buy cheaper parts but you don ' t get the same results . And we can supply a rebuild far quicker than the lead time for a new machine . Finally , there is a sustainability element to rebuilds - you are giving the machine a second life instead of scrapping it .”
Highlighting a recent project , QME recently completed a Sandvik LH621 rebuild in November 2023 . To give some idea of the work extent , the
scope included a full frame up rebuild , with the frame crack tested , blasted and repainted to OEM specifications . A new Volvo Penta engine was supplied by the engine dealer . The transmission , axles , convertor , drop box etc were all rebuilt by QME ' s in-house component team . All of the hoses were replaced with new ; and all wiring was checked and repaired / replaced as required as were all the hydraulic cylinders / valves . The bucket was repaired and replated as required . Four new tyres were fitted , plus the cabin was stripped and repaired plus all components repaired / replaced as required including a new seat . All of the panels , engine covers etc were also repaired / replaced as required . Finally a full repaint of the entire machine was done to OEM standard . All parts used were genuine OEM spare parts .
Aramine on thorough reconditioning processes
For more than 25 years , Aramine told IM it has been offering reconditioning of used equipment , entirely rebuilt according to strict quality criteria . The machines are collected from closed mines or from its customers , with whom it trades their old equipment for new units . “ Initially , this process started to provide a competitive offer to our customers , with the idea of not allowing the old machine to deteriorate , in line with Aramine ’ s historic spirit of respect for the environment .”
For example , Aramine collected a drill rig in South America last year . It was shipped to its facilities in France for full remanufacturing while the sales teams found it a new home . The remanufacturing was carried out according to the following process , after which the machine was delivered to its final destination : an underground mine in Western Asia .
First of all , technicians carry out a full inspection and test of the machine , a very important stage in identifying and preserving equipment that is still usable or repairable . The machine is completely dismantled , and all the components are listed in the manufacturer ' s original catalogue . The engine / converter , transmission , axles and bare chassis are sent to Aramine ’ s various specialised workshops and partners to be completely dismantled and reconditioned
The chassis , which is the major steel part , is repaired and overhauled using very strict quality control methods . This is a very important phase in the recovery of the steel , which takes around two months to complete . During this chassis reconditioning process , the drive train components and the machine ' s hydraulic valves are completely reconditioned and tested . Once the chassis has been reconditioned and repainted , it is placed on the production line to be assembled on the new machine .
68 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2024