HEAVY ENGINEERING AND WEAR PARTS
Engineered to endure
Heavily engineered parts and wear solutions continue to underwrite major equipment uptime, Dan Gleeson reports
Bradken’ s Chilca facility will focus on the large-scale production of steel mill liners, adding an estimated 20,000 t / y of capacity
The mining industry continues to evolve towards higher technical standards, demanding components that deliver greater durability, performance and reliability.
Foundries play a critical role in this transformation, manufacturing wear parts that must withstand extreme conditions such as abrasion and impact while supporting operational continuity in mineral processing. In comminution processes, crushing and grinding equipment represents a major capital investment, and downtime is not an option. For this reason, the reliability and lifespan of wear components are essential. The optimisation of alloys, heat treatment and component design has become increasingly important to ensure consistent performance in demanding operating environments. This is supported by rigorous quality control processes, dimensional verification through advanced scanning technologies and traceability systems that enable continuous improvement across production.
Against this backdrop, Bradken’ s new foundry in Chilca, Peru, represents a major milestone, not only for the company’ s regional growth, but also for the mining supply chain in South America, it says. Currently under development and scheduled to begin operations in 2026, the facility reflects a strategic investment in local manufacturing capability, advanced technology and sustainable production practices.
“ The Chilca foundry is designed to strengthen supply efficiency by reducing dependence on imported components,” Bradken explains.“ Historically, limited foundry capacity in Peru has led mining operations to rely heavily on external suppliers. By establishing a world-class production hub locally, Bradken aims to reinforce regional supply chains, shorten delivery times and improve responsiveness to customer needs.”
The facility will focus on the large-scale production of steel mill liners, adding an estimated 20,000 t / y of capacity.
Its capabilities include the manufacture of large and complex castings, supported by some of the region’ s most advanced equipment.
“ The integration of mechanisation and automation marks an important evolution in foundry operations,” the company says.“ Processes once highly labour-intensive are now driven by precision technologies, enabling more predictable outcomes and higher quality standards. Automated moulding systems, advanced inspection technologies and digital production tracking contribute to dimensional accuracy and consistent performance, ensuring each component meets demanding operational requirements.”
Equally important is the foundry’ s strong focus on sustainability. The Chilca facility has been designed to align with ambitious environmental goals, including operating with up to 99.5 % renewable electricity. This approach significantly reduces carbon emissions and supports a broader strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, Bradken says.
In addition, circular economy principles are embedded into the production model, promoting recycling and material reuse to minimise waste and improve resource efficiency.
The impact of this investment extends beyond operational improvements, according to the company. The foundry will play a key role in supporting local economic development by generating employment opportunities and fostering technical skills within the region. It is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, contributing to the growth of local
International Mining | JUNE 2026