MINING LUBRICANTS
metallurgy of the equipment . In some cases , components in the formulation can cause alerts for certain tests . For example , some hydraulic oils are formulated with zinc-based additives . These lubricants may cause metal wear test results – including copper tests – to seem abnormally high . In those instances , operators should take a closer look to understand if copper is actually entering the system or if components in the lubricant formulation may in fact be triggering the alert .
Petro-Canada Lubricants says PRODURO TO-4 + UHP can deliver significant cost savings for equipment operators
Petro-Canada Lubricant ' s PRODURO™ Offering
Last year , Petro-Canada Lubricants launched a new multi-purpose fluid that the manufacturer says can deliver up to a 6 % equipment life increase for applicable mining and construction equipment . PRODUROTM TO-4 + UHP , a multipurpose synthetic all-season transmission , hydraulic , and drive line fluid for heavy-duty mobile equipment , has since gained valuable field experience with mine operators in the toughest of mining conditions and has continued to exceed all performance expectations in the field . Developed to improve the performance of mining and construction equipment operating in extreme conditions , per the manufacturer , PRODURO TO-4 + UHP maximises durability and equipment protection at elevated system temperatures and in severe operating conditions .
Offering improvements in high-temperature high shear ( HTHS ) and in-service viscosity , as well as the potential to safely extend oil drain intervals , Petro-Canada Lubricants says that PRODURO TO-4 + UHP can deliver significant cost savings for equipment operators . During a more than two-year-long customer trial , the fluid demonstrated the ability to meet the requirements of the Caterpillar TO-4 specification , increase equipment life by up to 6 %, and deliver significant cost savings based on 25 units for a large Canadian mine operating across two sites . Similar results have now been experienced in real-time operations at the same two mine sites .
The advanced fluid can also eliminate seasonal change-outs for hydraulics , drive trains , and transmissions without compromising lubricant performance or equipment wear . Due to the fluid ’ s ability to prolong equipment life , PRODURO TO-4 + UHP can also help support a mining operation ’ s sustainability goals . “ PRODURO TO-4 + UHP is a game changer . Working closely with our trial partner , we developed this fluid to extend transmission life and hours of service while reducing operating costs ,” said Sara Sidders , Manager , Business Segments for the Natural Resources portfolio at Petro-Canada Lubricants . “ For years , we have been supporting mining operators and equipment owners to overcome their lubricant challenges and optimise equipment performance . This ethos and collaborative approach have been at the forefront of the innovation and development behind PRODURO TO-4 + UHP , and we are delighted to offer equipment operators the step-change in protection the transmission fluid delivers .”
FUCHS acquires LUBCON & enhances presence in South America
The FUCHS Group , which operates globally in the lubricants industry , has signed an agreement to acquire the international LUBCON Group , primarily with the aim of jointly innovating and advancing high-quality specialty lubrication solutions . The family-run German company that operates out of Maintal in Hessen , Germany has many years of experience and expertise in the development , manufacture , sale and distribution of greases , oils , and pastes . Accordingly , this step will help the FUCHS Group strengthen its product portfolio for specialty lubrication solutions , as well as boosting its global competitiveness - subject to the closing of the deal .
The LUBCON Group comprises 13 operating companies , as well as five production locations in Germany , Poland , the Philippines , India , and the US . The company ' s high-quality products are used in various sectors , including mining .
“ I feel confident that we can tap the growth potential of the LUBCON Group even more effectively on a global scale with the FUCHS network of 55 companies and 33 production facilities . We considered it extremely important to find the right partner for this and are looking forward to growing with FUCHS and safeguarding our future . As lubricant specialists , we not only
operate in the same field , but are also both family-run enterprises , which strengthens our
common values ,” comments Heiko Engelke , Managing Partner of the LUBCON Group .
“ With the acquisition of the LUBCON Group , we see a great opportunity for our future development . We ' re not only gaining a team of highly qualified employees with extensive technological expertise , but also extending our own product portfolio , particularly in the field of industrial lubricants and greases . This not only strengthens our existing key markets but also enables us to penetrate new sales markets . We feel certain that this strategic decision will further reinforce our position as leading supplier in the industry ," comments Stefan Fuchs , Chairman of the Executive Board at FUCHS SE .
The transaction is still pending approval from regulatory authorities . However , the parties anticipate closing the deal in the third quarter of 2024 . The LUBCON Group employs 211 staff members , with 180 in EMEA , 20 in Asia-Pacific , and 11 in the Americas . The company recorded sales revenue of around € 40 million in the financial year 2023 . The FUCHS Group has a workforce of 6,200 employees and generated sales revenue of € 3.5 billion in the financial year 2023 .
FUCHS Group has also expanded its presence in South America with the full acquisition of FUCHS LUBRICANTS SpA in Chile . On September 1 , 2023 , the joint venture seamlessly transitioned into a wholly owned subsidiary of the FUCHS Group . FUCHS LUBRICANTS SpA was founded in 2018 when FUCHS acquired the lubricants business of Comercial Pacific Ltda in Chile and integrated it into the newly founded company – with FUCHS holding 65 % of the shares at that time and Comercial Pacific Ltda the remaining 35 %.
“ We thank our joint venture partner Andre Boeck and the team of Comercial Pacific for our successful time together . With Chile being an important lubricant market in South America , this transaction is another milestone on our journey to further strengthen our business activities in the Southern part of the Americas ,” stated Dr Timo Reister , Member of the Executive Board at FUCHS and responsible for the North and South America region .
International Mining | JULY 2024