Machinery
Mining coMPAnies live and die by mine site infrastructure . It ’ s the backbone to any successful operation and has the ability to either enhance productivity or harm it . It also has the ability to impact surrounding communities .
To achieve maximum mining production , companies must effectively design and implement infrastructure that meets the needs for ( underground or surface ) mines including processing plants , miner facilities , and rail and port structures .
One of the best in the business in achieving maximum results is AngloGold Ashanti Limited . The South-African mining company has mastered the art of incorporating its ‘ big picture ’ into designs , executing them to near perfection and getting the most out of its mines from beginning to end .
The basics of mine site infrastructure The success of mining infrastructure is hidden in three facets : planning , designing and execution .
Infrastructure needs are classified into two categories : infrastructure required to develop and operate the
Above ground infrastructure of the G
mine and infrastructure needed to evacuate the mineral bearing ore to the processing site or port . Infrastructure required at most mining sites includes :
• Bulk materials handling
• Fuel facilities
• Tunnel engineering
• Control Systems – including automation and remote control of mining equipment
• Rail and port infrastructure
• Water infrastructure planning and resource management
18 N ovember 2014