Powering productivity above ground

Australian Power Equipment is putting emphasis on refurbished electrical infrastructure to help support more sustainable surface mining operations.

Surface mining operations are under constant pressure to deliver more tonnes, greater

efficiency and improved sustainability outcomes whilst maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.

As mines expand, electrification increases and operational demands continue to grow, the role of electrical infrastructure is becoming more critical than ever.

From substations and transformers to switchgear, cables and earthing systems, electrical assets form the backbone of modern mining operations.

Yet, while significant attention is often given to mobile equipment, supporting electrical networks are often overlooked until failure occurs.

According to Australian Power Equipment (APE), the most successful operations view electrical infrastructure as more than just a static asset.

“Reliable power is fundamental to every aspect of a surface mine,” APE co-director Andrew Cockbain told Australian Mining. “Whether it’s powering processing facilities, pumping systems, workshops, conveyors, or site infrastructure, the electrical network underpins production. The challenge is ensuring that network remains reliable while adapting to changing operational requirements.”

A key challenge facing mining operations today is balancing long-term infrastructure planning with the realities of equipment availability and project timelines. Global supply chain disruptions over recent years have highlighted the risks associated with relying solely on new equipment procurement.

As a result, many mining companies are taking a more flexible approach to asset management, incorporating refurbished and repurposed equipment into their broader infrastructure strategy.

The perception that refurbished equipment represents a compromise is rapidly changing. When professionally assessed, engineered, tested and certified, refurbished assets can deliver the same operational outcomes as new equipment while significantly reducing lead times and capital expenditure.

“Refurbishment should be viewed as an engineering solution rather than a second- choice option,” Cockbain said.

Many high-quality assets still have substantial operational life remaining. By repurposing equipment to suit a site’s specific requirements, mining companies can access reliable infrastructure far more quickly than waiting for new manufacture.”

This changing approach to refurbishment also aligns with wider APE directors Andrew Cockbain and Abby Crawford believe electrical infrastructure is a critical part of surface mining operations. objectives surrounding sustainability.

Extending the life of existing electrical assets reduces the demand for new raw materials, lowers manufacturing emissions and diverts valuable equipment from disposal.

At APE, circular economy principles have become an increasingly important part of project delivery. Equipment that may no longer suit one operation can often be re-engineered, upgraded and redeployed somewhere else, creating both environmental and commercial benefits. The value of this flexibility becomes particularly evident during unplanned outages or emergency situations.

In these circumstances, the ability to rapidly deploy replacement equipment can make the difference between maintaining production and experiencing extended downtime.

Hire equipment is also increasingly relied upon as part of new contingency planning strategies, providing operators with access to transformers, switchgear and associated infrastructure while permanent solutions are sourced.

“Mining operations are recognising that resilience is just as important as efficiency,” APE co-director Abby Crawford said. “Having access to flexible equipment solutions allows sites to respond quickly to changing circumstances without compromising essentials like safety or production targets.”

The increasing adoption of electrification across mining operations is further reinforcing the need for robust power infrastructure strategies.

As mines seek to reduce emissions through greater use of electrically powered equipment and renewable energy integration, demand on site electrical networks continues to grow.

This transition requires careful planning to ensure supporting infrastructure can accommodate both current and future load requirements, presenting key opportunities to review protocols around asset selection, efficiency improvements and long-term operational planning.

As mining operations continue to mature both above and below ground, the future will seemingly be defined by those that position flexibility, sustainability and reliability at front of mind.

As the industry continues to evolve, a balanced approach that combines new equipment, refurbished assets, strategic maintenance and contingency planning will be essential to maintaining productivity while meeting increasingly complex operational and environmental expectations. AM

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