Iron, the fourth most common element present in the Earth’s crust, ranks No. 1 in mining production and accounts for 39% of metal output globally. Iron ore mining is a booming industry, but working at a mine often comes with a price.
Mines are often situated in remote locations and harsh environments. Located in Norway’s far northeast region about 400 km above the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures at the remote Sydvaranger iron ore mine can plunge to –31 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because compressed air is used in critical mining applications such as heap leaching and wastewater treatment, reliable equipment is a must. Simply put: if the air freezes, production stops. To mitigate the extreme temperatures, the company uses Atlas Copco BD dryers which offer clean and dry air at a guaranteed dew point of at least -40 degrees.
Reliable equipment, access to spare parts, local service support and energy efficiency have become increasingly important to the mining industry. While the compressors installed at the Sydvaranger iron ore mine are not the biggest consumers of energy within the operation, the efficiency gains from the oil-free ZR VSD air compressor have led to minimized operation costs, increased productivity and energy savings of up to 35%. Plus, a 24-hour service agreement allows the company to plan and adjust compressed air system maintenance on a daily basis.
The mining industry never sleeps. Iron ore mining applications require around-the-clock reliability and easy access to service and support. We believe even the most remote locations and toughest environments deserve a global network of service and support.
