Mining and Construction Equipment Supply Chain - Nefab

As the world strives to achieve net zero by , the global push for minerals - which are essential components for clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicle batteries or wind turbines - is fueling a notable rise in resource extraction. 1 Projections from the UN suggest that  mineral harvesting is anticipated to increase by an additional 60% by . 2 To efficiently extract and process natural resources, the mining industry heavily depends on advanced machinery, making the equipment sector essential to the industry's overall success. 3 The equipment industry, however, is facing rapidly escalating costs for reasons such as an uncertain economy and supply-demand imbalances. 4 In addition, stringent environmental regulations, and investor and stakeholder expectations are pushing the industry to reduce its impact, further complicating the operational landscape. 5

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These challenges, however, present unique opportunities. “Mining equipment companies should look closer at their supply chains as rethinking your packaging and logistics operation can lead to significant improvements, such as increased operational efficiencies, reduced costs, and enhanced sustainability. By embracing these changes, the mining equipment industry can overcome current obstacles and pave the way for a more sustainable future,” says Inna Stint, Mining and Construction Segment Director at Nefab. Read further as we explore how strategic adjustments in the supply chain can drive the mining equipment sector towards greater efficiency and environmental stewardship.

ESG remains a top priority for mining and metal companies. Source: EY6

Bundling Services Boosts Operational Efficiency

It goes without saying that reliable equipment is the backbone of efficient and safe mineral extraction processes. Proper maintenance of the mining machinery helps to prevent accidents and keep equipment in good condition, lowering risks for hardworking miners. The halting of operations due to any malfunction can also result in significant losses, with some assessments suggesting a cost of $130,000 per hour for each equipment failure incident. 7 Fortunately, mining equipment companies have avenues to protect themselves from the worst-case scenario. “By partnering with a contract logistics service provider, businesses can focus on core operations while ensuring the distribution center is managed efficiently. On-time delivery is critical, especially for spare and wear parts, as availability at the exact needed moment prevents operational delays and downtime,” explains Inna Stint.

Maintenance and servicing components for mining equipment vary in size and shape, ranging from small screws to e.g. large buckets for crushers. Transporting these components across the globe is a delicate and expensive endeavor where safety and cost-optimization are paramount. This is where optimized packaging design comes into play. Customizing the packaging to suit the transported product prevents “transporting air” and enhances container fill rates. Switching to alternative packaging materials, e.g., fiber-based or plywood solutions, reduces the weight of a shipment. Optimizing packaging is a fine balance between the use of material and the protection level, where the winning formula provides optimal packaging and maximum protection. Such packaging is not only safer and easier to assemble but also facilitates smoother handling throughout the logistical flow. To ensure seamless operations, synchronization between packaging and warehouse and distribution management is essential, making it imperative to partner with a company offering both services under one roof.

Choosing a one-stop-shop partner for your packaging and warehouse services ensures seamless operations and right-on-time delivery of servicing components for mining equipment. 

Enhancing Sustainability with Alternative Packaging Materials

The industry’s focus on sustainability encompasses all aspects of business operations, including the supply chains. “People often don't realize that utilizing optimized packaging and smart logistics services can be powerful tools for cutting down CO2-eq emissions and reducing waste,” explains Inna Stint. There's a growing demand for biodegradable packaging, particularly for deliveries to remote areas. To meet this need, packaging should be made entirely from biodegradable materials such as fiber-based solutions. This helps ensure that the packaging breaks down naturally after use, without causing harm to the environment, which is in line with the industry's sustainability goals.

For many companies, one of the greatest hurdles is figuring out how to assess and track progress effectively. Establishing a baseline for measuring positive advancements might be challenging, yet it's crucial for establishing credibility and ensuring the integrity of such valuations. With the sector transitioning to mandatory reporting, companies are increasingly focused on how to disclose and report their efforts.8 Life Cycle Analysis tools are invaluable for showcasing the impact of changes and assessing both environmental and financial effects. Nefab has led the change in this field for over a decade with its certified GreenCalc™ tool, utilizing data to optimize different aspects of the supply chain to find the most resource-friendly solution. It not only measures cost savings but also highlights the environmental advantages of transitioning to greener packaging and logistics solutions.

Maintaining quality of service through strategic partnerships

Cooperating with a single partner for both packaging and warehousing services on a global scale is essential for maintaining a unified standard of service. This collaboration not only streamlines operations but also strengthens client relationships by providing a reliable, one-point-of-contact system. “Ensuring uniform quality across all local distribution centers reinforces brand integrity and customer satisfaction, making it easier to manage logistics and uphold service excellence worldwide,” says Inna Stint. She adds, “At Nefab, our commitment goes beyond just delivering quality; we're forging long-lasting partnerships and pioneering sustainability in the mining and construction sector, driving positive change one step at a time.”

The Minerando blog continues to talk about the durability of mining equipment and parts. In this week's post, we will address the main factors that influence the quality of parts for industries in this segment.

Quality means fewer production stops. It also reduces costs.

Also check out how the experience of a company like Máquinas Furlan is important for the decision on parts and equipment.

Raw material, manufacturing: what influences the choice of supplier

Mining industries that are successful in managing equipment and parts evaluate several requirements when searching for a supplier. However, three of them are essential when it comes to achieving the best results.

1. Quality of the raw material used in the parts

The quality of the raw material used in the manufacture of parts and equipment is essential. There is a direct relationship between this issue and durability.

High-quality raw materials provide greater strength, hardness, ductility and toughness, which helps to extend the service life of parts and equipment.

2. Robust design reduces fatigue and prevents premature failures

The supplier of mining products needs to focus on a robust and well-engineered design, which can significantly contribute to the durability of parts and equipment, especially in more severe working conditions.

In the development of this project, a solid structure, with adequate geometries, helps to reduce material fatigue and avoid premature failures.

3. Quality also in manufacturing processes

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Suppliers with precise and well-executed manufacturing processes ensure the quality and integrity of the items. Welding, machining, heat treatment and other processes must be performed by trained professionals, following appropriate standards and procedures.

Greater resistance of parts, greater productivity

Managing equipment in mining requires mapping. There are many items, as shown on the parts page on the Furlan website – click here . Furlan alone has more than 12 thousand models in its collection, from many different brands. 

In general, companies that successfully manage their industrial parks have a faster repair rate. This is one of the main direct benefits of the greater resistance of items used in mining.

Quality parts show less wear over time, which reduces the frequency of maintenance and repairs. This rule applies to any industrial segment.

However, durability is more important in the mining industry, where operations are carried out in hostile environments and where equipment is highly demanding. More resistant parts help to increase productivity.

Longer time between repairs reduces operating costs, since maintenance and parts replacement are less frequent. The mining company also reduces the cost of downtime.

Understand the risk of the “cascade effect” and lack of security

Poor quality components can also cause a situation that Furlan's technical team calls a “cascade effect”. This is when a low-quality part breaks down and compromises other components of the same equipment.

There are also situations where the damage spreads and affects other equipment in the operation. This can make repairs and maintenance even more expensive, in addition to impacting production delivery times.

In other words, poor quality parts run the risk of disrupting the entire production chain, compromising productivity, efficiency, deadlines and operating costs.

The issue also involves the safety of operators. Unexpected failures and breakdowns in crushers, mills, screens and conveyor belts increase the risk of accidents in the workplace.

Remember: safety is a critical factor in any mining operation and must be taken into account at every stage of the process, from equipment selection to plant maintenance and operation.

Furlan focuses on customer needs

The durability of parts and equipment also depends on the relationship with the mining company. For a supplier, knowing the customer's needs is essential.

Furlan has a team of engineers specialized in mining, who help customers choose the most suitable equipment and parts for their needs. They also assist in the maintenance process, which often provides opportunities for improving equipment.

This type of relationship prevents the acquisition of parts without planning. Parts in stock that are not needed represent a necessary cost for mining companies.

Furlan is recognized in the market for offering high-quality, high-performance equipment manufactured with cutting-edge technology and top-quality materials. Furlan's Machine Management system is certified by ISO .

It also offers technical support, after-sales and training.

With 61 years of activity, the company has developed individual plant and equipment projects with the most different formats.

The service includes an assessment of the type of alloy used and possible advantages of improving this alloy, manufactured in our own Foundry.

So, it's time for you to bring your project to Máquinas Furlan. Click here and talk to our team, who will schedule a meeting to learn more about your needs. 

The company is the world’s best Mining Equipment Parts Suppliers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.