Many mine operators are slow to take up new machinery, according to an industry expert.
David Matyus, manager of Quarry and Mining LLC Innovations, like process control – a computerized management system for crushing plants – are being shunned in favour of more tried and tested methods.
“A lot of operators won’t install process control, because of the increase complexity they think it brings into the operation,” said Matyus.
“Also it is sometimes difficult to find the right service people.”
In spite of the high-tech computer systems involved, Matyus would recommend investing in such equipment; “If you have a PC controlled plant, you have the benefits of making the most of the productivity by monitoring the process.” He added that when operating with tight margins it was important to eliminate needles and time-intensive tasks, such as double handling of materials.
The last four years has seen an explosion in the amount of rock-breaking operations across the northern Emirates, with limestone being mined primarily for aggregates and gabbro for the UAE’s various man-made island projects.