Mining is Australia’s biggest and most valuable industry with a wealth of mineral assets extracted every day for both export and a growing local manufacturing market.

Open cut and vast underground mines with kilometres of tunnels are located in remote regions in extremely harsh environmental and industry invoked conditions. Due to the inherent challenges and dangers of working deep underground where dusty and wet conditions exist, compressed air has proven to be the safest and most energy efficient source of power available.

Using compressed air as opposed to diesel or electric alternatives provides mining operators with a safe, clean, reliable and cost-efficient power source. With mining operations requiring compressed air in some form, fixed, mobile and re-locatable compressors are employed in a wide range of mining applications including the following:

DRILLING:  Used for exploration drilling to extract core samples from prospective mine sites to powering the stope face drills that prepare for explosives operations or break down and crush the rock face for extraction.

BLASTING: Compressed air systems offer safer mediums for use in blasting operations. High velocity compressed air can be utilised in mining operations to safely set off explosives.

SMELTING: Mined ore is heated and melted to extract precious metals. Smelting plants are usually located near mining operations with compressed air used for instrumentation, agitation, cooling and other air power operated processes.

AIR AGITATION: Ample oxygen supply is essential to promote the reaction between gold, silver, and cyanide. Because regulated control of aeration during agitation is essential to maximise the separation and extraction process, variable speed controlled air compressors are ideal for the purpose.

INSTUMENTATION: Clean, dry air supply is essential for the operation of critical mining instrumentation.

REFINING: Once separated from the slag, extracted metals are heated to 700°C then blown with compressed air to oxidise and separate other alloys which may still exist within the metal.

VENTILATION:  Air compressors generate and deliver the air required for ventilation and oxgen supply throughout mining tunnels and refuge bays.

PNEUMATIC MACHINERY AND TOOLS: Mining operations require the use of a variety of compressed air driven equipment including drills, cutting and extraction tools, loaders, conveyors etc. Air supply must be available on demand utilising variable speed and pressure control to suit the various applications. With no electrical or motor components, compressed air driven equipment is safer to use less subject to wear and tear.

Applications for compressed air in mining operations is a highly specialised industry with compressors designed, configurated and installed to meet exacting requirements that recognise and cater to the safety and efficiency parameters of each application. These include all aspects of the complete compressed air supply and delivery system from compressor to end application.

As electrically or diesel powered, portable air compressors can be a safety hazard in underground situations, surface sited compressors are more commonly used. On demand air supply control is vital through both the compressor and receiver pressure vessels.

Most mining operations utilise a variety of air compressors from portable models to larger capacity surface sited rotary screw models with variable speed controls to regulate the flow and pressure of air being supplied for any given application.

Kaishan Compressors have supplied and installed air compressors and systems for Australian mining operations for over 40 years. The company has developed specialised, mobile and fixed compressors including 2-Stage and PMV (Permanent Magnet) variable speed rotary crew compressors and tank mounted compact models suited to a wide range of mining applications.

Kaishan has also designed and built large skid mounted compressors that can be moved around the mine site as required.

Kaishan compressors for mining applications are built to withstand the harshest conditions with the latest world class, energy efficient technologies, highest quality engineering and rugged housings.

SUPPORT: Any downtime in the mining industry can be a very costly occurrence and that is why Kaishan Compressors support all their products with a nation-wide mobile technician workforce on 24/7 call.  The mobile service vehicles carry a comprehensive stock of spare parts and out technicians are trained and experienced in rectifying any compressed air problem with any type or brand of equipment.

CUSTOM SERVICE PROGRAMS: Kaishan Compressors work with customers to develop service programs that cater to their specific needs ensuring continuous monitoring and peak operation of their compressed air systems.

SYSTEM ASSESSMENTS AND UPGRADES: Current compressed air installations can be surveyed to detect air leaks and malfunctions that can severely affect the costs and efficiencies of vital mining operations. They can then be repaired on request and/or system components can be replaced or ungraded as required to restore maximum efficiency.