The value of a rock-breaking solution is measured in production — not by its purchase price

When investing in a rock-breaking solution, it is easy to focus on technical specifications and the initial purchase price. What ultimately matters, however, is the mine’s overall process, the role the equipment plays in it, and the conditions in which it needs to perform.

“Quality and reliability are not just about how well an individual piece of equipment performs. What matters is how reliably it performs in the production environment,” says Virpi Mäkelä, Director of Commercial and Services at Normet Xrock.

The starting point is best assessed on site: How does the process currently work? How safe and efficient is it? How well is the equipment maintained? This helps determine which solution will best support production and how it can be integrated into the mine’s existing process.

No single solution fits every mine

The needs of individual mines can vary significantly. One mine might struggle with finding an effective way to remove metal scrap that disrupts the process. At another, the priority may be to remove workers from hazardous underground tasks. Elsewhere, the focus may be on using automation to improve process efficiency.

“Once the right solution has been identified and the equipment is in place, we make sure it performs optimally,” Mäkelä explains.

Commissioning typically includes training for operators and maintenance personnel. The level of training required depends on the team’s existing expertise and the features of the new solution. Automation, for example, introduces new operating practices that personnel need to understand and master.

The right service model keeps production running

In a mining environment, equipment may be in active use for up to 20 hours a day. Under these conditions, even a short period of unplanned downtime has an immediate impact that often comes with a hefty price.

“The cost of downtime is lost production. When you are dealing with high-value commodities such as gold and copper, production losses can become very costly,” Mäkelä says.

Preventive maintenance, spare parts availability, and technical support all play an important role in minimizing unplanned downtime. Replacing components according to the maintenance schedule, ensuring proper lubrication, and detecting early signs of structural damage or cracks in equipment help address issues before they result in downtime.

The service model is always tailored to the customer’s needs. At one end of the spectrum, a specialist may visit the site a few times a year to conduct an equipment health check and discuss its condition with maintenance personnel and operators. At the other, the experts of Normet Xrock may be continuously present at the mine and take full responsibility for equipment maintenance. Whatever the service model, the objective is the same: to minimize unplanned downtime and keep production running.

Safety is equally essential to production continuity. Preventive maintenance and safe operating practices help prevent not only equipment failures but also hazardous situations. A serious accident is first and foremost a human tragedy, but it can also bring production to a standstill for an extended period.

Maintenance sustains performance — continuous improvement takes it further

Regular maintenance keeps equipment operational, but the performance of the rock-breaking process can also be continuously improved.

“Basic maintenance keeps the process operational, but alongside it, we can focus on continuous improvement and identify areas where performance can be further enhanced,” Mäkelä says.

Improvement measures do not always focus on the rock-breaking equipment itself. They may involve the maintenance program, operator training, or even the size of the blasted rock entering the process.

As automation increases, maintenance requires automation and software expertise alongside traditional mechanical skills. Not all of this expertise needs to be available on site. Local service teams can draw on factory and product development specialists through remote support when needed.

The value of the investment is created throughout the equipment lifecycle

The most sustainable approach is to shift the mindset away from focusing solely on costs and instead consider how to maximize the mine’s return. Reducing unplanned downtime, maintaining equipment performance, and continuously improving the process can have an impact on production results for years.

At the same time, a long-term partnership allows the equipment supplier to develop a deeper understanding of the mine and its operations.

“The longer the same people work together, the better they get to know the process and the stronger the trust becomes. At its best, the equipment supplier understands the mine’s needs and can identify solutions that are optimal for its production,” Mäkelä concludes.