Equipment adaptation to the Canadian North at Iron Ore Company of Canada

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 77, No. 862, 1984

P. ALPORT and R.E.G. CAINES Iron Ore Company of Canada

Operating heavy equipment in Labrador, where the winters are 8 months long and the temperature frequently drops below -40°F (-40°C) for days and sometimes weeks presents unique problems in both the operation and maintenance functions. Winterization programs must be well designed and implemented at the proper time. These programs must include the proper selection of fuel oil, engine oil, hydraulic oils, greases, cooling system fluids, etc. More often than not, modifications have to be made to the original equipment in order that it can be operated safely and economically in the Canadian North. Manufacturers usually design equipment for a less harsh environment and the user makes adaptations by trial and error. Operators have to be trained for the proper operation on ice- and snow-covered roads in an open-pit mine. Special emphasis must be put on haulage road conditions. In this paper, the authors will cover some specific maintenance procedures, equipment modifications and operator training problems experienced by the Iron Ore Company of Canada in its open-pit operation in Labrador.

Mots Clés: Mining, Far north, Equipment, Open-pit mining, Drilling, Blasting, Dewatering, Shovels, Hauling, Transporting, Iron Ore Company of Canada