Frequently asked questions

Minetek’s underground ventilation technology provides numerous economic, operational, and safety benefits. These include reduced power consumption, increased profitability, and enhanced reliability for underground mining operations.

Minetek’s fan technology is engineered specifically for the mining industry. It features a robust steel fabricated impeller capable of operating at high pressures and in harsh environments. The Raptor & Crusher Fan Series offers a broad operating range, reduced power consumption costs by up to 50%, and improved ventilation efficiency compared to traditional larger fans, with applications including both air intake supply and exhaust. 

Minetek’s POD (Performance on Demand) system is an advanced mine air control solution that allows operators to precisely manage and control the airflow and pressure within the mine. By automatically adjusting to the mine’s changing conditions, this system ensures optimal ventilation efficiency, energy savings, and enhanced safety.

The POD system improves mine air control by providing real-time monitoring and adjustment of air pressure and flow. This results in more efficient use of ventilation resources, reduced energy consumption, and improved overall mine safety. The system is designed to adapt to the dynamic environment of underground mines, ensuring consistent and reliable ventilation performance.

Minetek fans can be used in a variety of applications, including:
– Primary Fans
– Booster / Intake Fans
– Development Fans
– Multiple Heading Ventilation
– Secondary / Auxiliary Fans
– Bulkhead
– Long Duct Runs
– Tunnel Fans

Minetek ensures reliability through world-class engineering, breakthrough technology, and intensive research and development. Our solutions are designed to withstand the harshest environments while maintaining high performance and longevity.

Yes, Minetek’s compact units are designed for quick and easy re-deployment to other locations as mine workings evolve, offering flexibility and adaptability to changing operational needs.

Minetek’s fans have been proven to reduce power consumption costs by up to 50%, contributing to more efficient and cost-effective underground mining operations.

Minetek has a well-established network of operations globally, enabling us to provide comprehensive site services and support to our clients, ensuring they achieve safe, reliable, and profitable operations.

Minetek aims to create the most sophisticated innovation and technology for mining solutions through world-class engineering, breakthrough technology, and intensive research and development. Our goal is to deliver significant economic, operational, and safety benefits to the mining industry.

Minetek’s extensive experience in mining enables operators to achieve safe, reliable operations while delivering guaranteed reductions in power consumption and increased profitability. Our expertise ensures that we provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each operation. Contact Us.

The Minetek Evaporator is uniquely designed to be able to process a vast range of varying water qualities. We currently have units operating around the world that are evaporating water with a broad range of pH levels, acid water, caustic water, water with high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and water with high Total Suspended Solids (TSS).

Minetek Evaporator nozzles are specifically designed to process solids in a wide range of diameters. This unique design is a critical factor in longevity, durability, and, ultimately, the performance of the units.

For very high TDS brines, it may be required to periodically run a freshwater flush to prevent blockages within the system. This flushing can be achieved manually or automatically. We also can install our Full Stainless Steel Filter System on the inlet of the suction pipe to eliminate any solids from entering the Evaporator.

Minetek has evaporators operating in all climates globally including in a very diverse range of operating conditions including highly humid and tropical climates, cold, seasonal northern climates, and arid/desert climates.

Minetek units can be customised to suit water all types of water qualities and the most challenging conditions. A wide selection of materials are used in construction to ensure they are fit for purpose and built to last.

Minetek’s Environmental Management System (EMS) stops and starts the evaporation system based on parameters set by the client including weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature, wind speed & direction.

The weather station can be operated remotely from a computer. The station can be set to monitor humidity, rain, wind speed, drift radius, wind direction and to set time periods of operation.  

There is typically no governmental precedent regulating the application of this technology. We are essentially taking a naturally occurring process and mechanically enhancing it through the use of the evaporator fans. Minetek is able to assist our clients through this process if required.

Yes. Options available can take into account voltage requirements, materials of construction options such as hot dipped galvanised steel, stainless steel and specialised epoxy coatings, fixed or adjustable vertical and horizontal discharge angles, maintenance safety platforms with handrails (fixed units only), acoustic sound reduction package and automated weather control system

Yes. Minetek offers a total turnkey package solution for customers who prefer to have the entire project designed, engineered, and managed from start to finish. This includes an initial site assessment through to a fully energised and automated evaporation system. Minetek is also able to provide commissioning and training. 

If excess water is an issue or if the pits or underground workings, storage or tailings dams are full of water and are impeding the operation to start up again, Minetek offers a solution through water evaporation. The system can be mobilised quickly and expanded as required.

Excess water is managed in the same way as recommissioning of closed mines, though closed mines include de-watering and controlling the levels in redundant voids or pits. Applications of Minetek evaporation systems also includes de-watering tailings dams in preparation for capping and closure, and acid mine drainage solutions. Minetek evaporators can also be quickly mobilised to responf to significant weather events to reduce the risk of overflow. The units can be mobilised and started quickly to draw down dam, pond or pit water levels. 

Yes. Minetek offers a solution that removes the need to discharge water into the environment, prorecting local rivers, creeks and streams. If water is evaporated at the source the risk of outside environmental contamination is eliminated. Addressing the problem at the source lowers the risk of pollution to the waterways and ecosystems.

Sound attenuation refers to reducing unwanted noise levels. Minetek Sound enables the world’s quietest mining equipment and machinery, reducing noise levels by up to 50%. Our solutions are designed to minimise the weight of components without compromising machine integrity, airflow, and maintenance access.

Reducing noise levels in mining operations helps to minimise potentially harmful safety impacts on operators, ensuring a safer working environment. It also helps mining operations meet regulatory and community noise expectations, enhancing compliance and community relations. In a time where social licence to operate is critical for mines who border local townships, sound attenuation provides an effective method of ensuring community expectations are met.

Minetek’s sound attenuation solutions can be used in various applications, including both mobile and fixed assets such as haul trucks, excavators, dozers, blast hole drill rigs, graders, loaders, water trucks, generators and acoustic enclosures. Minetek has the experience to provide sound management solutions across a range of industries and verticals.

Minetek has developed proven sound packages for over 90 different OEM models, with more than 1,500 mining machines fitted with Minetek sound packages. Some of the OEMs include: Liebherr, Komatsu, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Terex, Sandvik, LeTourneau, Epiroc and NHL.

Minetek provides a comprehensive range of noise testing services, including:

• Compliance testing as per the ISO 6393/6395 Standard
• Sound intensity testing
• Mobile fleet screening
• Operator noise exposure testing

Minetek works closely with clients to develop practical mitigation solutions that are workable for the mining company. Our deep-domain experience in sound auditing and testing, combined with a consultative approach, provides confidence that operations and machinery will comply with regulatory and community obligations.

Yes, Minetek stocks a wide range of replacement parts and accessories to ensure that operations can quickly respond to failures and breakdowns, reducing potential costly downtime. Access to a dedicated inventory of replacement parts ensures the continuity of operations and productivity.

Minetek manufactures industrial exhausts for mining machinery and all leading OEMs. Our Stealth Mufflers are designed with sound reduction properties that vary with the machine’s acoustic frequency. Minetek exhausts can target specific frequencies, including balance and noise-canceling configurations, and incorporate substantial heat reduction capability.

Ensuring OEM airflow is maintained is a primary engineering principle at Minetek. Our sound suppression components are designed to reduce overall machine noise output without compromising the airflow essential for the machinery’s operation and performance.

Minetek’s approach to sound attenuation is unique due to our innovative engineered solutions, deep-domain experience, and commitment to a consultative approach. We provide tailored solutions that meet regulatory and community noise expectations while ensuring the integrity and performance of mining machinery.

Minetek Power offers a wide range of engineered power solutions, including motor starter ancillaries, complete distribution systems, switchrooms, and substations. We provide safe, reliable power solutions for industrial environments, particularly in the mining sector.

Minetek has been delivering innovative engineering and technology solutions for almost 40 years, with a commitment to quality and customer service that supports safe and reliable operations.

Minetek Power ensures that every project meets the highest standards of regulatory compliance through rigorous design, engineering, and project management practices. We adhere to safety standards such as AS 3000, AS 61439, AS 3007 for surface mining, and AS 4071 for underground mining, ensuring that our products meet the necessary safety requirements.

Minetek Power handles a variety of projects, including: substations, switchrooms, fan starters, pump starters, electrical switchboards, distribution boards, drill starters and custom electrical projects.

Minetek Power’s Substations provide control of critical industrial power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. They combine our full electrical infrastructure capabilities to ensure reliable and efficient power management.

Minetek Power Switchrooms are available in 10, 20, and 40-foot configurations. They feature low, medium, and high voltage options, durable plated floors, suitable-sized air conditioning, fire retardant insulation panels, electrical installations with emergency exits, and optional safety features such as push bar doors.

Designed for harsh mining environments, Minetek’s starters provide safe and reliable protection and control. They ensure efficient and secure operation in demanding conditions. With features such as 415V to 1000V options, direct online and VSD options, mounting or hang frame, automation, and tailored solutions up to Form 4.

Minetek Power Electrical Switchboards safely receive primary power supplies and distribute them to downstream applications. They are designed for a variety of industrial applications, ensuring reliable power distribution and control.

Minetek Power Distribution Boards can be configured in standalone, skid, or frame-mounted options. They are designed to house critical high and low voltage infrastructure for various applications, ensuring efficient power distribution and control.

Yes, Minetek Power’s in-house design and manufacturing teams offer tailored power solutions to meet specific customer requirements. We work closely with clients to develop customised solutions that address their unique challenges, from concept design to implementation.

Minetek ensures reliability through highly trained and experienced teams of electrical engineers, designers, operators, and managers. We provide complete and tailored end-to-end solutions, including strategic consultation, design development, project management, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.

Minetek Power has a dedicated global field service team ready to provide on-site support, including seamless installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of our power solutions. Our service professionals ensure that operations remain safe, compliant, and efficient.

Minetek Power is committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and cost-effective power infrastructure solutions. Our commitment to quality and customer service has made us a trusted partner for industry leaders worldwide, empowering excellence in every project we undertake.