Mining services companies provide a wide range of mining solutions and infrastructure services that can include equipment hire, operational labour and skilled maintenance. Aligning yourself with the right mining service company can make or break the likelihood of achieving your project goals, including being on-time and on-budget.
With that in mind, it is important to do your research and find a company who is able to provide the support you require. Look for companies that are experienced, comprehensive in the types of services they offer but also able to scale their support to match your needs. Consider this article to be a checklist of what an exceptional mining services company should offer, and don’t settle for less.
Assurance of service delivery
Mining projects are complex and multi-faceted, and in order for things to run smoothly you need to be able to depend on the word of your mining services company. Whether they are delivering equipment, organising personnel or conducting maintenance, your needs should be their top most priority.
Check too what services the company offers — ideally they should provide a vast range that can be scaled and adapted to meet your requirements. Keep an eye out for the following options, all of which are fairly standard within the mining industry:
Contract mining
Infrastructure services
Mine site rehabilitation
Planning and logistics
Equipment hire (dry hire)
Wet hire
Innovation
Mining is at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution (known as Mining 4.0); the ongoing development and implementation of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation. Any mining services company that you work with should be proactive in their use of technology and always looking for opportunities to create safer and more efficient working environments.
Varying contract models
Contracts are an essential part of mining services and provide a legal framework for expectations and service delivery.
No two businesses are the same and so always look for a services team that offers varying contract models. Having the ability to tailor contracts depending on the size of your project and company will ensure that you are getting the best value on your investment.
Cost-efficiency
Mining projects are expensive undertakings and whilst there are some unavoidable costs, you should always be working with a mining services company that has your budget in mind. Look for value-for-money opportunities and ensure you are not signing up for unnecessary services or charges.
Health and safety assurance
Safety is a top concern of the mining industry and should be a top priority of your mining services company. Ideally, look for a mining services company that adopts a Zero Harm approach, ensuring that no individual — employee, contractor or visitor — within the vicinity of a mine site is exposed to harm.
Look for companies that support a practical, actionable and effective work safety plan, in line with government legislation, and speak actively and openly about their commitment to creating a safe working environment.
Mobilisation
Heavy haulage and logistics are two essential links in the mining services chain. Equipment hire is important but there is little point investing your money in a company that can provide top-quality equipment but fall short when it comes to delivering in a safe and timely manner.
Always look for a mining services company that offers seamless mobilisation and have proven results when it comes to heavy haulage delivery. It is important that you feel supported at every stage of the journey, are comfortable to ask questions and have direct contact with the logistics team.
Personnel
Aside from equipment hire, mining services companies are able to provide personnel for a range of tasks and services. Should you be looking to hire personnel, ensure they are experienced, well trained and up to date with relevant safety guidelines and legislation.
Personnel should be available for the full project lifecycle and have a well-developed understanding of your company’s goals and objectives, the logistics of the project and their role within the team.
Customer support
Customer support is one of the most essential aspects of client services and is particularly important when working in a field as complex as mining. A mining service company should be dedicated to building positive relationships, taking time to understand you and your expectations and be continuously looking for ways to improve their service.
Before signing up to a service company, ensure they have customer support available (ideally 24/7, particularly for maintenance issues) and are receptive to your needs.
Experience
Above all, mining services companies should offer you experience. There is simply no substitute for proven results and an experienced company will be able to rely on their first-hand knowledge and skills to problem-solve any issue that comes their way.
