Keech establishes new business to support Australia’s mining sector

(November 2012) – With the mining slowdown placing even more importance on ensuring peak productivity, Keech Australia has established a new business under the company umbrella to improve its service offering and drive research and development into the development of new products that will help the mining industry maintain its competitive edge.

“Keech Australia operates three separate business units – Keech Castings, Bendigo Patternmakers and now Keech Mining Supplies, each with their own market focus,” said Brad Clark, newly appointed Business Manager for Keech Mining Supplies.

Since Keech Mining Supplies was established two months ago, it has already made a mark in the mining industry with the custom made manufacturing of a new bucket edge for Cadia East gold mine in Orange, New South Wales.

“The mine has been using the Keech Armourblade™ bucket edge protection system for some time but the lip corners were wearing 30 per cent faster than other parts of the bucket edge due to the tough environment the loaders are operating in,” said Brad.

“Once we became aware of the issue, we were able to discuss solutions with our research and development team who came up with the idea of redesigning the corner profile and manufacturing the castings from our Keech gold grade metal, which is extremely hard wearing.

“It’s the first time Armourblade™ corners have been cast using Keech gold metal and the result has been impressive, with the corners now lasting as long as the other parts of the bucket edge. The product is now being commercialised for other mine operations,” added Brad.

With a background as a fitter and machinist and experience working at management level for a range of aluminum extrusion companies both here and in the United States, Brad is well placed to work with mining companies and Keech’s research and development team to develop custom made and cost effective solutions.

“I understand the importance of maintaining peak productivity and the importance of using the right equipment for the job at hand,” said Brad.

“I work closely with our sales team across Australia and in the next 18 months, I anticipate the team will expand to include an engineer who will work closely with myself and mining companies to drive the development of new on-site solutions.”

Along with the development of customised solutions, Keech Mining Supplies will work with mine operators to ensure they’re getting the most from their equipment.

“Our business aim in the next two years is to double the sales of our buckets and their associated components. The only way we can achieve this is by ensuring our products are achieving their potential,” said Brad.

“For example, we know that the front lip on the Keech Mechanical Bucket can be replaced in three hours. Being a bolt on system, it’s easy to remove in comparison with the edges on other buckets which need to be cut off, often taking up to 24 hours. If replacement of the Keech edge is taking longer, it may be the case that we need to offer some on-site training.”

Regardless of the cause though, Brad said his job is to find a solution. “Working directly with mine operators allows me to understand their issues and to look for new solutions when necessary to ensure business targets are being met.”