Hitachi Construction Machinery strike gold in Kyrgyzstan
Japanese manufacturer secures order for five new EX3600-6 excavators from Centerra Gold Inc.
A FLEET of five new Hitachi EX3600-6 excavators has been supplied by Turkuaz Machinery, the Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer for Kyrgyzstan, to work at high altitude in sub-zero temperatures at Kumtor gold mine.
The ultra-large mining machines are being utilized as primary excavators for a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operation that mines ice, moraine and rock to reach the gold veins.
Operated by Canada-based Centerra Gold Inc., the gold mine’s output is said to account for more than one third of the national export of goods and services. In 2011, the mine produced 18.1 tonnes of gold.
The deposit is being developed by open-pit mining techniques, utilizing typical drill, blast and truck/excavator operations. The unique characteristics of Kumtor demand highly durable and reliable products, matched by the expertise and dedication of the support team.
Hitachi Construction Machinery Eurasia Sales LLC and Turkuaz Machinery are both working in partnership with Kumtor Mine’s management, and training and maintenance departments, to ensure that the EX3600-6s continue to work relentlessly and productively towards the annual production targets.
Each EX3600-6 excavator has been fitted with a ‘cold weather package’, which includes an engine heater to ensure that it starts in the coldest temperatures, and various covers to prevent the heated air from escaping and freezing air from entering the machine’s systems. The engine output has also been decreased by 30%, so that it can handle working on a site with reduced levels of oxygen.
‘The commitment of our employees, service providers and equipment has to be 110%, and Hitachi are supporting our work processes and dedication to be a world-class operation,’ said Rodney Stuparyk, Kumtor vice president of operations. ‘We purchased these excavators because Hitachi has a reputation for reliability, performance and service in the mining industry.
‘The EX3600-6 machine’s production capabilities also match those of our rigid dumptrucks perfectly. The 21 cubic metre bucket size means that one of the 105 cubic meter payload trucks can be filled in four or five passes and we consider this to be the optimum level of productivity. In addition, we have found that they deliver a favourable cost of ownership in comparison to the other excavators.’
Turat Kemelove, Kumtor’s most experienced plant operator, has also been impressed with the new Hitachi excavators. ‘I love the power of this machine and how well it stops when turning with a load,’ he commented. ‘It also has large, easy-to-access compartments for routine maintenance checks.
‘The hydraulic system is very precise, which means it moves quickly and easily with the slightest touch of the joysticks. If the blast has gone well and there is a constant flow of trucks; the EX3600-6 can handle the heavy workload with ease.’
