Factors Beyond Price To Consider When Choosing Mining Suppliers

Despite remaining one of the world's most vital industrial sectors, the long-term viability of mining equipment is a constant, pressing concern. In an industry defined by deep shafts, colossal loads, and unrelenting environments, the tools of the trade are the silent, yet critical, partners in every successful operation. When a piece of machinery fails, the ripple effect isn't just a simple delay; it's a halt to productivity, a strain on resources, and, most importantly, a threat to human life. 

The Supplier: An Indispensable Partner in Innovation

A mining equipment supplier's role extends far beyond simply delivering a product. They are pivotal partners in continuous innovation and regular maintenance. As the mining environment evolves and new risks emerge, the best suppliers are actively investing in research and development to offer advanced protective solutions. Since every tool, no matter how robust, undergoes predictable wear and tear, the end user must play a hands-on role in providing regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and timely replacements to ensure the equipment consistently performs to the highest standards.

When focusing on specific components, chain quality in the mining industry is extremely important. In an environment where a single component failure can have catastrophic consequences, quality assurance is not merely a benefit—it is a mandatory foundation for all operations. This is why adherence to the South African National Standards (SANS) is non-negotiable for mining chain applications.

SANS 251 is the critical South African standard specifically intended for Long-link and Extra-long link chain products, which are extensively used in underground mining for applications like pipe and equipment suspension. The standard regulates every aspect of the chain's integrity and by adhering to SANS 251, a chain supplier proves that their product can be relied on in safety-critical applications. The standard ensures that the chain maintains the legally required factor of safety under massive and constant dynamic loads.

The Real-World Consequence of Non-Compliance

McKinnon Chain has unfortunately witnessed firsthand the direct results of low-quality, imported chains that fail to comply with SANS 251. The market is often flooded with cheaper alternatives that make claims they cannot support, leading to devastating operational failures. The core danger is that these chains do not offer the required factor of safety, often due to inadequate materials or compromised manufacturing processes, particularly in the welding stage.

Case Study: Imported Chain Failures Due to SANS 251 Non-Compliance

Here is a summary of metallurgical and mechanical failures found in non-compliant imported chains this year:

CASE 1: 16mm LL Grade 3

• Catastrophic Strength Failure: A tensile test on a sample showed that failure occurred at only 24% of the specified break force for Grade 3 chain.

• Poor Weld Quality: The mechanical test indicated that the weld strength was extremely poor, resulting in a break force value that did not even match the property requirements of a Grade 1 chain.

• Unsuitable Material: The chain was manufactured from a medium Carbon steel which is not considered suitable for resistance welding due to the resulting harder and fairly brittle heat affected zone. The failure exhibited no elongation prior to rupture (brittle failure), meaning there was no visual warning before the link broke.

CASE 2: 10mm ELL Grade 3

10mm ELL Grade 3, Optimal vs Non-Optimal Fusion

10mm ELL Grade 3, Cracked Welding

• Welding Defects: The chain exhibited cracks on and next to the weld, and showed signs of non-optimal fusion and variable upsetting during the welding process. These non-optimal welds lead to breaks under normal loading conditions.

• Dimensional & Compliance Failure: Crucially, the dimensions on both tested samples failed the specifications contained in SANS 251.

These results underscore a life-or-death reality: a mining chain that fails to meet SANS 251 is a safety hazard waiting to happen, threatening operational integrity and, most critically, human lives.

The Critical Nature of Chain Safety

The choice of chain is more than a financial decision—it’s a safety decision. The life-cycle of a mining chain is one of relentless stress, strain, and impact loads. Failure to adhere to strict national- and international standards, regular maintenance schedules, and thorough inspections can lead to costly downtime, equipment damage, and most critically, injuries or fatalities.

By prioritizing robust equipment maintenance, choosing suppliers who are true partners in innovation, and leveraging the speed and expertise of local manufacturing, mining companies can secure both operational efficiency and, more importantly, the safety of their people.

It's a fundamental truth: You're only as strong as your weakest link.

As the only mass chain producer in South Africa, we carry the SANS 251, SANS 189 and SANS 4778 SABS accreditations for short link, long link, extra long link chains and fully welded chain slings. These accreditations are backed by strong technical support on a 24/7 basis to all our customers, and designed to be that unbreakable link in your operation.

RESOURCES

• BIS safety Software - Top 5 Risks to a Worker in the Mining Industry

• Oreflow – The Role of Protective Equipment in Mining Operations

• The Intelligent Miner - Why Mines Need to Shop More Locally

• Laszirh – Chain Safety Standards for OTR Tires: Safeguarding Operations In Mining and Beyond